Trains to Machu Picchu: The 2 options you can choose from

There is a lot of talk about the trains to Machu Picchu, the prices, and the variety of options that can be found. However, it is a bit confusing when it comes to choosing the best option to enjoy this trip.

From the most expensive tickets to the most economical, in this guide, we will give you 2 options to undertake the long-awaited train trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

We recommend you check our packages to Machu Picchu, we make sure you have an unforgettable travel experience.

Peru Rail vs Inca Rail

In our podcast, we discuss an ideal itinerary for a trip to Machu Picchu, including the purchase of train tickets, but which train company should I choose? What are my options?

Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the two train companies to Machu Picchu that take travelers daily from Cusco to Machu Picchu and vice versa. These companies are located in the city of Cusco and are the main access route to Aguas Calientes, the town where Machu Picchu is located and from where you can embark on your adventure to the world wonder.

With offices in the main points of the city and good quality trains, we present you a little more about these options to be able to decide which of them will be better to start your long-awaited trip.

Train to Machu Picchu with Peru Rail

Peru Rail is a company with years of experience in the city, almost 20 years serving thousands of passengers seeking to visit the Inca citadel. They offer services from 3 main stations: San Pedro (Cusco), Poroy (Cusco), and Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) with continuous departures to and from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.

As if that were not enough, this company also offers us, in addition, its varied services in different wagons, these are: Expedition with prices between 40 – 60 usd, Vistadome between 80 – 100 usd, within its attractions, we can find the service on board with traditional dances and food on board that will make this short trip, a unforgettable one.

Finally, the Hiram Bigham service, which exceeds 500 usd, is such an exclusive service that many international artists and Hollywood personalities have enjoyed it.

A not so common option is the local train, a train for Peruvians to Machu Picchu. This is only accessible to locals and nationals, and prices vary from 12 to 6 soles. It really is a bargain.

Here we leave you with more details about the train services to Machu Picchu of Peru Rail:

Tren Expedition:

It is the standard tourist version to reach Aguas Calientes and is equipped with a half-panorama window. On board, you will receive a small snack and a hot or cold drink of your choice.

Tren Vistadome:

The Vistadome Train is a more luxurious option that has cars with panoramic windows on the sides and the roof so you can enjoy the scenery in very comfortable leather seats. On board, you will be offered a snack made with regional Andean products from Cusco, surrounded by glass, it is the best option to enjoy the panorama.

Tren Hiram Binghman:

This is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious and exclusive trains to Machu Picchu. It has an elegant dining car, a bar, and unique views through the open-air roof of the car that makes the experience even more spectacular.

The service is excellent and includes a welcome cocktail, brunch, and a delicious lunch. The train cars are specially decorated in 1920s Pullman style and are equipped with polished wood furniture and large, comfortable armchairs. This service has four cars: two dining cars, one bar car with an observatory, and one kitchen car.

Train to Machu Picchu with Inca Rail

If we talk about train options to Machu Picchu, Inca Rail is one to consider. This new company has departures to Machu Picchu from the stations of San Pedro (Cusco), Poroy (Cusco), and Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley), just like Peru Rail.

It offers services from the most exclusive as the “The Private”, exceeding 400 usd, the “Voyager” between 57 to 80 usd and 360 around 70 usd. In contrast to its main competitor, Inca Rail does not offer local train service, so if we are looking for a cheap option, we could opt for the 360 or the Voyager.

It is worth noting that Inca Rail, within its varied options, also has a full package service, that is, the entire complete experience to Machu Picchu that includes transfers from Cusco to entrances to the citadel.

The Voyager:

The cars have comfortable seats, folding tables and panoramic windows, set to Latin American music.

The 360°:

It has large panoramic windows, with on-board service, with a selection of hot and cold drinks. Very similar to the vistadome, this option is ideal on trains to Machu Picchu to enjoy the whole panorama.

The First Class:

This exclusive train service to Machu Picchu has natural flowers and covered tables. Here you will enjoy a welcome cocktail, lunch and/or gourmet dinner. It should be noted that this service is only available during the high tourist season (April to October) and special dates.

The Private:

The carriage, known as the “Inca Princess” is of the presidential class. It has many details in its decoration, food on board, and a free bar. Being one of the most luxurious trains, it is possible to visit it only in advance. It is one of the best options for trains to Machu Picchu.

Recommendations for taking trains to Machu Picchu:

• Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the only train companies to Machu Picchu, which offer train travel to Aguas Calientes.
• No train stops directly from Machu Picchu. The last stop is Aguas Calientes, a small town below Machu Picchu, which is the main access to the sanctuary.

If we talk about which is the best or worst train company to Machu Picchu, it depends a lot on what we are looking to get out of our trip and how we want to economize or take advantage of the time. If we are on a tight budget and with limited time, Peru Rail is undoubtedly what you are looking for. If we have a little more time, both options fit the needs of travelers.

The cards are on the table, it only remains to review which of them fits our interests and our budget. Remember that, for a trip to be unforgettable, it does not necessarily have to be the most expensive, but if we can spend a little on indulging ourselves, there is no doubt that a Hiram Bingham or a The Private are options that will leave a mark in our memories.

And you, have you already traveled on one of these trains to Machu Picchu? Leave us a comment and tell us about your experience.

Explore many more tourist destinations and facts about Peru in our travel blog and plan your next trip with us!