The train is the mainstream way into Machu Picchu, and Peruways books all three operators — PeruRail, Inca Rail, and Belmond’s Hiram Bingham — on a single platform. The route options come down to where you start.


  1. Cusco to Machu Picchu by train. A handful of trains leave from Poroy station (30 minutes from central Cusco) or from Cusco San Pedro directly, running straight through to Aguas Calientes. These routes are seasonal; from July to December each year, maintenance on the Poroy–Ollantaytambo section often shifts the service to a bus+train hybrid.

  2. Cusco to Machu Picchu by road + train. The standard option. Peruways’ shuttle Cusco–Ollantaytambo (90 minutes), then PeruRail or Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (90 minutes). More departures, more cabin choices.

  3. Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu by train. If you’re already overnighting in the Sacred Valley (recommended for altitude), you skip the shuttle entirely. Ollantaytambo station is the main departure point and runs the most trains per day in both directions.


Whichever route, Peruways handles the Consettur bus up from Aguas Calientes and the citadel entry on the same booking. Pick the start point, we hold the inventory.