Where to Take the Train to Machu Picchu? Stations & Travel Guide

Traveling by train is the most popular, comfortable, and efficient way to reach the Inca citadel, whether you are planning a 1-day Machu Picchu tour or an overnight 2-day experience in Aguas Calientes.

Where to Take the Train to Machu Picchu? Main Train Stations

If you are wondering where to take the train to Machu Picchu, the answer depends on where you are staying and your travel itinerary. All trains head to the final destination of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), and you can board at any of the following authorized stations:

Overview of Each Train Station:

• Ollantaytambo Station: The main and busiest station in the Sacred Valley, operating 365 days a year with the widest range of daily schedules.
• Poroy Station: Located just outside Cusco (taxi fare approx. $7.50 - $8.00 USD / S/ 25 - S/ 30). Operates primarily during the dry season (May to November).
• San Pedro Station: Located right opposite Cusco's Central Market, allowing passengers to board directly inside the city center during authorized months.
• Urubamba Station: Focuses on exclusive services for nearby luxury hotels such as Tambo del Inka or Belmond.

Train Companies and Service Categories

Two authorized operators manage the rail route to Aguas Calientes:

• PeruRail: Offers the highest number of daily departures, ranging from the budget-friendly Expedition and panoramic Vistadome to the ultra-luxurious Hiram Bingham.
• Inca Rail: Features comfortable and interactive options such as The Voyager, The 360°, The First Class, and The Private.

Schedules and Itinerary Options

On a Machu Picchu Full Day Tour, your journey starts early in the morning with a transfer from Cusco to your selected station, returning late in the evening. For a more relaxed experience, you can travel in the afternoon, sleep in Aguas Calientes, and enter the citadel early the next morning.

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes Station?

Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes station, you have two options to get up to the entrance gate of the citadel:

1. Consettur Bus (Recommended): Takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Buses run continuously every 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Trekking / Walking: A steep 1.5 to 2-hour uphill hike via stone stairways, recommended for travelers with good physical condition.

Need assistance choosing where to board or selecting your departure times? At Inca World, we customize your full itinerary. Contact us here to plan your trip to Machu Picchu!