Peru Train Guide: Routes, Prices & Tips

Peru does not have an extensive rail network, but the train routes it does have are scenic, practical for reaching Machu Picchu, and in some cases, bucket-list experiences in their own right.

Quick Answer

Peru has three main train routes: Cusco/Ollantaytambo → Machu Picchu (the one most travelers use, S/180-550 / $47-145 round trip), Cusco → Puno luxury scenic train (S/760-1,520 / $200-400 one-way), and Lima → Huancayo highland railway (S/200-500 / $53-132, limited dates). Book Machu Picchu trains 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season.

Train Travel in Peru

Peru is not a train country. Unlike Europe or Japan, there is no national rail network connecting cities. Buses are how Peruvians travel between destinations, and they are cheap, frequent, and cover the entire country.

However, Peru has three train routes that are relevant to travelers - and one of them (the Machu Picchu train) is practically essential since it is the only way to reach Aguas Calientes without hiking. The other two routes are scenic experiences aimed at tourists who want the journey itself to be memorable.

All three routes pass through dramatic Andean landscapes at high altitude. They are more expensive than buses but offer comfort, scenery, and in some cases, the only practical access to a destination.

3 routes

Main tourist railways

4,829m

Highest point (Lima-Huancayo)

2 operators

PeruRail & Inca Rail

Cusco to Machu Picchu Trains

This is the train route most travelers will use. It connects Cusco (via Ollantaytambo) to Aguas Calientes - the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Two companies operate this route: PeruRail and Inca Rail.

PeruRail

The larger operator with more departures and service classes. Trains depart from Ollantaytambo (most frequent) and Poroy station near Cusco (limited service, check availability).

Expedition (Standard)

Comfortable seats, large windows, snack and hot drink included. Good value for most travelers.

Price: S/200-350 ($53-92) round trip | Duration: 1.5h from Ollantaytambo

Vistadome (Panoramic)

Panoramic windows including skylights, live entertainment, snacks, and a fashion show featuring alpaca textiles. More spacious than Expedition.

Price: S/350-550 ($92-145) round trip | Duration: 1.5h from Ollantaytambo

Belmond Hiram Bingham (Luxury)

Ultra-luxury experience. Brunch, cocktails, gourmet dinner on return, live music, observatory car. Includes bus to Machu Picchu and guided tour.

Price: S/3,000+ ($790+) round trip | Duration: 3.5h from Poroy

Inca Rail

Smaller operator with competitive prices and good service. All trains depart from Ollantaytambo. Fewer departures than PeruRail but often slightly cheaper.

The Voyager (Standard)

Comfortable seats, panoramic windows, complimentary snack and drink. Equivalent to PeruRail Expedition.

Price: S/180-300 ($47-79) round trip | Duration: 1.5h from Ollantaytambo

The 360° (Panoramic)

Open-air observation car with 360-degree views. Includes gourmet snacks and drinks. Unique outdoor viewing experience.

Price: S/300-500 ($79-132) round trip | Duration: 1.5h from Ollantaytambo

The First Class (Premium)

Premium service with gourmet meal, open bar, live music, and observatory lounge. Smaller capacity for a more exclusive experience.

Price: S/800-1,500 ($211-395) round trip | Duration: 1.5h from Ollantaytambo

How It Works

Most travelers take a colectivo (shared van) from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.5h, S/10-15 / $3-4), then board the train to Aguas Calientes (1.5h). From Aguas Calientes, a bus takes you up the switchback road to Machu Picchu entrance (25 min, S/24 / $6 one-way). The train follows the Urubamba River through a lush valley - sit on the left side going to Aguas Calientes for the best views.

Cusco to Puno Train (PeruRail Titicaca)

A luxury scenic train crossing the Andean altiplano between Cusco and Puno. This is not a practical transport option - it is a full-day experience designed for travelers who want the journey to be a highlight.

PeruRail Titicaca

A full-day luxury train journey across the altiplano at over 3,800m. The train passes through La Raya pass (4,335m), the highest point on the route, with views of snow-capped peaks, llama herds, and vast grasslands. Includes gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, live Andean music, and an open-air observation car.

Duration: 10 hours Price: S/760-1,520 ($200-400) Frequency: Limited dates (check schedule) Includes: Lunch, tea, entertainment

Honest take: It is expensive and slow (the bus takes 6-7 hours for S/60-100). But if you enjoy luxury train travel, the scenery is stunning and the onboard experience is well-executed. The observation car at La Raya pass is a highlight. Not worth it if you are on a tight budget - the tourist bus with stops covers similar scenery for a fraction of the price.

