Guide 2024: How to get to Machu Picchu by local train? Only for Peruvians or foreign residents
This is definitely the most economical and well-known way to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). If you are Peruvian or reside in Peru and have a foreigner’s card this article may interest you.
Here we leave you all the information you will need to get to Machu Picchu by local train. Please note, these trains are NOT tourist trains, and are normally used to transport local Cusco people going to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
How to buy your local train tickets?
We suggest that you buy your local train tickets as soon as you step on Cusco soil since tickets sell out quickly especially in the months of May to October (high attendance of travelers), so you should buy your ticket at least one week in advance.
Although you can buy your train tickets the same day of your trip to Machu Picchu Pueblo, you run the risk of not finding train tickets, since these are limited and local Cusco people have preference in purchasing them.
The purchase of your tickets can only be done in person. There are no online purchases and all payments are in cash (Peruvian soles), credit or debit cards are not accepted.
You can buy tickets for your immediate family members (parents, siblings and children) with their respective identity documents.
What documents do I need to buy my local train ticket?
If you are Peruvian you will be asked to present your physical identity document (DNI or C4) and if you are a resident you will be asked to present your valid and physical foreigner’s card.
How much does the local train ticket cost?
Adult: S/. 12 soles (USD 4 dollars) per leg / round trip S/. 24 soles (USD 12 dollars)
Child: S/. 5 soles (USD 1.30 dollars) per leg / round trip S/. 10 soles (USD 2.60 dollars)
Important: All Peruvian passengers (non-local) or foreign residents must board the local trains to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) at Ollantaytambo Station.
What are the points of sale to purchase local train tickets?
To purchase local train tickets, you must go to these points of sale:
Boletería Wanchaq (Av. Pachacútec s/n) Monday to Friday 4:45 am – 5:45 pm Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 4:45 am – 1:00 pm
Tienda Av. El Sol (Av. El Sol N° 409) Monday to Sunday and holidays 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tienda Plaza de Armas (Portal de Carnes 214) Monday to Sunday and holidays 9:00 am –1:30 pm 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Boletería San Pedro (Calle Cascaparo N° 154) Mondayto Sunday 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. Boletería San Pedro (Calle Cascaparo N° 154) Monday to Sunday 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Boletería Poroy (Calle Roldan s/n, district of Poroy)
Boletería Ollantaytambo (Av. Ferrocarril s/n, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley)
