Train Companies: Peru Rail and Inca Rail

Train Companies

Rail transport to Machu Picchu is exclusively operated by two companies: PeruRail (founded in 1999) and Inca Rail (founded in 2007). Both companies offer tourist services of similar quality, with different levels of pricing and comfort, and have departure points at the main stations in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Below, we compare their routes, policies, and features to help you decide:

Routes and Operation

PeruRail and Inca Rail essentially cover the same routes to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The main difference is that:

Reliability and Safety

Both PeruRail and Inca Rail are considered reliable companies, with good standards for punctuality, maintenance, and safety in their operations. Trains generally depart on time, so passenger punctuality is essential (they will not wait for late arrivals).

In case of contingencies (e.g., landslides during the rainy season or protests blocking the railway), both companies follow similar protocols: they may reschedule services or provide alternate bus transport depending on the situation, always prioritizing passenger safety.

There are no major differences in terms of reliability, and both have trained personnel to assist travelers.

Policies and Facilities

Both companies sell tickets online through their official websites (PeruRail.com and IncaRail.com) with secure payment systems and also through authorized travel agencies.

Both companies follow similar policies regarding changes and cancellations (subject to penalties depending on how far in advance the request is made, as detailed in their Terms and Conditions).

Onboard Services and Experiences

Beyond similarities in the route, each company offers certain exclusive services.

• PeruRail operates the famous Belmond Hiram Bingham luxury train, considered one of the best in the world. It offers an all-inclusive experience (gourmet meals, open bar, live music, a guided tour at Machu Picchu, etc.).

• Inca Rail offers "The Private", an ultra-luxury charter train for private groups of up to 8 people, with VIP service that includes a welcome champagne, gourmet menu, live music, and an exclusive observatory car.
  
  Inca Rail also stands out for its VIP lounge at Ollantaytambo station, with coffee, music, and free Wi-Fi for premium passengers.

In general, both companies aim to highlight Andean culture: for example, PeruRail includes traditional dance shows and fashion parades with local textiles on its Vistadome trains, while Inca Rail usually features live music and Novo-Andean cuisine on its 360° and First Class trains (we will detail these below).

In summary, both options are great; your choice may depend on schedule availability, special service preferences, or current promotions.

However, many travelers choose to combine: for example, travel one way with one company and return with the other, to compare the experiences.

Types of Services and Classes

PeruRail – Tourist Services

PeruRail offers three main categories of tourist trains to Machu Picchu, in addition to a local service for residents and a special train from Urubamba on select dates:

Expedition

This is PeruRail’s budget-friendly tourist train, designed for travelers with a tighter budget who still want a comfortable journey. It offers assigned seating and large side windows for viewing the scenery, though it does not have panoramic ceiling windows like the Vistadome. The interior is decorated with simple Andean motifs. Meals and drinks are not included, but snacks and beverages are sold on board at reasonable prices. It is the most basic option, but it gets you to Machu Picchu safely and comfortably.

Approximate price: ~$60–70 per way.

Vistadome

This is PeruRail’s premium tourist category. Its main attraction is its much larger panoramic windows, including glass panels in the roof, which offer spectacular views of the mountains and sky. Seats are more spacious and comfortable than those in the Expedition. It includes a complimentary sweet or savory snack and non-alcoholic beverages, with a bar service also available. On the return trip, the Vistadome includes cultural entertainment: usually an Andean folk dance show and a fashion show featuring alpaca garments performed by the train crew, which livens up the journey. Some Vistadome trains now include an Observatory Car with an open balcony to enjoy the landscape even more.

Approximate price: ~$75–100 per way.

Hiram Bingham

This is the luxury service par excellence, operated by PeruRail in partnership with Belmond. It's an “Orient Express”-style train with refined 1920s-style decor, departing directly from Poroy station (Cusco). The Hiram Bingham ticket is expensive but includes everything:

• Tourist bus transfer from Cusco

• Gourmet multi-course menu onboard (lunch on the way in, dinner on the way back)

• Open bar (wines, sparkling wine, pisco sour, beers, etc.)

• Live music (local ensemble playing traditional songs)

• Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the bus to the ruins, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, private guided tour, and complimentary afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel.
  It is practically a luxury tour on rails.

Approximate price: ~$500 per way (per person).

Sacred Valley Train

A special luxury service operating on select dates from Urubamba to Machu Picchu. It combines the comfort of a Vistadome with an additional gastronomic experience (brunch or lunch onboard) while crossing the Sacred Valley. It currently doesn’t have daily departures but may be available in high seasons or by private charter. It usually departs in the morning and is a great alternative for those staying in the valley.

Local Train

This is worth mentioning separately. It is operated only for residents of the Cusco region. It features very basic cars, subsidized fares (~S/12 per way / $3–4) and is for daily use by locals. It is not available to foreign tourists (ID is required), so it is not a tourist option—but it's important to know about it so you don’t try to buy this ticket by mistake.

Inca Rail – Tourist Services

Inca Rail offers four types of tourist trains on the route to Machu Picchu, each with a distinctive English name:

The Voyager

This is Inca Rail’s economy class, equivalent to the Expedition. Voyager coaches have comfortable 2x2 seating, large panoramic side windows, relaxing background music, and warm decor. A complimentary beverage (juice, coffee, or infusion) and local snacks are included—unlike the PeruRail Expedition, which doesn’t offer included items. It is a great value option for the price.

Approximate price: ~$60–70 per way.

The 360°

Named for its focus on panoramic views, the 360° train features extra-large panoramic windows, including ceiling panels, similar to the Vistadome. It also features an open-air observatory car — a rotating platform where passengers can enjoy the view without glass in between. Onboard, a gourmet snack inspired by Andean ingredients is served, and there is often live music or interaction with a guide during the ride. There is also a multimedia platform for route information. Ideal for travelers looking for a more immersive experience.

Approximate price: ~$90–100 per way.

The First Class

This is Inca Rail’s premium service (not to be confused with general "first class"; this is the official train name). Designed for a maximum of 30 passengers per car, it offers spacious luxury seats, an exclusive dining car and bar, and high-end attention.

Onboard, a three-course gourmet meal with wine pairing is served on elegantly set tables. There is live music (e.g., saxophone and violin during the “Wine Ceremony”) to enhance the experience. Some First Class tickets include private bus connection in Aguas Calientes. Available Monday through Saturday, this is for travelers wanting maximum comfort without reaching Hiram Bingham-level luxury.

Approximate price: ~$180–200 per way.

The Private

This is the most exclusive of all: a private car rented entirely for your group (up to 8 people). It’s essentially a luxury charter, with 100% personalized service: gourmet tasting menu, premium bar, welcome champagne, live music, special decor, private guide, and exclusive vehicle for connection. It operates on-demand, meaning only when specifically booked. The cost is very high (several thousand dollars per full journey), so it’s targeted at high-end tourism or special celebrations.

Price: On request (depends on group size and additional services).