Peru Rail | FAQ

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FAQ

About Commercial Terms / Tickets

Can I modify my train tickets?

Yes, you can change your tickets by changing the date of travel up to 24 hours before the train departs. To do so, you will need to fill in this form by clicking here. After this period the modification does not proceed.

Can I cancel my tickets?

If you wish to cancel your train tickets, please send the request by clicking here up to 24 hours before your travel date, after this period cancellation will not proceed.

How can I request the refund of my train tickets?

You can modify your date of travel or make a refund request by clicking here.

Are the trains operating?

Pursuant to supreme decree N° 010-2022 PCM, the government officially suspends the curfew (social immobilisation) nationwide.

About the Tickets

If I want to cancel my reservation, how many days in advance do I need to do so? and how long does it take to receive my refund?

You can request a refund by clicking here no less than 24 hours before the train’s departure, or if you paid via credit card or bank deposit, if you were unable to make it to Cusco or Peru, subject to a 10% charge for administrative expenses.

• Only the holder of the ticket purchase may request a refund.
• The refund will be processed through a credit note. This will only apply for tickets purchased at regular fare. Consider that a 10% administrative fee will be charged.
• Your cancellation request will not proceed if you fill out this form 24 hours prior to train departure and/or purchased your tickets at a promotional rate.
• If you purchased the tickets with a travel agency, this request must be processed directly with the agency.

Do you only sell tickets to foreigners, or can Peruvians buy a ticket, too?

Not only do we sell tickets to foreigners, but we also sell them to Peruvians. Peruvians can use all of the tourist services (Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, PeruRail Vistadome, PeruRail Expedition, and PeruRail Titicaca) as well as the Local Train, depending on the availability of seats, given that this is for the use of local residents, who shall be given preference in all cases.

How far in advance do I need to buy my ticket if I want to travel during peak season?

You can buy tickets on our website year round at www.perurail.com. For travel during peak season*, we recommend buying your ticket at least three months in advance.

(*) From April 1 to November 14 and from December 21 to December 31.

If I don’t make the train, can I use my ticket to take another train

No, passengers are not allowed to use their ticket for a train departing at a different time. If you do not make it to the train at the time indicated on the ticket, the same ticket cannot be used for a different service or time and no refund request would be valid.

Loss or Change of Tickets

Loss of ticket:

  • Download the Perurail eTicket app on their phone from the Play Store for Android or Apple Store for IOS and view their virtual ticket and payment voucher.
  • Obtain a new ticket by visiting www.perurail.com to reprint the TRAVEL TICKET clicking on the following link: http://bit.ly/imprimir-ticket
  • Approach one of the Points of Sale, where they can request that the ticket be forwarded to their email. Passengers must do the above at least sixty (60) minutes before the departure of the train; otherwise, they will lose the contracted service.

Change of Ticket:

  • If you would like to make any changes to your ticket purchased online, please complete the following form by clicking here.

What is included in the tickets?

Train tickets include the transport by train, whether one-way or round trip, contracted by passengers. Additionally, they include a series of services that vary depending on the type of trip: outbound, inbound, or round trip. You can review what is included and what is not included in our “Service Details” by train and by trip type. If you like, you can also compare the different train services by clicking here.

About technical difficulties in purchasing or paying for my train tickets

When I try to buy the page does not load, I cannot enter my data or I get a blank screen.

Some passengers present these or other problems on our website:

  • Delay in loading at the time of purchase
  • The booking page is blank
    Passenger data cannot be added
  • No payment option
  • You were charged, but you did not receive your train tickets.

Please click here and check the troubleshooting you can do.

About New Safety and health Procedures - COVID-19

What covid measures are currently being implemented?

According to the DS 130-2022-PCM, it is no longer mandatory to show the vaccination card when boarding our trains. Also, the use of face masks is optional for both train and bimodal service.

About the air sanitation system aboard our trains with HEPA filters - COVID19

What is this modern air sanitation process on board?

It is an air purification system that has four technology processes: HEPA filters, UVC Far lamps, air ionizers and controlled ozone comply with international standards of hygiene and health that will reduce the microbial load in the air, eliminating it by 99.9%.

