The Tren Maya route will span five key states in southeastern Mexico, namely Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Chiapas, Campeche, and Tabasco. This ambitious intercity railway divided into seven sections will cover a whopping 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). The project aims to make the hidden gems of the Yucatan Peninsula easily accessible to all locals and tourists alike.
Features
Strategically stationed close to 14 “Pueblos Magicos”, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and an impressive 50 archaeological treasures, this train will also streamline access for those touching down at Cancun International Airport.
With a fleet of 42 X’trapolis electric trains, each boasting a 300-passenger capacity, the Maya Train railway line is geared to handle a remarkable 10,000 passengers daily. That’s an estimated three million travelers exploring Mexico’s southeast region every year.
Electric Minibus
The Maya Train project’s commitment to ease of travel doesn’t stop at merely linking airports across the Yucatan Peninsula. An eco-friendly electric minibus promises seamless connectivity from the Cancun Airport straight to the nearest train station. This means visitors can effortlessly hop from the airstrip to crucial cultural, historical, and natural landmarks speckling the train route.
Services
The original plans take into account three types of passenger amenities. Xiinbal, the regular services has ergonomic seats and room for bikes. Janal is the dining train with an expansive menu of Mayan delights, while P’atal contains cabins with bunk beds, private bathrooms, and showers.
Xiinbal
Regular Service. The journey promises sprawling scenic views, thanks to vast windows. Travelers get spacious, ergonomic, and reclining seats complemented by handy power outlets and storage provisions. And for cycling enthusiasts? There’s a special spot just for your bikes.
Janal
A Gastronomic Delight. This isn’t your average tourist train dining experience. On the menu are over 30 traditional dishes spanning breakfast to dinner, showcasing quintessential Mayan delicacies. Think chipilín tamales, panuchos, cochinita pibil, and venison tzic. To cap off meals, the train dishes out authentic desserts like marquesitas and cocada. And beverages? From the regional xtabentún to craft beers hailing from Mexico, there’s something for everyone.
P’atal
The Long-Haul Comfort. Ideal for those spanning long distances, these cabins flaunt bunk beds and an attached private restroom, complete with a shower.
Stations
The Maya Train’s itinerary includes 20 main stations and an additional 14 stops. The entire route is spread over an impressive 1,500-kilometer (932 miles) stretch linking many cities of historical significance. To offer variety, travelers get two distinct routes encircling the peninsula – one taking the clockwise trajectory and the other, it’s opposite.
Cancun Airport
Situated in the Quintana Roo state, this bustling hub not only connects to numerous global destinations but also sits enticingly close to some of the planet’s most famed beach resorts. White sands? Check. Turquoise waters? Absolutely. Pulsating nightlife? Oh yes! Cancun is more than just an airport city. It’s also your gateway to the Caribbean treasures like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Tulum.
Puerto Morelos
The charm of this quaint town lies in its petite size and access to the Ruta de los Cenotes. This roadway links countless tourist-friendly sinkholes that are perfect for a dive, swim, or snorkel. And if marine life calls out to you, the town’s coral reef, a proud member of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, awaits your exploration.
Playa del Carmen
The jewel of the Riviera Maya where tourists from all over the globe are magnetically drawn to its diverse offerings. From accommodations and dining to shopping and entertainment, Playa del Carmen’s sun-kissed beaches, and electric nightlife delight. Venture a little to visit attractions like Xcaret Eco Park and Xplor Adventure Park.
Tulum
Step into history through the famed Mayan archaeological site and ancient ruins that overlooks the pristine Caribbean Sea. Modern-day Tulum has a bohemian heartbeat and is a melting pot of stunning beaches and eco-conscious resorts. For wellness aficionados, yoga retreats and holistic lifestyles are the order of the day here.
Tulum Airport
Watch out for the newest entry on the Riviera Maya aviation map, the Tulum Airport (TQO). Positioned approximately 25km south of Tulum Pueblo, this state-of-the-art facility is gearing up to greet travelers by April 2024, boasting a capacity expected to handle a whopping 3 million passengers annually. While in construction nearest airport to Tulum is Cancun International.
Bacalar
Known for its enchanting Lake of Seven Colors (Laguna de Bacalar), the whispers tale waters here redefine clarity. Take a boat trip on the lagoon, or visit the historic San Felipe fortress and the Canal de los Piratas with its serene white sands and tranquil blue hues. Whether you’re kayaking or simply taking a dip, adventure beckons on the bustling Rapidos de Bacalar.
Chetumal
Quintana Roo’s border capital, gazes out towards Belize. With an international airport (CTM) and proximity to Mahahual, this city promises a marine adventure. Dive into the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the world’s second-largest – and let the wonders of the deep captivate your soul.
Xpujil
Enter the gateway to the majestic Calakmul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Campeche state. Recognized as one of Mexico’s most significant Mayan cities, it sprawls with over 6,000 structures – pyramids, palaces, and temples galore. The cherry on top? A surrounding biosphere reserve that’s a haven for diverse flora and fauna.
