Maya Train Starts Chugging Along between Cancun and Playa del Carmen

The latest section of Mexico’s Maya Train has finally begun operation, more than two weeks after its inauguration ceremonies.

The first train from Playa del Carmen to Cancún departed at 10:30 a.m. today (Friday, March 15). Initial operations include three daily round trips on the 42-mile segment; prices range from 79 pesos ($4.73) for seniors and those with disabilities to 148 pesos ($8.85) for Mexican non-residents in tourist class (236 pesos/$14.12 in premier class), and 197 pesos ($11.78) for international passengers in tourist class, 315 pesos ($18.84) in premier class.

Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrabor, participated in the segment’s inaugural trip on Feb. 29 — the last day the government could mark the start of new services before a pre-election ban on such ceremonies went into effect — but significant construction work remained to be completed thereafter before service could actually begin [see “Despite inauguration, latest section of Maya Train …,” Trains News Wire, March 7, 2024].

The final portion of the 950-mile route, between Playa del Carmen and Escarcega — where the western side of the train’s looping route joins the already open Palenque-Cancún line — will open later this year, although no date has been set.

Meanwhile, the Yucatan Times reports the train became the source of a minor controversy when the King and Queen of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf and Silvia, did not ride the train during a visit to the Yucatan Peninsula Thursday and today, after López Obrador had announced they would do so. The Swedish Embassy cited security reasons, given that the train was slower than transportation by van and that the route’s safety and reliability is not yet proven.

Source: Trains