Machu Picchu Train Service

Cusco Train Aguas Calientes Bus to Machu Picchu

During the peak months of May to September all of the train tickets can be sold out several days in advance. If you are on a tight schedule it is absolutely essential that you make you train reservations as far in advance as possible. Do not wait until you arrive in Cusco to buy your train tickets.

At the moment the only company operating trains to Machu Picchu is Peru Rail. Since there's no competition the prices are quite high but the service is generally good. Details of the train services, departure times and prices can be found on their website www.perurail.com. Peru Rail is part owned by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd so you actually get re-directed to their website. Orient Express is an international company who also run the 5 star Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and the US$795 a night Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu.

As from the beginning of March 2008 Peru Rail have improved their online reservation system and it is now fairly easy to make a booking and pay online using a VISA card. Their website allows you to check availability and search for the cheapest service available.

Important Note: If you want a return ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu during the peak months of May to September you may already find many of the train services fully booked. Only a few services actually run all the way between Cusco and Machu Picchu, most of the train services run just between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu. Check for departures between Ollantaytambo (Ollanta) and Machu Picchu (M.Picchu) - there should be plenty available.

Traveling from Cusco to Aguas Calientes by Peru Rail Train - The easiest way to Aguas Calientes is by getting a round-trip train ticket from Cusco. Peru Rail currently offer only 2 departures a day to Machu Picchu from the station in Cusco. One of these departures is on the Vistadome service and one departure on the Backpacker service.

A) The Backpacker service is a comfortable service, everyone is seated with no standing. Snacks and drinks are available at an extra cost.

B) Vistadome service has slightly larger windows and also windows in the roof. This sound a bit strange but much of the last hour and a half of the journey is through a mountain valley so the windows in the roof help you to appreciate the scenery. A snack and hot drink are included with the Vistadome service. There is also a table in front of you and a little more leg room although I actually thought the seats in the backpacker class were slightly more comfortable.

You have to arrive at the station 30 minutes before the departure time.