Catch the Train to Machu Picchu

Catching the train is by far the most popular and comfortable way of reaching Machu Picchu. The train line rolls through the stunningly beautiful Sacred Valley alongside the gushing Urubamba River, from the heights of Cusco and down into an increasingly lush and tropical gorge.

The journey offers a spectacular view of this beautiful landscape, passing ancient and traditional towns as it thunders through the former heartlands of the Inca Empire.

Which Train to Machu Picchu?

Travelers setting out on a Machu Picchu tour have a number of options on which train service to choose.

You can either travel from the Cusco (Porory) station or from Ollantaytambo. From Cusco the journey lasts 4 hours, while from Ollantaytambo the journey takes just 2 hours.

Many travelers prefer to depart from Ollantaytambo as it means they are able to spend a night in this beautiful town and arrive at Machu Picchu earlier for a longer day exploring the ruins.

There are a variety of classes of trains available, starting from the ultimate in luxury, the Hiram Bingham. Carriages are elegant and warm, the service boasts two dining wagons, plus an observation wagon which offers unfettered views of the passing scenery.

The rail company also offers the middle-range Vistadome train, complete with panoramic windows, and the Backpacker train which is ideal for travelers on a budget.

Each service has several daily departures, making it easy to fit the journey into a customized tour to Machu Picchu, depending on when you want to leave and from which station.