Mayan Train

A massive undertaking spanning 1,500 kilometers in the southeastern region of Mexico, the ambitious Mayan Train project is set to traverse the Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.

Welcome aboard, fellow travelers, as we prepare to unravel the captivating tale of Mexico’s grandeur through the lens of the Mayan Train (Tren Maya) project. Nestled in the heart of the southeastern paradise, this ambitious 1,500-kilometer rail network promises an odyssey like no other. From the lush jungles of Chiapas to the azure shores of Quintana Roo, and every cultural gem in between, the Mayan Train invites you to experience Mexico’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and stunning natural beauty.

Get ready to traverse through the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo, where ancient civilizations, mayan ruins, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes await. So, grab your virtual ticket, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure along the tracks of the Mayan Train!

Maya Train Project

The Mayan Train represents an ambitious infrastructure initiative driven by the vision of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s government, aimed at fostering socioeconomic growth and sustainable tourism. This groundbreaking project introduces a novel rail transport network seamlessly connecting key cities and captivating tourist hotspots within the enchanting Yucatan Peninsula.

Operated by the public enterprise Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, the Mayan Train is designed to deliver three distinct services: passenger transportation, catering to the needs of travelers; a dedicated tourist service, offering immersive experiences; and a vital cargo service to facilitate goods movement. This visionary concept was initially unveiled to the leaders of Mexico’s southeastern states on September 10, 2018.

Beginning its journey from the picturesque town of Palenque in Chiapas, the Maya Train winds its way northeastward, ultimately reaching the tropical paradise of Cancún in Quintana Roo. Along this remarkable route, it traces two distinct pathways that gracefully circumnavigate the captivating Yucatan Peninsula.

At its core, the Maya Train’s mission is to seamlessly bridge iconic Caribbean tourist destinations with hidden gems nestled inland, including historic Mayan sites that bestow upon it its evocative name. This ambitious railway project is poised to redefine the way travelers explore the Yucatan, unlocking a tapestry of cultural treasures and natural wonders along its path.

Maya train route

The Maya Train route is an extensive and diverse network that traverses various sections and stations throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Here’s a breakdown of the different sections and key stations along this remarkable rail journey:

1. Palenque – Escárcega Section:

Palenque, Chiapas
Boca del Cerro, Tabasco
El Triunfo, Tabasco
Escárcega, Campeche

2. Escárcega – Calkiní Section:

Escárcega, Campeche
Edzná, Campeche
San Francisco de Campeche
Carrillo Puerto, Campeche
Tenabo, Campeche
Hecelchakán, Campeche
Calkiní, Campeche

3. Calkiní – Izamal Section:

Merida Airport, Yucatán
Teya, Yucatán
Izamal, Yucatán

4. Izamal – Cancun Section:

Chichén Itzá, Yucatán
Valladolid, Yucatán
Nuevo Xcán, Quintana Roo

5. Cancun – Playa del Carmen Section:

Cancún Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo
Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

6. Playa del Carmen -Tulum Section:

Tulum, Quintana Roo
Tulum Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo
Xcaret, Quintana Roo
Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo
Akumal, Quintana Roo

7. Tulum – Bacalar Section:

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo
Bacalar, Quintana Roo
Chetumal, Quintana Roo
Limones, Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo

8. Bacalar – Escarcega Section:

Xpujil, Campeche
Conhuas, Campeche
Centenario, Campeche

Each section and station along the Maya Train route presents a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula, making it an enticing journey for travelers seeking adventure and exploration.

Mayan train completion date

The inauguration of the Mayan Train will be in December 2023; although the complete route may not be inaugurated. Dynamic testing will begin on September 1.

Mayan train ticket price

The Mayan Train is four months away, according to the Mexican government, from beginning its operations in the southern part of the country. However, what has everyone eagerly anticipating is the price list for traveling on it.

Although initially it had been assured that tickets would cost around 50 Mexican pesos for Mexican citizens and 50 US dollars for foreigners, the director of the Mayan Train, General Óscar Lozano Águila, has released a list of the costs for each of the 7 segments that make up the complete route.

Here are the prices for Mexican citizens:

Segment 1: Palenque, Chiapas – Escárcega, Campeche: 524.32 pesos
Segment 2: Escárcega – Calkiní, Campeche: 542.88 pesos
Segment 3: Calkiní, Campeche – Izamal, Yucatán: 368.88 pesos
Segment 4: Izamal, Yucatán – Cancún, Quintana Roo: 554.48 pesos
Segment 5: North Cancún Airport – Puerto Morelos: 257.52 pesos
Segment 6: Tulum – Chetumal, Quintana Roo: 593.46 pesos
Segment 7: Quintana Roo to Campeche: Chetumal – Escárcega: 590.44 pesos

While the cost for foreigners will be as follows:

Segment 1: Palenque, Chiapas – Escárcega, Campeche: 983.1 pesos
Segment 2: Escárcega – Calkiní, Campeche: 1,017.9 pesos
Segment 3: Calkiní, Campeche – Izamal, Yucatán: 691.65 pesos
Segment 4: Izamal, Yucatán – Cancún, Quintana Roo: 1,039 pesos
Segment 5: North Cancún Airport – Puerto Morelos: 482.85 pesos
Segment 6: Tulum – Chetumal, Quintana Roo: 1,109.25 pesos
Segment 7: Quintana Roo to Campeche: Chetumal – Escárcega: 1,104.9 pesos

The total cost for Mexican citizens will be approximately 3,431.28 pesos, while the price for foreigners will be 6,433.65 pesos.

Buy Mayan train tickets

You can buy tickets for the Mayan Train at the ticket offices of any station or stop, online on the website or in the Mayan Train App.

At the moment, Mayan Train tickets are not available, but for the most up-to-date details, visit the official Mayan Train Facebook page and Website.

Mayan train

The Mayan Train project stands as a monumental endeavor poised to transform the landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, fostering both socioeconomic development and sustainable tourism. As we’ve explored the various sections and stations of this ambitious rail network, it becomes evident that the Maya Train is not just a means of transportation; it’s a gateway to Mexico’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

With its potential to seamlessly connect iconic tourist destinations with lesser-known treasures, the Maya Train offers a unique opportunity for travelers to delve into the heart of Mexico, uncovering ancient Mayan sites, lush jungles, and picturesque coastlines. However, the recent release of pricing details underscores the importance of planning for both Mexican citizens and foreign visitors.

As the Maya Train inches closer to its official inauguration, it carries the promise of economic growth, cultural exchange, and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. The journey ahead is not only about reaching a destination but also about embracing the experiences, stories, and memories that this remarkable project will undoubtedly create for generations to come. So, whether you’re a local adventurer or a global explorer, keep your eyes on the tracks, for the Maya Train is poised to embark on a transformative voyage through the heart of Mexico.