Trains from Cuzco to Machu Pichu
 

I checked train prices on www.perurail.com and found that there is a huge difference between the cheapest and most expensive option. For instance, Expedition charges $56 each way whereas Hiram Bingham costs $299. And then there is Vistadome at $71. How big is the difference between these trains with respect to the safety, cleanliness and timeliness? Is it cheaper to buy in advance or in the station right before the departure?

Thank you.

Hmmm you will have to bear in mind that you are unlikely to find anyone that has been on all of the trains and can give you an objective view on this.

I went on the cheapest non Peruvian resident train and the only train that I could go on that Mrs Johnny (as a Peruvian) was also allowed to travel on I believe. I paid US$3 for her trip but we were not allowed to travel in the same carriage. A bit like apartheid isn't it?

My train was clean, safe, had windows, reasonable seats etc. It depends mainly how much you want to splurge on discriminatory Peruvian pricing. I think the price also depends on when you want to leave.

Research it carefully, the trains don't actually leave from Cusco, they leave from Poroy and Ollantaytambo. So you also need to get to the train station.

I got the Expedition on the way there, and Vistadome back (mainly because those timings worked rather than anything else)

Expedition: comfortable, clean, lots of windows (including in the roof). Free soft drink, pretzels, and disgusting chocolate thing.

Vistadome: pretty identical train and comfort to the Expedition, as far as I remember. You gained a slightly bigger snack (little pasta salad and dessert), a one-man 'dancing' show (you can't really dance in the aisle of a train, especially on those tracks), and some weird fashion show which went on far too long, to try and sell you some clothes. Local beer (Cusqueña) available for S/.7

Personally, I much preferred the Expedition - cheaper, just as comfortable, and some peace to enjoy the scenery, rather than music blasting out and a man in a mask attempting to drag people out their seats...

Hiram Bingham is more of a package tour option, including entrance to Machu Picchu itself, and a guide:

Obviously a lot more expensive than the other two options - not worth it for me, but I can see why people would be attracted by the more luxurious and hassle-free option.

As JohnnyColombia points out, the trains actually leave from Poroy. We went to Ollantaytambo instead, further down the tracks. It is a lovely place to spend a couple of nights, and there are more trains from there. We got the first train of the day, didn't encounter any queues really, and got to site by 0830 - not as early as staying in Aguas Calientes, but still while it was fairly quiet and cool.

Raising my hand ... I have done all three, although the Hiram Bingham service was part of a press trip.

Expedition or Vistadome were just fine for me.

We have a winner :)