Travelling on the Maya Train

We spent the last 10 days of our holiday travelling to other areas of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Tren Maya (Maya Train). The train is relatively new to the Yucatan Peninsula, with construction starting in 2020 and the first section between Cancun and Campeche opening in December 2023. Additional stages gradually opened with the final section open in December 2024. The goal was to redistribute tourism away from the busy coastal area to the inland cities and archeological sites. 

Maya Train route

Maya Train Station, Cancun

The whole system is more than 1500 km so we only had time for a short section from Cancun to Campeche, stopping in Valladolid, Campeche, then back to Merida, Izamal and Cancun. We chose first class each time as the cost really wasn’t that much more than coach and we correctly thought it would be quieter. What amazed us the most was the cleanliness. On our first trip, 1 ½ hours, between Cancun and Valladolid a cleaning lady came through twice to mop the aisle. When we had something to eat on another ride, I felt bad for leaving a few crumbs on the floor! The train was also impeccably on time. 

Maya Train Station, Merida

The stations and the trains were very clean!

Because most (if not all) of the stations are new, and also very clean, they are often some distance out of the cities or towns they stopped at. But Tren Maya buses were always there and, for about 35 pesos, would take us to the central bus station and we could usually walk the few blocks to our hotel. 

In Campeche, the new rapid transit system, with numerous stops into the city (including at the airport) between the Tren Maya station and the central area, just opened in July of this year. Great use not just for travelers but for locals as well. 

Maya Train Station, Campeche

Rapid Transit between Campeche Station and the Central area of the city.

Overall, it was a great experience and we would highly recommend travelling by Tren Maya to experience the Yucatan Peninsula.