Everyone who visits Peru wants to go to Machu Picchu. But how to travel to Machu Picchu by train? I traveled by train to Machu Picchu and these are my experiences. Read my non-hiking guide and how to get to Machu Picchu by train. Learn from my practical tips and experiences on buying train tickets to Machu Picchu and what it is like to take this scenic train ride to Machu Picchu.
When I was planning my trip to South America, I knew for sure I would NOT hike to Machu Picchu, Peru. I briefly thought about the idea but I’m too much out of shape and I’d worry too much about getting sick and feel miserable and I am not the camping kind of girl.
So if I wouldn’t hike to Machu Picchu, how would I get there? After seeing some amazing images online, I knew I had to take the train to Machu Picchu! Of course, this train ride is on my impressive train journey bucket list, so I just had to go by train to Machu Picchu.
Read more: How I got kicked out of Machu Picchu… Twice!
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Buying train tickets to Machu Picchu
But it wasn’t all that easy as it seems. Or maybe it was. I walked into the offices of Peru Rail and Inca rail in Cusco a few times but never could make a decision about what train ticket to Machu Picchu to purchase. Would I go to Machu Picchu in one day? Would I leave from Ollantaytambo or would I try to leave from Cusco?
And how would I get to the train stations then? What were the prices, was there space? What time to go? How long would it take?
Getting a tour to travel to Machu Picchu
It seems nobody really had the answers. As I was walking around Cusco, inquiring for tours to take around Cusco, like the interesting Inca sites tour, I started talking to this girl who could arrange my trip to Machu Picchu too.
She would buy my train tickets for me, schedule a pick up from my hostel to take me to the train station, arrange a place to stay in Aguas Caliente and a guide to tour the ruins of Machu Picchu.
By now, I had some idea in my head that I wanted to arrive in Aguas Caliente mid-day to relax a bit and get a good rest before a full day at the Machu Picchu ruins. I wanted one of the last trains back to Cusco the next day.
Unfortunately, she didn’t understand. Basically everything went wrong with this agency and I ended up buying my own entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (TWICE!) and my tickets for the train to Machu Picchu too.
Read more: How to buy tickets for Machu Picchu as an independent traveler?
Buying tickets for the train with Inca Rail Peru
And it was really easy. By now, I figured out the pricing and the schedules of Inca Rail train services and Peru Rail services and I opted for them both!
I decided to spoil myself a bit and not take the most budget option. I’d take the afternoon train from Ollantaytambo with Inca Rail and I’d return the next day in the evening with Peru Rail.
All I had to do was walk into the offices and hand over my credit card and voila! I was the owner of brand new train tickets to Machu Picchu without any tour agency or anything.
Read more: Budget guide to Machu Picchu.
Take the train to Machu Picchu with Inca Rail
Full anticipation I packed my bag! Tomorrow I’d travel to Aguas Caliente and I’d go by train!
How exciting!
The next morning, a driver picked me up at my hostel and we drove in 1.5 hours to Ollantaytambo. It is quite far from Cusco (from a Duchies perspective) but it seemed like the best option.
My driver dropped me off at the train station of Ollantaytambo and I still had plenty of time to kill before my train to Machu Picchu would leave.
I had a little snack lunch and I managed to get on the Wi-Fi and share my excitement of my train journey with my parents back home.
Departure from Ollantaytambo train station
As the train rolled into the station, all the passengers lined up at the platform. All walking back and forth. Excited and full of anticipation.
The platform was a bit of chaos with everyone checking their train tickets frantically every 2 seconds. What carriage are we in, what seat do we have, do we have a window seat, where to leave our bags?
As I only had a small backpack with me, I managed to board the carriage first!
I looked around in amazement at the wide windows and the smaller windows in the ceiling. As everyone settled into their place, the excitement grew to enormous proportions. I smiled a bit in disbelief. People can behave so funny when they are stressed and excited.
With a loud whistle, the train left the train station of Ollantaytambo and chugged into the green hinterland of the Valley of the Incas.
Read more: Train to the Clouds from Salta Argentina.
Scenic Train to Machu Picchu
I sat in the opposite direction of the train to Machu Picchu, so it felt like I was sucked into the landscape. But there were plenty of things to see! The green hills, rolling valleys, and little farmlands.
With almost half an hour into the train ride to Machu Picchu, the river popped up on my right. I was a little gutted that I was on the wrong side of the train but I managed to get some really good looks, but not the pictures that I wanted.
But nevertheless, it was amazing. I maybe even got a bit emotional.
Riding backward, I saw the faces of most of the passengers and the carriage of the train. We were closed in on the left and the right by tremendous mountains. All covered in thick lush green bush. The river made quite some noise and I could see it meander into the distance where we came from.
There was no road, not even a path on the side of tracks. I know it is possible to partially hike to Machu Picchu along the tracks but that seemed impossible to me, sitting on the train.
