Train from Machu Picchu to Cusco: The Best Way to Return

The train from Machu Picchu to Cusco is much more than just a simple way to travel; it is a beautiful journey through the Sacred Valley, letting you see the change in plants from the cloud forest to the open valleys and the Andean mountains, offering constant views of the river, farming terraces, and natural formations. After visiting the Inca citadel, this train trip becomes an ideal time to rest, relax, and think about your experience in Machu Picchu.

To secure your spot in this experience, it is essential to book your tickets in advance. Currently, the service is run by two main companies: Peru Rail and Inca Rail, both with options that include panoramic cars with wide windows, comfortable seats, and onboard service, up to higher-class services that include live music, snacks, and food choices.

The Aguas Calientes station, the starting point of this trip, is located in Machu Picchu Pueblo, s/n, Las Orquídeas Neighborhood. Since it is located right next to the Aguas Calientes Artisan Market, it lets you use the last few minutes before your departure to buy unique souvenirs of your visit.

Train from Machu Picchu to Cusco

There are two companies with authorization to travel the train from Machu Picchu to Cusco: Peru Rail and Inca Rail, each one with different services. 

PERURAIL

PeruRail operates a total of five different train types that connect Machu Picchu with the outside world and operate from Aguas Calientes train stations.

• Expedition
  It is the most affordable service to get to Machu Picchu. It offers comfortable wagons with panoramic views and windows in the roof. The traveler has access to tourist information and a small snack. 
  
  
• Vistadome 
  This is one of the most popular trains for travelers. The car is completely glass and has panoramic windows. The traveler will have an impressive view of the landscape, be comfortably seated and enjoy a delicious breakfast. The seats are very comfortable and the transport has air conditioning and heating. The service is unbeatable and the tourist enjoys an unbeatable experience.  
  
  
• Hiram Bingham 
  The Hiram Bingham train is a luxury service. Each car has 42 seats. They are similar to those of the famous Orient Express. The presentation is incredible. This transport is considered one of the best in its class. It has elegant decoration and upholstery. The train has four wagons, two wagons - dining room, a wagon - bar with observatory and a kitchen car. Inside the train there is free bar, music, hostesses and various services. The price includes breakfast, lunch or dinner. The trip lasts about four hours. 

INCA RAIL

This train company offers four different service classes.

The Voyager Machu Picchu Train

In the tourist service the Inca Rail offers wide panoramic windows, comfortable seats and a delicious drink and snacks. In the executive service offers comfortable seats with tables and panoramic windows. The car has a capacity for 60 passengers. It also offers snacks made without preservatives, organic and natural drinks to choose. 

Inca Rail offers the following services:

• The Voyager Premium & Lounge
• The Voyager Door to Door
• The Voyager

First Class and The 360°

This service offers more comfort. It has been designed for travelers who like to travel relaxed and enjoying the landscape. The car has space for 30 passengers with very comfortable and spacious seats. It also has a Peruvian library that could take advantage of reading the way to Machu Picchu. Gourmet food is served, the car is finely decorated and has a spectacular service. 

• The Private
• The First Class
• The 360°

Benefits of traveling by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco 

Do not worry, if you're still not entirely convinced to consider this alternative for your trip. Next, we will mention the 5 main benefits of traveling by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco: 

• Most travel by train

  90% of tourists who enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu travel by train. From there, you can appreciate the extraordinary landscapes without experiencing the fear of being affected by altitude, steep roads and heavy rains. In addition, the last train station to Machu Picchu is located in the town of Aguas Calientes, very close to the Inca construction.
  
  

• You will save time 

  Traveling by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco gives you the possibility to make your trip in a single day, if you consider it convenient. Do not worry about your transfer to Aguas Calientes since it will take you two hours to get to that location. In this way, you can use the time you spend in visiting the other tourist attractions that are in the city of Cusco Peru. 
  
  

• Your luggage will be lighter

  It requires a large luggage to make a Inca path trip to the Inca citadel, it is necessary to have tents, warm clothes, water, energy bars, flashlights, among other things. Quite the contrary, it happens when choosing an exclusive train to be transported to the sanctuary because the only thing you will worry about is to enjoy a true luxury experience in Cusco. 
  
  

• You will feel very comfortable 

  The exclusive trains to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will offer you comfort. In this way, you will be able to appreciate the wonderful Andean landscapes, with good background music and getting to know other people, many from abroad, who, like you, long to reach the Inca fortress soon. In addition, all the services of this transport are of a great level. 
  
