The Maya Train: Bringing High-Speed Rail Travel to Most of Mexico
The Maya Train is a high-speed electric train that will wind its way through the Yucatán Peninsula and the Riviera Maya, connecting tourist sites and bringing people closer to nature.
The project was led by Mexico’s Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (the country’s tourism agency), which commissioned three companies to build the train.
Which Companies Are Building the Maya Train?
- Caín Transportation Systems Inc.
- Chinese multinational corporation Beltrami mining group Ltd
- Mexican steelmaker INM Secretary Prescott Duarte-to build
How Fast Will the Maya Train Travel?
The Maya Train will be a conventional mixed-use line linking the region’s primary production and tourist centers.
It is designed for a top speed of 160 km per hour for passenger traffic and 100 km an hour for freight / cargo.
When Will The Maya Train Be Completed?
The Maya Train Project was started in 2020 and is scheduled to be completed by 2024.
The Maya Train project aims at making travel easier and more accessible for tourists by providing a reliable form of transportation that can take them seamlessly between popular destinations along its 1,500 km (948 miles) track.
The Mayan train was designed to have 17 stops, including Cancun near Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, and Tulum, before ending up in Bacalar (40 miles from Belize).
How Many Jobs Will The Maya Train / Tren Project Generate?
Experts estimate that the Maya Train project could generate 80,000 thousand jobs initially, and that number could increase to 150,000 workers.
The project will provide a significant economic stimulus to the country and increase tourism.
The Maya Train will operate on three different routes:
Caribbean, Gulf, and Jungle Maya Train Routes
The Caribbean route will connect Cancun to the southern end of Quintana Roo, with stops along Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Bacalar.
The gulf route will connect Cancun to Merida, visiting the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza before heading south toward Campeche.
The jungle route will connect the southern portion of Quintana Roo to Southern Campeche state, stopping at the renowned Calakmul Mayan ruins site.
Where Will The Mayan Train Have Stops?
Many cities in Quintana Roo will have the option to board or depart from Mayan Train.
Here is a list of cities we know the high-speed train will stop at.
- Cancún Airport
- Playa del Carmen
- Chiapas
- Tabasco
- Campeche
- Yucatán
- Mexico Termini
- Palenque
- Chiapas
- Bacalar
The Maya Train Has Some Communities Upset
The project aims to build a train track that passes near many Mayan ruins, which some argue will destroy historical sites and damage the environment.
Many people also support this endeavor because they see how much potential development, tourism, and commerce can be built for future generations.