IncaR­ail vs. PeruRail

Where Do the PeruRail Trains Depart From?

There are two railway stations that you can depart from in Cusco. Estación San Pedro, which is a 10-minute walk from the main square, or Estación de Poroy, which is a 30-minute drive from the main square. The Poroy Station is only open from May to December.

Why Is My Journey With PeruRail Bimodal?

Due to weather restrictions, all journeys between January and April become bimodal.

What Is a PeruRail Bimodal Service?

A bimodal service combines a bus and train journey, providing seamless transportation with a single ticket for both legs. Staff will assist you with transfers between the bus and train.

All bimodal services begin with a private bus departing from Wanchaq Station, conveniently located a 15-minute walk from Cusco's main square.

• PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition: The bus will take you to Ollantaytambo Station, where you'll transfer to the train for the final part of your trip. The return journey follows the same route in reverse.
• Belmond Hiram Bingham: The bus will transport you to the Belmond Hotel Río Sagrado for your train transfer. The return trip mirrors this process, with the added convenience of a hotel transfer upon arrival in Cusco.

What Is the Luggage Allowance on PeruRail Trains?

Each passenger is allowed one bag or backpack weighing no more than 8 kg (17.64 lbs). The bag's total dimensions (height + length + width) should not exceed 157 cm (62 inches).

This luggage allowance applies to all services, including bimodal journeys. For your convenience, free luggage storage is available at both Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu stations.

How Long Do the PeruRail Trains Take to Get to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail journeys from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) vary in duration, typically ranging from 3 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes. The exact travel time depends on your chosen train and departure time, which is clearly displayed during the online booking process.

What Are PeruRail's Prices?

The following prices are estimates and may vary depending on the specific station, train, and travel dates. These prices are based on online return tickets for travel in November, departing from San Pedro Station unless otherwise noted:

• PeruRail Expedition: USD 115.20
• PeruRail Vistadome: USD 177.30
• PeruRail Vistadome Observatory: USD 225.00
• Belmond Hiram Bingham (Poroy Station): USD 1080.00

TIP: A 10% discount is offered when booking round-trips online.

What Are The Differences Between PeruRail's Trains?

The PeruRail Expedition Train

The PeruRail Expedition Train is the most affordable option offered by PeruRail, providing a comfortable and convenient journey to Machu Picchu.

Features:

• Daily departures: Multiple departure times available throughout the year.
• Ambient music: Relax with calming music on board.
• Spacious seating: Enjoy comfortable seating throughout the journey.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.
• HEPA air filters: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Power outlets: Charge your devices during the trip.
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.
• Snack cart: Purchase snacks and beverages (additional cost) from the onboard cart.

Stations:

The train stops at the following stations:

• Cusco
• Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

The PeruRail Vistadome Train

The PeruRail Vistadome Train offers enhanced views of the stunning landscapes along the journey, with panoramic windows that extend into the roof.

Features:

• Panoramic windows: Enjoy expanded views of the scenery.
• Informative announcements: Learn about the history of sites along the route.
• Cultural performance: Experience a cultural performance on the return journey.
• Alpaca fashion show: Watch a fashion show featuring alpaca garments (available for purchase) on the return journey.
• Complimentary snack and drink: Enjoy included refreshments during your trip.
• Snack cart: Purchase additional snacks and beverages (additional cost) from the onboard cart.
• Ambient music: Relax with calming music on board.
• Spacious seating: Enjoy comfortable seating throughout the journey.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.
• HEPA air filters: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Power outlets: Charge your devices during the trip.
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.

Stations:

The train stops at the following stations:

• Cusco
• Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

The PeruRail Vistadome Observatory Train

The PeruRail Vistadome Observatory Train elevates the standard Vistadome experience with an exclusive observatory car. Unwind with a drink in the comfortable lounge area, featuring plush armchairs and sofas, before venturing to the rear car. Here, expansive windows and a partially windowed roof unveil breathtaking, panoramic views of the passing landscape. Enjoy the sights from the comfort of a long central bench while live music and traditional dance performances entertain you on both your outbound and return journeys.

