Mexico Launched the First Segment of a New 950-mile Train — Transporting Passengers to Some of the Nation's Most Stunning Destinations

Mexico has officially inaugurated one of its most ambitious tourism initiatives with the launch of El Tren Maya, or The Maya Train, featuring a 290-mile route that links celebrated archaeological sites throughout the Yucatán peninsula. Plans are in place to extend the line by an additional 600 miles in the future.

When fully operational, Tren Maya will feature over 40 trains stopping at 34 stations across southeastern Mexico, including the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, and Yucatán, providing access to remote landscapes that would otherwise be difficult to reach.

“A significant part of the peninsula’s interior lacks highways or roads,” stated Marilyn Masson, an anthropology professor at the University at Albany SUNY, in an interview with The Washington Post. “In the more isolated areas, the train could help these communities connect more effectively with the outside world.”

As of this publication, passengers are only able to travel between Cancún and Campeche, disembarking solely at Teya, as reported by local news outlet Expansion. Once fully operational, travelers will have the option to stop at 14 locations along this initial segment, including the renowned Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá. Additionally, The Washington Post noted that officials aim to finalize the train’s construction by late February. Ultimately, the route will connect Cancún to Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, running along the Caribbean coast before looping back into the interior region.

Travelers will have three distinct train experiences to choose from: the Xiinbal, Janal, or P’atal trains. The Xiinbal, meaning "walking" in the Maya language, is designed for standard travel between destinations. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating areas with large windows to take in the scenery during the journey. The train is expected to reach speeds of approximately 99 miles per hour, although The Washington Post suggests this figure may be exaggerated.

On the Janal train, which means “to eat,” guests can enjoy dining cars that serve traditional dishes while they journey through stunning landscapes. “The restaurant concept draws inspiration from the modernist architect Luis Barragán, a Mexican who was passionate about aesthetics and nature,” according to the train’s website. “His style is a global reference in architecture, and this design features comfortable spaces for savoring regional cuisine.”

Lastly, there’s the P'atal train, meaning “stay,” which is the company’s sleeper car service. “Engineered for long journeys, this train offers cozy cabins designed to make your travel experience enjoyable at all times. It comes equipped with all the necessary amenities for relaxation,” the train’s website notes.

While the train project holds a lot of potential, it comes with its share of controversies. Initially projected to cost $8.6 billion, the project is now expected to reach around $28 billion, as stated by Mexico’s Treasury Secretary Rogelio Ramírez, according to the Associated Press.

Environmental advocates have raised concerns that the train’s proposed route could lead to deforestation and habitat destruction for local wildlife, including jaguars and scarlet macaws. Although officials initially assured that no trees would be lost during construction, later reports indicated that over 3 million trees have been cut down.

There are also allegations that the train may displace the very local families and indigenous communities it aims to benefit. However, a report from the United Nations Human Settlements Program suggests that the train could potentially lift more than 1 million people out of poverty by 2030. Yet, the UN’s Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner raised concerns about the project jeopardizing the rights of indigenous peoples and their access to land, resources, and a sustainable environment. In response to environmental apprehensions, a representative from the Mexican Embassy told The Washington Post that the project aims to strike a balance between development and ecological preservation, promoting both growth and the safeguarding of the region’s unique ecosystems.

Currently, tickets are available for purchase on the Tren Maya website, with prices starting at $43 for tourist class seats and reaching up to $68 for premier class. Officials have stated that locals will receive preferential pricing to ensure accessibility, though specific rates have yet to be disclosed, according to Expansion.