I Rode the Mayan Train in Mexico — and This is Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Wondering about taking the Tren Maya in Mexico?

You’re in the right place, because this article contains my honest review of riding the Mayan Train in Mexico — so you can see if it’s right for you.

It also includes pro tips, as well as answers to the most common questions about pricing, schedules, train classes, buying tickets, being onboard, and more.

As a travel blogger who’s been living in Mexico since 2018, I’m always looking for new ways to explore the county — so I had to try the train for myself.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about riding the Tren Maya, so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your next Mexico trip (or not).

Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for us both. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Is the Tren Maya fully open?

The Tren Maya (Mayan Train) passenger railway began operations in late-2023, though it wasn’t fully complete at the time.

As of December 2024, all of the Mayan Train route became operational, and all stations are now open.

What is the Tren Maya? (And why was it built?)

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, you’ve probably heard about the Mayan Train — Mexico’s ambitious new railway project designed to connect popular destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula.

It connects five Mexican states: Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo.

The majority of the route goes through the Yucatán Peninsula — an area packed with beaches, colorful colonial towns, jungles, cenotes (jungle pools), and of course, ancient Mayan ruins.

The Mexican government built the Tren Maya to boost tourism, increase economic development in more rural areas, and make travel between popular destinations more efficient.

It’s one of the largest infrastructure projects in modern Mexican history, and while not without controversy (especially environmental concerns), there’s no denying it’s a big deal for travel in this region.

What is the complete Mayan Train route?

The full Tren Maya route stretches more than 900 miles (1,500 km) in a loop through southeastern Mexico. In total, there are technically 34 stations.

I say “technically” because there are really 20 major stations and 14 smaller stops called “paradas” (stops) or “destinos” (destinations), spread across five Mexican states.

It’s divided into seven main sections, and forms a full circuit — making it easy to hop from jungle to beach to archaeological site.

I know that complete list of Mayan Train stations was A LOT to take in — but know that you don’t have to ride the whole loop.

Rather, you can just take short rides between one, two or three stops, or whatever you choose.

That’s what I did the last time I rode the train, going from Merida to Valladolid, on a fun, stress-free, 2-hour trip in Yucatan state.

🚉 Pro Tip: Always double-check the current status of stations before planning your route via the official Mayan Train site, TrenMaya.gob.mex.

What are the best Tren Maya stops for tourists?

If you’re looking to explore Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula without a rental car, I suggest planning your itinerary around these destinations, and using the train to avoid having to take the ADO bus long distances.

Though there are 34 stops in total, these are the 12 stops most travelers will be using on the Tren Maya Mexico.

1. Mérida (Teya Station): Known as the safest city in Mexico, Mérida boasts beautiful colonial architecture, amazing food, and authentic Mayan culture.

2. Valladolid: A pueblo mágico (magical town), with plenty of great hotels if you want to stay a while to swim in cenotes and visit Chichén Itzá Ruins.

3. Chichén Itzá: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

4. Izamal: This pueblo mágico (magical town) is the iconic Mexico Yellow City.

5. Tulum: Beaches, ruins, cenotes, and a trendy boho vibe.

6. Playa del Carmen: Beaches, and a lively party vibe.

7. Puerto Morelos: Up-and-coming Mexico beach town, with laid back vibes.

8. Cancun Airport: This is the only Tren Maya stop in Cancun.

9. Bacalar: Known for its Lake of Seven Colors, and peaceful vibe.

10. Campeche City: A hidden gem with colorful streets and pirate history 🏴‍☠️

11. Chetumal: Head here if you you want to cross into Belize 🇧🇿

12. Palenque: Located in Chiapas state, Palenque is quite far from the main areas most people visit in the Yucatan Peninsula. However, it has some of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico, and is a must for history buffs.

Here’s How to Use the Mayan Train to Visit Chichén Itzá Mayan Ruins

As Chichén Itzá is quite remote, the opening of this station has become one of the best and most exciting parts of riding the Tren Maya for many visitors.

The Mexico Train Maya has made it super easy to get to Chichén Itzá from basically anywhere — including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Mérida.

If you’re coming from Valladolid or Izamal, you’ll be at the Chichen Itza Mayan Train station, located in the small town of Pisté, in less than an hour.

From there, it’s a cab or short shuttle ride from the actual ruins. In normal traffic, the drive takes less than 15 minutes.

Now, if you’re coming from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Mérida, the train ride will be closer to three hours.

🚉 Pro Tip: I recommend buying round trip tickets, or at least checking the train departure times to get back to your desired destination.

Right now, there are only a limited number of return trips via train each day, but you can also book tickets on the ADO bus to get back.

What’s the Tren Maya schedule like?

While the schedule seems to still be evolving, for now, most segments run 2-4 trains per day, depending on the popularity of the route.

For example, between Cancún and Mérida, which is one of the most popular routes, you’ll usually find morning and afternoon departures.

Schedules are available on the official Tren Maya website — though I’ll be honest, the info can be hard to find or not always updated in real-time, so give yourself some flexibility.

How much does it cost to ride the Mayan Train in Mexico?