Train (S/760-1,520 / $200-400)

10 hours, one-way
Gourmet lunch and afternoon tea included
Live music and entertainment
Open-air observation car
Luxury experience, limited dates

Tourist Bus Alternative (S/60-100 / $16-26)

6-7 hours with stops
Stops at La Raya pass, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi
Guide explains sites at each stop
Daily departures, easy to book
90% cheaper, similar scenery

Lima to Huancayo Railway

The Ferrocarril Central Andino is one of the world's highest railways and an engineering marvel. It climbs from sea level in Lima to 4,829m (15,843 ft) at Ticlio pass in just 12 hours, crossing the Andes through tunnels, bridges, and switchbacks.

Ferrocarril Central Andino

Built in the 1870s, this railway was an engineering feat of its era. The route crosses 69 tunnels, 58 bridges, and uses a series of switchbacks (zigzags) to gain altitude. The highest point at Ticlio (4,829m) makes it one of the highest standard-gauge railways in the world. The scenery shifts from coastal desert to high-altitude grasslands to deep Andean valleys.

Duration: 12 hours Price: S/200-500 ($53-132) Frequency: Select dates only (usually monthly) Highest point: 4,829m (15,843 ft)

Honest take: This is for train enthusiasts and travelers who want a unique experience off the standard tourist route. Huancayo itself is a pleasant Andean city but not a major tourist destination. The journey is the point. Altitude sickness is a real concern - you go from sea level to nearly 5,000m in hours. Bring coca candy, stay hydrated, and be prepared to feel unwell at the top.

What to Know

Schedule: Runs on select dates, usually once or twice per month. Check the operator's website for upcoming dates. Sells out quickly - book 2-4 weeks ahead.
Classes: Classic (standard seating, S/200-300 / $53-79) and Tourist (better seats, meals included, S/350-500 / $92-132).
Altitude: The train reaches 4,829m. Oxygen is available onboard. Some passengers feel unwell at the highest points. The train descends to Huancayo (3,271m) where you will feel better.
Return: Most travelers return to Lima by bus (7 hours, S/40-80 / $11-21) since the train runs infrequently. Or continue to Huancavelica by local train.
Scenery: Sit on the right side going to Huancayo for the best valley views. The switchback sections are fascinating to watch.

Booking Tips

Train tickets in Peru should be booked in advance, especially for the Machu Picchu route. Here is what you need to know about booking each route.

Machu Picchu Trains

When to book: 2-4 weeks ahead in peak season (June-August). 1 week ahead in shoulder season. Last-minute availability exists in low season (November-March) but is risky.
Where to book: Directly on PeruRail or Inca Rail websites. You can also book through travel agencies in Cusco but prices may be slightly higher.
What you need: Passport number (must match the passport you carry on the train). Credit card for payment.
Departure point: Most trains leave from Ollantaytambo. Get there by colectivo from Cusco (1.5h, S/10-15 / $3-4). Some PeruRail trains depart from Poroy (near Cusco) - check availability.
Flexibility: Book the earliest morning train going (better light at Machu Picchu) and a late afternoon return (more time at the site).

Cusco-Puno Train

When to book: 1-2 months ahead. Limited departures (check PeruRail schedule for dates).
Where to book: PeruRail website directly.
Season: Runs primarily during dry season (April-October). Limited or no service during rainy season.
Note: One-way only (Cusco → Puno or Puno → Cusco). Not a round trip service.

Lima-Huancayo Train

When to book: 2-4 weeks ahead. Runs on select dates only (usually 1-2 times per month).
Where to book: Ferrocarril Central Andino website or authorized agents in Lima.
Tip: Dates are announced a few months in advance. Check the website regularly if you want a specific month.
Departure: Departs from Desamparados station in Lima Centro, early morning (~7am).

Route Comparison

Here is a side-by-side comparison of all three Peru train routes to help you decide which ones to include in your trip.

Route	Duration	Price Range	Frequency	Essential?
Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes	1.5 hours	S/180-550 ($47-145) RT	Multiple daily	Yes (only way without hiking)
Cusco → Puno (Titicaca)	10 hours	S/760-1,520 ($200-400) OW	Select dates	No (luxury alternative to bus)
Lima → Huancayo	12 hours	S/200-500 ($53-132) OW	1-2x per month	No (bucket-list experience)

Which Train Should You Take?

