Trains to Machu Picchu Expedition and Vistadome
The trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is done by train. The train ride can depart from Cusco, Poroy (just outside the city), or Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley of the Incas). There are different types of trains, which vary according to the quality of service on board. Two of the most requested trains by visitors are the Expedition and Vistadome trains. Learn about their differences and which service to choose for your train trip.
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Trains to Machu Picchu
- The train trip is the safest and fastest way to get to Machu Picchu.
- The starting point is the city of Cusco where most tourist hotels are located. Some visitors depart from Urubamba or Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- In any case, the tourist must choose to start from one of the three stations: Cusco station (in San Pedro or Wánchaq), Poroy station (about 30 minutes by road from Cusco), and Ollantaytambo station (1 hour 40 minutes by road from Cusco).
- Once you have chosen the train station (most prefer Ollantaytambo because they have the most daily departures), you must choose the type of train.
- Two companies offer train travel: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both offer daily trips on the following routes: Cusco – Aguas Calientes, Poroy – Aguas Calientes, or Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes.
- Train travel is a tourist service. That is, comfortable and safe with different types of services such as attention on board, snacks, drinks, and even shows on board.
Peru Rail services
The trains offered by Peru Rail are as follows:
- Local train – This service is only for Peruvian tourists. It is not a tourist service since it does not offer on-board services or shows. Some people even travel standing. The train departs from Ollantaytambo station. The price is very cheap (12 Peruvian soles approximately).
- Expedition Train – This service is intended for Peruvians and foreign tourists. It offers a good experience with tables, panoramic windows, and comfortable seats. The train also offers snacks and drinks on board. The train has an approximate cost of US$50.
- Vistadome Train – The Vistadome train is a service whose carriage is characterized by its large side and panoramic windows. It also offers seats, tables, on-board service, snacks, and complimentary drinks, as well as a show of dances, music, and a parade of alpaca garments. The train costs approximately US$70.
- Hiram Bingham Train – The Hiram Bingham train is a luxury service that offers: welcome champagne, a dance show, a bar car with an open bar, a dining car with lunch or gourmet dinner, an observatory car with a balcony, and even an entrance and tour guide in Machu Picchu. The train has an approximate cost of US$500.
The Expedition tourist train
- The Expedition train is the most economical service for tourists offered by Peru Rail.
- This service is the one with the largest number of schedules. Its trains depart from three stations: Cusco, Poroy and Ollantaytambo.
- The train has comfortable and spacious seats. It also offers background music with information about the tourist route.
- The Expedition train cars have 52 seats. It is notable for its large windows. The train ride offers snacks and beverages for sale by on-board staff.
- The Expedition train costs approximately US$50 per leg (US$100 for the outbound and return leg).
- The train reservation can be made online through the Peru Rail website. It can also be purchased in person at the agencies in the city of Cusco.
The Vistadome tourist train
- The Vistadome train is one of the most recommended services of Peru Rail.
- This service, after the Expedition service, is the one with the largest number of schedules. Its trains depart from the three stations: Cusco, Poroy, and Ollantaytambo.
- The train stands out for its spacious carriage with panoramic upper and side windows, which offers a complete perspective of the trip to Machu Picchu.
- The Vistadome train cars have 48 seats. The train offers complimentary snacks and beverages such as quinoa cookies, Cusco chocolates, coca tea, juice, or purified water.
- The Vistadome train also offers music and dance shows on board. On the return trip (from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo) it offers a parade show of clothing made of alpaca fiber.
- The Vistadome train costs approximately US$70 per leg (US$140 for a round trip).
- The train reservation can be made online through the website of Peru Rail. It can also be purchased in person at the agencies in the city of Cusco.
Difference between Expedition and Vistadome trains
These are the main differences and similarities between Peru Rail’s Expedition and Vistadome trains:
| Expedition | Vistadome | |
|---|---|---|
| Stations | Cusco, Poroy, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes | Cusco, Poroy, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes |
| Capacity | 52 seats | 48 seats |
| Windows | Wide sidewalls | Top and side panoramas |
| Seats | Comfortable and spacious | Comfortable with more space |
| Tables | Spacious with Andean decoration | Spacious with Andean decoration |
| Decoration | On tables and passageways with Inca and Andean motifs | On tables and passageways with Inca and Andean motifs |
| Snacks and beverages | For sale | Complimentary |
| Shows | Ambient music with tourist information | Cusco dances and parade of clothing made of alpaca (return trip). |
| Prices | 50 USD approx. | 70 USD approx. |
| Shopping | Online or at train stations | Online or at train stations |
Questions and answers
How to get the Expedition train?
You can get the Expedition train by visiting the Peru Rail website or by purchasing it at the train stations (San Pedro, Wánchaq, Poroy, Ollantaytambo, or Aguas Calientes).
How to get the Vistadome train?
You can get the Vistadome train by accessing the Peru Rail website or by purchasing their train stations (San Pedro, Wánchaq, Poroy, Ollantaytambo, or Aguas Calientes).
Which train is better, the Expedition or the Vistadome?
Both Expedition and Vistadome trains are two of the most requested trains in Cusco. The Expedition train offers a lower price and maximum comfort. The Vistadome train, a few dollars more expensive, offers on-board shows and more panoramic windows.
Which train to Machu Picchu offers complimentary snacks and drinks?
Peru Rail’s Vistadome tourist train offers complimentary snacks and beverages (quinoa cookies, Cusco chocolates, coca tea, juice, or purified water).
Which train includes entrance to Machu Picchu?
Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham luxury train offers entrance to Machu Picchu. It also includes welcome champagne, a dance show, a bar car with an open bar, a dining car with lunch or gourmet dinner, an observatory car with a balcony, a tour guide in Machu Picchu, and more.
How many seats are on the Expedition and Vistadome trains?
The Expedition train has a seating capacity of 52. The Vistadome train has a seating capacity of 48.
How much does the Expedition train cost?
Peru Rail’s Expedition train costs approximately US$50 (US$100 each way).
How much does the Vistadome train cost?
Peru Rail’s Vistadome train costs approximately US$70 (US$140 each way).