Do you want to visit Machu Picchu and live abroad? If so, you already know that Machu Picchu is a world wonder surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and lush nature. However, when you start looking for information about how to book the best train to Machu Picchu from the US or Europe, Machu Picchu tickets, Huayna Picchu mountain entrances, and the different train routes, you realize that getting to Machu Picchu is a bit more complex than it seems.
Since there are no direct train routes from Cusco Airport to Machu Picchu, understanding the logistics involved is crucial for planning your trip and avoiding scams. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know to choose the best option!
Choosing Your Departure Point: Train Stations to Machu Picchu
To ensure a smooth trip, the first thing you should do is choose the right departure station. Many travelers stay in Cusco for at least two days before visiting Machu Picchu. Knowing the train stations to Machu Picchu is essential, especially before planning your itinerary and tours in Cusco.
- San Pedro Station: Located centrally on Cascaparo Street near the famous San Pedro Market, this station allows you to board PeruRail trains directly from the historic center of Cusco. It is the only train station located in the Historic Center of the city.
- Wanchaq Station: Situated on Pachacutec Avenue, this is the closest station to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and is located just minutes from the historic center. It is primarily used for Bimodal services, combining a bus ride to the Sacred Valley with a train journey to the ruins.
- Poroy Station: Located about 25 minutes outside of the city of Cusco on Roldán Street, this station serves both PeruRail and Inca Rail. Keep in mind that it is often restricted for safety reasons during the rainy season from November to March. It is also a train station with low passenger traffic compared to other train stations such as Ollantaytambo.
- Ollantaytambo Station: Set in the heart of the Sacred Valley, this is the most popular and practical station for international travelers. It offers the widest range of timetables and is just a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour train ride from Machu Picchu Pueblo. Dozens of travelers take the tour to the Sacred Valley and instead of returning to Cusco, they stay in Ollantaytambo from where they board the train.
- Urubamba Station: A quieter alternative in the Sacred Valley, featuring select luxury departures directly from the Tambo del Inca hotel. The Tambo del Inca hotel is the only one that has a train station inside, making it an ideal accommodation for travelers who enjoy premium and personalized experiences.
Choose the best option with our expert travel assistants!
The train operators: PeruRail vs. Inca Rail
On the route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes there are only leading railway companies operating the route to the Inca citadel. Both offer varying levels of comfort, ranging from standard panoramic carriages to ultra-luxury experiences. It’s important to know each of their services to find out how to book the best train from the United States or Europe that suits your travel budget.
PeruRail Services
- Expedition: Ideal for practical travelers, this service features comfortable seating, Inca-inspired interiors, and large windows overlooking the Sacred Valley.
- Vistadome / Vistadome Observatory: Experience the Andes fully with panoramic side and ceiling windows. Passengers enjoy ambient music, snacks featuring Andean ingredients, and a live cultural show on the return journey.
- Hiram Bingham (A Belmond Train): A truly unique luxury experience. Passengers are treated to a traditional welcome show, a gourmet lunch prepared by a chef, an exclusive Observatory Bar car, live music, and even your entry ticket to Machu Picchu.
Inca Rail Services
- The Voyager: A comfortable and budget-friendly option with ample seating, large windows, and soothing Andean background music.
- The 360°: Designed for landscape lovers, this train includes extra-wide UV-protected windows and a stunning open-air observatory carriage allowing you to feel the mountain breeze.
- The First Class: Featuring fine dining, wine pairings, a bar-lounge car, and live saxophone performances, this option provides a highly curated and luxurious journey.
Remember that there’s also the local train; however, it’s only for locals. Plus, buying train tickets and finding an available seat is incredibly difficult, even for locals!
If you don’t want to worry about logistics, buy your train tickets with us!
Step-by-Step Guide: Book your train from the US or Europe
Reserving your train from the US is a straightforward process if you follow the correct sequence. Coordination is key!
- Secure your entry to Machu Picchu first. Before checking and booking your train to Machu Picchu, make sure you already have your official Machu Picchu entrance ticket issued by the Ministry of Culture, as the assigned entry time slot will determine your train schedule.
- Determine your travel logistics. Decide whether you prefer to travel directly from Cusco the day after you arrive or spend a few days acclimatizing in the Sacred Valley before embarking in Ollantaytambo. This will make a huge difference to your trip.
- Compare schedules and classes. Check both companies’ websites to find departure times and comfort levels that best suit your itinerary. Keep in mind that both offer similar fares and services.
- Choose whether you want to book a round-trip train ticket or a one-way trip. There are several routes to Machu Picchu, such as the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Jungle Trek, which are multi-day hiking and adventure routes. Hundreds of travelers choose one of these to hike to Machu Picchu and then return by train.
- Complete the online transaction. Purchase your tickets digitally at least four months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (May to September). Always remember to bring a printed or digital copy of your ticket and your original passport for boarding.
Are there other ways to get to Machu Picchu?
Of course! In Cusco, there are many routes to reach Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu by bus: This bus route departs from Cusco and takes you to the Hydroelectric Plant. From there, you can begin a short hike to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) and continue along the traditional route to Machu Picchu. This route usually takes two days and one night.
- Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu: This classic route takes approximately four days. You’ll be able to visit iconic lagoons like Humantay Lagoon.
- Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu: This route combines mountain biking, rafting, and ziplining. It takes approximately four days.
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: This is one of the most beautiful trekking routes in the Americas. Be sure to book at least six months in advance, as permits and entry fees for this route are very limited.
What can I do in Aguas Calientes?
- Relax in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
- Savor the local cuisine.
- Visit the artisan workshops.
- Hike to the waterfalls near the town of Aguas Calientes.
Do you have any further questions? Contact us and we’ll advise you!