Everyone visiting Machu Picchu: The Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes train is essential unless you are hiking the Inca Trail or an alternative trek. Luxury travelers: The Cusco-Puno Titicaca train is a memorable splurge. Train enthusiasts: The Lima-Huancayo railway is a unique engineering experience. Most travelers only need the Machu Picchu train.

Practical Tips

What to Bring on Peru Trains

Passport (required for boarding Machu Picchu trains)
Warm layer (trains can be cold, especially at altitude)
Camera (scenery is the point)
Snacks and water (included on luxury trains, not always on standard)
Coca candy or tea for altitude (Cusco-Puno, Lima-Huancayo)
Small bag only (luggage space is limited)

Seating Tips

Machu Picchu train: Left side going to Aguas Calientes for river views.
Cusco-Puno: Both sides have views. Observation car is best.
Lima-Huancayo: Right side for valley views on the descent.
Window seats: Book early for window seat selection on some services.
Vistadome/360°: Skylights mean any seat has good views.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not booking ahead: Machu Picchu trains sell out in peak season. Do not assume you can buy at the station.
Forgetting your passport: You cannot board the Machu Picchu train without the passport that matches your booking. No exceptions.
Choosing the wrong departure point: Most trains leave from Ollantaytambo, not Cusco city. Factor in the 1.5h colectivo ride.
Overpacking: Train luggage space is limited. Bring a small backpack for the Machu Picchu trip and leave large bags at your Cusco hotel.
Ignoring altitude on Lima-Huancayo: You go from 0 to 4,829m in hours. This is extreme. Prepare accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Peru have a train system?

Peru does not have an extensive rail network like Europe. Train travel is limited to a few specific tourist routes: Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu (the most popular), Cusco to Puno (luxury scenic train), and Lima to Huancayo (one of the world's highest railways). These are scenic experiences rather than practical transport - buses are how most people and locals travel between cities.

How much does the train to Machu Picchu cost?

PeruRail Expedition (standard): S/200-350 ($53-92) round trip. PeruRail Vistadome (panoramic windows): S/350-550 ($92-145) round trip. Inca Rail The Voyager: S/180-300 ($47-79) round trip. Inca Rail The 360°: S/300-500 ($79-132) round trip. Prices vary by season, time, and how far in advance you book. Peak season (June-August) is most expensive.

Should I book Peru trains in advance?

Yes, especially for Machu Picchu trains. In peak season (June-August), trains sell out 2-4 weeks ahead. Book as early as possible for the best prices and time slots. The Cusco-Puno luxury train should be booked 1-2 months ahead. The Lima-Huancayo train runs limited dates and sells out quickly - book 2-4 weeks ahead.

What is the difference between PeruRail and Inca Rail?

Both operate the Cusco/Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu route. PeruRail is larger with more departures and service classes (Expedition, Vistadome, Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury). Inca Rail is smaller with competitive prices and good service (The Voyager, The 360°, The First Class). Quality is similar - compare prices and schedules for your dates.

Is the Cusco to Puno train worth it?

The PeruRail Titicaca train is a luxury experience: 10 hours, gourmet lunch, live music, observation car, and stunning altiplano scenery. It costs S/760-1,520 ($200-400) one-way. It is worth it if you enjoy luxury train travel and want the journey to be part of the experience. If budget matters, the tourist bus does the same route in 6-7 hours for S/60-100 ($16-26) with scenic stops.

How do I get from Cusco to Machu Picchu by train?

Trains depart from two stations: Poroy (near Cusco, limited service) or Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley, most departures). Most travelers take a colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.5h, S/10-15 / $3-4) then board the train to Aguas Calientes (1.5h). From Aguas Calientes, take the bus up to Machu Picchu (25 min, S/24 / $6 one-way).

What is the Lima to Huancayo train like?

The Ferrocarril Central Andino is one of the world's highest railways, reaching 4,829m (15,843 ft) at Ticlio pass. It runs Lima to Huancayo (12 hours) on select dates (usually monthly). The journey crosses 69 tunnels and 58 bridges through dramatic Andean scenery. Tickets cost S/200-500 ($53-132) depending on class. It is a bucket-list train journey for rail enthusiasts.

Can I take the train instead of the Inca Trail?

Yes. The train to Aguas Calientes is the standard alternative to hiking the Inca Trail. You still visit Machu Picchu - you just arrive by train instead of on foot. Most visitors use the train. The Inca Trail is a 4-day trek that must be booked months in advance with a licensed operator. The train is easier, faster, and available to book closer to your travel date.