In which trains is this air purification system being implemented?

This system has been implemented in tourist train services on the Cusco to Machu Picchu route (PeruRail Expedition and PeruRail Vistadome) and in luxury train services on the Cusco to Puno route (PeruRail Titicaca).

What are HEPA filters?

The new air sterilization with HEPA, or “high-efficiency particulate air” filters, will be in place during your entire train journey. The main feature is to comply with international standards of hygiene and health, such as ISO 29463, making your journey with PeruRail safe and peaceful.

How do HEPA filters work?

These filters remove air impurities no matter how small they are, ensuring 99.9% efficiency; in turn, having this new system on board allows us to operate at 100% capacity in each of our train services to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, in Puno.

What are the benefits of this air sanitation system on board our trains?

This sanitation system includes a HEPA Filter + Activated Carbon, a Far VC lamp, an Ionizer and a UVC lamp that guarantee full sterilization by killing different bacteria and viruses. Moreover, various reports, including a NASA study, show that these components together allow the removal of tiny COVID-19 particles.

Thanks to this system, the air in circulation breathed on board is almost (and certainly) cleaner than the one we normally breathe outside our cars, and this is also due to the efficient air circulation methods.

Using these devices does not compromise the exposure of passengers to the UV radiation they use, then, unlike other similar filters that fulfill the same function, we are talking about a system that not only has more than 99.9% effectiveness, but has also been designed to protect at all times the health of each of our passengers traveling on board our train services.

I have more questions about this new air purification system.

In that case, we invite you to read the following note about the air sanitization system based on HEPA filters.

Buses and Arrival at the Citadel of Machu Picchu

Does the train drop me off in the town of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) or at the citadel itself?

Our train services will drop you off at the Machu Picchu Station, in the town of Machu Picchu (formerly known as Aguas Calientes). Afterwards, you will have to take a bus up to the citadel. Remember that the only train service that includes bus transport up and back is the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, depending on the type of trip you have paid for. We recommend reviewing the Service Details for the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, to verify what is included and what is not included, depending on the trip type, by clicking here.

Do any of the train services include the bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu and back, or the entry fee to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition trains do not include the Machu Picchu entry fee or the bus services to the citadel and back. The only train that includes these services is the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  which offers all-included service: the train, bus, entry fee, and guided visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, in the case of round trip and outbound journeys. Please note that the return (inbound) journey does not include the entry fee or guided visit, although it does include the bus trip down from the citadel. We recommend viewing the Service Details for the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, to verify what is included and what is not included, depending on the trip type, by clicking here.

How do I reach the citadel of Machu Picchu from the town of Machu Picchu? Does PeruRail also sell those tickets?

When you reach the town of Machu Picchu (formerly known as Aguas Calientes) you will have two options for reaching the Inca citadel: on foot or by bus.

You can go to the bus station and catch a bus, which will take you quickly and safely up the switchback road. The first bus departs from town at 5:30 am, and the last bus leaves the citadel at 5:30 pm.

The uphill walk up takes about two hours. You may be quite tired by the time you reach the citadel.

The company that sells the bus tickets from the town of Machu Picchu to the citadel and back is CONSETTUR. PeruRail does not sell bus tickets for the trip up to the citadel. It only sells the train service to Machu Picchu Station, located in the town of Machu Picchu.*

(*) The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, offers all-included service: the train, bus, entry fee, and guided visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu, in the case of round trip and outbound journeys. Please note that the return (inbound) journey does not include the entry fee or guided visit, although it does include the bus trip down from the citadel. We recommend viewing the Service Details for the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, to verify what is included and what is not included, depending on the trip type, by clicking here.

How do I buy the bus ticket to Machu Picchu and the entry tickets?

You can purchase the bus tickets in the city of Cusco on Av. Infancia, or in the town of Machu Picchu itself at the bus stop, from which the buses depart for the citadel. Please note that space is limited.

