Category Train Experiences

Cusco · TRAIN EXPERIENCES

The 15 Best Train Journeys to Machu Picchu

20 reviewed

The line along the Urubamba is the only way in that does not involve walking. Below are the best train options: Expedition versus Vistadome versus the panoramic services, which station you board at, how the bus connection from Aguas Calientes works, and what each fare bundles with the entry ticket.

Cusco: Machu Picchu 2-Day Inca Trail with Panoramic Train

Cusco: Machu Picchu 2-Day Inca Trail with Panoramic Train - Day 1 in the Andes: Chachabamba ruins, Wiñaywayna terraces, and real picnic food

1.Machu Picchu 2-Day Inca Trail with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 260 reviews · 2 days · from $582Our pick

2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu via Sun Gate, sunset and sunrise views, then return on the Vistadome panoramic train.

“This was an amazing trip. Our guides Jason and Warner were great - knowledgeable about the history, helpful with anything we needed, and encouraging when the trail was steep and the going got tough. Breakfast and lunch were delicious. Hotel accommodations comfortable. Everything was organized perfectly. The hike was challenging, which make the whole experience so satisfying. Hope to do this trip again in the future.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail - The observatory carriage experience: views plus the “music cart” factor

2.The First Class Machu Picchu Train by Inca Rail

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 182 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $855

Inca Rail First Class Machu Picchu Train from Cusco with VIP waiting, observatory views, private bus, guided entry, meals, drinks, and live music.

“Everything was great - from Machu Picchu pick-up, complimentary dinner in the restaurant near the station to the train experience and live music. I got to be the only first class passenger so it felt even more luxurious.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cusco: 1-day Machu Picchu Tour by Train

From Cusco: 1-day Machu Picchu Tour by Train - Early Pickup and the Cusco to Ollantaytambo Start (4:00 AM Isn’t a Joke)

3.1-day Machu Picchu Tour by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 138 reviews · 12 hours · from $360

A 1-day Machu Picchu train trip from Cusco with a guided citadel tour, Aguas Calientes breaks, and smooth pickup and transfers.

“It was costly but worth the experience. The staff are very helpful and super grateful with Katheryn Vargas who tried to accommodate our wishes. Richard, Jerry and Angel were very hospitable and knowledgeable as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by train from Cusco ( All included )

2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by train from Cusco ( All included ) - The Aguas Calientes rhythm, plus hot springs time

4.2-Day Machu Picchu Tour by train from Cusco ( All included )

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · from $485Top rated

All-inclusive 2-day Machu Picchu tour from Cusco by train: transfers, Aguas Calientes hotel night, guided citadel, hot springs.

“Excelente experiencia hicieron hasta lo imposible para acomodar nuestras necesidades muy complacidos éramos cuatro y todos estamos muy contentos, nuestro guía Luis super professional, muy amable y con mucho conocimiento. El conductor Gonzalo respetuoso, educado y muy profesional. Lo recomendamos 100%”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train

From Cusco: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train - Cusco pickup, your pre-tour briefing, and how the schedule stays readable

5.Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 79 reviews · 2 days · from $499

Small group Sacred Valley and guided Machu Picchu by train from Cusco, with door-to-door pickup, quality transport, and Vistadome option.

“The team were amazing, the train back was delayed (not their fault) and they brought food and drinks to the station for us, which goes to show that they go above and beyond. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and passionate, the hotel in Aguas Calientes was lovely and right next to the station. The itinerary for the trip was ideal as well we got lots covered in 2 days without feeling rushed. There was 8 people to one tour guide for the tours on the first day and 4 people to one tour guide on the second day (Machu Picchu) so the group sizes were ideal. (Victor and Carlos…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train - Day 1: Cusco to Humantay Lake, then Glamping at Salkantay

6.Machu Picchu: 5-Day Salkantay Trek with Panoramic Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 5 days · from $655

5-day Salkantay trek with glamping, Humantay Lake, Pachamanca, Machu Picchu sunrise, and Vistadome/360° train back to Cusco.

“Booked this last minute because I am a very “book things as you go” traveler, and I honestly think I got so lucky because I genuinely do not think there is a better experience you can get. My guides were absolutely incredible. Eddie was very knowledgeable and put together and made sure everything went smoothly. Elias was just the kindest and most fun person to be around, and truly cared about all of the people. Very amazing environment and the food was just phenomenal. Seriously cannot recommend this company more, and it is also 100% local!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Machu Picchu 2-Day Adventure by Train with Overnight Stay

Machu Picchu 2-Day Adventure by Train with Overnight Stay - Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain: Permits and planning your 3-hour window

7.Machu Picchu 2-Day Adventure by Train with Overnight Stay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $597

Two-day Machu Picchu adventure from Cusco with train tickets, overnight in Aguas Calientes, early guide, and entry included.

“Our guide was fantastic. If it wasn't for him, it would receive 2 stars. We were very unhappy with the accommodations in Aguas Caliente. There was mold all over the bathroom, stains on the sheets, and hair in the sheets. We asked twice for the linens to be changed and they did not improve. I felt an overall feeling of disgust. The upgrade in the ticket we purchased for the train was unimpressive and not worth the money. Machu picchu was, of course, incredible. We paid extra for the private guide and this was well worth the money.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train

Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train - Day 2 sunrise at Machu Picchu: the 4:00 am start pays off

8.Tour To Machupicchu 2 Days by Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $399

Two days in Cusco and Machu Picchu by train with sunrise, a guided visit, and one night in Aguas Calientes.

