Local Train to Machu Picchu Pueblo | If you are Peruvian and you don´t want to pay the expensive cost of train tickets to Aguas Calientes, well you can book the Local Train. Peru Rail is the only one company that operates the train route from Cusco and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo city), the have exclusively wagons for Peruvians!
Please consider the Local Train can be booked only by Peruvians, not foreigners!
Contents
- Can all Peruvians board this local train?
- Why is there a Local Train? Isn’t it discriminatory?
- Can you go to Aguas Calientes by bus?
- How much does it cost to board a Local Train?
- Where can you purchase the Local Train Ticket?
- Schedules for the local train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes)
- Some extra data about the Local Train:
- Trenes Alternativos a Machu Picchu
- Alternative Train Prices
- What People Ask The Most – FAQS
Can all Peruvians board this local train?
Asi es todos, incluso los ciudadanos nacionalizados peruanos, pero es muy importante aclarar que Perú Rail prioriza la venta de estos tickets a Peruanos que viven cerca de Aguas Calientes, por ejemplo el Valle Sagrado, la razón es muy sencilla, porque muchas veces son personas que viven en Aguas Calientes o trabajan llevando productos de primera necesidad.
Yes, all Peruvians! including nationalized Peruvian citizens, but it is very important to clarify that Peru Rail prioritizes the sale of these train tickets to Peruvians who live in Aguas Calientes city or closeby, the reason is very simple, many of those people bring basic products such us food or jet fuel, whats more there is no other transportation system that can drop them directly in Aguas Calientes city.
Why is there a Local Train? Isn’t it discriminatory?
Hay muchas poblaciones que viven y trabajan en Machu Picchu pueblo y también comunidades indígenas que viven en zonas cercanas al Parque Arqueológico de Machu Picchu, dichas poblaciones No pagarían los 100 USD promedio que cobra Perú Rail por un ticket de tren, ni siquiera un turista nacional promedio podria pagar ese precio, por el tema de costo de vida.
There are many populations that live and work in Machu Picchu town(Aguas Calientes city) and also indigenous communities that live in areas closeby to the Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu, these populations would not pay the average 100 USD that Peru Rail charges for a tourist train ticket, not even a national tourist from the middle class can pay that price, because of the cost of living issue between Peru and countries from the first world.
It is also true that Peru Rail and Inca Rail (it is a competitor company) charge an excessively expensive price to tourists, we don´t agree with this, however, both Peru Rain and Inca Rail are private companies, hopefully, our future governors can change this issue to make the prices fair enough for both tourists and locals.
La otra razón porque hay precios diferenciados, es porque es la única manera de llegar a Machu Picchu Pueblo, no hay carretera ni buses que conecte el a Machu Picchu Pueblo directamente.
The other reason why there are different prices for locals and tourists, it is because the Rail is the only one way to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo, there are no roads or buses that connect Machu Picchu Pueblo city to other cities.
Can you go to Aguas Calientes by bus?
No, the only way to get there is by train, unless you love walking!
How much does it cost to board a Local Train?
| Route | Price |
| Ollantaytambo-Machupicchu | 10 Soles |
| Machupicchu-Ollantaytambo | 10 Soles |
| Ollantaytambo-Machupicchu-Ollantaytambo | 20 Soles |
Where can you purchase the Local Train Ticket?
The purchase is made personally, please bring your Original National Identity Document, photo-copies are not accepted, buy it in advance, because as we already mentioned above, Peru Rail, gives preference to Local People who live in or near Machu Picchu Pueblo town.
If you are in Cusco city:
- Go to the San Pedro station, they work from 7am to 2pm from Monday to Friday, we suggest you to call them so that you confirm the opening hours, dial +084 235201.
- If you are staying in Wanchaq district, go to Avenida Pachacútec or el Sol, you can also dial +084 221931.
If you are in Ollantaytambo town:
Puedes ir directamente a la estación de Ollantaytambo desde las 4am a 9pm. Para la dirección solamente pregunta a cualquier local, pregunta por la avenida Ferrocarril s/n, la gente es muy comedida.(No está en google maps).
You can go directly to the Ollantaytambo train station from 4am to 9pm. Regarding the address, just ask any local people, ask for Avenida Ferrocarril, people are very helpful there (they are not on google maps yet).
At the Santa Teresa Hydroelectric:
Si deseas llegar a Machu Picchu Pueblo (algunos también los llaman Aguas Calientes) vía bus, es posible pero solamente te dejará en la Hidroeléctrica, desde ahí tendrás que caminar por tres horas hasta Machu Picchu Pueblo, sin embargo también puedes tomar un tren Local desde la estación de la hidroeléctrica a Machu Picchu Pueblo, cabe señalar que a veces no hay espacio, asi depende mucho también de la suerte.
If you want to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo via bus, it is possible but it will only drop you at the Hydroelectric, from there you will have to walk for three hours to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo, however you can also take a Local train from the hydroelectric station to Machu Picchu Pueblo, Please considera that sometimes there is no space, so you have to be lucky.
