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Confusion Around Maya Train Operations Continues For Cancun Tourists

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After a somewhat rocky start, the Maya Train has managed to find its footing in southeastern Mexico, with a new route between Cancun and Playa del Carmen set to launch at the end of this month. 

Though the billion-dollar infrastructure project is already revolutionizing travel in the Yucatan Peninsula, it has been feeling the heat from some unhappy passengers for all sorts of reasons. 

Latest Maya Train Failure Forces Tourists To Return To Original Destination By Bus

Confusion For Cancun Tourists 

The Maya Train’s most popular station is currently Cancun Airport, and it is no wonder why. 

Cancun Airport is the reigning champion as the most commonly used airport in the region, especially by Americans, for flying to Cancun and the surrounding areas. 

Now, traveling from the airport to your hotel destination could not be easier, with a Maya Train station located in one of its terminals.

@alexanderfromkc The Mayan Train, or Tren Maya, has the potential to be a wonderful project or a divisive nightmare. Where to you stand? Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlexanderHowell1/membership Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/alexanderhowell Text @ 816-727-7740 ———————————————————————————– TWITCH ►► https://twitch.tv/alexanderfromkc​​​​​​ INSTAGRAM ►► https://www.instagram.com/alexanderfromkc TWITTER ►► https://twitter.com/alexanderfromkc​​ ———————————————————————————– FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travel2merida ———————————————————————————– Quality Description tags: #Mexico​​​, #Merida, #Yucatan​​​, #Travel, #Expat​, #Expatriate, #Progreso, #mayantrain, #trenmaya ♬ original sound – Alexander Howell

Offering tourists a far more affordable option for travel instead of the higher priced taxis and private hires, the station has been welcoming a wealth of passengers at its doorstep keen to use the service. 

For many, however, they have been left disappointed and confused about the train times and availability, resulting in missed journeys and cancellations.

With the success and busyness of the station route, there is a confusion among many passengers as to why the train route does not operate all day.

@victorbable #mexico #tren #maya #trenmaya #happy #motivation #entrepreneur #love #train #viral ♬ MONACO – Bad Bunny

Though subject to change, most especially when the service becomes fully inaugurated in a couple of months, the only current times you can travel from Cancun Airport are 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. 

There had originally been an 11 a.m. service also, but has since been removed from the scheduling.

With a lack of information and clarity around schedule changes, both via the official booking website and hoteliers, many tourists have been left confused and unsure when they can book their trip.

Reportedly, some passengers have arrived at the train station only to find out that they have missed the service altogether and have been made to rebook for the next day.

You can imagine how people who have just traveled on a flight feel about that one…

Maya Train Route Going Through the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

This is happening to many tourists in Cancun, and the complaints are starting to rack up, something that the Maya Train does not want to get a reputation for.

Officials have now updated the new website where tickets are sold to reflect the current times, hoping that this sort of situation will start to become fewer and far between.

The newer website has all the correct information about schedules/prices and is worth checking out before you choose to travel. 

Free Shuttle From Cancun Terminal To Maya Train Station

If you do manage to get your timings right, getting to the Maya Train Station within the airport is fairly easy.

Cancun Airport is a large airport with many terminals, so reaching the Maya Train station on foot might take you quite a long time. 

Cancun Airport Filled With Travelers

Luckily, the airport now provides travelers with a free shuttle bus that takes you directly to the station, making it easier than ever. 

Calculated to only take 15 minutes between the air terminals, the shuttle leaves every 20 minutes and will be on hand to get you there at your earliest convenience. 

Remember, though, there are only 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. departures, meaning if you miss either of them, you could be waiting a while…

The Future Of The Maya Train

The Maya Train has been launching in stages these past few months, with the next route launching between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen on February 29th. 

exterior of Tulum International Airport

This was also the date that the Tulum station was meant to be inaugurated, however its opening date has been pushed back to April/May, much to the disappointment of many tourists. 

Tulum has just opened its new International Airport, which begins welcoming international flights and tourists in March. 

Had the Maya Train been in operation simultaneously, tourists could have taken full use of the new transport system and the shiny new airport, but perhaps officials were just slightly too optimistic.

One thing is for sure: the Mexican Caribbean is becoming more connected than ever!

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Phil Cheney

Sunday 18th of February 2024

If the maya train only departs the airport at 7am and 9am that is pretty useless for anyone traveling to cancun from international. 11am would help, but more useful would be an afternoon departure...

Wayne

Friday 16th of February 2024

Welcome to Mexico were there's Zero consistency on anything except inconsistency. Everyday is a reset from the prior day. Information changes by the minute and theirs absolutely no communication. An example would be asking 10 Attorney's the same question ❓ you'll get 10 different answers, and tomorrow it changes again. Great place to visit for one week only.

Rex

Thursday 15th of February 2024

I would be interested in an article that talks about luggage aboard the Mayan Train. We travel to Mexico with a checked bag and back pack. I read you would have space in the train in the overhead for articles. The larger suitcases have not been talked about. I would also be interested in hearing more about what is happening at the Tulum airport for the transsfers to see if the cost has come down from what I read previously. Thank you