Ollantaytambo Station: complete guide

The Ollantaytambo station is the main boarding point for the train to Machu Picchu and the most commonly used departure point by travelers arriving from Cusco. It is located in the town of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, at 2,792 meters above sea level, and approximately 70 kilometers from Cusco by road. Knowing how to get there, what to expect upon arrival, and how the station works helps ensure a smooth journey on the travel day.

Where is the Ollantaytambo Station?

The station is located on Ferrocarril Avenue, just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Ollantaytambo. It is easy to find and well-signposted from the main square. The town itself is worth exploring before or after the trip: it has a well-preserved Inca fortress, streets with pre-Hispanic water channels still in use, and a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling movement of Cusco.

How to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station?

The transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is by road and takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on traffic and the type of transport. The most common options are the tourist bus organized by the train companies as part of their bimodal service, private car hired through an agency, or the colectivos (shared taxis) that depart from Avenida Grau in Cusco heading to the Sacred Valley. The route passes through Chinchero or Pisac depending on the chosen path, and in both cases, the valley’s landscape previews what’s to come.

Which trains depart from Ollantaytambo?

Both PeruRail and Inca Rail operate from Ollantaytambo, making it the station with the highest frequency of daily departures to Aguas Calientes. PeruRail offers its Expedition, Vistadome, and Belmond Hiram Bingham categories. Inca Rail operates The 360°, The Voyager, The First Class, and The Private. The journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours, and it is considered one of the most scenic train rides in South America due to the stunning landscape it passes through.

What is at the Ollantaytambo Station?

The station has a waiting room, ticket verification windows, restrooms, free luggage storage, and a shopping area with food stalls nearby. It is an active station with considerable movement, especially during peak hours in the morning when the first trains of the day depart. It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to complete check-in without rushing and to find the correct platform.

Ollantaytambo vs Poroy: Which is better for departure?

Ollantaytambo has more daily departures, more schedule options, and the train journey is shorter than from Poroy. The only consideration is the prior transfer from Cusco, which adds between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours of travel time. However, this stretch through the Sacred Valley is itself part of the journey, and many travelers take the opportunity to visit the Ollantaytambo ruins or the village market before boarding the train. For most travelers, Ollantaytambo is the most convenient station and offers the greatest flexibility in planning the day.

Luggage and recommendations before boarding

The luggage limit allowed on board is 8 kilograms per passenger, with maximum dimensions of 115 centimeters (length + width + height). Excess luggage can be stored at the station at no additional cost. It is important to bring either a printed ticket or one on your phone, along with an identity document or passport, as both are verified at the time of boarding. During the rainy season (November to March), it is advisable to confirm the condition of the tracks before departing from Cusco, as flooding in the Urubamba River can cause occasional delays.

Travel from Ollantaytambo with Peru SitesTours

At Peru Sites, we coordinate private transport from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo station and manage your train tickets with Peru Rail or Inca Rail in the category that best suits your itinerary. If you’d like to take advantage of the day and visit the Sacred Valley before taking the train, we also organize this as part of the same trip. Contact us, and we’ll arrange everything from the very start.