
One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 21 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth booking?
One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a 12-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $430 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 21 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 45 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (21)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $430 per person
This one-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco offers a seamless journey to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. After an early morning pickup, enjoy a scenic train ride along the picturesque Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a professional guide will lead a comprehensive 2 to 2.5-hour tour of the ancient citadel, exploring key sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone. After the tour, take some time to explore Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at your leisure. The day concludes with a return train journey and evening arrival back in Cusco. - Early hotel pickup in Cusco for a smooth start to your day - Scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes - 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s main highlights - Designed for small groups for an intimate and personalized experience
What you get
About this experience
This one-day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco offers a seamless journey to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. After an early morning pickup, enjoy a scenic train ride along the picturesque Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a professional guide will lead a comprehensive 2 to 2.5-hour tour of the ancient citadel, exploring key sites such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone. After the tour, take some time to explore Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch at your leisure. The day concludes with a return train journey and evening arrival back in Cusco. - Early hotel pickup in Cusco for a smooth start to your day - Scenic train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes - 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu’s main highlights - Designed for small groups for an intimate and personalized experience
What's included
Included
- Bus Tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu:
- Tourist Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco:
- Premium: 360° or Vistadome.
- Budget & Standard: Shared transport.
- Budget & Standard: Expedition or Voyager (based on availability).
- Hotel Pickup: From your hotel or Airbnb located in the historic center of Cusco.
- Tourist Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo: Shared or private, depending on the selected service.
- Budget & Standard: Expedition or Voyager.
- Professional Guide in Machu Picchu:
- Premium: Private transport.
- Standard & Premium: Round-trip bus (up and down).
- Premium: 360° or Vistadome panoramic train.
- Train to Aguas Calientes:
- Train Back to Ollantaytambo:
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Includes access to Circuit 1, 2, or 3 (subject to availability).
- Pre-tour Briefing: One day before the tour.
- Premium: Private guide.
- Budget: Only descent included (Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu).
- Budget & Standard: Shared service (approx. 3 hours).
Not included
- Meals or lunch (not included in Budget or Standard).
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Tips or gratuities (optional).
What you'll see and do
Cusco
Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Cusco and a comfortable transfer to the train station.
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Ollantaytambo
Board your selected train service – Expedition, Vistadome, 360° Executive Class, or Voyager – and enjoy an unforgettable 1.5-hour ride through the Andes, passing rivers, valleys, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
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Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride will take you up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
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Machu Picchu
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (Approx. 3 hours) Explore the majestic Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas. Walk through its terraces, temples, shrines, stairways, and urban sectors while your expert guide reveals the history and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on the circuit selected at the time of booking (1, 2, or 3), you will follow the designated route and immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the guided tour, you’ll also have free time to enjoy the citadel at your own pace.
180 minutes here
Aguas Calientes
From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes either by bus or on foot, depending on the program you have reserved. If your package includes lunch, you will enjoy it at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes. If lunch is not included, you will have free time to choose from the many restaurants available in town.
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Ollantaytambo
From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo After lunch, you will board your train back to Ollantaytambo at the scheduled time. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with the service depending on the train option you selected at the time of booking.
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Cusco
From Ollantaytambo to Cusco Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, our transfer staff will be waiting for you according to your train schedule. From there, you will travel comfortably back to Cusco (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours). Drop-off will be at your hotel or, depending on accessibility, at the nearest point to your accommodation.
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Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
You will be dropped off either as close as possible to your hotel or near the main square (Plaza de Armas), depending on accessibility.