Tenosique
Ever heard of the dance “La Pochó”? Well, Tenosique, a town in Tabasco, is where it takes center stage. This vibrant spectacle, boasting vivid costumes and masks, harkens back to pre-Hispanic times. An annual treat, the Tenosique Carnival in late January showcases this dance. And while you’re there, you might also fancy a visit to the Usumacinta River, a natural boundary with Guatemala.
Palenque
The launching pad for the Maya Train in Chiapas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site houses one of Mexico’s most stellar Mayan archaeological complexes. And as if the Palenque ruins weren’t impressive enough, the surrounding dense rainforest plays host to a variety of wildlife.
Edzna
Once a major player among Mayan cities and closely tied with Calakmul, Edzna now stands as a testament to ancient grandeur. Here, you can stand in awe of the main pyramid, a unique five-tiered masterpiece crowned with a temple. On your way up, the rain god Chaac, immortalized in masks, accompanies you.
San Francisco de Campeche
The heart of Campeche State is more than just a capital. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a window to colonial architecture and fortifications that have weathered time.
Merida
The cultural and historical epicenter and largest city in Yucatán state. It’s a gateway to the Ruta Puuc, a circuit of five mesmerizing Mayan archaeological sites. The star attraction? Uxmal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases architectural marvels like the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace.
Izamal
Painted in hues of yellow, this colonial town in Yucatán seamlessly blends the old with the new. From the grand Convento de San Francisco de Padua to Mayan pyramids like Kinich Kakmó integrated into the urban milieu, the town is a tapestry of history.
Chichen Itza
The crown jewel of Mexico’s Mayan sites, Chichen Itza is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World. Marvel at the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan or delve into history at the Temple of the Warriors. From ballcourts to observatories, Chichen Itza never ceases to impress.
Valladolid
A colonial town in Yucatán is your quintessential hub for cenotes. Among its watery wonders, Ik Kil and Suytun stand out. But that’s not all. Valladolid is also a stone’s throw from the Mayan ruins in Chichén Itzá and the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam. And if Ek Balam’s Acropolis doesn’t take your breath away, the serene Cenote Xcanche surely will
Project Details
The Mayan Train route is a massive undertaking initiated by the Mexican government, stretching for almost 1,000 miles across the Yucatán Peninsula at an estimated total cost of 320 billion pesos. The Cancun Sun mentions this Bombardier-led consortium will generate 4,000 direct jobs and almost 7,500 indirect ones. The Maya Train project will also contribute to the economic development and economic growth of states such as Hidalgo, Mexico City, State of Mexico, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Nuevo León, Pueblam, and Veracruz where Alstom has operations.
Construction began in June 2020, and there were some issues related to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) not accounting for things in the environmental impact assessment. Protestors even barricaded the Maya Train construction site, and there was talk of infringement on the rights of local communities of Indigenous people, but these issues seem have to been ironed out since.
The grand completion is now set for October 2023. But before the inaugural whistle blows on December 1, 2023, there’s a rigorous 9,000-mile test run in the pipeline. It’s all in the name of safety and performance – making sure the train runs like a dream for every passenger.
Current Status
Circle December 1st, 2023 on your calendar. That’s when the Maya Train’s Cancun Airport station is slated to open its doors. With this new transportation option, a myriad of spellbinding destinations throughout the Yucatán Peninsula become easily accessible. Places that once took a fair bit of effort and cash to reach, will now be just a scenic train ride away.
FAQ
Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about the Tren Mayaa routes, ticket pricing, and train journey times.
Mayan Train
Imagine stepping off your plane in Cancun and hopping directly on a train that visits all the popular tourist destinations along the Mexican Caribbean. Forget the hours spent figuring out transport to Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Bid adieu to shelingl out big bucks for tours to wonders like Chichen Itza or Palenque. This train promises not only convenience but also a safe, affordable alternative to other pricier transport options.
According to the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur), average ticket prices will be somewhere between $40-$50, or 800-1,000 MNX. The distance traveled and who you are (local, domestic, or international tourist) will play a part in the final price tag, with local passengers snagging the best deals.
As of now, these Maya train tickets remain elusive, but it’s expected to start operating on December 1, 2023. Once this date is confirmed, the official Tren Maya Website and Facebook Page will guide you to where you can secure your seat.
Yes, once you touch down at CUN, you’ll be just an 8-minute electric minibus away from boarding the Maya Train. From there, the historical wonders of Quintana Roo, the Yucatan, Campeche, and Chiapas are ready and waiting to be explored.
Straight from the horse’s mouth: it’s a mere eight minutes on the electric minibus. This zippy little route skirts the fringes of the Cancun Airport property, meaning you won’t be held hostage by pesky traffic jams.
The journey will take an impressive 1 hour and 30 minutes when all is up and running in December. To put it in perspective, that’s a drastic cut of 2.5 hours from the grueling four-hour car journey.
Yes. A flat floor layout provides inclusivity for those with limited mobility. Plus, thoughtful touches like storage for wheelchairs and accessible restroom facilities ensure everyone can journey with ease.
It is set to blaze between stations at a whopping top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).