The entry ticket to the Incan citadel can be purchased at the site itself, or at the offices of the National Institute of Culture (INC)  in Cusco (Av. La Cultura 238, Condomino Huáscar, across from the university stadium) or by visiting www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

To learn more about CONSETTUR and the bus tickets, or the National Institute of Culture (INC) and the tickets to the citadel, click here.

Does PeruRail offer tours to the citadel of Machu Picchu?

Only if you purchase a round trip or outbound-only trip on the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  service, which includes a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the citadel in a group of a maximum of 14  people. We recommend viewing the Service Details for the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, to verify what is included and what is not included, depending on the trip type, by clicking here.

PeruRail does not offer tours for any of its other train services (PeruRail Vistadome or PeruRail Expedition). After reaching Machu Picchu, we suggest hiring a tour at the entry to the citadel. The cost of this tour will vary depending on the number of persons in the group, and will have a duration of approximately two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the citadel at your own pace.

How much time do you recommend I plan to spend at the citadel of Machu Picchu?

We recommend planning on spending at least three or four hours at the citadel. Please note that the trip from the bus station to the citadel and back takes approximately 30  minutes each way.

About Infants or Children:

Do children or infants have to pay for tickets?

Infants between the ages of 0 and 2 do not need to pay for tickets, provided they sit with their parents in the same seat on the train. In the event that parents prefer their infant(s) to occupy their own seat, the additional seat is subject to the payment of the special child rate. Children between the ages of 3 and 11 must have their own tickets, which are offered at 50% of the normal ticket price. For more details, please see the Policy on Children and Infants here.

For the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  service, there is no different rate between children and adults. Infants (between 0 and 2 years old), will not pay a ticket if during the trip, they occupy the cabin of the adult. Infants and children must travel accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18 years old). For more details, please see the Hiram Bingham’s Policy on Children and Infants here.

About the Seats

We are traveling in separate seats and wagons. Is it possible to change our seats? Can we make this change by telephone?

At this time, our sales system does not allow passengers to choose their seats. Passengers can write to us with complaints, questions, or requests for changes to dates or seats at reservas@perurail.com, for those traveling on the PeruRail Expedition, PeruRail Vistadome, and PeruRail Titicaca train services. Those passengers taking the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, service can write to us at trains.peru@belmond.com. All changes must be requested at least twenty-four (24) hours before the train’s departure time, and are subject to available space.

For the Andean Explorer train, A Belmond Train, in case of any complaints, questions, or requests for changes to dates or cabins, passengers can write to trains.peru@belmond.com.

About the Trains in General

Why can’t I find the Backpacker train?

Since 2010, the Backpacker train is no longer being offered. However, we offer the PeruRail Expedition service, which provides an excellent level of comfort at a low price.

Is there a special train for backpackers? Where can I buy tickets?

We offer the PeruRail Expedition train service at a lower price than our other services. You can purchase tickets on our website or at any point of sale in Lima and Cusco. To locate the nearest Point of Sale, click here. To learn more about what is included and what is not included in the PeruRail Expedition service, click here to see the train’s Service Details.

Is there a time of year when the trains don’t run due to maintenance work?

Our trains run 365 days per year, except in cases of contingency due to acts of nature or factors beyond the company’s control.

Is it true that not all of the seats on the PeruRail Vistadome have windows?

All of our PeruRail Vistadome trains have panoramic windows. To know more about what is included and what is not included in the Vistadome service, click here.

Do all trains depart from downtown Cusco?

None of the trains departs from downtown Cusco, except for the local train (social, non-tourist service) and the luggage cars. The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  and PeruRail Expedition tourist services to Machu Picchu depart from the Poroy Station (Cusco), located 20 minutes from downtown Cusco and the PeruRail Vistadome service departs from this station and the San Pedro Station (Cusco), located 10 minutes from downtown Cusco, via the Regular Service (Train Only) between May and December. As a general rule, the following standards apply, although details may vary depending on the time of year you are travelling; for example, between January and April the train services may vary during the rainy season in Cusco, when part of the railway is closed for safety reasons to avoid possible contingencies as a result of landslides.

