When I boarded Mexico’s brand new Tren Maya, I wasn’t expecting luxury. Or speed. Or for the air con to work perfectly. But there it was—a smooth, modern, eco-friendly train weaving through the Yucatán Peninsula like a futuristic jungle serpent. I was sold within ten minutes.
This isn’t just a train—it’s a game-changer for how you explore southern Mexico. And trust me, the alternatives will make you appreciate it even more.
🚄 What Is the Tren Maya?
The Tren Maya is a 1,500 km passenger rail network looping through five states in southeastern Mexico: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. Operational as of late 2023, the project aims to decentralize tourism from hotspots like Cancún and Tulum, while providing sustainable access to archaeological sites, pueblos mágicos, colonial cities, cenotes, and rainforests.
🛒 Buy tickets online via the official Tren Maya website here:
👉 https://ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx
There are three main classes: Turista, Premier, and (soon) Long Distance Sleeper Cabins.
🌴 Why Tren Maya Is Changing Travel in the Yucatán
Until now, getting around the Yucatán Peninsula meant making a choice: slow bus, overpriced flight, or driving yourself into a pothole-based existential crisis.
The Tren Maya solves a lot of those problems with comfy seats, scenic windows, and a seamless connection between major and minor destinations.
Why the Tren Maya is a Game-Changer
The Tren Maya is one of Mexico’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, designed to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable tourism across the Yucatán Peninsula. Here’s why it’s going to be a game-changer:
- Extensive Route: The Tren Maya spans over 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) and connects five states: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. It includes 20 stations and 14 stops, making it easy to access key destinations like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Mérida, and Palenque
- Economic Boost: The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate local economies by increasing tourism and investment in the region
- Sustainable Travel: By providing an eco-friendly alternative to car and bus travel, the Tren Maya aims to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion
- Cultural and Historical Access: The train route passes through numerous archaeological sites and cultural landmarks, offering travellers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the Maya civilization
- Modern Amenities: The Tren Maya will feature modern trains equipped with comfortable seating, dining options, and scenic views, ensuring a pleasant travel experience
Let’s break it down:
🚗 Option 1: Hiring a Car in the Yucatán
Self-driving gives you flexibility, but it’s not always stress-free—especially with road conditions, petrol stations that only sometimes exist, and, of course, navigating in rural areas.
That said, for those who want to do remote cenotes or beach-hopping, it’s still a good option.
🛒 Compare rental prices here → Search Car Hire in Mexico (affiliate link placeholder)
🛒 Or book directly with a trusted provider → DiscoverCars.com (affiliate link placeholder)
Pros:
- Total freedom
- Great for families or groups
- Can reach off-the-grid places
Cons:
- Roads can be rough
- Fuel and insurance costs add up
- Navigation apps can be… ambitious
💡 Pro Tip: Always opt for full coverage insurance when driving in Mexico—it’s well worth the peace of mind. And this magnetic phone mount was a lifesaver for keeping Google Maps in view.
🚌 Option 2: Long-Distance Buses (ADO & Others)
ADO buses are the dominant company and run routes between all major cities, including Mérida, Cancún, Campeche, and Chetumal.
They’re clean, air-conditioned, and cost-effective—but not always direct, and they take significantly longer than Tren Maya routes.
🛒 Book bus tickets here → ClickBus Mexico (affiliate link placeholder)
Pros:
- Affordable
- Reliable
- Good coverage of cities
Cons:
- Slower than the train
- Limited baggage space
- Less scenic & less comfortable for long journeys
✈️ Option 3: Domestic Flights
Yes, you can fly between Cancún, Mérida, and a few others. But unless you’re really pressed for time, flying within the Yucatán feels excessive.
Airports are often far from the city centre, security queues are long, and local flights add to your carbon footprint.
🛒 Compare domestic flights here → Skyscanner (affiliate link placeholder)
Pros:
- Fast for long distances (e.g. Cancún to Palenque)
- Easy to book
Cons:
- Expensive
- Delays are common
- Not scenic
- You’ll miss all the cool stuff in between
🛤️ Why Tren Maya Wins (Most of the Time)
The Tren Maya is simply the best option if you:
- Want to travel sustainably
- Prefer not to drive
- Love scenic routes
- Want to access places like Valladolid, Palenque, and Campeche in comfort
💺 You can pick from:
- Turista Class: basic, comfy, budget-friendly
- Premier Class: more legroom, food & drinks onboard
- Sleeper cabins (coming soon): ideal for longer stretches or overnight trips
🛒 Check schedules and availability here →
👉 https://ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx
📍 Where You Can Go (and Why You’ll Want To)
| Stop | Why Visit |
| Palenque | Jungle ruins + waterfalls. One of Mexico’s best archaeological sites. |
| Campeche | Colorful colonial buildings + a calm seafront. UNESCO heritage. |
| Mérida | Culture, cenotes, live music, and food galore. |
| Valladolid | Cenotes + colonial charm + access to Chichén Itzá. |
| Tulum | Gorgeous beaches, Mayan ruins, and a laid-back vibe without the chaos. |
🧳 Need a full gear list? Check out my affiliate-friendly packing guide here → My Travel Essentials for Mexico (affiliate link placeholder)
Final Thoughts: All Aboard, Amigos
As someone exploring the world during a sabbatical, I can confidently say the Tren Maya is the most exciting—and actually practical—rail project I’ve experienced in recent years.
It’s affordable, efficient, and opens up an entire region that was once tricky to explore unless you were fluent in Spanish, confident behind the wheel, and had a sixth sense for bus terminals.
So yes: take the train. Watch the jungle pass by. Eat a tamal in Mérida. Get off the tourist treadmill and see the southeast of Mexico the way it deserves to be seen—connected.