We stopped briefly at the drop-off point for the Inca Trail but nobody got off. It seemed everyone was taking the train to Machu Picchu.
Arrive in Aguas Caliente by train
After a good 2 hours of green mountains and the river, we hauled into the small train station of Aguas Caliente (also called Machu Picchu village). I jumped off the train, happy to stretch my legs for a bit and excited I had arrived! My excitement fluttered in my stomach.
The train station of Aguas Caliente was an even bigger madhouse than the one in Ollantaytambo. People running around like they never traveled before. Stewards offloaded the luggage while tourists frantically yelled instructions to their party to stick together.
I hopped off the train and set out to find the exit of the station. I didn’t really know what to expect and I felt I needed a moment to gather myself. The train ride was a bit overwhelming to me, I must admit.
Outside the platform, I was greeted by a man from my hotel and ran into my guide from (my horrible) hike in the Colca Canyon near Arequipa. That was almost 3 weeks ago and we meet again! What an odd chance. That is maybe the thing I love the most about travel, the odd encounters with new friends for life.
Visit Machu Picchu
When I finally settled into my hotel and sorted my issue with the tickets to Machu Picchu, (read all about the horror of this on my blog about getting tickets to Machu Picchu) it was already late. I looked at the pictures I took from the train ride and amazed myself, again, by how remote the train journey to Machu Picchu was.
I could never really believe it would be so difficult to reach Machu Picchu, but now that I experienced the long journey to little Aguas Caliente, I could very well imagine what it would have been like in 1917 by Hiram Bingham, who discovered Machu Picchu.
Train back from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After my (AMAZING!!) visit to Machu Picchu, I was kicked out of the ruins and headed back to Aguas Caliente. I picked up my stuff at the hotel and made my way to the train station again, to take the train back to Cusco.
This time I’d take the (more luxurious) train of Peru Rail. I wanted to travel with them from Puno to Cusco, but I opted for the cultural bus trip instead. Read more about this journey on the blog.
Unfortunately, it was already getting dark, so I didn’t get a do-over of the amazing landscape of the Valley of the Incas. But the train ride was fun nevertheless.
The waiting in Aguas Caliente train station for the train was horrendous though. So many people, all tired, confused and anxious not to miss their train. 4 trains would leave at the same time and it felt like it was the last train out (it wasn’t). People were impatiently waiting around, shoving anyone aside who wanted to pass. Ugh. Savages.
Train journey with Peru Rail
But once on the train, everything changed. I comfortable sat my sore body in the leather seat and kicked back a bit. The stewards clipped my ticket and asked me about my food and drink choices. This would be a luxurious ride!
Although I really enjoyed the luxury of Peru Rail, I found their show a bit too much. Luckily it was already dark out, but I would have been seriously annoyed if my gazing at the landscape would be interrupted by the constant questions about the fashion show being held by the stewards. Or maybe they only have the show because it is already dark outside.
The show consisted of some traditional knitted jumpers and jackets. It was paired with a lot of foolish behavior that some people find funny and loud music. I was too tired for all that.
I stared into the dark and played back the impressive movie of my visit to Machu Picchu. Regardless of the numerous setbacks I had during my visit, I was happy to travel by train to Machu Picchu.
The experience of riding a train in Peru and the views of the landscape passing by on the train were something I had never experienced before, not even on the Trans Mongolian Railway. The river flowing beside our train route to Machu Picchu and the odd excitement of so many passengers around me added a lot to my own excitement.
I know everyone has their own special feelings about their visit to Machu Picchu. Everyone remembers their travel to Machu Picchu differently. And so do I, I will cherish my train trip to Machu Picchu for years to come and I’m glad I got to experience it this way.
Have you travelled by train in Peru? How did you travel to Machu Picchu? Share your experiences in the comment section below!
You are an awesome story-teller! I wish I had someone like you for a travelling buddy. My daughter is on study abroad in Peru and I am joining her for 6 days to explore around Cusco-including Mach Picchu. Thanks for your insights!
Wow, that sounds like a great destination for a Father-Daughter trip. Have a good time Peter.
Hello!
I came across your blog while researching for my upcoming trip to Machu Picchu. You cleared up so many questions I had over it, although, I am still not sure if I have to take the train the day of the excursion or take the train a day in advance then leave after?
Hi Pamela. How exciting you will soon visit! It depends a bit on the time your tour to Machu Picchu will be. I would take things easy and relax and arrive the day before so you’ll have a fresh start on the day of your actual visit to Machu Picchu. Have fun!
I am hiking up to Machu Picchu next month and I can’t wait. I am spending a few days in Cusco before. Any tips or ideas for other fun things to do around there?
Exciting!! You can search more info in the Peru section of my blog. You can find it under destinations where I wrote about the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the chocolate museum in Cusco. Enjoy yourself.
Hi Naomi,
Thank you for this article! I think this is an amazing way to get to Machu Picchu.
There is still hope for me to see it now. Did you have any effects of altitude sickness while your were in and around Machu Picchu?