The Hiram Bingham Train

The Belmond Hiram Bingham Train offers a luxurious journey to Machu Picchu, inspired by the elegant Pullman cars of the 1920s. This all-inclusive experience includes fine dining, live music, and tickets to Machu Picchu.

Features:

• Elegant ambiance: Travel in style with luxurious Pullman-inspired carriages.
• Dining car: Enjoy a delicious three-course meal with wine, tea and coffee.
• Observation car: Enjoy panoramic views of the scenery.
• Lounge car: Relax and socialise in comfort.
• Live music: Listen to live music performances throughout the journey.
• Welcome reception: Enjoy a cocktail and traditional dance performance before boarding.
• Machu Picchu access: Your ticket includes entrance to Machu Picchu, private bus transfers, and a guided tour.
• Sanctuary Lodge cocktail: Enjoy a complimentary cocktail at the Sanctuary Lodge.
• Spacious seating: Relax in comfortable seating throughout the journey.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.
• HEPA air filters: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Power outlets: Charge your devices during the trip.
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.

Schedule:

The train operates daily except the last Sunday of each month (excluding March, July, and December).

Stations:

The train stops at the following stations:

• Cusco (Poroy Station)
• Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley)
• Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)

Where Can I Buy Tickets for IncaRail?

Tickets can be purchased online or at the following locations:

1. Plaza de Armas Ticket Office: Portal de Panes 105 Plaza de Armas
2. Av. El Sol Ticket Office: Avenida El Sol, Cusco
3. Ollantaytambo station ticket office
4. Machu Picchu station ticket office
5. By calling the telephone centre: +5184-58-1860

Where Do the IncaRail Trains Depart From?

IncaRail trains run between the Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) stations.

What Is the IncaRail Bimodal Service?

If you are departing or returning to Cusco, your journey will be bimodal, involving a bus ride between Cusco and Ollantaytambo and a train ride between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

The buses depart from the IncaRail ticket office, located on Av. El Sol, a 9-minute walk from Cusco's main square.

What Is the Luggage Allowance on IncaRail Trains?

Each passenger is allowed one bag or backpack weighing no more than 8 kg (17.64 lbs). The bag's total dimensions (height + length + width) should not exceed 157 cm (62 inches).

This luggage allowance applies to all services. For your convenience, luggage storage is available at the Ollantaytambo station, providing your bag has a lock.

How Long Do the IncaRail Trains Take to Get to Machu Picchu?

The IncaRail train journey between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The transfer time between the bus and train is typically no more than 30 minutes. For those departing from or returning to Cusco, the bus journey between Cusco and Ollantaytambo takes roughly 2 hours.

What Are IncaRail’s Prices?

The following prices are estimates and will vary depending on the specific train and travel dates you choose. These prices are based on online return tickets for travel in November, departing from Cusco.

• The Voyager Bimodal (includes bus and train): USD 104
• The 360° Bimodal (includes bus and train): USD 184
• The Premium & Lounge Bimodal (includes bus and train): USD 352
• The First Class Bimodal (includes bus and train): USD 1002

What Are The Differences Between IncaRail’s Trains?

The Voyager Train

The IncaRail Voyager Train is the most budget-friendly option offered by IncaRail, providing a comfortable and convenient journey to Machu Picchu.

Features:

• Ambient music: Relax with calming music on board.
• Spacious seating: Enjoy comfortable seating throughout the journey.
• Snack cart: Purchase snacks and beverages (additional cost) while onboard.
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.
• Air purification system: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.

The 360° Train

The IncaRail 360° Train offers an immersive experience with panoramic windows and a unique observation car, allowing for exceptional views of the Andean landscape.

