Lovers of the Inca citadel know that there are three ways to get there: by train through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, doing the Inca Trail trek that takes 4 days and 3 nights, or the bus route plus the walk through Santa Teresa. However, we consider that the safest and fastest way to travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by train..

It is up to each one to choose the starting point, since the railways begin their journey at two stations, usually: Poroy (Cusco) and Ollantaytambo. If we leave Poroy in the direction of Aguas Calientes, it will take approximately 3 hours to arrive. And if we do it from Ollantaytambo, it will only be 2 hours.

It is important to know that the trains leave more frequently at the Ollantaytambo station. It is recommended to arrive at the station 30 minutes in advance. There are two companies that operate these trains: Perú Rail and Inca Rail.

How much do the tickets cost?

The first offers four types of roundtrip service: 'Expedition' ($140), 'Vistadome' ($190), 'Hiram Bingham luxury train' ($950) and 'Local train, only for Peruvians' ($6). And the second, in the same way: 'The Voyager' ($140), 'The 360°' ($150), 'The First Class' ($398) and 'The Private' (only for 8 people and works under the all-inclusive modality ).

The prices mentioned are referential, since the amount varies. A higher amount is usually paid if the ticket is purchased closer to the date of travel. We recommend buying them in advance online or in offices. It will be more costly for you to buy round-trip tickets, since if you book 'one way' or 'only return', the cost will increase by 15%.

It is important to mention that all trains have as their final destination the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, from this point a bus will take you to the door of the Historic Sanctuary, in about 30 minutes.

Which train should I choose?

Both companies offer trains with panoramic views through the windows, comfort and service on board. However, the most used are usually the Peru Rail locomotives, since it is the oldest company to operate the route to Machu Picchu.

The services most requested by tourists are the Expedition and the Vistadome, since they even offer shows with music and typical costumes from the region. Remember that the most important thing on every trip is to enjoy the journey.

How to buy the tickets?

So as not to be left without a ticket, We recommend you book it days or even weeks in advance through the official website of Inca Rail or Perú Rail. In simple steps, completing your information, selecting the schedule and making the corresponding payment, you will obtain your train ticket.