Last Updated
The Maya Train began operating in the Mexican Caribbean in December of last year.
Today, it is still not fully operational, but it soon will be.
One of the most anticipated sections of the Maya Train route, which will travel between Cancun and Tulum, has faced many delays along the way.
It’s almost time to explore ancient wonders, though, as this new Maya Train route from Cancun is set to begin operating next month.
Read on to find out more about this new route and the Maya Train routes that you can take to explore right now.
![Tulum Ruins](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Explore-Ancient-Wonders-New-Maya-Train-Route-From-Cancun-To-Begin-Operating-Next-Month-.jpg.webp)
From Cancun To Tulum – A Highly Anticipated Maya Train Route
Section 5 of the Maya Train route has undoubtedly been one of the most anticipated routes for travelers visiting Cancun.
This is because it travels to several other extremely popular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, and next month one more will be added to the list.
It departs from Cancun International Airport and, starting in September, it will travel all the way to the new Tulum Airport.
![Cars Parked Outside of Tulum International Airport](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Small-Cars-Parked-Outside-of-Tulum-International-Airport.jpg.webp)
Why Tourists Can’t Wait For The Tulum Maya Train Section To Be Completed
While Mexican Caribbean visitors can already ride the Maya Train to some of the destinations along the northern part of the Section 5 route, Tulum is what many are waiting for.
Tulum, where visitors can explore the ancient Mayan Tulum ruins, has become a hugely popular vacation destination.
This is due to its more bohemian, laid-back atmosphere, nature, cenotes, archeological sites, and amazing beaches.
![Shore at Playa Ruinas Beach in Tulum](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Shore-at-Playa-Ruinas-Beach-in-Tulum.jpg.webp)
What To See In Tulum
The Tulum ruins, the only cliffside waterfront Mayan ruins in the Mexican Caribbean, are the main tourist attraction in the destination.
Visiting the ruins is often part of larger day trips like this one, where tourists see the ruins and a cenote and swim with sea turtles all in one day.
Additionally, the Coba ruins are not far from Tulum either.
The town also has a vibrant nightlife, which many travelers choose the destination for as well.
![Tourists Around the Tulum Ruins](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/People-enjoying-Tulum-beach-next-to-ancient-ruins.jpg.webp)
Section 5 Stations Already Open
Currently, the Section 5 Maya Train route is already partially open.
Travelers who board the train in Cancun can travel south along Section 5 as far as Playa del Carmen.
Along the way, the train also stops in the town of Puerto Morelos.
Both destinations are popular among travelers who visit the Mexican Caribbean.
The stop at the Tulum Airport station will be the last along this route.
![Long Stretch of Beach in Playa Del Carmen](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/beautiful-beach-in-Playa-Del-Carmen.jpg.webp)
Other Popular Maya Train Routes For Tourists
In addition to Section 5 of the Maya Train route, there are a total of six other sections, a few of which are popular among tourists.
The Cancun to Izamal section stops at the charming Magic Town of Valladolid, as well as the famous Mayan Ruins site of Chichen Itza.
Between Izamal and Calkini, the section that goes the farthest west of Cancun is the historic town of Merida, which is another popular destination for tourists.
This has been one of the most popular routes so far.
![Large Crowd at Chichen Itza, a Popular Mayan Ruin Near Cancun, Mexico](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Small-Large-Crowd-at-Chichen-Itza-a-Popular-Mayan-Ruin-Near-Cancun-Mexico.jpg.webp)
Where To Get Tickets For The Maya Train
Tickets for the Maya Train can be purchased at several places, both physical and virtual.
The best place to go is the official website, here.
You can also purchase tickets in person at most of the 20 train stations that are open, as well as various kiosks that have been set up in tourist areas.
![Maya Train Car Sitting on the Tracks](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Small-Maya-Train-Car-Sitting-on-the-Tracks.jpg.webp)
How Much The Maya Train Costs For Visitors
There are a few different pricing structures for Maya Train tickets.
Tourists visiting from another country will be required to book either the International Premier or International Tourist Class ticket.
To give you an idea of what you’ll pay for tickets, a trip to Playa del Carmen will cost just over $10 each way for Tourist Class and around $17 for Premier.
To get to Chichen Itza, Tourist Class and Premier will cost about $32 and $51, respectively.
Once the train can be taken to Tulum, on an undisclosed date next month, ticket prices will likely fall somewhere in between there.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
![the-cancun-Sun-facebook-group](https://thecancunsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/the-cancun-Sun-facebook-group-1024x482.jpg.webp)
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.