There are two train companies that offer services to Machu Picchu – Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Below we have provided details on their various services. Key things to note:

• Cusco Rail Station is in fact in Poroy, a nearby town. A taxi from the centre of  Cusco to Poroy takes about 20 minutes and costs a few dollars
• It is important that you book your train tickets as early as possible (ideally book your train tickets before you book your flights) as securing a seat can be tricky. Do not arrive in Cusco with a plan to book your tickets there as you will most likely be very disappointed because in the peak season the train is really full!
• Hotels, trekking companies and other third parties often block tickets in advance for their customers, and only need to confirm their bookings 11 days before departure, when they pay. Tickets that aren’t confirmed go back onto the market on a first come first serve basis
• You need to make full payment and give your name and passport number to make a booking. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and you will need your passport to board the train (NB: you need your passport to enter Machu Picchu as well)
• If tickets are sold out from Cusco you may still be able to get the train from Ollantaytambo Station in the Sacred Valley. It is easy to catch a taxi or minivan to Ollantaytambo from Cusco (or vice versa if your return train from Machu Picchu stops at Ollantaytambo). Taxis between Cusco-Ollantaytambo cost ~US$40 and take about 1.5 hours. Buses and minibuses are considerably cheaper but take a little longer it could be USD$5
• Ollantaytambo is an interesting town with a number of Inca ruins situated nearby. I recommend spending a night here on your return or going to Machupicchu

Peru Rail

Peru Rail operate three services to Machu Picchu, which depart from either Cusco (~4 hours to Machu Picchu) Urabamba (just the Vistadome) or Ollantaytambo (~1.5 hours to Machu Picchu).

Train tickets can be bought on their website, at their office in Cusco, in Ollantaytambo and Aguas calientes 

Here are their three services, ordered from most affordable to luxury.

Expedition (previously known as the Backpacker)

The Expedition service is the most affordable ticket (bar the service that is run just for Peruvians). The seats are comfortable in this service and arranged so that 2 seats always face each other.

The service has air-conditioning and the ceiling is partially glassed to provide better views of the scenery. 

A one-way ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu costs ~US$65-75 (2014/2015). Click here for timetables and prices.

Vistadome

The Vistadome, as the name suggests, is a service which has carriages that maximise the views of the Sacred Valley. The carriage windows are larger than the Expedition train, and the service a little more luxury.

The seats are made from comfortable leather and a better snack is served than that provided on the Expedition. On the return journey you will also be treated to some entertainment from traditional Andean dancers.

A one-way ticket from Cusco to Machu Picchu costs ~US$90-95 (2018/2019). Click here for timetables and prices.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham

The Belmond Hiram Bingham is for those who want to travel in serious style. The service has won a number of accolades, including being selected as the best train in the world by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK in 2011, and voted by NBC as one of the 10 most wonderful train journeys in the World.

This service has four dark racing blue wagons and carries 84 passengers in total. Two of the wagons are for dining, and there is an observation wagon with bar.

A round trip will set you back ~US$800, but includes:

• Welcome aperitifs upon arrival at Poroy station, near Cusco
• Brunch and an excellent selection of Peruvian wines
• On board entertainment
• Tourist guide for every group of 14 passengers (best to bunch up with fellow passengers)
• Bus tickets and transportation to Machu Picchu
• Tea and snacks in the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge,
• and a Gourmet dinner on board

You can find out more about the Belmond Hiram Bingham here.

Inca Rail

There are four Inca Rail services – Machu Picchu (Economy), Executive Class, First Class and Presidential Class. Tickets can be booked on their website, in their Cusco office, Cusco-Ollantaytambo and Machupicchu

Machu Picchu Train (Economy Train)

The Machu Picchu service is an affordable service that offers comfy seats, onboard snacks and options to pick up last minute supplies (like insect repellant!)

The train runs three times a day to and from Ollantaytambo-Machu Picchu.

Tickets cost ~US$60-US$65 one way. More details on the schedule and booking can be found here.

Inca Train Executive Class, First Class and Presidential Class

This Inca Rail train is split into three services – Executive, First and Presidential Class – and runs three times daily.

Prices range from US$60 for a one-way ticket in the Executive Class, up to US$200 in the First Class, with the key differences being in carriage design, comfort, service and food. The Presidential Class is a chartered carriage that needs to be booked by a group and is priced on application.

Read more about each service level here, and check out availability.