It depends on the route you’re taking, and the train class you want, but overall, ticket prices for the Mayan Train are very reasonable for tourists.

While the best way to figure out your exact price is to check the official Mexico Tren Maya website, here are some general figures.

• Tourist class: $20-$40 USD per ride, for up to 4 hours trips
• Premier class: $40-$60 USD per ride, for up to 4 hours trips

• International tourist price: For anyone who’s not a Mexican citizen — which includes Mexican residents (ie. CURP holders, green card holders, temporary residents and permanent residents) who will have to purchase this ticket
• National tourist price: For Mexican citizens with proper identification that shows proof of citizenship
• Local’s price/Local tourist price: For Mexican citizens with proper identification who live along the train route
• Special price: For Mexican citizens with proper identification who are students, teachers, seniors (INAPAM), and/or individuals with disabilities

Discounts on Mayan Train Tickets

Traveling to Mexico with kids? Children under 2 who will be sitting on your lap (and not using a seat) ride Tren Maya for free.

If you want a seat for your child and/or their car seat, you will have to pay for the seat, no matter the child’s age.

For the older kiddos, there is a discounted child’s fare for kids up to age 12, and you can select this “kids” option when purchasing your tickets.

Mexico citizens get a discounted rate, but Mexican residents (ie. green card holders, temporary residents and permanent residents) must buy tickets at regular price.

Dynamic Fare Pricing on Mayan Train Tickets

Some time after it began running all routes, the Tren Maya implemented a dynamic fare system, designed to reward those who plan their trip in advance.

With this system, the earlier you buy, the greater the discount you can get — so don’t procrastinate if you want to secure your seat and save money.

According to what I read, if you book more than 45 days out, you’ll get the best available fare on Train Maya tickets.

However, the earlier you can book, the better the discount you should receive.

How do you buy tickets for the Mayan Train?

There are three ways to buy tickets for Tren Maya Mexico, which I will explain below.

🚉 Note: You used to be able to purchase Tren Maya tickets on eticket.mx, which is basically a Mexican Ticketmaster. However, you no longer can.

The only way to buy Tren Maya tickets online now is through their official site.

Option 1: Buy Tickets Online

Buy tickets through the official Tren Maya website — though keep in mind they sometimes only open tickets about a month ahead of time.

It’s pretty easy to navigate the online ticketing, but I’ll explain it below.

⚠️ Note: The website is Spanish-only, but if you click the “Compra Tus Boletos” option from the main menu (or go directly to this page), you can change the language to English in the top right corner of the page.

Step 1: Use the dropdown menus to choose your departure destination, the destination where you’re going, number of passengers, and travel dates.

Step 2: Select your fare and ticket type — if you’re not a Mexican citizen (full citizen with ID), then choose “International.”

Step 3: Choose your seats using the seating chart — just like you would when choosing your airplane seat

Step 4: Enter your personal information (full name, email, phone number, etc.) — and be aware that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, so the name you enter must match the ID you’re going to present at the train station.

Step 5: Make the payment using a credit card or debit card.

Step 6: Download your tickets — though they should also come to your email.

Option 2: Tren Maya App

There’s a Tren Maya mobile app for iOS and Android, where you can easily check schedules, purchase your tickets, and find updated service information.

• 📲 Tren Maya App for iPhone
• 📲 Tren Maya App for Android

Option 3: At the station

Do be aware tickets may sell out, especially popular routes like Cancún to Mérida, and especially on weekends, during the busy season in winter, and during major Mexican holidays.

I bought mine at the station, but it was a weekday in summer, so I wasn’t too worried. As expected, I got my tickets without issue.

⚠️ Note: I’ve sometimes seen that they open online ticket sales about a month in advance — so if you don’t see the date you want, it might just be too early.

What documents do I need to ride the Mayan Train?

International visitors will need a valid passport to board the train, and you would also need to show it when buying tickets in person.

There’s also a chance personnel will ask for your paper FMM tourist visa, or check your passport for the visa stamp, which shows you’re in the country legally.

For Mexican citizens and Mexican residents, you can show your INE or CURP.

What are the different classes on the Tren Maya?

There are two main classes on the Mayan Train available right now, and I’ll give you the rundown (including my opinion) on both below.

Clase Turista (Tourist Class/Economy Class)

This is the economy class on Tren Maya, which I found basic, comfortable, and clean. For shorter trips, this one is a great option.

Clase Premier (Premier Class/First Class)

You’ll have a bit more space, leather seats, and nicer amenities. I definitely recommend this for long rides, like Cancun to Palenque.

I have been on both, and they honestly weren’t so different. Here are the main differences between the two classes:

• 💺 The seats are bigger in first class, at 3 per row vs. 4 per row in economy
• ☕️ You get unlimited free coffee
• 🍽️ There’s food service in first class on rides longer than 70 km (approx. 43 miles)
• 🍽️ With your premier class Mayan Train tickets, you will get one free meal on these longer trips

IMO, if you want to splurge or prefer a bigger seat, go for first class — otherwise, tourist class gets the job done just fine, especially for shorter trips.

