Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Train
Travel directly from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), the gateway town for visiting Machu Picchu. This page is dedicated specifically to trains departing from Ollantaytambo, one of the most convenient and popular departure points for Machu Picchu.
Direct Train Route
Board at Ollantaytambo station and travel by regular train directly to Machu Picchu Pueblo without beginning your journey at a Cusco station.
About 1½ Hours
Many regular services take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on the train and operating schedule.
Multiple Departures
Ollantaytambo normally has several departures throughout the day, giving travelers flexibility when coordinating their Machu Picchu entrance time.
Why Depart from Ollantaytambo?
Ollantaytambo is located in the Sacred Valley and is one of the principal rail gateways to Machu Picchu Pueblo. It is especially convenient for travelers who are already staying in Ollantaytambo, Urubamba or elsewhere in the Sacred Valley, or who want to combine a Sacred Valley visit with their trip to Machu Picchu.
Train Companies from Ollantaytambo
Regular services between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Pueblo are operated by PeruRail and Inca Rail. Available train categories vary by departure and date, ranging from practical standard services to panoramic and premium experiences.
When comparing trains, consider the departure time, arrival time, train category, luggage rules and how the schedule fits with your Machu Picchu entrance time.
How the Journey Works
- Arrive at Ollantaytambo. Allow enough time to reach the train station and complete check-in before departure.
- Board your train. Your ticket will show the train company, service, departure time and assigned boarding information.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley. The railway follows the Urubamba River through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery toward Machu Picchu.
- Arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train terminates in the town also known as Aguas Calientes.
- Continue to Machu Picchu. From the town, travelers normally continue by shuttle bus to the Machu Picchu entrance according to their entrance-ticket schedule.
Choosing the Right Departure Time
Your ideal train depends primarily on the date and time of your Machu Picchu entrance ticket. Do not choose a train based only on price. You should leave sufficient time after arriving in Machu Picchu Pueblo to reach the bus boarding area and travel up to the archaeological site.
Travelers staying overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo have more flexibility and can choose a later train from Ollantaytambo. Travelers visiting Machu Picchu on the same day normally need an earlier departure.
Ollantaytambo Station Tips
- Check your ticket for the exact train company and departure time.
- Arrive early enough to complete the operator's check-in procedure.
- Keep your passport or accepted identification accessible.
- Review the train operator's current luggage allowance before traveling.
- Train schedules can change, so confirm your final departure details before travel.
- If you are staying in Urubamba or another Sacred Valley town, allow enough transfer time to reach Ollantaytambo station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ollantaytambo a direct train to Machu Picchu Pueblo?
Yes. Regular train services operate from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), so you do not need to begin the rail journey in Cusco.
How long is the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu?
The journey is typically around an hour and a half, although the exact travel time depends on the specific train and operating schedule.
Is Aguas Calientes the same as Machu Picchu Pueblo?
Yes. Machu Picchu Pueblo is commonly known as Aguas Calientes. This is the town where trains arrive before travelers continue to the Machu Picchu entrance.
Which company should I choose?
Both PeruRail and Inca Rail operate services on this route. The best choice depends on your preferred departure time, available train category, price and how the schedule fits your Machu Picchu visit.
Should I buy the Machu Picchu entrance ticket before the train?
It is generally best to coordinate both carefully because Machu Picchu entrance tickets use specific circuits and entry times. Your train should fit the entrance time you have secured.
Find Your Ollantaytambo Train
Compare available departures and choose the train that best fits your Machu Picchu itinerary.
View Machu Picchu Train TicketsMACHUPICCHU.CENTER
