Exploring Mexico's Coast By Train: A Comprehensive Guide

Mexico has a freight railway system owned by the national government, with various entities operating under concessions granted by the government. Passenger rail services were limited to a number of tourist trains between 1997 and 2008, but there has been a revival of passenger services in recent years.

In 2023, a new network called Tren Maya was launched, with modern trains running throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The Tren Maya connects Palenque to Cancun, marking a controversial chapter in the intercity revival due to its impact on the unique ecosystem.

Another notable addition is the Ferrocarril Interoceanico, a new railway service that began in December 2023, crossing Mexico from Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf of Mexico to Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast. This service uses ex-Amtrak cars and even some second-hand British Intercity 125s.

For those interested in travelling along the Mexico coast by train, the Chihuahua al Pacífico, also known as the Copper Canyon Train, is a tourist train that runs through the Copper Canyon. Tickets for this journey can be purchased through specialist agents like Mexlist, and typically include pullman sleepers, restaurant cars, lounge observation, and club cars.

Tickets for the train journey range from $27 to $91 USD

Tickets for the train journey along Mexico's coast range from $27 to $91 USD, with three different travel classes available. The price of the ticket depends on the class of the seat. Tourist class is the cheapest option, followed by executive class, and then first class. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the train stations in Coatzacoalcos or Salina Cruz.

The train journey takes eight hours and makes stops at 10 destinations along the way. The route starts in Coatzacoalcos, on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Veracruz, and ends in Salina Cruz on the Pacific Coast in the state of Oaxaca. The train passes through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, allowing travellers to explore both coasts of Mexico.

The new interoceanic train route is part of a $2.8 billion project that was constructed mainly to serve as a freight service and offer an alternative to the Panama Canal. However, the inclusion of a passenger line provides a unique opportunity for travellers to explore Mexico by train.

In addition to the interoceanic train route, there are other passenger rail services in Mexico, including the Chihuahua al Pacífico, a tourist train running through the Copper Canyon, and the Tequila Express, a train from Guadalajara to a tequila distillery in Amatitán.

The journey takes eight hours, with 10 destinations along the route

Mexico's new coast-to-coast train route spans 188 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca. The journey takes eight hours, with 10 destinations along the route, and tickets range from $27 to $91. The train has three classes: tourist, executive, and first. Passengers can disembark at any of the 10 destinations or stay on board for the full journey.

The route starts in Coatzacoalcos, on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Veracruz, and ends in Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. From Salina Cruz, travellers can continue up the coast or head inland to the city of Oaxaca. The route can be travelled in both directions, so travellers on either coast can board the train.

The train journey offers a unique way to see both sides of Mexico and discover new, off-the-beaten-path places. The area is home to underrated scenic landscapes and small towns that showcase the authentic culture of Mexico.

The train line was constructed as a freight service to provide an alternative to the Panama Canal. However, a passenger line was added, and tickets for the inaugural year sold out quickly. Due to high demand, there are plans to add a second train to meet demand.

The train journey is just one way to travel along Mexico's coast. There are also luxury private services, such as the Sierra Madre Express, which operates between Tucson, Arizona, and Mexico's Copper Canyon. These services typically include pullman sleepers, restaurant cars, lounge observation, and club cars.

The train connects Mayan ruins in Tulum to Palenque

The Tren Maya, or Maya Train, is a new mode of transportation in Mexico that covers much of the Yucatan Peninsula and even stretches to Palenque in Chiapas. The train connects the Mayan ruins in Tulum to Palenque, offering a unique way to explore Mexico's ancient Maya sites.

The Tren Maya route includes stops in popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, and Campeche. It also connects to inland archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Merida. The train makes it easy to plan multi-day itineraries to some of the region's highlights, including the spectacular Maya ruins of Palenque.

Palenque, located in the state of Chiapas, is characterised by its attractive natural setting, splendid architecture, and elaborate relief carvings. The site is known for its impressive pyramids and temples, set amidst lush jungle surroundings. The journey from Tulum to Palenque on the Tren Maya offers a comfortable and convenient way to explore Mexico's rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Tren Maya provides three different services to cater to different traveller needs: Xiinbal trains offer economy and premier-class seating; Janal trains feature a dining car serving hot meals; and P'tal trains include reclining seats and sleeping cabins for long-distance journeys. Ticket prices vary depending on the length of the journey and class, ranging from 431.50 pesos to 1,862 pesos.

The construction of the Tren Maya has sparked excitement and controversy. While it offers a new way to explore Mexico, there are concerns about its impact on the fragile ecosystem and endangered animal species in the region. Despite this, the train is expected to boost tourism and generate economic opportunities for local communities.

The train travels from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca

The Interoceanic Train, also known as the Inter-Oceanic Train, travels from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca, Mexico. The train line spans 188 miles from Coatzacoalcos, in the state of Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico, to Salina Cruz, in the state of Oaxaca, on the Pacific Coast.

The train journey takes approximately eight hours and costs between USD 27 and USD 91, depending on the class of travel. There are three classes of travel to choose from: tourist, executive, and first class. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the train stations in Coatzacoalcos or Salina Cruz.

The Interoceanic Train offers a unique way to explore both coasts of Mexico and discover the beauty and culture of the country. The train makes stops at 10 destinations along the way, allowing passengers to disembark and explore or stay on board and enjoy the ride through the heart of Mexico.

The train line is part of a USD 2.8 billion project that was constructed mainly to serve as a freight service, offering an alternative to the Panama Canal. However, the decision was made to include a passenger line as well, providing a new and exciting way for travellers to experience Mexico.

The train travels through the heart of Mexico

Mexico's new interoceanic train route spans 188 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca, allowing travellers to explore both coasts. The train journey takes eight hours, making stops at 10 destinations along the way, and tickets can be purchased online or in person at the train stations.

The train journey begins in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, which sits on the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Veracruz. From there, it travels straight across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast, in the state of Oaxaca. This area of Mexico is home to underrated scenic landscapes and small towns, offering an authentic experience of Mexican culture.

The train journey offers three different travel classes, with tickets ranging from $27 to $91 USD. The train has been designed with both tourists and locals in mind, providing an opportunity to explore new, undiscovered places along the way.

The Interoceanic line is expected to connect with the Maya Train Service in 2025, creating an even more exciting adventure for travellers. With its modern trains and convenient travel options, the Interoceanic train route is a great way to explore the heart of Mexico.

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