Mexico does have trains, although the passenger rail network is significantly smaller than it once was. Most of the country’s rail infrastructure is dedicated to freight operations, connecting industrial centers and ports. Passenger service is limited to specialized tourist routes and new, large-scale government projects aimed at reviving intercity travel. For travelers, the experience focuses on accessing specific, scenic destinations rather than a comprehensive national network.
The State of Passenger Rail in Mexico
The current state of Mexican rail travel resulted from a major policy shift in the mid-1990s. The government suspended most national passenger service and privatized the state-owned railway system, granting concessions primarily for freight transport. Companies like Ferromex and Kansas City Southern de México (KCSM) took over the lines, focusing on cargo movement.
This privatization dismantled the extensive intercity passenger network, leaving less than one percent of national travel conducted by train. Only small, government-mandated social routes or specialized tourist operations remained. Recent government initiatives are now challenging this status quo, with new legislation aiming to prioritize passenger service on existing freight lines.
Mexico’s Premier Rail Journeys
The most established passenger route is the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico, commonly known as El Chepe. This train traverses the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, offering a spectacular journey through the Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre). The route connects the city of Chihuahua with Los Mochis in Sinaloa, covering approximately 653 kilometers of dramatic terrain.
The service is divided into two distinct experiences: the Chepe Express and the Chepe Regional. The Chepe Express is the premium tourist option, featuring modern cars with amenities like a bar, a terrace, and a dome restaurant. It makes only a few select stops, such as Creel and Divisadero, and is designed for a luxurious, scenic journey.
The Chepe Regional is the traditional service that makes more stops, serving both tourists and local communities. It is a more economical option, though slower, with the full journey taking around 16 hours end-to-end. The Regional service is a lifeline for residents in remote mountain towns.
The Jose Cuervo Express, often called the Tequila Train, operates in the state of Jalisco. This is a full-day, luxury excursion between Guadalajara and the town of Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train runs on Saturdays and is operated by the Jose Cuervo tequila company, focusing on the spirit’s culture and production.
The experience includes a scenic ride through the blue agave fields and an educational tasting led by an expert. The 11-hour excursion includes a tour of the La Rojeña distillery and free time in the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila. Passengers choose between a Sunrise itinerary (train outbound) or a Sunset itinerary (train return), with the other leg completed by bus.
New and Emerging Rail Projects
A significant shift in the country’s rail strategy is underway with the development of several large-scale, government-backed passenger projects.
Tren Maya
The most prominent project is the Tren Maya, a 1,554-kilometer intercity railway designed to loop around the Yucatán Peninsula. It connects major tourist hubs like Cancún and Playa del Carmen with inland archaeological sites such as Palenque and Calakmul, crossing five states. The Tren Maya is a mixed-use line for both passengers and freight, with passenger trains reaching speeds of 160 kilometers per hour. Sections are operational, and the full circuit is being completed in stages to boost tourism and economic development in the southeast.
Tren Interoceánico
The Tren Interoceánico, or Interoceanic Corridor, aims to connect the Pacific port of Salina Cruz with the Gulf port of Coatzacoalcos across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. While primarily a freight corridor intended as an alternative to the Panama Canal, it also includes passenger service. The goal is to revive regional travel and stimulate economic activity along the route.
El Insurgente
In the central region, the Mexico City-Toluca Interurban Train, known as “El Insurgente,” is a high-speed commuter rail project. This 57.7-kilometer electrified line connects the Toluca Valley with the Observatorio station in Mexico City. The line is partially operational and is designed to provide a fast, high-capacity transport option for approximately 230,000 daily commuters.
Essential Travel Tips for Train Riders
Travelers planning to use Mexico’s passenger trains should prioritize booking tickets well in advance, especially for popular tourist routes. The Chepe Express often sells out weeks ahead, and premium tickets should be secured online. For the Chepe Regional, tickets are sometimes purchased in person at the station or from the conductor.
Train travel in Mexico can be slower than other modes of transport, and punctuality is variable. The Chepe Regional allows passengers up to three stopovers along the route, requiring planning for overnight stays in Copper Canyon towns. The Jose Cuervo Express is a full-day commitment, running exclusively on Saturdays.