For the PeruRail Titicaca tourist service, the point of departure year round is the Wanchaq Station (Cusco) and Puno Station. For the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  tourist service, the point of departure  is the Wanchaq Station (Cusco), Lake Titicaca Station (Puno) and the Arequipa Station, depending on the chosen itinerary.

What is the new multiservice operations model?

The multiservice operations model is a combination of two train services of different categories that operate at the same time. In 2020, we offer this new benefit with 19 new schedules in our PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition train services, thus providing greater diversity of itinerary options for our passengers.

Is there an economy class on the Cusco – Puno – Cusco route?

No, we only offer the PeruRail Titicaca Train  serviceTo learn more about what is included and what is not included in the PeruRail Titicaca  Train service, click here.

Also, the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, has two itineraries that go on the Cusco-Puno-Cusco route: Spirit of the Water and Spirit of the Andes. To know more about these itineraries, you can visit the following link.

How fast do the trains go? What determines this speed?

Due to the geography along the route, the standard speeds permitted for this journey range from 30 to 45 kilometers per hour.

About PeruRail Sacred Valley train service

PeruRail Sacred Valley train was a luxury service on the Urubamba – Machu Picchu – Urubamba route, riding from the center of the Sacred Valley of Cusco. This train had an elegantly and subtly furnished atmosphere typical of the 1920s Pullman cars. It had a dining car where passengers could enjoy an included gourmet lunch or dinner; and an open-air observation bar car that allowed them to appreciate the landscapes of the route, going through the heart of the Sacred Valley.

This train service was available until March 2020.

About the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, Service

What is included in the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, Service?

We recommend reviewing the Service Details for the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  available here to learn more about what is included and what is not included, depending on the trip type. As a general rule, the following standards apply, although details may vary depending on the time of year that you are travelling (Regular Service [Train Only] or Bimodal Service [Bus + Train]):

If you purchase a round trip journey on the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, the service includes:

  • Welcome show aboard with typical dances of the region.
  • A Bar Car with the best peruvian cocktails.
  • Gourmet lunch on board.
  • An Observation Car to enjoy the scenery of the route.
  • Live music show.
  • Upbound bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • A tour guide in Spanish and/or English for a group up of 14 people.
  • Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
  • Return bus to Machu Picchu Town.
  • VIP Lounge at Machu Picchu Station.
  • Gourmet dinner on board.

If you only purchase a ticket for the Cusco – Machu Picchu leg (outbound ticket) the service includes:

  • Welcome show aboard with typical dances of the region.
  • A Bar Car with the best peruvian cocktails.
  • Gourmet lunch on board.
  • An Observation Car to enjoy the scenery of the route.
  • Live music show.
  • VIP Lounge at Machu Picchu Station.
  • Upbound bus to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • Entrance ticket to the Machu Picchu Citadel.
  • A tour guide in Spanish and/or English for a group up of 14 people.
  • Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.

If you only purchase the ticket for the Machu Picchu – Cusco leg (return ticket) the service includes:

  • Tea time at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.
  • Return bus to Machu Picchu Town.
  • VIP Lounge at Machu Picchu Station.
  • Gourmet dinner on board.
  • Live music show.
  • A Bar Car with the best peruvian cocktails.

Can I take the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, from Urubamba?

No, the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, service is only available from the Poroy Station (Cusco) or the Ollantaytambo Station during Regular Service (Train Only) from April to December. From January to April: our  Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  Train will be the only train during this season operating under a bimodal service: bus + train. The journey will begin boarding a private bus departing from Poroy Station (located 20 minutes by highway from Cusco Center), heading towards our Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado property. From this point, a transfer from the private bus to the train will be done towards Machu Picchu Station. Please bear in mind the transportation from Cusco Center to Poroy Station is not included in the ticket fare. The return journey from Machu Picchu Station to Cusco will keep the same bimodal service (train + bus) and includes the transfer to our passenger’s own accomodations/hotels, as long as they are located within Cusco City.

We recommend reviewing the Service Details for the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  available here to learn more about what is included and what is not included, depending on the trip type.

