If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, surely you have asked yourself: Inca Rail or Peru Rail? Both companies offer train services between Cusco and Machu Picchu, but which is the best option for your trip to Machu Picchu? Here you will find out all about prices, services and experiences so you can make the best decision.

Travel by train: One of the ways to get to Machu Picchu

To get to this tourist destination there are different ways to get there such as the Inca Trail to Machu picchu, Salkantay trek, Lares trek or the Inca Jungle, but the fastest and most favorite option is the train in several surveys more than 70% chose this option.

Inca Rail vs Peru Rail: Service Comparison

Both Inca Rail and Peru Rail offer a variety of trains and services for different budgets and preferences. Here we detail the options:

Inca Rail Train Options

The Voyager: This is the most economical option, with comfortable seats and large windows. Ideal for those looking for a simple and economical trip without losing the spectacular views.
360°: This train has modern cars with panoramic windows and an open-air observatory car, which allows you to enjoy 360-degree views of the Sacred Valley. It also includes some snacks and drinks.
The premium & lounge: This train is relatively new, on this train you also have panoramic windows, with dining car + lounge car/bar and open air balcony, snacks and drinks included.
The First Class: A luxury option, with reclining seats, observatory car and a three-course gourmet meal. It also has a bar car and open-air balcony.
Private Train: An exclusive observatory car for small groups, gourmet food and beverage tasting, perfect for a personalized and private experience.

Train Options on Peru Rail

Expedition: Peru Rail’s most basic and affordable train, with comfortable seats and panoramic views.
Vistadome: Offers large windows and on-board entertainment service with dances. Includes some snacks and drinks.
Vistadome Observatory: Similar to the Vistadome, but with an observatory car that allows better views of the landscape and also offers typical Cusco dances.
Hiram Bingham: This is Peru Rail’s luxury train, with a five-star style service with an observatory car, including gourmet food, live music and a bar.
Local Train: This train is exclusively for Peruvians and its main purpose is to provide transportation service for locals living in Machu Picchu town.

Prices: Inca Rail or Peru Rail?

Prices in both companies vary according to service and season. Generally speaking:

Inca Rail offers competitive prices for its standard and premium services. For example, The Voyager costs between $60 and $80 USD each way, while The First Class can exceed $300 USD.
Peru Rail has a similar price range for its basic services, such as the Expedition, which is between $60 and $80 USD one way. For those looking for luxury, the Hiram Bingham costs around $500 USD one way.

Both companies have rates for residents and special discounts for students or children (up to 12 years old). If you are planning a Machu Picchu one day tour, check out the seasonal promotions that could make a difference in your budget.

Onboard Comfort and Experience

Inca Rail

Inca Rail focuses on offering an immersive experience with modern carriages and panoramic windows in most of its services. Its 360° train is ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery to the fullest, while The First Class offers an exclusive atmosphere with gourmet menus and reclining seats. If you are traveling in a small group, the Private Train is an excellent option for a personalized trip.

Peru Rail

Peru Rail stands out for its onboard entertainment service, especially on the Vistadome and Hiram Bingham trains, where you can enjoy a fashion show and live music. The Vistadome Observatory adds a special touch with its observatory car. If you are looking for a total luxury experience, the Hiram Bingham is like a hotel on rails, providing five-star service with meals included and a bar car.

Train stations

Inca Rail stations and offices

In the city of Cusco:

Avenida sol 483, Cusco
105 Portal de Panes Street, Plaza de Armas, Cusco.
Avenida Velasco Astete inside the airport Alejando Velasco Astete
Avenida Cascaparo s/n, San Pedro (San Pedro Station)

Outside the city of Cusco:

Calle Roldan s/n, Poroy (Estación de Poroy)
Avenida Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo (Ollantaytambo Station)
Machu Picchu pueblo s/n, Barrio Las Orquídeas (Machu Picchu pueblo Station)

Peru Rail stations and offices

In the city of Cusco:

Avenida Velasco Astete s/n, Wanchaq, inside the Alejandro Velasco Astete airport.
Portal de la carne 214, Plaza de Armas del Cusco.
Plaza regocijo 202, plaza regocijo del Cusco
Avenida sol 409, Cusco
Avenida Pachacuteq s/n, Wanchaq (Wanchaq Station)
Calle cascaparo s/n, Cusco (San Pedro Station)

Outside the city of Cusco:

Calle roldan s/n, Poroy (Poroy Station)
Avenida ferrocarril s/n, Urubamba (Urubamba Station)
Avenida ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo (Ollantaytambo Station)
Machu picchu pueblo s/n, barrio las orquídeas (Machu picchu pueblo Station)
Railway line Kilometer 122, Hidroeléctrica (Hidroeléctrica Central Station)
Mercado de abastos 1st floor of 04, Santa Teresa, La convencion, Cusco

Which is the best option: Inca Rail or Peru Rail?