Options you can book
Vistadome Train – Circuit 3
Premium - Circuit 3: Discover Machu Picchu’s lower-middle section with stunning views. Includes Vistadome train, entrance ticket, round-trip bus, Pickup included
Expedition Train – Circuit 1
Standard - Circuit 1: Enjoy comfort with Expedition train, circuit 1 entry, round-trip bus, guided tour, and private transportation. Duration: 13 hours Pickup included
Expedition Train Circuit 3
Standard Circuit 3: Explore Machu Picchu’s lower area with Expedition train, circuit entry, bus tickets, guide, and hotel pickup. Pickup included
Expedition Train - Circuit 1
Budget - Circuit 1: Budget choice with Expedition train, circuit 1 entry, one-way bus, and guided tour. Pickup included
Expedition Train Circuit 2
Standard - Circuit 2: Includes Expedition train, circuit 2 entry, round-trip bus, small-group guided tour, and private transport. Standard - Circuit 2: Comfortable package with private transport, Expedition train, round-trip bus, Circuit 2 entry, and small-group guided tour. Duration: 13 hours Pickup included
Vistadome Train – Circuit 1
Premium – Circuit 1: Premium service with Vistadome train, gourmet lunch, circuit 1 entry, round-trip bus, and private guide. Pickup included
Expedition Train – Circuit 2
Budget - Circuit 2: Affordable option: Expedition train, circuit 2 entry, one-way bus, and guided tour with shared transport. Pickup included
Vistadome Train – Circuit 2
Premium - Circuit 2: A top experience: Vistadome or 360° train, gourmet lunch, round-trip bus, private guide, and circuit 2 entry. Pickup included
Expedition Train – Circuit 3
Budget - Circuit 3: Low-cost option with Expedition train, circuit 3 entry, one-way bus, and guided tour. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Haku Travel
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 21 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
21 verified traveler reviews for One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Machu Picchu is well worth the trip
On a one day trip expect to travel by transfer van for 2 hours, train 1:45 hours, and final bus to Machu Picchu 20 minutes. The experience at the ruins was excellent because of our great guide, Manuel was kind, provided good information, and we felt he gave us his whole attention. The tour agency assigned to us fell short of our expectations, late pick up after a long day.
via Viator
Long day but totally worth it.
My partner and I had a pretty good experience. Make sure you plan for a long day. They picked us up from our hotel at 8 AM. Dropped us off at the train. The train is about a 2 hour ride. It was a very bumpy train ride so if you have motion sickness bring something for that. Our tour guide, Manuel, met us at the entrance of Machu Picchu. Fun fact: he speaks 3 languages! His first language is the native language. He was a very knowledgeable guide. He took many photos & videos of us. After Machu Picchu we had time to eat & shop in Aguascalientes. Make sure you bring pesos! Then we boarded the train. After the train ride, someone was there to pick us up and take us back to Cusco. Again make sure you bring something for motion sickness. The car ride back to Cusco almost took me out (that is also about a 2 hour ride). I was very nauseous. Overall I had a good experience!
via Tripadvisor
Good
Tour guide Osman was great and I had a good experience. One thing that was odd was the company had to send me two different entrance tickets, one for 6am and later one for 10am and this caused some confusion.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour! Excellent guide!
Excellent service! Everything on time! Great tour of Machu Picchu! Highly recommend!! Machu Picchu is amazing!
via Viator
Will recommend to family and friends
What an amazing experience!!!! It is difficult to get to Machu Picchu from the airport. You need a taxi, train, and bus. They made it manageable and were very professional and thoughtful. They provided us a place to rest while we waited for our tour. They are excellent and effective communicators. We knew exactly what was next and they reassured us by calling and texting. Someone was already waiting for us at each stop. Bryan, our tour guide, was wonderful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Circuit 2 was incredible. Once in a lifetime experience. Since it was my first time in Cusco, I really appreciated the exceptional service I received from the staff. Worth every penny.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $430 to $595
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 45
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco cost?
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Prices start at $430 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 21 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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Included: Bus Tickets Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu:; Tourist Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco:; Premium: 360° or Vistadome; Budget & Standard: Shared transport; and Budget & Standard: Expedition or Voyager (based on availability). Not included: Meals or lunch (not included in Budget or Standard); Travel insurance (highly recommended); and Tips or gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 9 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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Across 21 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for One Day Train Trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
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There are 9 options to choose from, including Vistadome Train – Circuit 3, Expedition Train – Circuit 1, Expedition Train Circuit 3, Expedition Train - Circuit 1. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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