Is there a dress code on the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train?

No, there is no dress code for passengers of the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train.

About the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, Service

What is included in the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train?

The Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, train travels along one of the highest train routes in the world, crossing through breathtaking cities on its way from Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa, and exploring natural wonders and ancient kingdoms on one and two-night trips. You can choose from these four possible routes:

Peruvian Highlands
(Cusco – Lake Titicaca – Arequipa City) 2 nights / 3 days:
With a morning departure from Cusco, the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, you will cross the Altiplano towards Puno, and discover the spectacular beauty of Lake Titicaca. Next visit the Sumbay Caves, home to the rock art of the first humans that lived in the Peruvian highlands, before reaching the volcanic “White City” of Arequipa

Andean Plains and Islands of Discovery
(Arequipa – Lake Titicaca – Cusco) 2 nights / 2 days:
With an evening departure from the Baroque city of Arequipa, you will head towards Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Later on you will cross through deep valleys and high mountains, where camelids graze in the wide open plains of the Peruvian Altiplano.

Spirit of the Water
(Cusco to Puno) 1 night / 1 day:
With a morning departure from Cusco aboard the elegant cars of Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  you will travel across the giant peaks and wide open spaces of the highest plains of the Andes, finally reaching Lake Titicaca, birthplace of the Incas.

Spirit of the Andes
(Puno to Cusco) 1 night / 1 day:
Travel from Puno to Cusco along one of the most beautiful train routes in the world, across the highest plains of the Andes.

To learn more about each of the journeys, click here.

About the Food on the Trains

Can I make special requests for people with vegetarian, vegan, or kosher diets?

Yes, only on our Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, and Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  luxury trains, and on the PeruRail Titicaca train services. Vegetarian options are listed on the menu, so there is no need to make a reservation. However, passengers with vegan or kosher diets should inform PeruRail’s staff ahead of time, if traveling on the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, and Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  (by sending an email to trains.peru@belmond.com) and the PeruRail Titicaca and PeruRail Sacred Valley (by sending an email to reservas@perurail.com).

Do the PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition trains offer vegetarian snacks?

No, the PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition train services do not offer vegetarian snacks.

Can I make special requests due to dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes, only on our  Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, and Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  luxury trains and on the PeruRail Titicaca service. If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, you can inform PeruRail’s staff ahead of time by sending an email to trains.peru@belmond.com for those taking the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, and Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  train services, or reservas@perurail.com for those taking the PeruRail Titicaca train.

About Luggage

Is carry-on luggage allowed?

Yes, carry-on luggage is allowed. For this purpose, carry-on luggage is considered to include those pieces of luggage that, due to their nature and use, must necessarily accompany the passenger onboard.

What is meant by carry-on luggage?

Carry-on luggage means a bag or backpack with a maximum weight limit of 8.0 kg/17.64 lb and measuring no more than 157 cm (height + length + width). Any luggage that does not meet these limits cannot be carried aboard the train. There are no restrictions when traveling on the PeruRail Titicaca (from Cusco to Puno or vice versa) since the train has a luggage storage wagon. If you require special assistance with your luggage, please contact equipaje@perurail.com at least 48 hours before your planned travel date. Subject to available space.

In case of the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train, permitted luggage in cabins should not exceed 08 kg / 17.64 lbs per passenger. In case of larger luggage, the train has a luggage storage wagon. We recommend you to carry with you everything you consider necessary for your trip, because access to the luggage storage wagon will be limited.

Is there luggage storage at the stations?

Yes. Luggage storage is free for all PeruRail passengers at the following stations:

  • Storage Ollantaytambo – From ​04:15 hrs. to 21:00 hrs.
  • Storage Machu Picchu – From 08:00 hrs. to 22:00 hrs.

Can I travel with my luggage?

Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco Route:

When traveling to Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  PeruRail Vistadome, or PeruRail Expedition: one bag or backpack (carry-on luggage) with a maximum weight of 8.0 kg/17.64  lb., measuring no more than 62 linear inches/157 linear cm (height + length + width). It is prohibited by law to block the exits. If you require special assistance with your luggage, please contact equipaje@perurail.com at least 48 hours before your planned travel date. Subject to available space.

Cusco – Puno – Cusco Route:

There are no restrictions when traveling on the  Andean Explorer, A Belmond Traind, or the PeruRail Titicaca (from Cusco to Puno or vice versa) since the train has a luggage storage wagon. However, keep in mind that in the  Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  permitted luggage in cabins should not exceed 08 kg / 17.64 lbs per passenger.

Cusco –Puno – Arequipa Route:

There are no restrictions when traveling on the  Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  (Cusco- Puno- Arequipa or viceversa) since the train has a luggage storage wagon. However, keep in mind that in the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train,  permitted luggage in cabins should not exceed 08 kg / 17.64 lbs per passenger.

Exceptional Flexibility Policy for Onboard Luggage:

  • Those passengers walking the Inca Trail can take advantage of our Exceptional Flexibility Policy for Onboard Luggage (route to Machu Picchu, not return) by exhibiting their permit issued by the UGM and contacting equipaje@perurail.com at least 48 hours before their planned travel date. Subject to available space.
  • Luggage deposit at the Ollantaytambo Station: From ​04:15 hrs. to 21:00 hrs.
  • Luggage deposit at the Machu Picchu Station: From 08:00 hrs. to 22:00 hrs.
About Distances and Stations in Cusco

Where is the San Pedro Station located?

The San Pedro Station is located 5 minutes from downtown Cusco.

How do I reach the San Pedro Station?

Walking, by bus, taxi cab or private automobile.

Where is the Poroy Station located?

The Poroy Station is located 20 minutes from downtown Cusco.

How do I reach the Poroy Station?

By bus, taxi cab or private automobile.

Is the Sacred Valley the same as Ollanta or Ollantaytambo?

The Sacred Valley is located in Ollantaytambo, the capital of the Province of Urubamba. Ollantaytambo features enormous walls that face the city of Cusco. The town is not to be missed by those visiting Cusco. Ollanta and Ollantaytambo are two names for the same town. Ollantaytambo is also the name of one of our stations: Ollantaytambo Station, the closest stop before the Machu Picchu Station.

What are the distances between stations?

Note: All times given are approximate. Subject to change.

Trip time by car to the stations:

  • Downtown Cusco – San Pedro Station (Cusco): 5 minutes (car)
  • Downtown Cusco – Poroy Station (Cusco): 20 minutes (car)
  • Downtown Cusco – Wanchaq Station (Cusco): 5 minutes(car)
  • Downtown Cusco – Ollantaytambo Station: 1 hour 30 minutes(car)
  • Only by Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)*: Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train: Poroy Station (Cusco) – Belmond Rio Sagrado Hotel: 1 hour 30 minutes (charter bus)

Trip time by train from the San Pedro Station (Cusco):

  • San Pedro Station (Cusco) – Machu Picchu Station:  4 hours 30 minutes

Trip time by train from the Poroy Station (Cusco):

  • Poroy Station (Cusco) – Urubamba Station: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Poroy Station (Cusco) – Ollantaytambo Station: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Poroy Station (Cusco) – Machu Picchu Station: 3 hours 30 minutes

Trip time by train to Machu Picchu Station:

  • San Pedro Station (Cusco) – Machu Picchu Station: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Poroy Station (Cusco) – Machu Picchu Station: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Ollantaytambo Station – Machu Picchu Station: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Urubamba Station – Machu Picchu Station: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Only by Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)*: Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train: Belmond Rio Sagrado Hotel – Machu Picchu Station: 2 hours 50 minutes

Trip time by train to/from Puno Station/Wanchaq Station (Cusco):

  • Wanchaq Station (Cusco) – Puno Station: 10 hours 30 minutes
  • Puno Station – Wanchaq Station (Cusco): 10 hours 30 minutes

(*) For further information about Bimodal Service (Bus + Train), click here.

Is it easy to find transportation to and from the train station(s)?

Yes. Make sure to reserve transportation ahead of time. If you are going to use a taxi, we recommend visiting the Iperú  website to check the rates or the companies that provide this service.

