Full comparison with verified July 2026 prices: all PeruRail trains (Expedition, Vistadome, Hiram Bingham) vs Inca Rail (The Voyager, The 360°, The Prime). Price tables, luggage policy and a guide to choosing the right one.
The train to Machu Picchu is non-negotiable — there is no road to Aguas Calientes. Two companies share the route: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both depart primarily from Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) and offer a bimodal service (bus + train) from Cusco.
This guide has the real prices from July 2026 for every service, what each train includes, luggage policies, and a direct comparison to help you choose based on your budget and travel style.
Still planning your full trip? Read our complete guide to visiting Machu Picchu in 2026. Already in Aguas Calientes? Check the Camino a la Maravilla vs Torontoy bus comparison.
How the Train to Machu Picchu Works
The train takes travelers from Ollantaytambo (or Cusco) to Aguas Calientes station at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, you take the shuttle bus or hike up to the citadel.
| Departure | Journey time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ollantaytambo | ~1h20 – 1h45 | Fastest and most popular option |
| Cusco (bimodal) | ~3h50 – 5h30 | Bus + train with 1 connection |
Most travelers stay overnight in Ollantaytambo to catch the first morning train. You save 3 hours and arrive fresh.
PeruRail: All Trains and 2026 Prices
PeruRail has operated since 1999 and runs the highest frequency of trains on the route. Four categories to suit every budget.
1. Expedition — The Budget Option
The most affordable way to take the train to Machu Picchu. Features panoramic side windows, included audio guide, and ambient Andean music. No food included; onboard sales available.
Prices from Ollantaytambo (one way) — July 2026:
| Schedule | Discounted price | Regular price |
|---|---|---|
| Late night departures (21:00) | $61.75 | $65 |
| Evening (19:04) | $65.55 | $69 |
| Midday (10:32) | $65.55 | $69 |
| Early morning (05:05 – 06:10) | $75.05 | $79 |
| Prime morning (07:45 – 12:55) | $75.05 | $79 |
| Mid-morning (09:15 – 15:37) | $84.55 | $89 |
| Train 33 (08:29) | $94.05 | $99 |
Tip: Midday and evening trains are the cheapest. If you don't need the first entry slot, you can save $10–30 USD by choosing a less popular time.
2. Vistadome — Roof and Side Panoramic Windows
The Vistadome adds roof windows for mountain views while traveling. Includes Andean snacks, audio guide, and a cultural show on the return journey (alpaca fashion show and live music).
Prices from Ollantaytambo (one way) — July 2026:
| Schedule | Discounted price | Regular price |
|---|---|---|
| Vistadome 601 (08:00) | $95 – $104.50 | $100 – $110 |
| Vistadome 31 (09:15) | $114.00 | $120 |
| Vistadome 301 (07:05) | $114.00 | $120 |
3. Vistadome Observatory — Open Observatory Car
The premium version of the Vistadome features an observatory car at the rear of the train — a semi-open space where passengers can stand and lean out to take in the cloud forest and the Urubamba river gorge.
Prices from Ollantaytambo (one way) — July 2026:
| Schedule | Discounted price | Regular price |
|---|---|---|
| Vistadome Obs. 303 (13:27) | $94.05 | $99 |
| Vistadome Obs. 603 (15:37) | $147.25 | $155 |
| Vistadome Obs. 203 (10:32) | $147.25 | $155 |
| Vistadome Obs. 83 (07:45) | $147.25 | $155 |
Worth noting: the Observatory 303 at 13:27 costs just $94.05 — nearly the same as a regular Vistadome, but with the observatory car included.
4. Hiram Bingham (by Belmond) — Ultimate Luxury
Operated under the Belmond brand (LVMH group), this is the most exclusive train experience in South America. It's not just transport — it's a full gastronomic and cultural journey.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Price (July 2026) | $598.50 (round trip, all-inclusive) |
| Regular price | $630.00 |
| Outbound departure | 10:53 Ollantaytambo → 12:24 Aguas Calientes |
| Return | Afternoon from Aguas Calientes |
| Includes | Gourmet lunch (outbound), cocktails in bar-observatory car, dinner (return), Machu Picchu bus, guided citadel tour |
The Hiram Bingham is only sold as a round trip with all services included. There is no train-only option.
Inca Rail: All Trains and 2026 Prices
Inca Rail has operated since 2009 with a boutique focus. They offer a 5% round-trip discount across all services. Their flagship product is The 360° with its open-air observatory car.
1. The Voyager — Economy
Inca Rail's standard train. Large side windows, onboard snack and beverage sales.
From Ollantaytambo (one way):
| Schedule | RT price (5% OFF) | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| 06:40 → 08:01 | $75 | $79 |
| 07:22 → 08:48 | $75 | $79 |
| 16:36 → 18:09 | $85 | $89 |
From Cusco — bimodal (bus + train, 1 connection):
| Departure | Arrival | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 04:10 → | 08:01 | $94 (regular $99) |
| 08:00 → | 12:41 | $75 (regular $78) |
| 13:00 → | 18:09 | $104 (regular $109) |
| 15:45 → | 21:09 | $92 (regular $97) |
2. The 360° — Premium Economy with Open-Air Car
Inca Rail's standout product and the most unique train in the market. Beyond panoramic windows, it features an open-air observatory car where passengers can stand while the train cuts through the Urubamba canyon. Andean snacks included.
From Ollantaytambo (one way):
| Schedule | RT price (5% OFF) | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| 07:22 → 08:48 | $95 | $100 |
| 12:36 → 14:00 | $82 | $86 |
From Cusco — bimodal (bus + train, 1 connection):
| Departure | Arrival | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 04:30 → | 08:48 | $85 (regular $89) |
| 09:25 → | 14:00 | $111 (regular $117) |
3. The Prime — Andean Gastronomy Onboard
An upscale setting with wide seats, personalized service, and a gastronomic experience using Andean ingredients. Only available as a bimodal service from Cusco.
