After numerous delays, and even reports it could get axed completely, the Maya Train from Cancun to Tulum has officially launched as of this week, bringing tourists closer to the trendy resort town, famous for the pristine beaches and ancient ruins.
The launch was celebrated by tourism officials and locals alike, after a 3-year waiting period since the Maya Train project left the drawing board, and tracks started being laid, complementing the already-successful Merida-bound route, in operation as of December 2023.
If you plan on setting out on an inaugural train journey to Tulum this fall, however, we suggest you book your tickets ASAP, as they’re going to sell out fast:
Cancun Connected To Cultural Capital Of The Mayan Riviera
Tulum is one of the most in-demand destinations in the entire Mexican Caribbean, owing it to its year-round warm weather, endless miles of unspoiled, powdered-sugar white sands, teal-colored waters, and perhaps most importantly even, cultural significance.
Unlike Cancun, which prior to becoming the coastal metropolis it is, had only come into existence in the early 70s as a mega leisure complex for visiting Americans, Tulum’s History is far more ancient, and starts as early as the 13th-century.
Prior to the Spanish colonization of Mexico and the development of a national identity, it played host to the Mayan culture, a pre-Columbian civilization that built pyramids, worshipping sites in underwater denotes, and sprawling cities made entirely out of stone.
Tulum’s archeological zone is one of the most iconic Mayan architectural ensembles, thanks to the exceptionally-good state of preservation of the structures, from the the pyramidal El Castillo, to the postcardy temple perched on a cliff facing the turquoise Caribbean.
Travelers flock from all over the world to see the Tulum Ruins, and this includes Americans landing first in Cancun, who often take day trips there.
Now, getting there from Cancun has just got a heck of a lot easier, particularly if you’re not sure about renting a car, what with the safety concerns on Mexican roads, and if tour groups aren’t really your thing:
Everything You Need To Know About The Train To Tulum
How Long Is The Journey?
According to the official website, the southbound Maya Train departs once a day from Cancun Airport, with stops in Playa Del Carmen, yet another popular stopover for beach lovers, Tulum itself, Tulum Airport, and the small municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto.
Traveling from Cancun Airport to Tulum, the total duration of the journey is just 1h36; between both airports, the commute is just under 2 hours; finally, going from Cancun Airport to Felipe Carrillo Puerto, it takes 3h27.
Departures from Cancun Airport are scheduled at 8 am, calling at Playa Del Carmen at 8:46 am, Tulum city center at 9:36, Tulum Airport at 9:58, and reaching its present terminus at Felipe Carrillo Puerto at 11:27.
It’s worth noting that, traveling from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen, there is an additional daily departure at 12 pm, though that train does not continue onward to Tulum, Tulum Airport and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, based on the information available.
Returning to Cancun from Tulum, there is also a single train service scheduled daily as of right now, as seen on the official Maya Train website, leaving from the city center at 7:51 pm (7:29 if you’re boarding at Tulum Airport), and arriving to Cancun at 9:40 pm, in between 1h49 – 2h11.
If you’re an independent traveler and you’re only visiting Tulum as a day trip from Cancun by yourself, this means you have about 5h – 5h30 to explore the town, more than enough time to visit the archeological zone, stroll the shop-lined Avenida, and relax for a while on the beach.
How Much Do Tickets Cost And Where To Get Them?
In getting tickets, if you’re a foreigner––e.g. an American who does not reside in Mexico––you’ll have to pay the more expensive ‘International Tourist’ fare, set at 384.50 Mexican pesos, or in U.S. dollars, roughly $20, depending on the currency exchange rate at the time of purchase.
First class tickets, which include comfier seats and less seats per carriage, start from 519.50 Mexican pesos, or around $26.69, at the ‘International Premier’ rate.
You can purchase tickets officially on this link, and if you plan on visiting Tulum from Cancun with the shiny, new train, we suggest you do it quickly as this is a highly-anticipated launch, and seeing there’s only one departure scheduled per day, the number of seats is limited.
Alternatively, you may purchase tickets directly at the Maya Train stations in Cancun or Tulum.
Experience The Mexican Caribbean By Train
Since its launch, the Maya Train has revolutionized travel in the Mexican Caribbean and adjacent regions, making off-path cultural destinations like Izamal and Merida easier to reach with public transportation, and eliminating the need for costly taxis in between municipalities.
Depending on their seating category, guests are also welcome with drinks and snacks, and onboard the train, all classes of travelers enjoy AC, panoramic windows for viewing the scenic Yucatanese landscape as they whoosh past, toilets and a cafeteria car for convenience.
Find out more about the Maya Train, and all the amazing destinations you can now reach from Cancun here.
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