Train Trip in Mexico: A Unique Way to Explore the Country

Traveling by rail offers a unique way to experience Mexico’s extraordinary diversity, combining scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and a slower, more immersive pace of travel. Mexico is one of the most captivating destinations in the world, with environments that range from vast deserts and dramatic mountain ranges to tropical jungles, colonial cities, and turquoise coastlines. While most visitors explore the country by plane or road, discovering Mexico by rail remains one of its most underrated yet rewarding travel experiences.

Although Mexico does not have an extensive nationwide passenger rail network, it is home to several iconic tourist routes and modern rail projects designed specifically for experiential travel. These journeys focus on scenery, culture, and regional identity rather than speed, allowing travelers to enjoy the route as much as the destination. A train trip in Mexico often passes through remote landscapes, indigenous communities, historic towns, and UNESCO-listed regions that are difficult to experience through conventional travel methods.

Why Rail Travel Reveals a More Authentic Side of Mexico

More than simple transportation, a train trip in Mexico is a cultural experience that invites visitors to slow down, observe the changing scenery, and connect with local life along the way. From legendary canyon crossings in northern Mexico to contemporary rail journeys linking archaeological sites and coastal destinations in the south, these experiences offer foreign travelers a deeper and more meaningful way to explore the country beyond traditional itineraries.

In this guide, you’ll discover the most touristic rail routes in Mexico that international travelers can visit, the states and regions they cross, what makes each journey unique, and practical tips to help you plan an unforgettable train trip in Mexico—whether you’re seeking nature, culture, luxury, or slow travel experiences.

Why Take a Train Trip in Mexico?

A train trip in Mexico is a scenic and cultural travel experience that allows visitors to explore the country’s landscapes, history, and local communities while enjoying a slower and more immersive form of travel.

For travelers, trains often represent comfort, sustainability, and panoramic travel. In Mexico, train journeys add another layer: a deep connection to geography, heritage, and storytelling.

Benefits of a train trip in Mexico:

• Enjoy uninterrupted views of natural landscapes
• Travel at a relaxed pace, ideal for slow tourism
• Access remote or lesser-known regions
• Experience local culture beyond major cities
• Reduce travel stress compared to airports or long drives

A train trip in Mexico transforms transportation into one of the most memorable parts of the journey.

El Chepe Train: Mexico’s Most Iconic Tourist Train

Where is El Chepe located?

• States: Chihuahua and Sinaloa
• Region: Northern Mexico
• Route: Chihuahua / Creel → Los Mochis

What is El Chepe Train?

El Chepe (short for Chihuahua al Pacífico) is Mexico’s most famous tourist train and one of the most spectacular rail journeys in Latin America. It is widely considered the ultimate train trip in Mexico for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This historic railway crosses the Sierra Tarahumara, home to the Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre), a canyon system larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in the United States.

Why El Chepe is unique

• Over 650 km of scenic railway
• Crosses more than 80 tunnels and 30 bridges
• Passes through mountains, forests, rivers, and deserts
• Offers panoramic views impossible to see by road

Cultural highlights along the route

Stops in towns such as Creel, Divisadero, Bahuichivo, and El Fuerte allow travelers to:

• Visit indigenous Rarámuri communities
• Explore traditional villages and markets
• Hike canyon trails and visit lookout points
• Discover local gastronomy and crafts

For foreign travelers seeking a train trip in Mexico focused on raw nature, photography, and cultural authenticity, El Chepe is an unmatched experience.

Useful tips for foreigners traveling on El Chepe

• Best time to travel: October to March
• Dress in layers—temperatures vary greatly
• Book panoramic seats when available
• Plan overnight stops to explore canyon towns

Would you like to explore one of the most incredible train journeys in Mexico? Discover it here.

The Maya Train: Exploring Southern Mexico by Rail

Where is the Maya Train located?

• States: Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco
• Region: Southeastern Mexico

What is the Maya Train?

The Maya Train (Tren Maya) is one of Mexico’s most ambitious tourism and infrastructure projects. It connects major cultural, archaeological, and natural destinations across southern Mexico through a modern rail network designed with international travelers in mind.

For many visitors, the Maya Train represents a contemporary and accessible train trip in Mexico that simplifies multi-destination travel.