If you are looking for an economical and quality experience, both companies offer affordable options, but Inca Rail has a slight price advantage with The Voyager, plus their cars are almost new.
For a luxury and comfort experience, Peru Rail’s Hiram Bingham is incomparable, although Inca Rail’s The First Class is a good alternative, but you can request Inca Rail’s private which is a fantastic experience.
If you value panoramic views and contact with nature, Inca Rail’s 360° and Peru Rail’s Vistadome Observatory are ideal for you.

Both companies will give you an unforgettable experience on the way to Machu Picchu. The choice will depend on your preferences in terms of comfort, budget and type of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Inca rail have a mileage accrual option?

Yes, it is called Latam Pass and it allows you to earn miles for the purchase of a ticket.

What is the Bimodal service offered by Inca Rail and Peru Rail?

The bimodal service combines bus + train transportation, being the starting point Cusco and the arrival Machu Picchu, since this way is the fastest way to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo, the bus transportation is from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu you would be transported by train.

What is the most economical service of Peru rail for foreign tourists?

It is the expedition service with an approximate cost of 63 dollars per section and the most expensive service is the Hiram Bingham with an approximate cost of 482 dollars per section.

What is the most economical Inca Rail service for foreign tourists?

It is the Voyager service with an approximate cost of 63 dollars per leg and the most expensive service is The private with a cost from 280 dollars (without entrance to Machu Picchu) and 325 dollars.

Do babies pay for the train ticket?

No, in both companies babies under 3 years old travel for free in the same seat as the mother or father, but only one baby per person is allowed, for example if you have twins and you are traveling alone you would have to pay for another seat and if you are traveling as a couple the other baby can go with the couple.

Why can’t I find the train schedules for the Inca Rail private train?

This service only has departures at the request of the tourist who wishes to hire it, this train has a capacity of 8 tourists on board. The seats of this train are 8 comfortable sofas.

Which is the railway company with more daily departures to Machu Picchu?

Peru Rail has more than 23 daily departures and Inca rail has up to 12 daily departures.

Which trains offer me a dance show?

The Vistadome train offers a folkloric dance, the Vistadome observatory train offers a typical Cusco dance and the Hiram Bingham Service offers a typical Cusco dance at the train station. All these trains belong to the Peru Rail company.

Which train is better Expedition or Vistadome?

Both trains have the same cost and offer similar services such as large windows, sale on board of snacks and drinks, background music and luggage allowance in both of them of 8 kg.

The difference between the two is that the expedition offers an audio guide on request and that in some schedules and on the outbound section there is a stop at the Huaypo lagoon. In the vistadome the wagons usually have 42 seats and they offer you the narration of the Ollantay drama in the outbound section.

How much does the local train ticket cost?

The local train does not allow the sale to foreign tourists, it is only for Peruvians or residents with foreigners card and has a cost of 12 soles.

Where can I buy my train ticket and what is the minimum time in advance?

Whether you have chosen Inca rail or peru rail, train tickets to Machu Picchu can be purchased on their websites., at an office or ticket office in Cusco or through a package from a tourist agency such as the Machu Picchu one day tour.
The minimum time in advance is 45 days to ensure a good seat and schedule.

Do you want to know more about the characteristics and prices of the trains to machu picchu?

We have the following blog Trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu that you can read and choose your perfect train trip to Machu picchu. If you want to take a tour to Machu picchu, do not hesitate to contact us, we also create customized and private tours for you to enjoy in Cusco.

Which company has the most personalized service?

At Inca Rail, if you hire the bimodal service, the staff will come to your seats before arriving at the station to tell you where to wait. There, a member of the Inca Rail team will guide you to the bus that will take you to your next destination. On Peru Rail, however, this type of guidance is often not provided, so it is important to be aware of the general directions and timetables. This can make the experience of traveling with Inca Rail more comfortable and organized, especially for those looking for a more personalized trip along the way.

Which of the railway companies has the newest trains?

Inca Rail has the newest trains

Note: If your ticket includes access to additional cars, such as the observatory car, bar, or other special services, it is advisable to ask the staff if you can pass before it is officially announced. In many cases, by the time the staff gives the signal for passengers to enter these cars, they may already be full with early arrivals. This could limit your opportunity to enjoy these spaces, so making sure you anticipate the timing can enhance your travel experience.

Now that you know the details of Inca Rail vs Peru Rail, you are ready to make the best decision and enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu. Which train will take you on your Machu Picchu one day tour? Choose and get ready for the adventure!