Train to Machu Picchu 2027: Companies, Classes, Stations and Times
To reach Machu Picchu you have to take a train: there is no road to Aguas Calientes. It is the most expensive leg of the trip and the one to plan most carefully, because it has to fit your entry time at the citadel. Here is what you need to know for 2027.
Two companies, one track
Tourist trains to Machu Picchu are run by PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both use the same track along the Urubamba River between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, and the ride takes around an hour and a half. The difference lies in schedules, classes and onboard service.
There is also a local train, much cheaper, but it is only for Peruvians and residents and is sold in Ollantaytambo.
Which station it leaves from
- Ollantaytambo: the main station, where almost all trains depart. It is about two hours from Cusco by road.
- Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro): some PeruRail services leave from the city, mostly in the dry season. The train ride is longer.
- Bimodal service: a bus takes you from Cusco to the station and you board the train there. It is the simplest option if you leave Cusco without your own transport.
On our tours you do not need to worry about this: we pick you up at your hotel and take you to the train.
Which class to choose
Each company has several categories. The most common are:
| Company | Class | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| PeruRail | Expedition | The simplest: comfortable seats and large windows |
| PeruRail | Vistadome | Panoramic roof windows, a snack and some onboard entertainment |
| PeruRail | Hiram Bingham | Luxury train with meals included |
| Inca Rail | The Voyager | Inca Rail's basic class, with large windows |
| Inca Rail | The 360° | Panoramic windows and an observation car |
| Inca Rail | The First Class | Premium service with food and a bar |
For most travelers, the basic class of either company is enough: the scenery is the same and the ride is short. Panoramic classes are worth it if you travel by day and want to see the snowcapped peaks from the train.
Sample timetable
As an example, these are the 2026 times for Inca Rail's The Voyager service. The 2027 times may change, but they show how the day is organized:
| Leg | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Cusco + train from Ollantaytambo | 04:50 (bus) · 07:22 (train) | 08:48 in Aguas Calientes |
| Train from Ollantaytambo | 11:15 | 12:41 in Aguas Calientes |
| Return + bus to Cusco | 16:12 (train) | 20:20 in Cusco |
| Return + bus to Cusco | 19:00 (train) | 23:00 in Cusco |
How to match the train to your ticket
This is the most important part, and where we see the most mistakes:
- Outbound: your train must reach Aguas Calientes at least an hour before your entry time, to allow for the bus and the line.
- Return: the train back cannot leave before you finish your visit and get back down to town. Allow about three hours from your entry time, more if you climb a mountain.
- Mountains in 2027: if you want to climb Waynapicchu or Machupicchu Mountain, entry is until 10:00 am. The safest plan is to sleep in Aguas Calientes the night before.
- Trains and tickets cannot be changed: once issued, they cannot be moved to another date. Buy everything together with the times already matched.
Luggage
Machu Picchu trains only allow small carry-on luggage, of about 5 kilos. If you go for two days, leave your big suitcase at your Cusco hotel and bring a backpack with what you need for one night.
Check 2027 availability
See our pre-booking spots day by day and lock in your date, route and time on our Machu Picchu 2027 tickets calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, PeruRail or Inca Rail?
Both are safe and comfortable, use the same track and take the same time. Choose based on the schedule that best fits your ticket, and on price.
How long is the train to Machu Picchu?
From Ollantaytambo, around an hour and a half to Aguas Calientes. From Cusco, the full trip by bus and train takes about three and a half hours.
Can you take a direct train from Cusco?
Some PeruRail services leave from Poroy or San Pedro in Cusco. The more common option is the bimodal service: bus to the station, then train.
How much luggage can I take on the train?
Only small carry-on luggage, of about 5 kilos. Your big suitcase stays at your Cusco hotel.
Is the train included in the tour?
Yes. On our Machu Picchu tours the round-trip train is included, along with the bus, the ticket and the guide.