🚉 Note: Eventually, they are supposed to have a sleeping car option, but at the time of writing, it’s not in service.

If you’re traveling soon, visit the official Mayan Train website to see if the Mayan Train sleeper car is operational (but FYI, the site is Spanish-only unless you change the language, which you can do on this page).

What’s it like onboard the Mayan Train?

The trains are new, modern, and surprisingly comfortable, and I was impressed with the train overall.

They’re air-conditioned, the seats are roomy, and there are big windows so you can enjoy the views — some of which are stunning, by the way.

🚉 Pro Tip: Try to snag a window seat so you can stare out the window as you travel past jungles, farmland, and colorful pueblos.

The one negative is that there’s no WiFi yet (at least not when I went), but there are charging points at the seats.

If you buy an inexpensive eSim card here from Saily, you should have a decent signal, even in more remote areas.

Some trains have food carts and vending machines, though I recommend bringing snacks just in case.

You should find food vendors at all the stations, and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on the train (I did 👍).

Is the Mayan Train safe for tourists?

The train is safe for tourists to use — and in fact, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the safest parts of Mexico.

There’s visible security at each station (seen in the photo above), and on the train itself, and the routes run through well-traveled areas.

As with any trip in Mexico, use common sense, watch your belongings, avoid flashing valuables, and stay aware of your surroundings.

While I can’t guarantee safety for anyone, anywhere, I can say that I rode solo and didn’t have a single issue.

Can you ride the Tren Maya with luggage?

Yes — All train cars have luggage storage areas near the doors, and there’s additional room for carry-on suitcases and backpacks above the seats.

Each passenger is allowed one suitcase and one personal item like a back pack, though they must meet certain specifications.

🎒 Personal items

• No larger than 40x25x55 cm (approx. 15x9x21 inches)
• No more than 10 kilos (approx. 22 pounds) in weight
• Pro Tip: Much like when on a plane, I recommend keeping your valuables with you at your seat so that anything important and expensive is within view.

🧳 Suit cases, luggage, and bikes

• No larger than 90x75x40 cm (approx. 35x29x15 inches), and be able to fit in the luggage rack area
• No more than 23 kilos (approx. 50 pounds) in weight
• Bikes are allowed on the train, but only in designated bicycle storage areas
• Pro Tip: Items exceeding the weight and/or size listed above may incur additional fees, so be mindful when packing for Mexico.

Is the Tren Maya pet friendly?

Yes — One pet or service animal is allowed per passenger, as long as they meet the following criteria:

Are there sleeper cars on Tren Maya?

There are supposed to be, but as of the time I’m writing this, they’re not yet operational.

Although sleeper cabins were part of the original plan for Tren Maya, they haven’t launched as of mid-2025.

If you’re planning a long trip, like Cancún to Palenque, which takes about 8 hours, be prepared for a full day of travel in a seat (a comfy seat, but still).

Hopefully, sleeper cars will be added in the future because they would definitely make overnight travel more appealing.

Are there restrooms on Tren Maya?

Yes — Each car has clean, functional restrooms, which is a big perk over long-distance buses.

I was pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained they were, though do bring your own hand sanitizer and a small pack of tissues just in case there’s no 🧻

Is the Mayan Train better than renting a car or taking a bus?

It can be, but it also depends. Since that answer kind of sucked, here are some pros and cons to consider so you can decide what’s actually best for you.

• Mayan Train vs. Car Rental: For single trips, the train is cheaper, less stressful, and you don’t have to deal with tolls, parking, and/or traffic.
• Mayan Train vs. ADO Buses: The Tren Maya is faster and more comfortable for longer distances, though ADO buses are still great for short trips.

If you’re traveling between major tourist cities, like Cancún, Mérida, Valladolid, etc., the Tren Maya is absolutely worth considering — especially if you have no interest in renting a car in Mexico.

Here are my 5 pro tips for riding the Mayan Train

1. Book ASAP – Popular routes sell out, especially during weekends and holidays.
2. Bring snacks – Food and drinks may not be available on all train routes, but you can bring your own.
3. Check the station location – Some stations aren’t as close to the downtown city center areas as you might think.
4. Have a backup plan – Like all transportation options, the Mayan Train schedule can change at the last minute, and without notice.
5. Download your ticket – The internet can be spotty at the stations, so make sure you can access your ticket off-line.

My Final Thoughts: Is the Mayan Train Worth It?

I’d say that yes it is, but with a few caveats, because the train isn’t perfect (which you can read about in numerous articles, like this one and this one).

While the trains themselves are comfy and nice, the Tren Maya service is still a work in progress with kinks that still need to be ironed out.

What it does, albeit with some possible hiccups along the way, is opens up parts of Mexico that were previously hard to get to without a rental car.

Within the 15-20 minutes by rental car or taxi from various stops on Tren Maya, you can see all of these places:

If you’re exploring the Yucatán Peninsula and want a relaxing travel experience that doesn’t involve driving on the (often stressful) Mexican roads, the train is 100% worth it.

Just be sure to stay flexible and plan ahead, and you’ll have an unforgettable ride through one of Mexico’s most beautiful regions.