Poroy vs. Ollantaytambo Station: Which One Should You Choose for Your Machu Picchu Train?

If you’re taking the train to Machu Picchu, you have to choose between two stations: Poroy, practically in Cusco, or Ollantaytambo, inside the Sacred Valley. The difference isn’t just location — it changes your travel time, your schedule options, and even your transport budget.

Poroy Station: the closest to Cusco

Poroy is only 20-30 minutes from downtown Cusco. It’s the fastest option if minimizing road time before boarding the train is your priority.

• Transfer from Cusco: 30-45 minutes.
• Transfer price: starting at $25 USD (sedan).
• Main advantage: a later departure is possible, ideal if your train leaves later in the morning and you don’t want to wake up too early.

Ollantaytambo Station: inside the Sacred Valley

Ollantaytambo is farther — 1h 45min from the airport/Cusco — but has more frequent trains, and both operators (PeruRail and IncaRail) depart from there.

• Transfer from Cusco/airport: 1h 45min.
• Transfer price: starting at $50 USD (sedan).
• Main advantage: more schedule options, and if you combine your trip with a Sacred Valley tour the day before, you’re already nearby.

Quick comparison

	Poroy	Ollantaytambo
Distance from Cusco	20-30 min	1h 45min
Transfer price from	$25 USD	$50 USD
Train frequency	Lower	Higher
Best for	Quick departure, sleep in a bit	Combining with Sacred Valley, more schedule options

Which one should you choose?

If your train ticket is already booked, the station isn’t a choice — it’s whatever your ticket says. But if you’re still deciding which ticket to buy: if you want to sleep in a bit and minimize the transfer, look for trains from Poroy. If your itinerary already includes a day in the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu, it makes more sense to depart straight from Ollantaytambo without going back to Cusco.

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