What Is the Best Train to Machu Picchu? PeruRail vs Other Operators

Which is the best train to Machu Picchu?

Complete comparison of operators

Adentrarse en la elección del tren perfecto para tu viaje es un paso crucial, y en esta comparativa, te mostramos por qué PeruRail destaca ante otros operadores

PeruRail vs Other Operators: A Point-by-Point Comparison

When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, one of the most important decisions is choosing which railway operator to travel with. In Peru, there are two authorised operators for this route: PeruRail and a second operator. On this page, you will find an honest and up-to-date comparison to help you make the best decision based on your itinerary, budget and travel preferences.

PeruRail is Peru’s leading railway operator, operating under a concession granted by the Peruvian State since 1999 and backed by the Belmond/LVMH group. It offers more than 32 daily departures to or from Machu Picchu, with services from 8 different stations across Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. This gives travellers a level of flexibility that no other operator can match on this route.

	PERURAIL	OTHER TRAIN OPERATORS
Departure Schedules	Over 32 departure schedules to and from Machu Picchu	14 departure schedules to and from Machu Picchu
Departure Stations	8 stations from or to Machu Picchu: Wanchaq, San Pedro, Poroy, Urubamba, Pachar, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), Hidroeléctrica	3 stations: City of Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu Pueblo
Train Services	4 services: Expedition, Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory and PeruRail Titicaca	4 train services. Some may not operate during certain seasons.
Travel Destinations	5 destinations: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Poroy and Puno	3 destinations: Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu
Group Travel Promotion	10% discount. You can find more information here.	Do not offer this benefit
Benefits with Your Purchase	Enjoy special discounts on hotels, restaurants, experiences, transfers and more in Cusco, Machu Picchu and Puno.	Other operators do not offer this benefit.
Years of Experience	Since 1999. 25 years of experience.	14 years of experience.

Why Choose PeruRail?
Advantages That Make the Difference

Choosing the right operator is not only about price. It is also about experience, flexibility and trust.

Exclusive benefits with your purchase

Enjoy access to exclusive discounts and unique experiences at selected hotels, restaurants and services, thoughtfully designed to enhance your journey before, during and after travelling with PeruRail. Click here to discover all the benefits.

More Schedules and Departure Stations

We offer schedules ranging from early morning to night, with strategic departures from key stations such as Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Poroy, and more. This variety provides flexibility to make the most of every moment of your journey.

Guaranteed scenic experience

Take in breathtaking landscapes through large panoramic windows aboard trains such as Expedition and Vistadome, or from the observation car on Vistadome Observatory and the Titicaca Train, as you journey through Andean valleys towards Machu Picchu, Cusco or Puno.

Complimentary Snacks Onboard

During your journey on PeruRail Vistadome or PeruRail Vistadome Observatory to Machu Picchu, enjoy a delightful snack while immersed in the beauty of the stunning landscapes along the route.

Train Services Available with PeruRail

PeruRail offers three services on the route to Machu Picchu, designed for different types of travellers:

PeruRail Titicaca

PeruRail’s standard service. Comfortable, reliable and affordable. Ideal for independent travellers who prioritise efficiency. Multiple daily departures from Ollantaytambo and Poroy.

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PeruRail Vistadome Observatory

Panoramic windows and a glass roof turn the Andean landscape into the highlight of the journey. A worthwhile upgrade, especially for first-time visitors to Machu Picchu.

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PeruRail Vistadome

The most scenic option within the standard range. Enjoy 360° views throughout the journey and access to an outdoor observation area. Perfect for travellers who know that the journey matters as much as the destination.

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PeruRail Expedition

For travellers wishing to explore the Andean highlands, this service connects Cusco with Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It is the only railway service available to this destination.

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Route Map

Hiram Bingham,
A Belmond Train

Cusco – Arequipa

Andean Explorer,
A Belmond Train

Cusco – Arequipa

Discounts Available When Booking with PeruRail

5% Discount on Return Journeys. When you book both legs of your journey in a single purchase, the discount is applied automatically. No codes, no complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Train Operators to Machu Picchu

What is the difference between PeruRail and other train operators to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail offers more than 32 daily departures to or from Machu Picchu, compared with 14 departures offered by the second authorised operator. PeruRail also operates from 8 stations, including Poroy, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, Pachar and Hidroeléctrica, while the other operator departs from 3 stations. PeruRail is also the only operator with a railway service to Lake Titicaca, making it the railway operator with the widest coverage in Peru.

Is PeruRail the official train operator to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail is Peru’s leading railway operator, operating under a concession granted by the Peruvian State since 1999. It is backed by the Belmond/LVMH group and has more than 25 years of experience on the Machu Picchu route.

Which trains does PeruRail operate to Machu Picchu?

PeruRail operates three services to Machu Picchu: Expedition, the standard service; Vistadome, with panoramic windows and a glass roof; and Vistadome Observatory, with 360° views and an outdoor observation area. All services depart from Ollantaytambo or Poroy and arrive in Aguas Calientes.

Does PeruRail offer discounts for groups or return journeys?

Yes. PeruRail applies an automatic 5% discount when booking return journeys in a single purchase, and a 10% discount for group or private journeys. None of these discounts require a promotional code — they are applied directly in the booking engine.

Where can I buy PeruRail tickets?

Tickets can be purchased directly at perurail.com, with the best price guarantee when booking through the official website. They are also available through authorised travel agencies and at station ticket offices.

How far in advance should I buy my train ticket to Machu Picchu?

It is recommended to book at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance, especially during high season, from June to August and from December to January. In 2026, with higher numbers of international travellers expected, it is advisable to book as early as possible.

Do I need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket in addition to the train ticket?

Yes. The train ticket does not include entrance to the archaeological sanctuary. Entry tickets must be purchased separately through the official platform of the Ministry of Culture of Peru and are subject to limited availability by circuit and time slot.

What our passengers are saying about us

“Amazing experience”
Amazing service and clean facilities. Maritza C was delightful, polite and catered to all our needs. She was friendly and helpful. We couldn’t have asked for more.

Salina T

- PeruRail Expedition

“Excellent fashion show with a view”
The trip was excellent. The view and experience was out of this world. The highlight of the trip was the fashion show put on by Mavilla N and Felipe. They used the aisle of the train as their runway fashion show and showcased fine fashion from Peru.

Dvas87

- PeruRail Vistadome

“Entertaining and fun”
Train experience was fun and entertaining. Luis, Rosalia, and all of the staff was kind and inclusive. They danced and sang and made sure to get everyone involved to make the train ride and the time pass quickly. 10/10 experience

Ines832

- PeruRail Vistadome Observatory

“Old school journey to Machu Pichu”
We joined the train at Ollantaytambo, bound for Machu Pichu. When the train arrived, we were met by the train staff and shown to our seats. We had a delightful journey. We started with a Buck’s Fizz, and had wine with our 3 course meal.

Albert C

- Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train