{"id":4761,"date":"2025-06-11T10:54:38","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T15:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/?p=4761"},"modified":"2025-06-11T13:05:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T18:05:49","slug":"what-type-of-train-to-take-to-machu-picchu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/what-type-of-train-to-take-to-machu-picchu","title":{"rendered":"What Type of Train to Take to Machu Picchu"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"What<\/a><\/p>\n

What Type of Train to Take to Machu Picchu<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even many South American travel packages<\/strong><\/a> have, as a final destination, the Lost Inca city. And to get there, you can\u2019t forget an important transportation service in your Machu Picchu itinerary, the service of the train to Machu Picchu. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll 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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Inca Rail Trains<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"incaTrain 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 360\u00ba, the First Class, and the Private are destined for tourists. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1.- Voyager Train<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Voyager<\/a>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. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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 \u2013 6:40 am) and its last shift during the afternoon (9:30 pm). Onboard, you can enjoy numerous traditional gourmet dishes and beverage services.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2.- The 360\u00b0 Machu Picchu Train<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>The panoramic windows of this middle-class<\/strong>\u00a0train are tall and wide, offering passengers spectacular views. Meanwhile, ambient music plays, and passengers get a boxed meal and non-alcoholic beverages. The 360\u00b0 Train is the only Inca Rail option offering WiFi and an entertainment system onboard.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3.- First Class\u00a0<\/span>Train Machu Picchu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"First<\/a>This train is a little more exclusive and only holds up to 30 passengers. You\u2019ll be welcomed warmly with a delicious pisco sour and a soft towel that gives off natural essences to refresh you once you\u2019re on board.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

To make the experience even more magical, you\u2019ll 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\u2019s topped off with a tasty dessert and a variety of hot drinks. Of course, you also get the same amazing views as you travel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peru Rail Trains<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Peru<\/span><\/p>\n

Peru Rail<\/strong>\u00a0is a longstanding company that has been sending\u00a0trains to Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and back for many years. They offer 3 options for those traveling to the Inca citadel and here\u2019s a brief description of each.<\/span><\/p>\n

Expedition Train<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Expedition<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

For those traveling on a budget, this train is an excellent option. You\u2019ll be able to enjoy all the comforts you need at a very reasonable price. This is one of the most popular\u00a0trains to Machu Picchu<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Along your journey, you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vistadome\u00a0<\/span>Train<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vistadome\u00a0Train\"<\/a><\/span>The Vistadome is a\u00a0middle-class train<\/strong>. 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belmond Hiram Bingham\u00a0<\/span>Train<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Belmond<\/a>This train is the ultimate luxury when it comes to traveling to the Wonder of the World,\u00a0Machu Picchu<\/strong>. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This train offers an elegant dining car, a bar car, and an observatory for you to take in all the scenery that\u2019ll take your breath away. You can sip on cocktails and enjoy music from the region. You\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"BimodalTake note that both companies offer the Bimodal services in their routes and frequencies. But,\u00a0 What does it mean? Well, the bimodal service of trains to Machu Picchu consists of dividing the route to Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/a> 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). <\/span><\/p>\n

In both cases, the Ollantaytambo train station<\/strong> 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 \u2013 Ollantaytambo railways part (these go slower). <\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Train Luggage\u00a0<\/span>Policy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Storage aboard Machu Picchu trains<\/strong> is limited. As a result, PeruRail and Inca Rail need to limit one carry-on luggage per passenger.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n