Last Updated
The imminent launching of the Maya Train is a watershed moment for Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
The massive railway undertaking will revolutionize tourism across the region for decades to come, massively boosting public transit options for millions of travelers.
Its effects will be especially prominent for Cancun International Airport, which will have one of the busiest and largest Maya Train stations in the region.
Soon, travelers will be able to reach their favorite resort hotspots via the Maya Train as opposed to relying on costly private transfers or overpriced taxis.
With that in mind, here’s a look at how the Maya Train will impact travelers at Cancun airport.
Launching Of Maya Train To Improve Cancun Airport Connections
The Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo has seen a huge improvement in its international connectivity thanks to four large airports as well as the upcoming Maya Train project.
Cancun International Airport remains by far the busiest airport in the touristy region, welcoming over 30 million passengers each year. In 2023, the largest airport in the state is expected to shatter its all-time travel record as more visitors flock to the sunny destination.
@ecolibriumgloballiving Get ready to ride the rails of history on the #MayaTrain, exploring ancient ruins and vibrant cultures along the way! 🚈✨ #RivieraMaya #TrenMaya #ExploreMexico #EcolibriumGlobalLiving #Tulum #Yucatan #Cancun ♬ sonido original – Ecolibrium Global Living
Unlike in previous years, travelers will soon be able to benefit from the brand-new Maya Train, allowing visitors the opportunity to reach destinations north and south of Cancun via railway.
In a recent press conference concerning the launching of the state-of-the-art railway system, Quintana Roo’s governor said that the new project will make getting around the sunny region easier than ever before.
@turismo.tren.maya The Mayan Train is an infrastructure project thats seeks to promote tourism and economic development in the southeastern region of México. Follow us to know more about the Mayan Train. #TrenMaya #mayantrain #mayantrainroutes ♬ sonido original – Turismo Tren Maya
“We are just days away from making this moment come true: the inauguration of the Maya Train will combine cutting-edge technology with ancient Mayan culture,” the governor said in a speech.
Aside from the stunning beauty of its train stations, the Maya Train has a number of practical implications for Cancun travelers. Boasting one of the most important stations along the entire route of the railway system, Cancun Airport will be one of the central access points on Section 5 of the new infrastructure project.
@amazing_architecture #trenmaya #Tulum #TrainStation in #Mexico designed by AIDIA STUDIO. #viral #fyp #architecture #foryou #follow #diy #nature #latina #mexican #amlo #i ♬ original sound – Amazing Architecture
Travelers arriving to Cancun airport can transfer directly to the adjacent train station, where they can travel to a number of Mexican Caribbean hotspots, including Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen.
Meanwhile, the Maya Train station at Cancun Airport boasts some of the most impressive architecture in the city, featuring a Mayan-inspired design with modern interiors. Travelers will find plenty of restaurants, shops, and other facilities in the vicinity of the train station.
@apnews The Calakmul jungle, home to an ancient Mayan city that is a UNESCO world heritage site, could soon be impacted by a controversial railway development. The Maya Train is intended to drive economic growth, but many have flagged major environmental concerns. #climatechange #mexico #mayatrain #apnews ♬ original sound – The Associated Press
Cancun International Airport is currently gearing up for a record-breaking winter season. The airport currently has nonstop routes to dozens of destinations across the United States, with carriers like American Airlines launching a record number of flights to the sunny hotspot.
Arriving passengers will now be able to book tickets with the Maya Train, although travelers will have to wait until February 2024 for the project to fully finalize.
@thisguy_rg #mexico #trenmaya #mayatrain #tourism ♬ original sound – Ray G 🇲🇽❤️🇵🇸
Even so, thousands of travelers are already looking forward to the cost-saving potential of the Maya Train. With tickets expected to cost less than current taxi fares, the new railway project will make getting around the Mexican Caribbean safer and more convenient than ever before.
And with taxi crimes on the rise, travelers are keen on taking advantage of the groundbreaking railway system.
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
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.
Bill Jenkins
Wednesday 13th of December 2023
Does the Maya train stop at or near hotels in the Cancun Hotel Zone after leaving the Airport, or does it stop in downtown Cancun City?
Tyler Fox
Thursday 14th of December 2023
Hello Bill, there will be transfer stations that take tourists from near the hotel zone to the train station. You can read about them HERE.
TeeBeeCAMX
Sunday 10th of December 2023
I was excited to use it. Until I saw where the station is in Playa del Carmen. It's a 25min drive from centro. So if the train is as fast as they claim let's say it arrives in 40 mins from Cancun. I still need to get a 25 minute cab ride to get to PDC Centro. Total time then is 65 mins and the cabs will definitely rip me off OR I could just take the ADO from the Cancun airport to PDC Centro it takes 65 min and doesn't involve a cab ripping me off and the ADO is comfortable and only 250 pesos.
I know which option I'm taking.
If I was going from PDC to Merida sure I'll take the train but just a airport run there's simply no way.
It's not even like there's a high-speed road from the PDC train station to Centro or to highway 307. In Villas Del Sol the roads are slow and very congested that's without the train traffic. To have a chance of pulling me into using it Cancun to PDC there'd have to be a shuttle into centro included in the fare.
The train like real estate it's all location, location, location. I don't care if you have a train. If it doesn't go from where I am to where I'm going, not even if it was free. It adds no value. Unfortunately for Playa del Carmen I think the train is DOA. I know the Tulum station is closer to town lucky for them.