Ollantaytambo Train Station
The charming Ollantaytambo train station, a vital hub for reaching Machu Picchu, offers a rustic experience with scenic Andean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the best light for photos
Ollantaytambo Train Station
Best Time
Catch the best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The charming Ollantaytambo train station, a vital hub for reaching Machu Picchu, offers a rustic experience with scenic Andean views.
"More than just a transit point, it's a memorable part of the journey to Machu Picchu."
Book Online Early
Secure your train tickets to Aguas Calientes well in advance, especially for Vistadome services.
Passport is Key
You'll need your passport to board the train, so keep it handy!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
PeruRail & Inca Rail Services
Ollantaytambo Train Station
Experience the scenic journey to Machu Picchu on Vistadome or Expedition trains, offering panoramic views.
Local Train Option
Ollantaytambo Train Station
A more budget-friendly option for Peruvian citizens and residents, offering a glimpse into local travel.
Proximity to Ollantaytambo Ruins
Near Ollantaytambo Train Station
The station is a short walk from the impressive Inca ruins, making it a convenient stop before or after exploring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Train Tickets in Advance
Allow Ample Travel Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online Early
Secure your train tickets to Aguas Calientes well in advance, especially for Vistadome services.
Passport is Key
You'll need your passport to board the train, so keep it handy!
Local Train for Locals
The 'tren local' is primarily for Peruvian citizens and residents; tourists may face challenges boarding.
Factor in Travel Time
Allow at least 2 hours to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online Early
Secure your train tickets to Aguas Calientes well in advance, especially for Vistadome services.
Passport is Key
You'll need your passport to board the train, so keep it handy!
Local Train for Locals
The 'tren local' is primarily for Peruvian citizens and residents; tourists may face challenges boarding.
Factor in Travel Time
Allow at least 2 hours to get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station.
Explore the Town
Don't just rush to the station; Ollantaytambo town is charming and worth exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ollantaytambo train station to be a charming and essential gateway to Machu Picchu. The station is praised for its rustic ambiance, friendly staff, and the cultural experience offered by local vendors. While small, it's well-maintained and provides necessary amenities for travelers. The scenic train journey itself is a highlight for many.
"Really cool place! Not only for visiting the ruins, but also to just hang out and have some drinks.
The train station is about 15 mins by foot away from the main plaza.
The small alleys are really beautiful!"
Flo
"Visiting the Estación Ferroviaria de Ollantaytambo was a delightful experience! 😊 This charming railway station, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley, is a gateway to the iconic Machu Picchu. The scenic views surrounding the station are breathtaking, and the atmosphere is filled with the vibrant culture of Peru. The station itself is clean and well-maintained, with a rustic charm that adds to the overall experience. 🚂
The staff at the station were incredibly friendly and helpful, ensuring that our journey was smooth and enjoyable. They provided clear instructions and were always ready to assist with any questions we had. The ticketing process was efficient, and the waiting area was comfortable, offering plenty of seating and facilities. 🛤️
One of the highlights was the array of local vendors outside the station. They offered a variety of authentic Peruvian crafts and snacks, making the wait for the train a cultural experience in itself. The vendors were courteous and added a personal touch to our visit. 🌺
Overall, the Estación Ferroviaria de Ollantaytambo is more than just a transit point; it's a memorable part of the journey. I highly recommend it to anyone traveling to Machu Picchu. 🌟"
C G
"For many people, this is the begging of the journey to Machu Picchu. The station is very small but there is everything what you need for your departure. Even before the station there are small stores with food, snacks, drinks, etc., but also inside is a coffee shop where you can stay until you will be board to your train. Thank you🤩"
Ales Tvrdy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or a minivan from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. Taxis typically cost between 60-75 soles and take about 2 hours. Minivans are a more budget-friendly option, often departing from Grau Avenue or Pavitos Street, costing around 10 soles.
Yes, taking an Uber from Cusco to Ollantaytambo is an option, costing approximately $38 and taking about 2 hours.
The journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo typically takes around 2 hours by car or minivan.
Yes, many tours from Cusco to Machu Picchu include transportation to Ollantaytambo, often stopping at other archaeological sites along the way.
For convenience, many travelers opt for pre-booked tours or private transfers. However, minivans offer a more economical choice for reaching the station. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Train tickets can be purchased online in advance through the official websites of PeruRail or Inca Rail. You can also buy them at the station, but booking ahead is highly recommended to secure your preferred service and time.
PeruRail and Inca Rail offer various services, including the Vistadome (panoramic windows) and Expedition (more basic) trains. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. 
The 'tren local' is primarily intended for Peruvian citizens and legal residents. While some tourists have managed to board, it's not designed for foreign visitors and can be challenging to secure tickets. +1
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the service (Vistadome, Expedition, etc.) and the operator. Expect to pay more for Vistadome services. The local train is much cheaper but restricted.
Yes, your passport is required to board the train. Ensure you have it with you for ticket checks.
🎫 🚆 Onsite Experience
The Ollantaytambo train station is described as small, intimate, and charming. It's clean, well-maintained, and has a rustic feel. There are vendors selling crafts and snacks outside and a coffee shop inside.
The train station is about a 15-minute walk from the main plaza of Ollantaytambo.
The train journey offers scenic views of the Urubamba River, farmland, and the Andean landscape. Vistadome trains provide panoramic windows for enhanced viewing.
Yes, delays can occur due to various factors like landslides or blockages on the railway line, which can impact train schedules. +1
The station has essential facilities for departure, including seating areas and a coffee shop. Vendors outside offer food, snacks, and souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the station, the scenic Andean backdrop, and the trains themselves. The Vistadome trains offer great opportunities for photos through their panoramic windows.
Yes, the station provides good vantage points for photographing the trains as they arrive and depart. Be mindful of other passengers and staff.
Morning departures often offer good light for photography. The surrounding town also provides picturesque scenes.
Yes, you can take photos inside the train carriages, especially from the Vistadome service which has large windows.
The town of Ollantaytambo itself, with its narrow alleys and Inca architecture, offers excellent photographic opportunities. The nearby Quellorakay ruins are also a good spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Ollantaytambo station is a short walk from the town, making it manageable even with little ones, but ensure you have comfortable footwear for the journey. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Arriving early at the station can give you more time to capture the station's architecture and the trains before they get too crowded. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Train Options: Tourist vs. Local
+1The local train, operated exclusively by PeruRail, is primarily intended for Peruvian citizens and legal residents. While it's a more economical option, it's not designed for foreign tourists and can be difficult to access. Some travelers have reported challenges in purchasing tickets and ensuring they can travel seated. If you are a tourist, it's generally advisable to book a tourist train to ensure a smooth and guaranteed journey.
The Ollantaytambo Station Experience
Outside the station, you'll find local vendors selling a variety of crafts, snacks, and drinks, adding a vibrant cultural element to your wait. Inside, there's a coffee shop where you can relax before boarding. The station's proximity to the impressive Ollantaytambo ruins means you can easily combine a visit to the archaeological site with your train journey.
Planning Your Journey: Timing and Logistics
Once at the Ollantaytambo station, ensure you have your passport ready for boarding, as it's required for ticket checks.
While the station itself is small, it's wise to arrive with some buffer time to navigate the boarding process, especially during peak travel seasons. Be aware that train schedules can sometimes be affected by external factors like landslides, which have caused disruptions in the past. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit