Transfer from Cusco airport to train station

Question

My plane lands in Cusco at 6:00am. The available trains to Machu Picchu on Peru Rail leave at 640a, 735a, and 825a from Poroy. I would like to get to Machu Picchu as quickly as possible.

Here are my questions:

1. How long does it normally take to get from the airport to the train station?
2. What happens if I book a 735a ticket and miss the train? Can I pay the difference and get on the 825a train?
3. Should I buy a ticket now or wait to buy the ticket when I get to the train station and avoid worrying about which train to take?
4. What are the chances that I could get on the 735a train if I buy a ticket for the 825a train but arrive at the train station early?

I'll be landing on November 26th so it won't be the high tourist season.

Answer 1

Even if your plane lands on time, it usually takes at least 20 mins to get off the plane. Then you have to exit the airport, collect your luggage and find a taxi. Assume another 20 mins minimum for the exit, a few mins for the luggage and a few more for the taxi and you are sure to miss the 6:40 train. Hopefully you are coming from Lima or another airport in Peru such that you have cleared immigration already.

Cusco Airport is also notorious for delays since fog often makes landing difficult so that counting on an on-time arrival is risky. It takes 30 mins to get to the train station, assuming no traffic which is likely for such an early arrival. However, should there be a delay landing, you would hit the start of the morning traffic.

Your safest and most likely time to take the train would be 8:25A. The best thing is to order online and pick up your tickets ahead of time in Lima, assuming you are connecting there. Otherwise, Peru Rail, asks for people who do not have a ticket to arrive one hour ahead of time, so that's 7:25A which you should be able to make unless there is a major delay. You can also pickup the tickets starting at 7 AM at Cusco Airport.

Not sure what happens if you book and miss a train but I assume they should have no trouble putting you on the later train unless it is full which is very unlikely in November.