Thank you Fiona for your comment. I was in South America already for over 3 weeks and was well adjusted. For your information, Machu Picchu is actually located at a lower altitude then Cusco. If you fly in from Lima, give yourself 2-3 days to adjust and then head out to Machu Picchu. There is so much to see and do in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, you won’t regret it. Have a great trip!
You are an awesome story-teller! I wish I had someone like you for a travelling buddy. My daughter is on study abroad in Peru and I am joining her for 6 days to explore around Cusco-including Mach Picchu. Thanks for your insights!
Awh thanks Kathleen. You make me blush! I’m sure you’ll have a great trip with your daughter! What a place for a mother daughter trip. Enjoy.
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Thanks for sharing your experience….. I’m off in another 2 weeks to Sth America yay !!!!
Staying in Cuzco & got my tix for the vistadome train to AC returning a couple of days later ….. starting to get a wee bit excited
Machu Picchu is breathtaking, Naomi! Train seems like a great idea!
I have heard that getting passes to Machu Picchu is a challenge and I’m sorry that you had a horrible experience there. However, the train ride looked quite incredible and the photos show a hint of luxury while in South America. I would love to get there someday and climbing it is on my hubby’s bucket list 😉
Not sure if passes are a challenge, I just had some real bad luck and a great experience, overall. I hope you and your husband can hike to Machu Picchu Janine
That train looks awesome! I love a big, spacious and comfortable train and the windows on the roof is a great idea! It is a shame you had trouble getting a ticket but looks like your troubles were worth it! The trail is on my bucket list!
The trains were awesome Katie. I loved it.
I’ve always wanted to hike to Machu Picchu but it’s nice to know that there is a train option! The ride looks incredible. Sorry that it was complicated for you to get there but I’m glad you had an amazing time once you made it!
Usually people hike up and take the train back Kassie, so you can do both!
I love this guide! I can’t wait to see Machu Pichu – but I have never had any intention of hiking it in for 3-4 days! The train is a brilliant option – it’s a shame you had so much trouble with tickets etc. Hopefully I’ll have better luck when I finally get there!
I’m sure you will Vicki, the stars were just against me. LOL. For me hiking was never a real option either. lol
Honestly i had no idea you could take a train there. Thanks for educating me. Mach Pichu is definitely on our bucket-list and I am not quite sure if i can hike all the way. I may end up taking the train , now that i know there is one. Saving this post for when i visit.
Excellent Vrithi. I feel everyone is always focussing on hiking the inca trail to Machu Picchu but there more and more ways to get there.
Did the same, a beautiful ride. Sorry to hear you ran into problems. I found it to be fairly straightforward with just a little advanced planning. Yeah, that fashion show was a bit much. 🙂
Only I sorted out all the kinks it was indeed pretty straight forward Rob!
What a novel way to experience Machu Picchu! I am sure many non-hikers will appreciate your suggestions. The train journey on Peru Rail sounds really surreal. A fashion show on a train? Wow…
It was so funny as it felt so odd Suzanne, one of those things you have to see to believe.
All that trouble seems to be worth it! I would love to visit one day. I wonder how the flooding has affected the region? I know it’s been pretty bad recently!
I know! I’ve seen some pretty bad footage too, but I believe it is mainly coastal area at the moment but the weather is still pretty unpredictable Maggie.
Taking the train is a lovely idea! Watching the scenery go by while you relax in one of those very comfortable looking chairs sounds pretty ideal. I’m curious how you got kicked out of the ruins…
That is a story for another time Jennifer, but the chairs were really comfy after a long day at MP.
I wish I had read this before doing the Inca Trail. Endless stairmaster=endless pain! Your train ride was so much more luxurious than our ride back from Machu Picchu…. I don’t remember the huge windows or any kind of fashion show. I may need a do-over!!
There are multiple trains and they all come in different luxury levels (and price ranges). I decided to treat myself Brittany, I can recommend it.
Youre so right. Machu Picchu is worth any amount of trouble. Your tips on getting there and back are so helpful. Sorry about the difficulties, but your sharing them helps the rest of us. Very cool.
Thanks! In the end, I could laugh about it and all in all it was a super awesome experience for sure!
It’s unfortunate that you had to buy tickets twice! Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was initially going to visit Peru this year, but those plans fell through. I’m hoping I’ll get to go next year though! Definitely saving this one for later.
I hope you can go next year Bryna!
Sorry to hear of the trouble you went through. It does seem like the journey, the scenery and everything (including those comfy seats!!!) made up for the hassle!
Absolutely Carol. In the end, it was just a hassle, nothing more.
It’s a shame you had so many initial troubles with the tickets and such. But at least it all worked out in the end. Plus you’re sharing your experience so others can learn.
Machu Picchu is definitely on my dream bucket list. The train option looks a little bit more my speed! Your photos are lovely!
Thank you Corinne, loving train rides, I knew there was only one option for me.