Train to Machu Picchu: Poroy, Ollantaytambo or San Pedro?

The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the highlights of the trip, but deciding where to board can be a headache. Should you take the train in Cusco? Or is it better to head to the Sacred Valley first?

The departure station changes your travel time, your cost and how many places you can visit along the way. Here’s how to choose the best one for your itinerary.

1. The closest: Poroy station (Cusco)

Poroy station is just 20 minutes from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

• Pros. It’s the most convenient option if you don’t want a long drive: in 20 minutes you’re at the station.
• Cons. It only operates in high season (usually May to December). It’s the most expensive train route.
• Best for. Travelers who arrive in Cusco and want to go straight to Machu Picchu without visiting the Sacred Valley first.

2. The most flexible: Ollantaytambo station

Ollantaytambo station is in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

• Pros. It’s the route that lets you combine a Sacred Valley tour with your trip to Machu Picchu (like our Sacred Valley with connection to Machu Picchu, 2 days and 1 night). The train ticket is usually cheaper than from Poroy.
• Cons. You need 1.5 to 2 hours on the road from Cusco before you board.
• Best for. Travelers who want to make good use of their time and see the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu without backtracking.

3. What about San Pedro station in Cusco?

Many travelers ask if they can board at the central San Pedro station, in the city of Cusco itself.

In practice: this station mainly serves the local train (for Peruvian residents only) and routes with very little traffic. Most tourist services (Vistadome, Expedition, 360°) leave from Poroy or Ollantaytambo.

Comparison: time, cost and logistics

Our recommendation

If you want to make the most of your time and see the highlights of the region, Ollantaytambo station is the most logical choice: you do the Sacred Valley tour and, at the end of the day, board the train to Aguas Calientes.