Which Machu Picchu Train Should You Book? PeruRail vs Inca Rail

Getting to Machu Picchu is not as simple as buying one ticket. The operator you choose directly impacts your departure point, total travel time, onboard experience, and how well your train aligns with your Machu Picchu entrance window. Miss that coordination and you could lose your entry slot and those are not easy to rebook.

Almost every traveler ends at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). From there, a separate Consettur bus takes you up to the citadel entrance. Standard rail tickets from both operators do not include this bus or the Machu Picchu entrance ticket unless you book a bundled package.

MOST IMPORTANT PLANNING RULE: Buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket FIRST through Tu Boleto Cultura (the official Peruvian government platform), then book the train around that entry window. Never do it the other way around.

What companies take me to Machu Picchu by train?

There are two main train companies that take travelers to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer tourist train services to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu, with different categories of service, levels of comfort, schedules, and boarding points.

Choosing between PeruRail and Inca Rail is an important part of planning your trip, as each company offers a different travel experience in terms of price, service, routes, and onboard atmosphere. In this guide, we compare both options to help you choose the train that best fits your budget, itinerary, and travel style for your visit to Machu Picchu.

There are two main train companies that take travelers to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer tourist train services to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu, with different categories of service, levels of comfort, schedules, and boarding points.

Choosing between PeruRail and Inca Rail is an important part of planning your trip, as each company offers a different travel experience in terms of price, service, routes, and onboard atmosphere. In this guide, we compare both options to help you choose the train that best fits your budget, itinerary, and travel style for your visit to Machu Picchu.

What Is PeruRail?

PeruRail is the larger, more established operator on the Cusco-Machu Picchu corridor. It offers the broadest lineup: Expedition (budget), Vistadome (panoramic), Vistadome Observatory (premium panoramic), and Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train (luxury). Its official schedule runs from 03:20 to 23:37, giving maximum flexibility for early entries and late returns.

PeruRail also offers the Bimodal Service (Bus + Train) departing from Wanchaq Station in Cusco, connecting travelers to the train at Ollantaytambo. Additionally, PeruRail operates the Titicaca Train (Cusco – Puno) and the Andean Explorer (Cusco – Puno – Arequipa) routes not offered by Inca Rail.

What Is Inca Rail?

Inca Rail is the experience-focused competitor. Its lineup covers The Voyager (budget), The 360 degrees (panoramic), The Prime (mid-premium), The First Class, and The Private. On selected products, Inca Rail offers all-inclusive fares bundling the train, Consettur bus, Machu Picchu entry, and a guided visit a genuinely convenient option for travelers who want one transaction.

Inca Rail departs from Cusco (via an Av. El Sol office pickup and bus connection) and Ollantaytambo, with arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo.

PeruRail vs Inca Rail: Side-by-Side

• Expedition — Budget-Smart Pick

The most affordable option in PeruRail’s lineup. Panoramic windows, Inca-inspired interiors, and solid reliability. Some Expedition itineraries run as part of the Bimodal service depending on departure. The train that gets you there without breaking the budget.

• Vistadome — The Sweet Spot

Panoramic windows including roof-level glass panels make the Sacred Valley leg genuinely spectacular. The most popular mid-range choice among experienced Peru travelers. Departs from San Pedro, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo depending on the itinerary.

• Vistadome Observatory — Panoramic With Perks

A meaningful step above the standard Vistadome. Adds a dedicated observatory bar car with full glass roof and side panels, live Andean music and dance performances onboard, and complimentary snacks and drinks. The panoramic experience with entertainment built in.

• Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train — Luxury Flagship

A completely different category. Fine dining in a restored Pullman car, live entertainment, open bar, private bus transfer, and Machu Picchu entry included. One of South America’s most iconic train journeys. The Hiram Bingham operates daily except the last Sunday of each month.

PeruRail Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)

The Bimodal service is ideal for travelers staying in Cusco city who want to avoid an overnight stay in the Sacred Valley. A bus departs from Wanchaq Station in Cusco, drives through the Sacred Valley, and connects to the train at Ollantaytambo (or in some cases at the Rio Sagrado Hotel). One PeruRail ticket covers both legs.

INSIDER TIP: If you have one extra night, stay in Ollantaytambo instead. You’ll board the train directly without the pre-dawn bus transfer, and you’ll have the evening to explore Ollantaytambo’s own Inca fortress ruins.

Bus + PeruRail Vistadome Observatory — Outbound

Bus + PeruRail Vistadome Observatory — Return

Bus + PeruRail Expedition — Outbound

Bus + PeruRail Expedition — Return (to Wanchaq)

* Schedules are subject to change. Trains 33 and 31 operate bimodal service. Verify exact times at perurail.com before booking.

PeruRail Full Schedule Reference

All times shown are reference timetables based on official PeruRail brochure data. Schedules are subject to change due to operational conditions.

PeruRail Expedition (Cusco – Machu Picchu)

Expedition — Outbound

Expedition — Return

PeruRail Vistadome & Vistadome Observatory

Vistadome / Observatory — Outbound

Vistadome / Observatory — Return

Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train

Operates daily except the last Sunday of each month. Includes fine dining, open bar, live entertainment, private bus transfer, and Machu Picchu entry.

• The Voyager — Budget Entry

The most affordable Inca Rail product and the direct competitor to PeruRail’s Expedition. Comfortable and functional. Best for travelers where price is the main driver.

• The 360 degrees — Panoramic Standout

One of the strongest scenic products on the entire corridor. Designed to maximize views from every angle. A legitimate alternative to the Vistadome Observatory for travelers comparing mid-to-premium panoramic options.

• The Prime — Mid-Premium

Sits above The 360 degrees. Adds a more exclusive atmosphere and refined service. Good for travelers who want something more without jumping to First Class pricing.

• The First Class — Inca Rail’s Premium Flagship

A genuinely elevated experience with attentive service, better food and drink, and a quieter atmosphere. From approximately $620 round trip.

• The Private — Fully Exclusive

Inca Rail’s top tier. The full car or a private arrangement for groups, honeymoons, or travelers who want no compromises.

Inca Rail Schedules

The Voyager — Outbound

The Voyager — Return

The 360 degrees — Key Times

The First Class — Key Times

* Inca Rail departure from Cusco uses Av. El Sol 843 office as the pickup point, not a passenger rail station. The bus-to-train transfer takes approximately 2.5 hours to Ollantaytambo.

PeruRail Stations

PeruRail operates across seven active points. Not every train uses every stop — always verify on your ticket.

• Wanchaq (Cusco) — Bimodal bus departure point for Hiram Bingham and Expedition bimodal.
• Poroy (Cusco area) — The main train boarding point for Cusco-origin rail passengers (taxi from city center).
• Ollantaytambo — Sacred Valley hub and most efficient departure point if staying in the valley.
• Urubamba — Served on the Sacred Valley connector route.
• Hidroelectrica — Used by trekkers arriving via Salkantay or Jungle Trek routes.
• Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) — Final rail destination for all Machu Picchu trains.

Inca Rail Stations

• Cusco (Av. El Sol 843 office) — Pickup point for bus transfer to Ollantaytambo. Not a rail station.
• Ollantaytambo — Main rail boarding point for Inca Rail.
• Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) — Final destination.

Prices are dynamic and shift based on demand, season, and booking date. Values below are approximate starting points for budgeting. Always verify current fares at the time of purchase.

Child Discount Rules, Read Before Assuming

This is an area many travel sources get wrong. The rules differ between operators.

• PeruRail Children Policy

Children aged 3 to 11 must travel in their own seat and pay a percentage less than the adult fare. Infants travel under different conditions depending on their age and seat. Always check the current policy at perurail.com.

• Inca Rail Children Policy

Children ages 3 to 11 require their own ticket. Children up to 2 years old may travel fare-free if carried by an adult and properly registered only one infant per adult allowed. Verify at incarail.com.

Most travelers do this backwards. Here is the correct sequence:

1. Buy your Machu Picchu entrance ticket first

Through Tu Boleto Cultura (the official Peruvian government platform). Choose your entry date, time window (morning/afternoon), and circuit. This anchors everything else.

2. Choose your departure point

Staying in Cusco? Plan a bimodal connection or overnight in Ollantaytambo. Already in the Sacred Valley? Board directly at Ollantaytambo.

3. Select your train based on entry window

Work backwards from your entry time. Add 30-45 minutes buffer for the Consettur bus ride up from Aguas Calientes plus queue time.

4. Book directly on PeruRail or Inca Rail

Both have functional online booking systems. Book as early as possible popular morning departures sell out weeks in advance during peak season (June-August).

5. Book the Consettur bus separately if needed

Unless your package includes it, the bus from Aguas Calientes to the citadel is a separate ticket. Can be booked online in advance.

Choose PeruRail if…

• You want maximum schedule flexibility across the day.
• You need multiple station / boarding point options.
• You’re on a tight budget Expedition is hard to beat.
• You want one operator from budget to luxury.
• You’re doing the Titicaca or Andean Explorer route as well.
• You’re chasing the earliest possible morning arrival.

Choose Inca Rail if…

• You want the ride itself to feel like an experience, not just transport.
• You’d rather bundle train + bus + Machu Picchu entry in one booking.
• The 360 degrees or First Class fits your priorities.
• You prefer a smaller, more curated operator with strong Cusco office support.
• All-inclusive convenience matters more than schedule breadth.

Quick Decision Guide