How much will a taxi cab to/from Cusco/Ollantaytambo cost me?

Taximeters are not used in Peru, and fare prices do not depend on the number of passengers or the number of passengers or kilometers/meters traveled. Generally speaking, fares from the city of Cusco range from PEN 3 to PEN 10 (prices only for shared transportation; private taxis charge approximately PEN 100). For more information, we recommend asking for reference prices at the Iperú offices before negotiating with taxi drivers. For more details, click here.

What taxi company/travel agency/guide/hotel do you recommend?

We do not offer recommendations. However, we suggest checking the referential list of agencies offered on the Iperú website. For more details, click here.

About Service Variations or Seasons

What is the Regular Service (Train Only)?

The Regular Service is the transport service provided by PeruRail on the Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco route solely by between May and December. As a general rule, the following standards apply, although details may vary depending on the time of year that you are travelling, for example between January and April the train services may vary during the rainy season in Cusco, when part of the railway is closed for safety reasons to avoid possible contingencies as a result of landslides and PeruRail runs the Bimodal Service (Bus + Train).

What is the Bimodal Service (Bus + Train)?

PeruRail operate the Bimodal Service (Bus + Train), a service that combines bus and train travel, departing and returning to Cusco City.
During this period:

  • Passengers using the PeruRail Vistadome and PeruRail Expedition bimodal services board a private bus at Wanchaq Station, 5 minutes away from Cusco’s historic center, and arrive to Ollantaytambo Station. From here, passengers board the train and head to their final destination: Machu Picchu Station. The return journey is the same in reverse.
  • Passengers using the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train,  bimodal service board a private bus at Wanchaq Station, 5 minutes away from Cusco’s historic center, and arrive to Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado. From the hotel, join the Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, train for the journey to Machu Picchu Station. On the return leg, passengers are dropped off at their accommodation in Cusco’s city center. The Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, operates daily except for the last Sunday of every month.
About the Local Train

Why can’t foreign tourists travel on the Local Train? Why can’t a foreign tourist buy tickets for the local train service?

As part of its corporate social responsibility activities, PeruRail offers the Local Train service, which aims to facilitate transport for people who live in the communities located along the Cusco railway, given that the train is their only means of reaching the town of Machu Picchu.

This service allows the residents of these communities to carry out their daily social, cultural, economic, and productive activities by traveling between their hometowns and other locations along the railway. Given the social nature of this service, our company offers this transportation at a non-commercial, social rate.

Because it is a social service, it is subject to certain terms and conditions. As one of fundamental requirements, those seeking to purchase tickets for the Local Train must exhibit their National Identity Card (DNI) to prove that they reside in one of the communities located between Cusco and the town of Machu Picchu or the hydroelectric plant.

As part of this service, Peruvian citizens who have proven their status by exhibiting their valid DNI are allowed to board the Local Train, with certain limitations. They are not eligible to take all of the Local Trains scheduled, being restricted to times of day when the service is not in high demand among local residents.

The social nature of this service is the reason why this service is not available to foreign passengers.

About our points of sale and method of payment

Where I can find the PeruRail points of sale?

You can find our different points of sale with their respective opening hours by clicking here.

Which is the method of payment at our points of sale?

Website: You can purchase securely with credit or debit cards using Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express. Also, bank transfers via Safetypay, Cuotéalo BCP and Paypal payments.

Points of Sale (Stores and Ticket Offices): Train tickets can be purchased with Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club and American Express credit and/or debit cards; as well as with cash of up to USD 500 or S/ 2,000.

For your convenience ATM machines are located at all our major train stations.
Traveller’s checks are not accepted.


Note:

You can purchase securely with credit or debit cards using Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express. Also, bank transfers via Safetypay and Paypal payments. You may contact our call center +511 -6254848 for assistance or by mail to reservas@perurail.com.

If you are a Travel Agent looking to book tickets for a client with PeruRail, please contact us directly in order to arrange the booking by email to reservas@perurail.com or via phone at: +511 -6254848.