Choosing the right train to get to Machu Picchu can make the difference between a smooth journey and one filled with last-minute doubts. The two companies that operate this route, Peru Rail and Inca Rail, offer quality services but with important differences in price, cabin categories, onboard experience, and change policies. This guide helps you compare both options so you can make the best decision based on your budget and type of trip.
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Why is the train the best option to get to Machu Picchu?
The train is the most comfortable, safe, and predictable route to reach Aguas Calientes, the base town from which you take the final bus to the Inca city. The journey departs from the Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, passing through one of Peru’s most spectacular landscapes: the Urubamba River canyon, the Andean high jungle, and the entrance to the Machu Picchu buffer zone. Unlike the route via Hidroeléctrica, the train is not affected by the weather or road conditions, making it the most reliable option, especially in the rainy season.
Peru Rail: Tradition, Variety, and Reach
PeruRail is the railway company with the longest history on the Machu Picchu route and offers the most daily departures from Ollantaytambo, and in some cases, from the Poroy station in Cusco. It operates three main service categories that suit different budgets.
Expedition is the most affordable category, with prices starting at $50 per segment. The cabins are spacious, with panoramic windows and a snack service included. It is the most chosen option by travelers who prioritize economy without sacrificing basic comfort.
Vistadome offers cabins with angled glass roofs and windows, allowing for views of the mountains throughout the journey. Prices range from $70 to $100 per segment and include a snack and drink menu. It is the most balanced category in terms of price and visual experience.
Hiram Bingham is PeruRail’s luxury service, with Orient Express-style carriages, a four-course gourmet lunch or dinner, a welcome cocktail, and onboard entertainment. The price exceeds $400 per segment and is aimed at travelers seeking a full gastronomic and cultural experience within the train.
Inca Rail: Modernity, Design, and Boutique Experience
Inca Rail is a newer company that has quickly gained ground thanks to the modern design of its carriages and a more boutique approach to service. It operates exclusively from Ollantaytambo and offers four well-differentiated categories.
The 360° is their economy category, with prices starting at $55 per segment, comfortable carriages, and large windows that offer great views of the journey. It is comparable to PeruRail’s Expedition in price but with a more contemporary interior design.
The Voyager is their mid-range option, with wider seats, a snack menu, and a more peaceful atmosphere. Prices range from $75 to $110 per segment, ideal for travelers seeking a well-balanced experience without reaching the premium level.
The First Class offers reclining seat options, onboard meals, unlimited drinks, and personalized attention, setting it apart on a journey of less than two hours. Its price is around $150 per segment.
The Private is Inca Rail’s most exclusive option: a private carriage for small groups with completely personalized service, ideal for couples, honeymoons, or family groups seeking total privacy.
Times and Costs: Peru Rail vs Inca Rail at a Glance
Both companies cover the same route between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The difference lies not in time but in price, departure frequency, and the services included in each category. PeruRail has more daily frequencies and more years of experience on the route. Inca Rail has more modern carriage designs and a more personalized service approach. In both cases, it is recommended to book at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance during high season to ensure availability and favorable prices.
Which to Choose Based on Your Type of Trip?
If you’re traveling on a moderate budget and want the most proven option with more available departures, PeruRail’s Expedition or Vistadome are the safest choices. If you want a more modern design and a boutique experience, Inca Rail’s The 360° or The Voyager are excellent alternatives. For couples, honeymoons, or groups seeking exclusivity, PeruRail’s Hiram Bingham or Inca Rail’s Private service offer an experience that goes far beyond just transportation. And if your priority is luxury dining within the train, the Hiram Bingham has no competition on this route.
Book Your Train with Peru Sites
At Peru Sites, we manage the purchase of train tickets with both companies based on the category and dates that best fit your itinerary. We assist you in choosing the right service, confirm your booking in advance, and coordinate the transfer from your hotel in Cusco to the Ollantaytambo station so you don’t have to worry about any logistical details. Consult our team and plan your trip to Machu Picchu with everything sorted from day one.
