Passenger Trains in Mexico: A Growing Mobility Option

By @dM1nBlog
The topic of passenger trains continues to be a hot trend in Mexico, as national railway projects progress. One such example is the construction of the Tren Maya, which President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has boasted is advancing rapidly in recent weeks. According to data provided in March by the National Tourism Promotion Fund, the project is already 58.39% complete.

Another important project that has recently been given the green light is the Mexico-Querétaro Train, though it still faces concerns from experts regarding its high infrastructure costs—one of the reasons it was initially shelved.

Why are plans for passenger trains continuing to increase and develop across the country? There are logical reasons to return to this form of transportation. One major reason is the environmental benefit, as railways contribute less pollution compared to other vehicles. Comfort and competitive costs for travelers are also significant advantages.

However, proper planning is essential, ensuring routes are well studied and have long-term vision. Otherwise, the multi-billion-peso investment made by the federal government could be less beneficial than expected.

Other suburban or short-distance rail projects, such as the Mexico-Toluca Train and light rail projects in Monterrey, Xalapa, and Colima, are also attractive options for improving local mobility. Below are more details on some passenger train projects with substantial development underway.

Upcoming Passenger Train Routes

Two major passenger train projects are currently in the works in Baja California Peninsula and the Valley of Mexico. The Valley of Mexico project, known as the Tren Tolteca, would be a commuter train connecting the state of Hidalgo with the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in the State of Mexico. The second project, called the Transpeninsular Train, would run between Tijuana, Baja California, and Los Cabos.

The Tren Tolteca will require an investment of around 20 billion pesos and is expected to complete construction this year. However, with the 2024 administration change looming, many projects are racing against the clock. This line will traverse Zempoala, Villa de Tezontepec, Tizayuca, Jaltocán in Hidalgo, as well as Tecámac and Zumpango in EdoMex.

On the other hand, the Transpeninsular Train will cost 14 million dollars and feature 11 stations along a 1,700-kilometer line. It could transport up to 25,000 passengers daily, with departures every 30 minutes. There’s also the potential for this train to connect with the Tren del Pacífico, allowing a journey from La Paz, Baja California, to Chiapas in a single line.

Can you imagine traveling across Mexico, enjoying stunning views from these passenger trains?

Passenger Train Travel: Increasing Options

In addition to the smaller suburban routes mentioned, it’s worth noting Mexico’s more tourist-oriented passenger train services. Currently, the most famous—and almost the only one—is the Chepe, which covers over 350 kilometers, from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, to Creel, Chihuahua, passing through the Copper Canyon.

Other tourist trains include the Tequila Express, which offers a 2-hour journey from Guadalajara to Tequila, Jalisco, and the Tijuana-Tecate Train, with stops at the Abelardo L. Rodríguez Dam, the Guadalupe Valley, and Miguel Hidalgo Park in the Pueblo Mágico of Tecate.

Looking ahead to 2050, Mexico plans to operate the following long-distance routes:

  • Tren del Pacífico, spanning 4,700 kilometers.
  • Tren Occidental, spanning 2,250 kilometers.
  • Tren Oriental, spanning 2,000 kilometers.
  • Tren Transversal, spanning 1,200 kilometers.
  • Tren del Golfo, spanning 1,650 kilometers.
  • Tren del Bajío, spanning 1,500 kilometers.
  • Tren del Centro, spanning 1,300 kilometers.
  • Tren del Istmo, spanning 300 kilometers.
  • Tren de Oaxaca, spanning 750 kilometers.

Boosting National Tourism Through Passenger Trains

Many European and Asian countries have relied on passenger trains as a cornerstone of tourism. Mexico is moving in the same direction, with plans not only to provide more affordable and comfortable travel options but also to create jobs and boost the national economy.

The federal government has also engaged with Chinese technology experts to implement high-speed rail technology for some of these projects, with speeds reaching up to 400 km/h. With these developments, it’s clear that rail transport will remain a prominent topic not only during this administration but also in future governments.

What do you think about passenger trains in Mexico? Would you be willing to travel on the upcoming tourist routes? Share your thoughts!

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