“This was the trip we bought from Viator when they last-minute-cancelled our original trip to Machu Picchu with them. We booked with them from London. We then based everything around it: Buying our flights to Cusco from Lima. Our trains, our accommodation. and plans. We were so excited. The night before our trip to Machu Picchu I saw a notice on my calendar and checked it out. To my amazement, it was a ‘cancelled’ line through my diary entry of Machu Picchu. I actually thought it must be a mistake. I contacted Viator only to discover they really had cancelled our booking, apparently due to being unable to obtain tickets…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by 360° Train

4 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by 360° Train - Day 1 KM-82 to Llactapata, then Ayapata Base Camp

9.4 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu by 360° Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $820

4-day Classic Inca Trail from Cusco to Machu Picchu by 360° Train. Max 9 people, private tents, meals included.

“DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY "HAPPY GRINGO TOURS" This company is hopeless. Very bad communication and management. They never contact and share any booking details until very last minute. Finally they contacted us 1.5 days before the inca trial start date was to inform us the start date need to PUSH BACK ONE DAY. Happy Gringo Tours claimed there is a new ticket system from Machu Picchu new management and everyone in the tour will be affected but ended up it is a LIE. We have to reschedule our accommodation and other planned activities because of this last minute change. Do not book with them unless you want a…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Tour to Machupicchu By Train Full-Day

Tour to Machupicchu By Train Full-Day - The 6:10 am train to Aguas Calientes, and why it matters

10.Tour to Machupicchu By Train Full-Day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 56 reviews · 18 to 20 hours (approx.) · from $360

Full-day Machu Picchu by train from Cusco with timed train, bus to the ruins, a bilingual guide, and a long day back to the city.

“I booked this full-day tour for September 02, 2023. This is not a typical tour with A "tour guide" who will be with you throughout the trip. This is the kind of tour that the tour operator, Mega Expedition, will assist in booking the train tickets and hotel pickup to the train stations. When you get to Machu Picchu, the local guide will only meet you somewhere in the town or by the entrance. Once the tour is booked, the operator will send you the e-tickets for trains and buses. The beginning of the trip can be very confusing. Before the trip, someone from Mega Expedition - the tour operator,…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Sacred Valley Machu Picchu by Train with Llama Experience

2-Day Sacred Valley Machu Picchu by Train with Llama Experience - Aguas Calientes night in a 3-star hotel, and how to pack for the train

11.2-Day Sacred Valley Machu Picchu by Train with Llama Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $457

2-day Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu by train, with guided ruins, Cusco time, a llama rescue experience, plus hotel and tickets included.

“I’ve been to Peru before to visit family but never had the chance to see the wonders of this country. After Meeting with Veronica when we landed in Cusco, I felt like I was in good hands. She took us out to a lovely restaurant and let us roam as we wished. The next day, we meet up with Michael and made our way to the sacred valley. The way he gave an honest and truly authentic explanation to the various sights assured me that we were getting the true Cusco Experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train – Small Group Tour

2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train - Small Group Tour - Awana Kancha alpaca farm: feeding animals and connecting wool to culture

12.2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu by Train – Small Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $599

2-day Cusco to Machu Picchu train tour with Sacred Valley sights, Pisac market, Ollantaytambo, and guided citadel entry.

“We booked the Machu Picchu Full Day by Train, and it was worth every moment. Rubén was extremely knowledgeable and kind. The entire itinerary was smooth, and we had plenty of time for photos. If you want a Machu Picchu full day guided tour, choose this team. they really know what they’re doing. Overall, our experience with Guide Ruben was exceptional and we felt well taken care of throughout the day. The knowledge and kindness displayed by Ruben truly enhanced our visit to Machu Picchu.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Machu picchu one day by train all included

Machu picchu one day by train all included - Machu Picchu With a 2-Hour Guide: Seeing More Than You Think

13.Machu picchu one day by train all included

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $315Best value

One-day train trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu with included bus, Circuit 2 entry, and a guided visit, plus hassle-free pickup.

“First off I will say this is a great tour. They book everything for you so there is nothing to try and coordinate so it is totally hassle free. The only reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is that you don’t have an option on what time you would like to return. For example, we left Cusco at 4am and by the time we were done w all transport up to Machu Picchu and toured it with the guide it was about 11:30a. After taking the bus back down we still had the lunch and some shopping to do. Our train was not until 5:30p. We would…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train

Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train - Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by train: where the day feels worth it

14.Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu by Train

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $379

A 16-hour Cusco to Machu Picchu day trip by train, with advance tickets, shared transfers, and a guided classic visit plus scenic Sacred Valley views.

“Very good. Things ran mostly smoothly. All tickets were well organised and in order but I didn’t have a tour guide although someone was there to meet me at the different stages”

Check availability →Read our full review

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train

Short Inca Trail 2 Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Permits & Train - Day 1’s Inti Punku (Sun Gate) views, then down to Aguas Calientes