This is issue is unique because this is the only train station where non-Peruvians can get on the local train but remember it is only from the Hydroelectric station to Aguas Calientes. Not vice-versa.
If you are Peruvian, it is better to take the train on Ollantaytambo, it will be faster and less time.
Schedules for the local train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (or Aguas Calientes)
If you take the Sacred Valley tour, the tour ends at 4pm in Ollantaytambo and at 7pm in Cusco, many visitors stay in Ollantaytambo and board the 7pm local train towards Aguas Calientes city.
Route: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu Pueblo
| Train | Departure | Arrival |
| Tren 71 | 5:05 am | 6:34 am |
| Tren 21 | 9:50 am | 11:49 am |
| Tren 73 | 12:58 pm | 2:25 pm |
| Tren 75 | 7 pm | 8:45 pm |
| Tren 51 | 9 pm | 10:45 pm |
Route: Machu Picchu Pueblo – Ollantaytambo
| Train | Departure | Arrival |
| Tren 50 | 5:35 am | 7:44 am |
| Tren 72 | 8:53 am | 10:52 am |
| Tren 74 | 2:55 pm | 4:31 pm |
| Tren 22 | 6:30 pm | 8:17 pm |
| Tren 76 | 9:50 pm | 11:35 pm |
Some extra data about the Local Train:
- Please don´t expect the best quality experience ever, this local train has five wagons, most of them are for people, however, they are also used for cargo.
- Probablemente no te guste porque incluso se puede viajar a pie, a veces ni siquiera hay espacio, ya depende muchos de las expectativas de uno y del bolsillo.
- Travelling on foot inside these wagons are allowed, at least 1 out from the 5 wagons is available for travelling on foot, this is because Peru Rail doesn´t want to leave anyone behind since locals can complain and go into protests. That is why they make sure that they pick up everyone from the station.
- We are in Peru, so the schedules are totally referential because they can change, due to a strike, bad weather, or simply technical problems, however always be punctual at the station.
Trenes Alternativos a Machu Picchu
Si eres un peruano y prefieres una buena comodidad, pues hay otros vagones de tren TURISTICO de la empresa Perú Rail como de Inca Rail, los precios No son anda Baratos, si el dinero no es problema para ti, pues adelante, te lo recomendamos, Ojo, los trenes turísticos no ofrecen descuentos para Peruanos, por eso existe el Tren local.
If you are a Peruvian and you prefer a good comfort, well there are other TOURIST train wagons operated by Peru Rail company as well as Inca Rail, the prices are not cheap if money is not a problem for you, the go-ahead. Note that if you are Peruvian, you will not have discounts on the tourist wagons, and they also have the local train, choose your cup of tea.
What are the names of the Wagons?
Peru Rail Wagons
- Expedition
- Vistadome
- Sacred Valley
- Hiram Bingham
Inca Rail Wagons
- The Voyager
- The 360º
- The First Class
- The Private
Nota: Inca Rail no ofrece trenes locales, esto es porque es una nueva compañía que opera los últimos años, para evitar el monopolio.
Note: Inca Rail does not offer local trains, they only operate wagons for tourists.
Alternative Train Prices
Peru Rail:
| Peru Rail wagons | Price in Dollars | Price in Soles |
| Tren “Expedition” | 140 USD | 459 Soles |
| Tren “Vistadome” | 190 USD | 623 Soles |
| Tren de lujo “Hiram Bingham” | 950 USD | 3115 Soles |
Inca Rail:
| Inca Rail wagons | Price in Dollars | Price in Soles |
| The Voyager | 140 USD | 459 Soles |
| The 360º | 150 USD | 491 Soles |
| The First Class | 398 USD | 1305 Soles |
What People Ask The Most – FAQS
- Are the trains leave and arrive on on time?
Generally No, but if you arrive after the indicated time, you will loose all the rights ever your tickets, therefore do your best to be punctual. - Is there a local train service from Cusco city to Machu Picchu?
Yes there is. However it is only available for local people who live in Machu Picchu Pueblo and surrounding areas, so if this is not your case you will have to catch your train from Ollantaytambo town. - Do I need to book in advance?
That’s right, the earlier the better, at least two days in advance. - What happens if they run out of tickets?
Well, you can travel on foot, many locals do, Peru Rail will enable a couple of wagons so that everyone can get on the local train, but you have to travel on foot, consider that it is 3 hours from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo. - Are there stops along the way?
That’s right, there are shortstops for the Locals to get on the train, however, it is not for you to get out of the train and spend some time outside of it. - If I am a foreigner, can I take my train at the Hydroelectric station?
Sure you can! However, it only applies from the Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes – Not vice-versa. - Is there another mean of transportation to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo?
Yes, there is, by bus and foot, your route will be as it follows:- Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu pueblo:
- Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Hidroelectrica by Bus
- Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu Pueblo on Foot – some locals and foreigners board the train at the Hydroelectric, but most prefer to walk.
- Machu Picchu pueblo to Hydroelectric:
- Machu Picchu Pueblo to Hydroelectric on Foot
- Hydroelectric – Ollantaytambo – Cusco by Bus
- Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu pueblo:
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