Perurail vs Incarail
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by James Bustamante
Thousands of people travel to Cusco every year for the chance to visit the ancient citadel and Hike to Machu Picchu. However, most people aren’t exactly sure how to get there. There are no flights, buses, cars, etc. that go there.
Thousands of people travel to Cusco yearly to visit the ancient citadel and Hike to Machu Picchu. However, most people aren’t exactly sure how to get there. There are no flights, direct buses, or cars that go there.
The only way to get there is by train, and there are now two different alternatives, PeruRail vs. Inca Rail, so let’s break down each one.
When considering travel to Machu Picchu, PeruRail and Inca Rail are great ways to get there. PeruRail has been around for a while and had a monopoly for some time, that is, until Inca Rail came along.
As it has been around longer, it is also the most popular option, with the largest selection of departure times and cities, giving you more ease of access. In addition, the train ride can take 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on where you get on.
The staff is friendly, the trains are immaculate and well-kept, and travelers come from all over the world, giving you a unique experience each time you take a ride.
The most popular train is the Vistadome. This incredible piece of machinery offers panoramic windows beside and above your seat, bringing you close to nature, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Those looking for luxury can take the Hiram Bingham Train, but it is a bit pricey at $500 for each 2-hour ride.
Next up, we have the IncaRail. It’s a slightly lesser-known option, with fewer departure times and only one departure city (Ollantaytambo). As most of our travelers stay in Cusco, we always provide private transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo to catch the train.
Pricing can differ depending on the service hired as they offer Executive (basic), First Class, and Presidential Class train.
Note that the Inca Rail First Class service runs only between April 1 to November 14 and December 21-31. Presidential Service runs by request only.
Travelers Notes: Travelers can take the train from Cusco or travel to the Ollantaytambo train station in the Sacred Valley to board the train. Usually, the train station at the valley is preferred to do the scheduling. Generally, groups will board the train in Ollantaytambo on the way to Aguas Calientes but might take the return train that ends in the Poroy station in Cusco.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham and Expedition tourist services to Machu Picchu depart from the Poroy Station (Cusco), located 20 minutes from downtown Cusco and the Vistadome service departs from this station and the San Pedro Station (Cusco), located 10 minutes from downtown Cusco, via the Regular Service (Train Only) between May and December.
PeruRail vs. IncaRail Which one to choose?
So which train should you choose when making your Machu Picchu Reservations? The answer? You must try each one out at least once as you are sure to have an enjoyable experience.
If you want to know more about Peru, Cusco, and Machu Picchu Travel, check out the rest of our blog posts at Peru Travel Blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our special packages.
Check out This 7 Day Lima – Cusco and Machu Picchu Package, Which Includes Trains:
Day 1 Arrival to Lima – Transfer to Miraflores Hotel.
Day 2 Lima City Tour.
Day 3 Domestic flight to Cusco – Transfer to Cusco Hotel.
Day 4 Sacred Valley Tour
Day 5 Train to Machu Picchu pueblo.
Day 6 Machu Picchu Guided Tour – Train to Cusco.
Day 7 Transfer to Airport in Cusco for Domestic Flight Cusco – Lima.
Frequently Asked Questions PeruRail vs. IncaRail
If I want to cancel my reservation, how many days in advance do I need to do so?
You can cancel your reservations up to 24 hours before your train’s departure time. You should receive a refund within three or four weeks through your credit card or bank account.
How far in advance do I need to buy my ticket if I want to travel during peak season?
You can buy tickets year-round. However, we recommend getting your tickets at least 3 months in advance. Peak season is from April 1 to November 14 and from December 21 to December 31.
What is included with your tickets?
Train tickets include the transport by train, whether one-way or round trip, contracted by passengers. Additionally, they include a series of services that vary depending on the type of trip: outbound, inbound, or round trip.
Do I have to print my tickets, or can I board with my electronic ticket on my cell phone?
As of 2020, all train passengers will be able to board their trains showing the digital train ticket on their mobile device, making it a much easier experience for travelers.
Do children or infants have to pay for tickets?
Infants between the ages of 0 and 2 do not need to pay for tickets, provided they sit with their parents in the same seat on the train. In the event that parents prefer their infant(s) to occupy their own seat. Children at the age of 3 or higher must have their own tickets.
Is there a time of year when the trains don’t run due to maintenance work?
Trains run 365 days per year, except when due to acts of nature or factors beyond their control.
How fast do the trains go? What determines this speed?
The standard speeds range from between 30 to 40 km per hour due to the terrain and general geography.
What if I have a dietary restriction or allergy, what about if I’m vegetarian, vegan, or require a kosher diet?
This is only available for the luxury train options (Belmond Hiram Bingham or others). However, passengers with vegan or kosher diets should inform train staff ahead of time.
Can I take any carry-on luggage?
Yes, carry-on luggage is allowed. Carry-on luggage means a bag or backpack with a maximum weight limit of 5.0 kg or about 11 lb. and measuring no more than 157 cm (height + length + width). Any luggage that does not meet these limits cannot be carried aboard the train.
Is it easy to find transportation to and from the train station(s)?
Yes. Make sure to reserve transportation ahead of time.
Why can’t foreign tourists travel on the Local Train? Why can’t a foreign tourist buy tickets for the local train service?
This social service allows the residents of these communities to carry out their daily social, cultural, economic, and productive activities by traveling between their hometowns and other locations along the railway. Because it is a social service, it is subject to certain terms and conditions. As one of the fundamental requirements, those seeking to purchase tickets for the Local Train must exhibit their National Identity Card (DNI) to prove that they reside in one of the communities located between Cusco and the town of Machu Picchu or the hydroelectric plant.
As part of this service, Peruvian citizens who have proven their status by exhibiting their valid DNI are allowed to board the Local Train, with certain limitations. They are not eligible to take all of the Local Trains scheduled, being restricted to times of day when the service is not in high demand among local residents.
The social nature of this service is the reason why this service is not available to foreign passengers.Do the trains have Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can ask the staff for a password to the train’s Wi-Fi.
