There’s a new way to get from Cancun to Playa without sitting in traffic for hours.
The newest leg of the Tren Maya (Maya Train) began service between CUN and Playa del Carmen on 15MAR, providing a more reliable way to reach the resort areas and other attractions on the Yucatan Peninsula. The train also stops in Puerto Morelos, and continues on to Chichen Itza.
Initial operations include three daily round trips on the 68-kilometer segment. Tickets cost about $16 CAD for tourist class and around $25.50 for premier class. Seniors and disabled travellers pay around $6.50.
The final portion of the 1,529-kilomer route, between Playa del Carmen and Escarcega, will open some time later this year, Caribbean News Digital reports. That leg will include stops in Tulum and Chetumal.
When it’s completed, Tren Maya will feature 34 stops across the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas, according to AFAR magazine.
“Each train can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The cars feature large windows for ample natural light and landscape viewing, the seats have outlets for charging devices, and the train is equipped with Wi Fi,” the magazine said.
The project includes several hotels to be built beside key archeological sites along the train’s route, including Chichen Itza, Tulum, Edzná and Palenque, according to Conde Nast Traveler.
Passengers can currently book three different service options: The Xiinbal (meaning ‘walking’ in Mayan) trains operate standard short-distance services, the Janal (‘eating’) trains offer local cuisine in their dining cars on medium and long-distance routes, and the P’atal (‘staying’) trains offer long-distance sleeper services.
Mexican officials say the $27 billion train will give travellers access to lesser-known areas of Mexico and provide valuable jobs.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website: https://reservas.ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx/