  

• You will travel with style

  Make sure you choose the best train from Machu Picchu to Cusco and you will get a great luxury experience. When entering this type of transport you will be impressed with its great design, gourmet lunch, music shows and a large beverage menu. Because traveling is not synonymous with getting dirty with mud and getting out of breath, at least it is not if you replace the walks with the exclusive trains. 

Recommendations to travel by train from Machu Picchu to Cusco  

• The Vistadome train of Peru Rail is completely surrounded by panoramic windows that allow you to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Sacred Valley and the entire journey along the banks of the Urubamba River. And if you did not know, this short train route is considered among the most amazing in the world. Without a doubt it is an unforgettable experience.  
• If you do not book train tickets in advance, you will have to choose between the remaining services, which are usually the most expensive. Moreover, if you plan to come to Machu Picchu during the high season.  
• Train tickets sell out quickly, and you will not like having Machu Picchu tickets and not having how to get there, so, book train tickets (roundtrip) immediately after knowing the date you will enter Machu Picchu Picchu.
• Although you can climb from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu walking, just next to the train station in Machu Picchu you will find the bus ticket to Machu Picchu and in front of it, the small station where you can board them. Aguas Calientes is a very small town and it will not be difficult to find these places.

Train tickets from Machu Picchu to Cusco

Is it necessary to get these train tickets? If you are going to do the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek or other alternative routes, we strongly recommend booking your train ticket for the return to Cusco.

• Is it included in your tour? Generally, trekking operators include the train ticket in the package. However, it is essential to confirm it before making the payment. If it is not included, the additional cost usually ranges between $75 and $85 USD for standard services (such as the Expedition by Peru Rail or the Voyager by Inca Rail).
• The advantage of the train: It is the fastest and most comfortable option. It allows you to rest after several days of intense hiking, enjoying the scenery of the Sacred Valley from the comfort of your seat.

The alternative route to get to Cusco

Today, there is an option for travelers on a tight budget: the route through the Hydroelectric station.

• The journey: You must walk approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Aguas Calientes to the Hydroelectric power station (a flat path through the jungle). From there, you take a bus to Cusco.
• Considerations: The bus trip lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Although it is the cheapest option (with costs between $15 and $20 USD), it is a long and heavy trip on roads with many curves.

What is the Bimodal Service? (Train + Bus)

Many travelers are surprised to see that their tickets mention two different means of transport. Therefore, understanding this concept is important to avoid confusion at the time of your train trip from Machu Picchu to Cusco.

The bimodal service is a comprehensive transport mode designed by Peru Rail and Inca Rail to optimize travel times and ensure passenger safety, especially when geographical or weather conditions are complex.

How does it work exactly?

The return journey is divided into two stages:

• Train Section: You board your train at the Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu Town) and travel for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to the Ollantaytambo station, in the Sacred Valley.

• Bus Section: When you get off the train in Ollantaytambo, staff from the railway company will guide you to a private and exclusive bus (included in your ticket). This bus will take you directly to the city of Cusco (Wanchaq station or El Sol Ave.) in a trip of approximately 2 hours.

Why choose the Bimodal service?

• Time efficiency: The railway section between Ollantaytambo and Cusco is very slow due to the "zigzag" geography that the train must perform to climb the mountain. The bus reduces this time significantly.
• Safety in Rainy Season: Between the months of January and April, railway companies usually activate the mandatory bimodal service for safety, due to possible landslides on the tracks near Cusco.
• Greater availability: Being a shorter route for the locomotives, there are usually more schedule frequencies available for travelers returning from the citadel.

Best Tours in Peru

Peru is a country full of contrasts: coast, highlands, and jungle offer unique routes for those seeking adventure, history, and unforgettable landscapes. From cities full of heritage to amazing natural destinations, each region shows a different side of the country and leaves indelible memories. Get to know the best tours in Peru:

• Peruvian Tour 
• Peru Highlights
• Apurimac River Rafting 
• Essential Peru 
• Peruvian Highland trek 
• Peru Multisport

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more

• Short Inca Trail
• Inca Trail 4 days
• Inca Trail trek
• Inca Trail and Amazon Tour
• 3 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
• Cheap Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour
• Tours From Cusco to Machu Picchu
• Inti Raymi Festival

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.