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Tren Maya: A Quick Guide to an Unforgettable Journey on the Mayan Train

Mayan Train sleeper, courtesy of Alstom
Mayan Train sleeper car, courtesy of Alstom

Dreaming of immersing yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking panoramas of the Yucatan Peninsula? Look no further than the cutting-edge Mayan Train for an unparalleled adventure!

The Maya Train, also recognized as the “Tren Maya,” stands as an innovative railway endeavor poised to interconnect five southeastern Mexican states, spanning an impressive expanse of approximately 1,500 kilometers (932 miles). These states encompass Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.

Strategically positioned alongside an array of captivating attractions, activities, and engagements, the train stations promise to be gateways to 14 enchanting “Pueblos Magicos” (Magical Towns), 6 distinguished World Heritage Sites, and a staggering 50 archaeological marvels! To ensure your Mayan Train escapade is meticulously planned, we present an exhaustive handbook that encapsulates every crucial detail.

Within the pages of this guide, you’ll uncover an intricate map of the train’s route, pinpointing key stations and the finest nearby attractions. Additionally, you’ll familiarize yourself with the train’s opulent features and conveniences, grasp the ticket pricing and reservation procedures, and gain insight into the supplementary projects slated to complement the Mayan Train’s grandeur.

Inside view of the Xiinbal train of the Maya Tren project

What You Should Know Before You Hop on the Tren Maya

  • The commencement of operations for the Tren Maya is anticipated in December 2023.

  • While the official pricing structure remains pending, an earlier indication suggested that visitors can anticipate a range of approximately 40 to 50 dollars, translating to around 800 to 1,000 pesos.

  • Fares will be contingent on the length of the journey undertaken, distinguishing between regional commuters, national travelers, and international tourists, with local residents enjoying the most economical rates.

  • Procuring tickets for your Maya Train voyage is conveniently achievable through diverse avenues, including in-person acquisition at any station or stop or virtual purchase via the official website.

As of Aug 24, 2023, the Tren Maya tickets are not available. For the most up-to-date detail check out the official Facebook Page and Tren Maya Website

Sleeping room on the Tren Maya
Sleeping room

Exploring the Maya Train: Unveiling its Characteristics and Offerings

The Maya Train will start with 42 X’trapolis trains.  These are electric trains that feature a unique design for Mexico. The capacity per car is 300 passengers.

Anticipations are for 10,000 passengers per day and wishes to attract three million tourists per year.  Mexico has high hopes for this Maya Tren project!

There will be three options to choose from on the Mayan Train.

  • Xiinbal (regular)

  • Janal (long journey)

  • P’atal (restaurant).

Xiinbal

Xiinbal is set to provide consistent passenger service, seamlessly linking individuals to the southeastern region while ensuring utmost comfort. The train will be equipped with a modern digital infrastructure, featuring WiFi connectivity and power outlets at every seat. Passengers can indulge in seats designed for relaxation, complete with headrests and footrests. Additionally, the train will include convenient amenities such as foldable tables and a Cafeteria Car that doubles as a meeting area. 

P’atal

 

P’atal (Stay) or the Long Distance Service invites travelers to journey in reclining seats boasting panoramic vistas, or opt for sleeping cabins replete with personal showers. These compartments will provide a hospitality experience akin to that of a hotel room. 

Janal

Restaurant car on the Tren Maya
Restaurant car

Janal (Eating) represents the train’s restaurant service, drawing inspiration from aquatic scenery and the architectural contributions of Mexican visionary Luis Barragán. This unique train will adopt a seating layout accommodating four individuals, fostering convivial gatherings of friends and family around a central dining table.

 

The train’s menu will feature more than 30 dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, showcasing the regional mayan cuisine such as chipilín tamales, motuleño eggs, panuchos, cochinita pibil, venison tzic, lime soup, papadzules, among others.

Stops Along the Maya Train Route: Schedule and Points of Interest

Tren Maya route map
Tren Maya route map

Mayan Train Route

The Mayan Train Route stands as a cornerstone within the Mexican government’s crucial infrastructure endeavors, aimed at invigorating tourism across the southeastern expanse of the nation. This ambitious undertaking encompasses over 1,500 kilometers of railway tracks, interlinking the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.

 

Initiated in 2019, the construction of the Mayan Train has been underway, with operational commencement scheduled for December 2023, and full completion projected by 2024. This monumental infrastructure initiative is poised to exert a substantial influence on both the economy and the advancement of the communities situated along its trajectory.

 

Outlined below is the comprehensive Mayan Train itinerary, encompassing the various stops and stations that grace each of its segments.

 

Tren Maya Route with Stations and Stops
Section 1: Palenque – Escárcega
Type City State
Station Palenque Chiapas
  Boca del Cerro Tabasco
  El Triunfo Tabasco
  Escárcega Campeche
Stop Tenosique Tabasco
  Candelaria Tabasco
Section 2: Escárcega – Calkiní
Type City State
Station Escárcega Campeche
  Edzná Campeche
  San Francisco de Campeche  
Stop Carrillo Puerto Campeche
  Tenabo Campeche
  Hecelchakán Campeche
  Calkiní Campeche
Section 3: Calkiní – Izamal
Type City State
Station Merida Airport Yucatán
  Teya Yucatán
  Izamal Yucatán
Stop Maxcanú Yucatán
  Tixkokob Yucatán
Section 4: Izamal – Cancún
Type City State
Station Chichén Itzá Yucatán
  Valladolid Yucatán
  Nuevo Xcán Quintana Roo
Stop Xibalbá Yucatán
  Leona Vicario Yucatán
Section 5 North: Cancún – Playa del Carmen
Type City State
Station Cancún Aeropuerto Quintana Roo
  Puerto Morelos Quintana Roo
  Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo
Section 5 South: Playa del Carmen – Tulum
Type City State
Station Tulum Quintana Roo
  Tulum Aeropuerto Quintana Roo
Stop Xcaret Quintana Roo
  Puerto Aventuras Quintana Roo
  Akumal Quintana Roo
Section 6: Tulum – Bacalar
Type City State
Station Felipe Carrillo Puerto Quintana Roo
  Bacalar Quintana Roo
  Chetumal Quintana Roo
Stop Limones Quintana Roo
Section 6: Tulum – Bacalar
Type City State
Station Xpujil Campeche
Stop Conhuas Campeche
  Centenario Campeche
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