Table of Content
If there’s one destination that every traveler wants to visit in Peru, it’s undoubtedly Machu Picchu. However, to reach this amazing wonder of the modern world, it’s essential to know about the train stations in Cusco, where the journey to the Incan citadel begins.
Trains are the most comfortable and safest option to reach Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu. Below, we present the main train stations from which you can start your journey, along with their characteristics and services.
Train Stations in Cusco and Their Services
| Station | Distance from Cusco | Available Services |
|---|---|---|
| Wanchaq | 10 minutes from downtown | Trains to Puno and Arequipa: Peru Rail Titicaca and Belmond Andean Explorer. |
| San Pedro | 5 minutes from downtown | Expedition, Vistadome, Hiram Bingham (luxury train) and local train for Peruvians. |
| Poroy | 30 minutes from downtown | Expedition, Vistadome and the luxury Hiram Bingham train. |
| Ollantaytambo | 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown | More than 30 daily departures with luxury train options and local train. |
Two important railway companies operate the trains connecting Cusco with Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both offer various services for different types of travelers, from budget options to luxury trains with exclusive experiences.
Below, we present a detailed breakdown of each station so you can choose the best alternative according to your itinerary.
Wanchaq Station
Located in downtown Cusco, just 1.6 km from the Plaza de Armas, this station offers comfortable facilities and ticket offices for purchasing tickets. From here, long-distance trains depart to Puno and Arequipa, operated by Peru Rail Titicaca and Belmond Andean Explorer, known for their panoramic and luxurious journeys.
During the rainy season, between January and April, services are usually temporarily suspended.
Additionally, the Bimodal service buses also depart from Wanchaq, a combination of bus and train that takes passengers to Ollantaytambo, where they then board the train to Machu Picchu. The total journey to Aguas Calientes takes around 4 hours.
San Pedro Station
Considered one of the most emblematic stations in Cusco, it’s located in the heart of the city, next to the San Pedro Church and across from the busy market of the same name. It’s only 800 meters from the Plaza de Armas, making it a convenient option for those staying downtown.
The following trains operate from this station:
- Expedition (economical and touristic)
- Vistadome (with panoramic views)
- Hiram Bingham (luxury service)
- Local Train (exclusively for Peruvians)
During the rainy season (January-April), this station temporarily ceases operations. The complete journey to Machu Picchu usually takes almost 4 hours.
Poroy Station
Located 30 minutes by car from downtown Cusco, this station is in the Poroy district, 11 km from the city. To get there, you can choose taxi or public transportation.
The trains operating at this station include:
- Expedition (standard and accessible option)
- Vistadome (with panoramic windows)
- Hiram Bingham (luxury train with premium services)
The journey from Poroy to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a faster and more comfortable alternative than other stations.
Ollantaytambo Station
Located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, this station is the most used by travelers, as it offers a large number of daily departures. It’s 61 km from Cusco, and to get there, you must take a bus or taxi, in a journey that takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
It has modern infrastructure that includes ticket offices, cafeterias, and boarding areas. More than 30 trains per day depart from Ollantaytambo with different types of services, from budget options to luxury trains like the Hiram Bingham.
The train journey from this station to Aguas Calientes takes approximately 2 hours.
Which is the Best Station for Traveling to Machu Picchu?
The choice of station will depend on your location in Cusco, your budget, and schedule availability. Here are some recommendations:
- If you want the fastest and most comfortable option → Poroy (3h 30min train journey).
- If you’re looking for more train availability and varied prices → Ollantaytambo (more than 30 daily services).
- If you prefer to depart from downtown Cusco → San Pedro (near Plaza de Armas).
- If you plan to travel to Puno or Arequipa by luxury train → Wanchaq (Peru Rail Titicaca and Belmond Andean Explorer).
Regardless of the station you choose, the important thing is to book your tickets in advance, as demand is high, especially during peak season (June – August).
