Two operators run the train line from Cusco to Machu Picchu — PeruRail (Belmond-owned) and Inca Rail. Most travellers board at Ollantaytambo rather than Cusco–Poroy, which is seasonal and 30 minutes longer. The Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes run is 90 minutes along the Urubamba River.
Between them, the two operators cover six service classes. Expedition and Voyager are the budget options — same tracks, same schedule, lower fares. Vistadome and 360° have the panoramic ceiling windows that go in the brochures. The Belmond Hiram Bingham sits at the top, with brunch outbound and four-course dinner back.
At Aguas Calientes you connect to the Consettur bus up 13 switchbacks to the citadel gate. Peruways sells train, bus and entrance ticket in one checkout — same price as buying from PeruRail or Inca Rail direct, with one booking reference. Visit Peruways to pick a timetable that suits your Machu Picchu date.
Book 30 days ahead in dry season (June–August); morning trains that line up with the first entry wave at 6 a.m. sell out first.
