If you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu and want to travel in style, chances are you’ve come across the Hiram Bingham train , Peru’s most luxurious rail experience to the Lost City of the Incas. But before booking, most travelers ask the same question: what does the Hiram Bingham train cost, and is it actually worth the price?
In this guide, we break down the real Hiram Bingham train cost, what’s included, and whether this premium option fits your Machu Picchu itinerary.
What Is the Hiram Bingham Train?
Operated by Belmond, the train journey is the top-tier rail service between Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) and Machu Picchu. Named after the American explorer credited with bringing global attention to Machu Picchu in 1911, this train recreates the golden age of rail travel with vintage-style carriages, panoramic windows, a piano bar car, and full dining service. It’s less a form of transport and more a full travel experience in itself.
Hiram Bingham Train Cost: What You Can Expect to Pay
The Hiram train cost typically ranges between USD $500 and $600 per person, round trip, though pricing can shift depending on season, availability, and route (Cusco–Machu Picchu vs. Ollantaytambo–Machu Picchu). This makes it significantly more expensive than standard Peru Rail or Inca Rail services, which usually cost between $70 and $150 per person round trip.
The higher the cost reflects the fact that this isn’t just a train ticket , it’s an all-inclusive luxury package built around the journey to Machu Picchu.
What’s Included in the Price
When evaluating the Hiram Bingham train cost, it helps to understand exactly what’s bundled into that price:
- Round-trip train travel in a restored, vintage-style luxury carriage
- Gourmet brunch on the outbound journey and a multi-course dinner with live entertainment on the return
- Complimentary pisco sours and Peruvian wines served onboard
- Live musical entertainment, including traditional Andean performers
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of the Machu Picchu citadel with a professional bilingual guide
- Bus transfer between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance
When you factor in the entrance fee, guided tour, transportation, and two full meals, the train cost is closer to a curated day-long luxury experience than a simple point-to-point ticket.
Is the Hiram Bingham Train Worth the Cost?
Whether the Hiram Bingham train cost is worth it depends on your travel priorities. If you’re looking for the most comfortable, scenic, and memorable way to reach Machu Picchu , with fine dining, live music, and a knowledgeable guide included , this train delivers an experience that budget alternatives simply can’t match. Many travelers treat it as a special, once-in-a-lifetime addition to their Peru itinerary rather than a routine transfer.
On the other hand, if your main goal is simply reaching Machu Picchu efficiently and your budget is limited, a standard Peru Rail or Inca Rail service combined with a separately booked guide will get you there for a fraction of the price.
Tips to Get the Best Value on the Hiram Bingham Train
- Book early. Seats are limited, and prices tend to rise as departure dates approach.
- Travel in shoulder season (April–May or September–October) for slightly better availability and pricing.
- Combine it with a full Peru itinerary. Pairing the train with a multi-day Sacred Valley or Cusco tour helps justify the investment as part of a broader, well-planned trip.
- Book through a local specialist. Working with a Peru-based travel operator can help you secure the best available departure times and combine the train with a seamless, fully guided Machu Picchu day.
Final Thoughts
The Hiram Bingham train cost may be higher than other rail options, but for travelers seeking comfort, elegance, and an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, it’s an experience worth considering. From gourmet dining to live entertainment and a private guided tour, every detail is designed to make your visit to one of the world’s most iconic sites as memorable as the destination itself.
If you’d like help planning a Machu Picchu itinerary that includes the Hiram Bingham train, our local Peru travel experts can tailor the experience to your schedule and budget.
How much does the Hiram Bingham train cost per person?
The Hiram Bingham train cost usually falls between $500 and $600 per person for a round trip, depending on the season and departure route. This price includes meals, entertainment, park entrance, and a guided Machu Picchu tour.
Does the Hiram Bingham train cost include the Machu Picchu entrance ticket?
Yes. The Hiram Bingham train cost includes the Machu Picchu entrance fee, a guided tour of the citadel, and bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the site entrance, so you don’t need to book these separately.
Is the Hiram Bingham train more expensive than other Machu Picchu trains?
Yes, significantly. While standard trains like Peru Rail or Inca Rail cost around 70–150 round trip, the Hiram Bingham train cost is higher because it includes full dining service, live entertainment, and a guided Machu Picchu experience as part of the ticket.
