Train to Machu Picchu running along the Urubamba River in Peru
Scenic Trains · Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca

Peru Rail Journeys

10 trains to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, from classic to luxury

Best Trains to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

Travel through the Andes on some of the world's most scenic railways. Compare every train to Machu Picchu — from PeruRail's Expedition and Vistadome to Inca Rail's Voyager, 360° and First Class — plus the Hiram Bingham and the Route of the Sun trains to Lake Titicaca. Filter by train company, train type and service level, then open any train for schedules, services and rates.

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Showing 10 of 10 tours

  • One-way journey
    Inca Rail
    Classic Train · One-way journey

    The Voyager Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

    Ollantaytambo · Urubamba Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    Inca Rail's most popular way to reach Machu Picchu: comfortable seats, wide windows over the Urubamba Valley and an onboard snack, at the best value.

    • Best seller
    • Wide windows
    • Best value
    Rates from
    $75
    per person · one way
  • One-way journey
    PeruRail
    Panoramic Train · One-way journey

    Vistadome Machu Picchu Train by PeruRail

    Cusco or Ollantaytambo · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    Panoramic and roof windows frame the Andes on PeruRail's favourite train to Machu Picchu, with a light snack and Andean music and dance on the return journey.

    • Best seller
    • Panoramic windows
    • Onboard show
    Rates from
    $95
    per person · one way
  • One-way journey
    PeruRail
    Observatory Train · One-way journey

    Vistadome Observatory Train to Machu Picchu

    Ollantaytambo · Urubamba Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    Step onto the open-air observation car and feel the Andean breeze: PeruRail's Vistadome Observatory adds a lounge-style bar car and an outdoor balcony to the panoramic experience.

    • Best seller
    • Open-air balcony
    • Bar car
    Rates from
    $140
    per person · one way
  • One-way journey
    Inca Rail
    Observatory Train · One-way journey

    The 360° Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

    Ollantaytambo · Urubamba Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    Inca Rail's panoramic train with an open-air observatory car for 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks, Inca terraces and the Urubamba River.

    • Open-air observatory
    • Panoramic views
    • Snack included
    Rates from
    $95
    per person · one way
  • One-way journey
    PeruRail
    Classic Train · One-way journey

    Expedition Machu Picchu Train by PeruRail

    Cusco or Ollantaytambo · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    The practical, budget-friendly PeruRail train to Machu Picchu, with comfortable seats, large windows and plenty of space for day-trip travelers and backpackers.

    • Budget-friendly
    • Frequent departures
    • Large windows
    Rates from
    $80
    per person · one way
  • One-way journey
    Inca Rail
    Panoramic Train · One-way journey

    The Prime Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

    Ollantaytambo · Urubamba Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    A calmer, more spacious ride: Inca Rail's Prime offers roomy seating, a refined atmosphere and live music on the way to Machu Picchu.

    • Spacious seating
    • Live music
    • Refined ambience
    Rates from
    $120
    per person · one way
  • One-way journey
    Inca Rail
    Premium Train · One-way journey

    First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

    Ollantaytambo · Urubamba Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    Inca Rail's premium experience: a welcome drink, gourmet menu, live music and an elegant carriage with its own lounge and observatory area.

    • Gourmet menu
    • Welcome drink
    • Lounge
    Rates from
    $280
    per person · one way
  • Day journey
    Belmond · operated with PeruRail
    Luxury Train · Day journey

    Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train to Machu Picchu

    Cusco (Poroy) · Sacred Valley · Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)

    The most exclusive way to Machu Picchu: 1920s-style Pullman carriages, fine dining, an observation bar car with live music and impeccable Belmond service.

    • Most exclusive
    • Fine dining
    • Observation bar car
    Rates from
    $550
    per person · one way
  • Full-day journey
    PeruRail
    Premium Train · Full-day journey

    PeruRail Titicaca Train: Cusco – Puno

    Cusco ⇄ La Raya pass (4,300 m) ⇄ Puno (Lake Titicaca)

    A full day on the Route of the Sun between Cusco and Puno, in both directions: elegant carriages, a semi-open observation bar car, gourmet lunch, live music and a stop at La Raya, the highest point of the line.

    • Route of the Sun
    • Observation car
    • Lunch included
    Rates from
    $300
    per person · one way
  • 2 Days / 1 Night
    Belmond · operated with PeruRail
    Luxury Sleeper Train · 2 Days / 1 Night

    Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train: Cusco – Puno

    Cusco ⇄ La Raya ⇄ Puno (Lake Titicaca) · optional extension to Arequipa

    South America's first luxury sleeper train, running overnight from Cusco to Puno and from Puno to Cusco: private cabins, a spa car, fine dining and an open-deck observation car across the altiplano.

    • Luxury sleeper
    • Private cabins
    • Spa car
    Rates from
    $1,600
    per person · one way
No tours match these filters yet — ask us for a custom itinerary.

How to Choose Your Train to Machu Picchu

Two companies run trains to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes): PeruRail and Inca Rail. Most departures leave from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley; some PeruRail services leave from the Cusco area. All classes follow the same scenic route along the Urubamba River — the difference is in comfort, views and service.

Train classes from classic to luxury

  • Classic / Economy – The Voyager (Inca Rail) and Expedition (PeruRail): comfortable and great value.
  • Panoramic & observatory – Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory, The 360° and The Prime: bigger windows, open-air cars and onboard entertainment.
  • Premium – Inca Rail First Class: gourmet menu and lounge.
  • Luxury – Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train: fine dining and Pullman-style carriages.

The Route of the Sun by train

Between Cusco and Puno on Lake Titicaca — in both directions — the PeruRail Titicaca day train and the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, cross the high Andean plateau through the La Raya pass at about 4,300 m, one of the great rail journeys of South America. The Andean Explorer also offers longer journeys that continue to Arequipa.

Booking tips

Trains and Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited capacity, especially from May to October. Book your train together with your Machu Picchu ticket, and check the luggage limit: on most Machu Picchu trains you can carry only a small bag.

Peru Train Journeys: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies run trains to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail and Inca Rail. PeruRail also operates the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer together with Belmond.

Which is the best train to Machu Picchu?

It depends on your budget: The Voyager and Expedition are the best value, the Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory and The 360° offer the best views, and the Hiram Bingham is the most exclusive.

Where do the trains to Machu Picchu depart from?

Most trains depart from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Some PeruRail services depart from the Cusco area (Poroy or San Pedro), depending on the season.

Is there a luggage limit on the Machu Picchu trains?

Yes. Most Machu Picchu trains allow one small bag or backpack per passenger; larger luggage can be stored at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Do the Titicaca Train and the Andean Explorer go to Machu Picchu?

No. Both run on the Route of the Sun between Cusco and Puno (Lake Titicaca), in both directions. The PeruRail Titicaca is a full-day train, and the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, is a luxury sleeper with one night on board (longer journeys continue to Arequipa). Both combine easily with a Machu Picchu train.

Do Peru's trains run all year?

Most services run all year, but schedules and operating days change by season. The Andean Explorer does not operate in February because of maintenance; we confirm current departures when you request a quote.

Are the rates per person?

Yes. 'Rates from' shows an indicative starting fare per person, one way, in US dollars; fares change by season, schedule and route, and are confirmed when you request a quote.

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