Key destinations connected by the Maya Train

• Chichén Itzá (Yucatán)
• Tulum and Cancún (Quintana Roo)
• Palenque (Chiapas)
• Valladolid and Mérida (Yucatán)
• Bacalar Lagoon (Quintana Roo)

Why foreigners choose the Maya Train

• Reduces the need for domestic flights
• Offers comfortable, modern facilities
• Connects UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Ideal for cultural and archaeological travel

For travelers interested in ancient civilizations, jungle landscapes, and colonial cities, the Maya Train offers a structured and enriching train trip in Mexico.

Practical tips for foreign travelers

• Best season: November to April (dry season)
• Combine train travel with guided archaeological tours
• Plan stops in smaller towns for local experiences
• Carry sunscreen and light clothing for tropical weather

Considering Cancun as part of your itinerary?

The Mexican Caribbean is much more than its beaches. From vibrant ports and turquoise waters to rich cultural experiences and local traditions, this region invites travelers to explore beyond the shoreline. Whether you’re arriving by cruise or planning time on land, explore our curated Caribbean cruise tours and discover each destination beyond the port, with experiences designed to help you connect more deeply with the region.

Tequila Express: A Cultural Train Experience in Jalisco

Where is the Tequila Express located?

• State: Jalisco
• Region: Western Mexico
• Route: Guadalajara → Tequila

What is the Tequila Express?

The Tequila Express is a short but immersive tourist train that takes travelers from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its agave landscapes and tequila production.

This journey is ideal for travelers seeking a compact yet authentic train trip in Mexico.

What makes this train special?

• Scenic views of blue agave fields
• Tequila tastings onboard
• Mariachi music and cultural performances
• Visits to traditional distilleries

Tips for foreign travelers

• Ideal as a day trip from Guadalajara
• Book in advance during weekends
• Stay overnight in Tequila for a quieter experience
• Learn basic tequila etiquette for tastings

José Cuervo Express: Luxury Rail Travel in Mexico

Onde ele está localizado?

• State: Jalisco
• Route: Guadalajara → Tequila

What is the José Cuervo Express?

The José Cuervo Express is a luxury train offering a premium version of the Tequila route. With elegant interiors, gourmet dining, and curated cultural experiences, it represents the high-end side of a train trip in Mexico.

This train is popular among:

• Casais
• Honeymooners
• Viajantes de luxo
• Special celebrations

Why it stands out

• First luxury tourist train in Mexico
• Exclusive service and design
• High-quality food and beverages
• Carefully curated cultural storytelling

Thinking of visiting Jalisco?

Beyond its iconic landscapes and deep cultural heritage, Jalisco invites travelers to connect with local traditions, rural communities, and unforgettable flavors. From agave fields and historic towns to music, craftsmanship, and everyday life, the region offers experiences that go far beyond the journey itself. Explore our curated tours in Jalisco and discover a more authentic side of the destination.

Food is an essential part of the experience. Don’t forget to try traditional Jalisco cuisine—here we share the must-try dishes that reflect the region’s rich culinary identity and local culture.

Regional Tourist Trains and Special Rail Experiences

Beyond the most famous routes, Mexico offers regional tourist trains and temporary rail experiences associated with festivals, historical commemorations, or local tourism initiatives.

Where can these be found?

• México Central
• Historic cities and cultural corridors
• Seasonal or event-based routes

These experiences are ideal for travelers who want to complement a longer train trip in Mexico with short, local rail journeys.

Is It Safe for Foreigners to Travel by Train in Mexico?

Yes, tourist trains in Mexico are safe for foreign travelers when used on official routes and booked through authorized operators.

Trains such as El Chepe, the Maya Train, and Tequila Express are designed specifically for tourism and operate under established safety protocols.

Safety tips for international visitors

• Book tickets through official websites or trusted agencies
• Avoid unofficial rail routes
• Follow luggage guidelines
• Keep documents accessible but secure

Best Time of Year for a Train Trip in Mexico

• Northern Mexico (El Chepe): October–March
• Southern Mexico (Maya Train): November–April
• Western Mexico (Tequila routes): Year-round, avoiding heavy rain

Seasonal planning enhances comfort and visibility.

Who Is a Train Trip in Mexico Ideal For?

A train trip in Mexico is perfect for:

• Foreign travelers seeking authentic experiences
• Families looking for comfortable travel
• Couples interested in scenic journeys
• Cultural and history enthusiasts
• Slow-travel advocates

Train journeys allow travelers to experience Mexico beyond the typical tourist narrative.

Practical Travel Tips for Foreigners

• Book early during peak seasons
• Travel light for easier boarding
• Choose window or panoramic seats
• Combine trains with local guides
• Learn basic Spanish travel phrases

These tips help maximize the value of any train trip in Mexico.