Features:

• Panoramic windows: Enjoy stunning views from every angle, including partially windowed roofs.
• Observation car: Walk around and take in the scenery along the route.
• Live entertainment: Experience live music and a theatre performance onboard.
• Spacious seating: Relax in comfortable seating throughout the journey.
• Power outlets: Charge your devices during the trip.
• Complimentary snack: Enjoy an included snack during your trip.
• Snack cart: Purchase snacks and beverages (additional cost) while onboard.
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.
• Air purification system: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.

The Premium & Lounge Train Cars

The IncaRail Premium & Lounge Train Cars offer a luxurious and elevated travel experience with enhanced amenities and exclusive access to lounge and dining areas.

Features:

• Priority boarding: Enjoy priority boarding at the train station (not applicable to the bus).
• Live music: Listen to live music performances during your journey.
• Complimentary snack and drink: Indulge in included refreshments.
• Enhanced comfort: Relax in spacious, extra-comfortable seats with wider windows.
• Cultural performance: Experience a cultural performance en route to Aguas Calientes.
• Lounge car access: Enjoy the comfortable lounge car and its open-air balcony.
• Dining/bar car access: Purchase additional food and drinks from the onboard bar (additional cost).
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.
• Air purification system: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.

The First Class Train

The First Class Train offers the most luxurious option offered by IncaRail, combining comfort, fine dining, and entertainment.

Features:

• Welcome drink: Begin your journey with a refreshing welcome drink.
• Priority boarding: Enjoy expedited boarding at the train station.
• Enhanced comfort: Relax in spacious, extra-comfortable seats with wider windows.
• Complimentary cocktail: Enjoy a complimentary cocktail during your trip.
• Live music: Listen to live music performances while you travel.
• Cultural performance: Experience a cultural performance en route to Aguas Calientes.
• Gourmet dining: Indulge in a three-course lunch or dinner with complimentary beverages.
• Shared transportation: Take advantage of shared transportation to and from Machu Picchu citadel.
• Shared guide: Explore Machu Picchu with a knowledgeable guide.
• Climate control: Stay comfortable with air conditioning and heating.
• Air purification system: Breathe easy with clean air circulation.
• Onboard restrooms: Restrooms are available for passenger convenience.

The Private Carriage

Indulge in an exclusive and unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu with IncaRail's private luxury carriage.

Features:

• Private carriage: Enjoy the ultimate privacy and comfort in your own exclusive carriage.
• Plush seating: Unwind in comfortable seating designed for relaxation.
• Open-air balcony: Take in the breathtaking scenery from a private balcony.
• Complimentary bar: Enjoy a selection of complimentary drinks throughout your journey.
• Live music: Listen to live music performances onboard.
• Cultural performance: Experience a cultural performance en route to Aguas Calientes.
• Champagne toast: Celebrate your journey with a complimentary glass of champagne.
• Gourmet dining: Enjoy a delicious three-course meal.
• Shared transportation: Take advantage of shared transportation to and from Machu Picchu citadel.
• Shared guide: Explore Machu Picchu with a knowledgeable guide.

For pricing and booking information, contact IncaRail directly.

IncaRail or PeruRail: Which Company Should I Use?

The Wayfarer's Bureau has traveled with both IncaRail and PeruRail and found the staff, services, and facilities of both companies to be excellent. For budget-conscious travellers opting for the basic travel option, there's minimal difference between the two. However, PeruRail offers more flexibility with frequent departures from a wider range of stations. For those seeking a luxurious experience, PeruRail's Hiram Bingham train is unparalleled.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as budget, desired departure times, station location, and desired level of luxury when making your decision.

Important Considerations:

Regardless of your chosen provider, remember the following:

• Arrive at the station or office 30 minutes before departure.
• Have your passport and ticket (physical or digital) ready for inspection upon arrival.

Read our guide, Visiting Machu Picchu, for advice on getting to the citadel, ticket types, circuit options and helpful tips for planning your unforgettable trip.