Train Travel in Peru
While exploring the vast Country of Peru, chances are you’ll travel by train. Due to Peru’s Mountainous topography, trains are one of the best means of getting around in Peru. In this article, I provide you with not only information on trains that travel to Machu Picchu but also to other parts of Peru. Furthermore, information on Peru Rail vs Inca Rail.
Peru Rail vs. Inca Rail
Tren a Machu Picchu – FAQs
Peru Rail and Inca Rail are the only train companies leading to Machu Picchu.
Which one to choose, Peru Rail or Inca Rail?
- Which train trip to Machu Picchu is cheaper? Train ticket prices are pretty much the same.
- Inca Rail and Peru Rail have budget-friendly options.
- Which is the Best train to Machu Picchu? Both Companies offer quality tourist services.
- In both cases, the majority of daily departures are from Ollantaytambo station.
- One and the other provides an Expedition-, a Voyager-, and a Hiram Bingham Option.
- Both companies’ cheapest service is ‘the Expedition’ and ‘the Voyager.’
The Advantages of Inca Rail Trains
Inca Rail Train options and advantages:
- The Voyager, the Voyager Premium & Lounge
- First Class, exclusive Private train.
- Their 360° is known as the most scenic train in Peru due to its panoramic windows.
- Several daily train services to Machu Picchu.
Advantages of Peru Rail Trains
Peru Rail has been a sustainable company since 1999 with the following advantages:
- Options include the Expedition-, the Vistadome train, and the Belmont Hiram Bingham train.
- Peru Rail has departures from up to 6 stations: San Pedro (Cusco), Poroy (Cusco), Urubamba (Sacred Valley), Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley), Hydroelectric (La Convention) and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
- Peru Rail is the most used because of its frequent daily departures.
- A discounted Local Train service.
- Peru Rail has more frequencies than Inca Rail.
About the Inca Rail Voyager
Besides travelling in comfort with background music, the train is known for its impeccable service, with available beverages and snacks for sale. Comfortable seats with large windows offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
Peru Expedition Train
The luxury Expedition Train offers an adventurous journey as one can marvel at the panoramic scenery while having food and beverages. Free wifi is available for passengers’ exclusive use at Poroy (Cusco), Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu Station. Due to its popularity as the most popular way to travel back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo after visiting Machu Picchu, one has to book in advance to ensure your seat.
The Vistadome Train
The mid-range Perurail Vistadome train includes complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. For an exceptional experience, combine a rek with a Train ride. Check out the two-in-one Trek experience to Machu Picchu with the Panoramic Train.
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train
The more up-class Hiram Bingham Train includes a gourmet lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and live music. Currently, a one-way ticket on the Hiram Bingham train costs US$500. So to book a round trip to Machu Picchu will cost you no less than US $ 1000.
What does Hiram Bingham train include?
- Drinks to welcome you at the station.
- Onboard entertainment
- Onboard meals include lunch on the outward journey and dinner on the return.
- Meals include local Peruvian wine, Pisco Sour, Argentinian- and Chilean wine, Cusqueña beer, cool drinks, and hot beverages.
- Bus transfers and Guides.
- Entrance to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Machu Picchu Private Tour by Train Vistadome
One can book the Cusco to Machu Picchu Private Tour by Vistadome Train from Cusco and admire the breathtaking landscapes. One can also depart from Ollantaytambo for an exciting train journey while admiring the beautiful views of the Andes Mountains and surrounding landscapes. After you arrive in Aguas Calientes, a bus will take you to Machu Picchu, where a guide will take you on a guided walk around the historic citadel. For more info, bookings, reviews and prices, check out Peru’s Vistadome Train Tours.
Cusco to Aguas Calientes, Cusco to Puno, Arequipa to Cusco
Travel along one of the highest routes in the world from Cusco via Arequipa onto Lake Titicaca, Puno, with the Legendary Andean Explorer, run by Perurail. Admire the breathtaking view and natural wonders along the way. The Puno to Cusco travel time is about 10.5 hours.
PeruRail Vistadome Train
Besides luxury and comfortable seating, the Peru Rail Vistadome’s large windows offer guests a panoramic view and are a perfect choice for those who want to be in touch with nature.
Machu Picchu Private Tour by Train Vistadome
The route to Machu Picchu will take you past the Vilcanota River, which means Sacred Driver and Wilkanayu by the Incas. During the train journey, you can enjoy unique Andean cuisine while admiring the view of the jungle and surroundings. Furthermore, get entertained with traditional dances of Paucartambo, as well as a fashion show displaying exclusive Baby Alpaca products.
Ferrocarril Central Andino
Experience spectacular scenery on the world’s second-highest railway across the Andes to Cerro de Pasco and Huancayo. Not many people prefer to travel the 1280 kilometres from Lima via Huancayo to the famous Incan city by Train. Therefore, the Ferrocarril Central Andino journey from Lima across the Andes happens only once a month and is steeply priced.
Local Tren a Machu Picchu
What is the local train to Machu Picchu?
The local train in Peru is a subsidised train service that runs twice daily between Cusco, Ollantaytambo and the Machu Picchu hydroelectric station. Peru Rail is the only Company that offers the service.
- Tickets to Machu Picchu on a local train are only available in Cusco (San Pedro station and Wanchaq Station) and Ollantaytambo at the Ollantaytambo Station.
- Notably, regardless of where you buy your ticket, you must arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and board the train at the Ollantaytambo station.
Who Can Board The Local Train in Peru?
This local train in Peru is exclusively for Peruvian citizens and inhabitants (people who live around Machu Picchu). Persons with an Immigration Card who reside permanently in Peru can also use the local train.
What is the Price of the Local Train?
A round-trip Peru local train ticket for people from any part of Peru costs 24.00 Peruvian soles.
Peru Rail Vs Inca Rail to Titicaca
The PeruRail Titicaca Train
A highlight of the luxurious Titicaca train from the Inca Capital of Cusco to Lake is when the train stops at 4,300 m above sea level, where passengers can stretch their legs while shopping at the local La Raya market. Although it is a long ride of about 10 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with immaculate views as the train winds through the scenic Huatanay River Valley past vicuñas and alpaca herds.
Titicaca Train
Guests boarding the luxury train can expect comfortable seats, oversized armchairs, and antique wooden tables from the 1920s. The train comprises six coaches and comfortably accommodates 132 passengers.
Peru Trains from Cusco to Puno & Arequipa
The Belmond Andean Explorer
Known as the Peru Train that glides from Cusco across across the planes to the white city of Arequipa. The Andean Explorer cabins each boast with private ensuites. Routes include Cusco to Puno or Arequipa (and vice versa).
Cross the Peruvian Andes onboard Peru Rail from Cusco to Puno while experiencing breathtaking scenery and unravelled service. The Cusco to Lake Titicaca train is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. This luxurious journey will last 10 hours and 30 minutes.
Should you miss the Train, Cusco to Lake Titicaca is also reachable by taking the Cusco Puno bus. The Peru Rail Titicaca operates daily but closed on Tuesdays when they are closed. For schedules and bookings, visit the Peru train to Titicaca.
Precaution and to be safe in Peru, never travel without Peru Travel Insurance. Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. Should you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I might earn a commission.
The Tacna-Arica Railway crosses the boundary with Chile, running twice daily, once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. The Southern Railway provides connection with Bolivia by ship across Lake Titicaca.
Rail transport in Peru. (2023, August 15). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Peru