From Cusco — bimodal (bus + train, 1 connection):
| Departure | Arrival | RT price (5% OFF) | Regular |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04:10 → | 08:01 | $133 | $140 |
| 08:00 → | 12:41 | $160 | $168 |
| 13:00 → | 18:09 | $176 | $185 |
4. The First Class — 3-Course Menu + Wine Pairing
Inca Rail's most exclusive service: a full gourmet 3-course menu with wine pairing included. Check current prices at incarail.com.
Head-to-Head: PeruRail vs Inca Rail
Prices by Service Level (from Ollantaytambo)
| Level | PeruRail service | Price from | Inca Rail service | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Expedition | $61.75 | The Voyager | $75 |
| Panoramic | Vistadome | $95 | The 360° | $82 |
| With observatory car | Vistadome Observatory | $94 | The 360° (open-air) | $82 |
| Gourmet onboard | — | — | The Prime | $133* |
| Full luxury | Hiram Bingham | $598.50 RT | The First Class | check website |
*The Prime is only available from Cusco (bimodal).
Other Key Factors
| Factor | PeruRail | Inca Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| Daily departures | High (10+ trains/day) | Moderate |
| Earliest train | 05:05 (Expedition) | 06:40 (Voyager) |
| Open-air observatory | ✅ Vistadome Observatory | ✅ The 360° (fully open) |
| Round-trip discount | Not published | ✅ 5% on all services |
| All-inclusive packages | Hiram Bingham only | ✅ All service levels |
| Ultra-luxury option | ✅ Hiram Bingham | ❌ No equivalent |
Luggage: An Important Difference
| Detail | PeruRail | Inca Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Included baggage | 1 backpack 8 kg OR 1 carry-on 12 kg | 1 bag, max 8 kg |
| Extra carry-on (12 kg) | $15 | ❌ Not allowed onboard |
| Large suitcase (23 kg) | $25 | ❌ Not allowed onboard |
| External storage | Ollantaytambo + Aguas Calientes | Ollantaytambo only |
Traveling with a suitcase? Choose PeruRail. Inca Rail only allows one 8 kg bag onboard — anything larger must be left in storage at Ollantaytambo station.
Which Train Should You Take?
By Budget (one way, from Ollantaytambo)
| Budget per person | Best option |
|---|---|
| Under $75 | PeruRail Expedition (from $61.75) |
| $75 – $95 | Expedition (prime time) or Inca Rail The Voyager |
| $82 – $95 | Inca Rail The 360° — unique open-air car |
| $95 – $114 | PeruRail Vistadome |
| $94 – $147 | PeruRail Vistadome Observatory |
| $133 – $176 | Inca Rail The Prime (Cusco only) |
| $500+ RT | PeruRail Hiram Bingham (all-inclusive) |
By Traveler Type
- Budget traveler or backpacker → PeruRail Expedition (cheapest on the market)
- Best views for the money → Inca Rail The 360° (the open-air car is a one-of-a-kind experience)
- Traveling with a large suitcase → PeruRail (the only company that accepts extra luggage)
- Gastronomy included from Cusco → Inca Rail The Prime
- The journey itself is the luxury experience → PeruRail Hiram Bingham
- Want entry ticket + bus + guide included → Inca Rail all-inclusive package
- Need a very early departure → PeruRail (first train at 05:05)
Ollantaytambo vs Cusco: Where to Board
When possible, depart from Ollantaytambo:
- Train ride is just ~1h25 vs ~4-5h from Cusco
- Ollantaytambo itself is worth a morning visit (Inca fortress and market)
- Train fares from Ollantaytambo are lower than the bimodal from Cusco
Where to Buy Train Tickets
- PeruRail: book.perurail.com — online booking, card payment
- Inca Rail: incarail.com — online booking, 5% RT discount
In peak season (June–August), early morning trains sell out weeks in advance. Book at least 2–4 weeks ahead if traveling during this period.
FAQ: Train to Machu Picchu
Does the train ticket include Machu Picchu entry? No, not on any standard service. Entry must be purchased separately through the SERNANP portal. Only the Hiram Bingham and Inca Rail all-inclusive packages include it.
How early should I arrive at the station? At least 30 minutes before departure for both companies.
Can I change or cancel my ticket? Both companies allow changes with advance notice, but cancellation fees apply depending on timing. Check the conditions when booking.
Are there discounts for children or Peruvian nationals? Neither company shows differentiated fares online in their standard booking. Contact each company directly for groups, residents, or young children.
Can I buy the return ticket separately? Yes, on both platforms. Inca Rail gives you 5% off if you buy the round trip together.
Final Summary
| If you are... | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Budget-conscious traveler | PeruRail Expedition from $61.75 |
| Want the best visual experience | Inca Rail The 360° from $82 (unique open-air car) |
| Traveling with a large bag | PeruRail (only company that accepts extra luggage) |
| Want Andean gastronomy included | Inca Rail The Prime from $133 (from Cusco) |
| Full luxury end-to-end experience | PeruRail Hiram Bingham $598.50 RT all-inclusive |
| Want a package with entry + bus + guide | Inca Rail all-inclusive |
| Need the earliest possible departure | PeruRail (first train at 05:05 a.m.) |
At Machupicchu Agency, we include the right train for each traveler in all our Machu Picchu packages — we select the ideal service and schedule based on your itinerary. Questions about which train to choose? Contact us — happy to help.
