What Type of Train to Take to Machu Picchu

During many years, Peru has become a popular and beautiful attraction. Especially because most people want to see the Machu Picchu Inca site, which was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in recent years, and with good reason. Even many South American travel packages have, as a final destination, the Lost Inca city. And to get there, you can’t forget an important transportation service in your Machu Picchu itinerary, the service of the train to Machu Picchu. The train to Machu Picchu is offered by two rail companies, Inca Rail and Peru Rail, both companies have train stations in Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Aguas Calientes Town and have different classes of services, which depart in many schedules during the day.

In this article, we’ll cover what each train company offers as well as answer a few of the other frequently asked questions that surround train travel to Machu Picchu.

Inca Rail Trains

Train company founded in 2009 by a Peruvian investment group with a large experience in the tourism sector. In this case, its 4 levels of trains, the Executive, the 360º, the First Class, and the Private are destined for tourists. In the same way, all its train cars are equipped with large windows, toilets, dining tables, air conditioning, comfortable and padded seats, food onboard inter alia.

1.- Voyager Train

Among the different train options to Machu Picchu, this is a classic. This incredible train has some wonderful features. From about 480 reclining leather seats, panoramic windows, and skylights. One of the greatest budget options. This astounding train offers its service between the destinations of Ollantaytambo and the Inca citadel itself. This train has about five daily departures a day, its first shift being early in the morning (6:00 am – 6:40 am) and its last shift during the afternoon (9:30 pm). Onboard, you can enjoy numerous traditional gourmet dishes and beverage services.

The 360° Machu Picchu Train

The panoramic windows of this middle-class train are tall and wide, offering passengers spectacular views. Meanwhile, ambient music plays, and passengers get a boxed meal and non-alcoholic beverages. The 360° Train is the only Inca Rail option offering WiFi and an entertainment system onboard.

First Class Train Machu Picchu

This train is a little more exclusive and only holds up to 30 passengers. You’ll be welcomed warmly with a delicious pisco sour and a soft towel that gives off natural essences to refresh you once you’re on board.

To make the experience even more magical, you’ll be served a selection of Peruvian gourmet dishes that have been cooked with all local ingredients. You can enjoy this with a nice glass of wine. It’s topped off with a tasty dessert and a variety of hot drinks. Of course, you also get the same amazing views as you travel.

Presidential Train or Private Train

This is the ultimate train from Inca Rail for those who prefer to travel privately with maximum luxury and comfort. It’s an exclusive carriage that can be rented out for just 8 passengers. They provide a bar with delicious drinks and exquisite plates of food.

This is an excellent option if you’re traveling as a group of friends or in a family and want to enjoy a private experience by yourselves while enjoying the incredible views and some tasty food and drinks.

Peru Rail Trains

Peru Rail is a longstanding company that has been sending trains to Machu Picchu and back for many years. They offer 3 options for those traveling to the Inca citadel and here’s a brief description of each.

Expedition Train

For those traveling on a budget, this train is an excellent option. You’ll be able to enjoy all the comforts you need at a very reasonable price. This is one of the most popular trains to Machu Picchu.

Along your journey, you’ll be able to observe the beautiful scenery as you go and enjoy being waited on by professional staff who offer a wide range of great food and drink products.

Vistadome Train

The Vistadome is a middle-class train. This PeruRail top seller is the only train class with large panoramic windows. During each trip, passengers are served snacks and refreshments and can listen to informative audio about passing Andean highlights. Seats are made of artificial leather and have plenty of legroom. For those taking the Vistadome back from Machu Picchu, the onboard staff performs a fun Andean-inspired fashion show.

Vistadome has daily morning and afternoon departures from both stations in Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba to Machu Picchu. The Vistadome is the only PeruRail train that offers service from the San Pedro Station in Cusco.

Belmond Hiram Bingham Train

This train is the ultimate luxury when it comes to traveling to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The carriages are modeled on Pullman cars from the 1920s, which makes for a really magical trip. You get to enjoy personalized service and sit back and relax. 

