Peru's rail network is small and largely disconnected from itself, but what exists is remarkable: two competing operators running trains to one of the world's great archaeological sites, a luxury sleeper crossing the Altiplano, and one of the highest standard-gauge railways on earth. There is no national passenger network in the European or Indian sense — instead, a handful of standalone lines, each built for a specific, spectacular journey.
Why Peru's railways don't connect
Unlike many countries, Peru's train lines were built more for mining and later tourism than for linking cities to one another. There is no rail connection between Lima and Cusco, for instance, or between Lima and Arequipa — those journeys are covered by long-distance coach or domestic flight, not train. See our guides to Lima to Cusco and coaches in Peru for how travellers actually cover that ground. What Peru does have is a set of short, scenic, largely standalone routes, each worth understanding on its own terms.
PeruRail and Inca Rail: getting to Machu Picchu
The best-known and most heavily used rail corridor in Peru runs from the Sacred Valley up to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu, along a valley road cannot reach. Two operators compete on this line: PeruRail, the longer-established of the two, and Inca Rail, a private competitor offering broadly similar service. Both run multiple classes, from efficient tourist-standard carriages to premium options with panoramic windows, on-board dining and observation cars.
Trains typically start from Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley, rather than from Cusco itself — most travellers take a road transfer or a separate, longer train from Cusco (Poroy station) to Ollantaytambo first, then join the scenic final stretch by rail. The full journey covers around 90 minutes to two hours from Ollantaytambo. Reservations are essential and fill up well ahead in high season (May to September); trains sell out particularly fast around the Inti Raymi festival in June. For the full comparison of getting to Machu Picchu, including the Inca Trail on foot, see our Cusco to Machu Picchu guide.
The Andean Explorer: crossing the Altiplano
PeruRail also operates the Andean Explorer, a luxury train between Cusco and Puno on Lake Titicaca, taking around 10 hours to cover roughly 384 km across the high Altiplano, climbing to La Raya pass at around 4,300 m. It runs on a limited schedule rather than daily, is positioned as a premium sleeper-cabin-style experience with dining and observation cars, and is one of the most memorable rail journeys in South America for those who can justify the cost and the advance planning it requires. Our Cusco to Puno route guide covers this train alongside the cheaper tourist bus and direct coach alternatives on the same corridor.
The Ferrocarril Central: the world's second-highest railway
The Ferrocarril Central Andino, running from Lima up into the Andes toward Huancayo, is one of the most extraordinary pieces of railway engineering anywhere, climbing from sea level to over 4,800 m through a dizzying sequence of switchbacks, tunnels and bridges — for many years the second-highest standard-gauge railway in the world. Unlike the Machu Picchu lines, this is not a daily tourist service: it runs only a handful of times a year as a special excursion train, largely aimed at rail enthusiasts and those specifically seeking out the experience rather than as regular transport. Check current operating dates well ahead if this is a priority for your trip, since departures are limited and demand for seats is high relative to the infrequent schedule.
Booking and what to expect
PeruRail and Inca Rail both offer online booking in English, and it is worth comparing schedules and classes between the two on the Cusco–Machu Picchu corridor, since departure times and onward connections can differ. All of Peru's tourist rail services are priced as an experience rather than as budget transport — considerably more than the equivalent bus fare elsewhere in the country — reflecting their scenic, limited-capacity nature rather than being directly comparable to European or Asian rail travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Lima to Cusco?
No. There is no rail connection between Lima and Cusco; that journey is made by domestic flight or a very long overland bus route. Peru's trains are separate, scenic lines rather than a connected national network.
Do I need to book Machu Picchu trains in advance?
Yes, especially in the high season from May to September and around the Inti Raymi festival in June, when trains on the PeruRail and Inca Rail Machu Picchu services sell out well ahead.
What is the Andean Explorer?
A luxury PeruRail train between Cusco and Puno on Lake Titicaca, taking about 10 hours and crossing the Altiplano at over 4,300 m. It runs on a limited schedule and is priced as a premium experience rather than everyday transport.
Can I ride the Ferrocarril Central to Huancayo?
Only on the limited number of dates it operates each year as a special excursion train — it isn't a regular passenger service. Check current dates well in advance if you want to include it in your trip.
Sources and further reading:
- PeruRail (perurail.com) — Machu Picchu services and the Andean Explorer.
- Inca Rail (incarail.com) — Machu Picchu services.
- The Man in Seat 61 for rail details across Peru.
- Our guide to Cusco to Machu Picchu.