This train offers an elegant dining car, a bar car, and an observatory for you to take in all the scenery that’ll take your breath away. You can sip on cocktails and enjoy music from the region. You’ll be served a gourmet lunch or dinner, depending on when you travel, and a selection of fine wine. You also get to enjoy live traditional and international music.

Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)

Take note that both companies offer the Bimodal services in their routes and frequencies. But,  What does it mean? Well, the bimodal service of trains to Machu Picchu consists of dividing the route to Machu Picchu into two parts; one of them in the bus and the other one in train (In case of a return, it will be the opposite, first train and after bus). In both cases, the Ollantaytambo train station will be the transshipment zone. This system comes about the necessity of getting fast to Machu Picchu citadel. Because, the train carriages are usually delayed between the Cusco – Ollantaytambo railways part (these go slower). Therefore, before buying a ticket for the train to Machu Picchu, check if the train type offers the bimodal service. In the end, you decide if you want to take this option to get to Machu Picchu faster or enjoy more time onboard the train.

Train Luggage Policy

Storage aboard Machu Picchu trains is limited. As a result, PeruRail and Inca Rail need to limit one carry-on luggage per passenger.

Many travelers need to downsize their belongings to comply with the luggage weight restrictions of each company. Fortunately, many hotels offer complimentary luggage storage for guests. Travelers can safely keep extra items at their hotel in Cusco and Sacred Valley and then collect them after visiting Machu Picchu.

• PeruRail Luggage Policy: Each passenger can carry-on a bag or backpack with a maximum weight limit of 11 pounds (5 kg). The luggage cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) in height, length, and width.
• Inca Rail Luggage Policy: Each passenger can carry-on one piece of luggage with a maximum weight limit of 17 pounds (8 kg). The bag cannot be more than 46 inches (118 cm) in height, length, and width.

Price of Peru Rail Trains (Round Trip)

Price of Inca Rail Trains (Round Trip)

How to Book Train Tickets to Machu Picchu

To book your tickets, you have three options. One is to book online as soon as you reserve your Machu Picchu ticket. This guarantees that you get a seat on a train for the correct day before they sell out. 

Another way to buy your ticket is to go into the office of either Inca Rail or Peru Rail in Cusco and buy it in person. 

The final method is to book your entire trip through a tour agency or operator and they’ll take care of reserving all tickets for you.

Are There Discounts for the Trains to Machu Picchu?

On any of the trains, both companies offer discounts to children. 

• Children under 3 can ride for free on Peru Rail as long as they travel with their parents.
• Children aged 0-2 years can travel for free on Inca Rail if they sit on the knees of a parent or guardian.
• Both companies offer a 50% discount for under 12’s.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Machu Picchu by Train?

The trip duration depends on where you take your train from. The average travel time for each is a follows:

• From Poroy station in Cusco, the ride takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes. The distance is approx 65.8 kilometers.
• From the Urubamba train station, the trip is around 2 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is 47.6 kilometers.
• From Ollantaytambo train station, the journey takes a little less than 2 hours. The distance of this trip is 30.5 kilometers.

What’s the Train Journey Like to Machu Picchu?

The train ride to the magical Machu Picchu is just as exciting as the anticipation to see the Inca fortress. You’ll spot a lot of unique Andean flora and fauna and enjoy the stunning views of the Sacred Valley, Vilcanota River, and surrounding mountains. 

Rules for Boarding a Train to Machu Picchu

The following are rules and regulations you need to make sure you follow when boarding any of the trains to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.

• Upon boarding, you need to show your train ticket and ID or passport with which you booked the ticket.
• If you can’t prove you’re the owner of the ticket, you won’t be allowed to board the train. 
• If your health is delicate or you’re 7 months pregnant or more, you won’t be allowed to board.
• If you are obviously drunk or on any other substances, you won’t be allowed to board.
• Small children need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Train Tickets
Train tickets to Machu Picchu regularly sell out during the peak dry season in June, July, and August. Therefore, it’s smart to have your transport reservations along with hotel accommodation and tours booked as far in advance as possible.

Contact us for more advice about the train service to Machu Picchu. Our team will plan a customized package to Peru just for you.

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