The Tren Maya is now fully operational across its 1,554-kilometre loop through southeastern Mexico, and for Campeche travellers it opens up a genuinely new way to move — from the walled capital to the Calakmul biosphere, across to Mérida, or east to the Caribbean coast. The train is not a heritage railway or a tourist novelty. It is a functional, modern intercity service that covers distances which previously required long bus rides or expensive flights.
This guide covers everything you need to know to use the Tren Maya from and within Campeche State: which stations matter, how the routes connect, what the timetables look like, how much tickets cost, and what to expect on board.
San Francisco de Campeche Tren Maya station upper level
The Campeche Stations
The Tren Maya serves Campeche State at five stops, running roughly west to east:
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Escárcega — the western gateway, sitting at the junction of the Palenque–Escárcega line (Tramo 1) and the Escárcega–Calkiní line (Tramo 2). It is also the terminus of the Chetumal–Escárcega line (Tramo 7). This makes Escárcega the most connected station in the state and the key transfer point for reaching Calakmul or Palenque.
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Carrillo Puerto — a small stop near Champotón, useful if you are staying along the coast between Champotón and the Tabasco border.
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Edzná — positioned to serve the Maya ruins of Edzná, about 15 kilometres from the station. If you are visiting the archaeological zone without a car, this is your stop.
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San Francisco de Campeche — the capital's station, located on the Periférico Pablo García y Montilla on the northeastern edge of the city. It connects with the local Tren Ligero light rail for access to the city centre and the ADO bus terminal.
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Tenabo — a smaller inland town between Campeche and Calkiní, useful as a stop-off if you are exploring the northwestern part of the state.
Two additional stations on the Chetumal–Escárcega line (Tramo 7) — Xpujil and Calakmul — are technically in Campeche State and are the most relevant for archaeology travellers. Xpujil station sits about 4 kilometres (10 minutes by taxi) from the town, while Calakmul station is roughly 50 kilometres from the ruins it is named for, with shuttle services available for the final leg.
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Routes and Timetables
The Tren Maya operates across seven sections. For Campeche State travellers, the most useful connections are:
Escárcega to San Francisco de Campeche (Tramo 2)
This is the backbone route through the state. Trains run from Escárcega through Carrillo Puerto, Edzná, San Francisco de Campeche, Tenabo, Hecelchakán, and Calkiní. The journey from Escárcega to San Francisco de Campeche takes approximately 2 hours 5 minutes. Trains run daily with morning and afternoon departures — the eastbound service from Escárcega departs in the early morning, arriving in Campeche around mid-morning.
San Francisco de Campeche to Cancún (Tramos 2–4)
Departing San Francisco de Campeche at 7:00 a.m., the train reaches Cancún Aeropuerto in about 6 hours 19 minutes, with stops at Tenabo, Hecelchakán, Calkiní, Maxcanú, Umán, Mérida Teya, Tixkokob, Izamal, Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, Nuevo Xcán, and Leona Vicario. This is a long ride but it is comfortable and scenic, cutting across the peninsula without the highway tolls and traffic of the driving alternative.
San Francisco de Campeche to Palenque (Tramos 2–1)
Heading west from Campeche, the train reaches Palenque in approximately 6 hours 19 minutes, passing through Edzná, Carrillo Puerto, Escárcega, Candelaria, El Triunfo, Tenosique, and Boca del Cerro. The Palenque departure is at 9:00 a.m., arriving in the late afternoon.
Escárcega to Calakmul or Xpujil (Tramo 7)
The Chetumal–Escárcega line stops at Xpujil and then Calakmul. From Escárcega, Xpujil is about 2 hours 30 minutes eastbound; Calakmul is a further 1 hour 18 minutes beyond Xpujil. This is the route that changes the game for Calakmul visitors — instead of a 4-hour drive from Campeche city, you can take the train to Xpujil and arrange a short taxi or shuttle to the ruins.
Timetables change seasonally and additional services are added as frequency increases. Always confirm current schedules on the official portal (reservas.ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx) or the Tren Maya mobile app before travelling.
Ticket Classes and Prices
The Tren Maya offers two classes of service:
Tourist Class (Xiinbal)
The standard option. Seats are spacious and reclining, with power outlets and storage for bags. The train has large windows, air conditioning, and a café service. Tourist class is comfortable enough for journeys of five or more hours.
As of 2026, pricing operates on a tiered system:
- Local rate (residents of Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, or Chiapas): the lowest fare, roughly MX$258 for Mérida–Campeche or MX$329 for Chetumal–Xpujil.
- Tourist rate (all other visitors, including international travellers): approximately MX$339 for Mérida–Campeche, MX$513.50 for Escárcega–Xpujil, and MX$1,169 for the full Cancún–Palenque run.
- Special rate (seniors, students, teachers, people with disabilities): roughly MX$207 for Mérica–Campeche.
A significant change from earlier pricing: the separate "international tourist" surcharge has been eliminated. Foreign visitors now pay the same "Turista México" rate as Mexican nationals, saving up to 30% compared to the old foreigner fares.
Premier Class (Pátal)
The premium option offers wider seats, more legroom, a dedicated restroom, and an onboard dining service with meals and drinks. Premier class costs roughly 50–60% more than tourist class — for example, around MX$822 for Escárcega–Xpujil or MX$1,541 for Cancún–Palenque. For long journeys of six or more hours, the upgrade is worth considering if budget allows.
Prices are dynamic and vary with demand. Booking early — especially during peak periods like Semana Santa, Christmas, and summer holidays — locks in lower fares.
Buying Tickets
You have three options:
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Online — the official booking portal at reservas.ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx. This is the most reliable method and lets you choose your seat. The Tren Maya mobile app (iOS and Android) offers the same functionality.
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At the station — all 34 stations have ticket offices. San Francisco de Campeche and Escárcega stations have English-speaking staff, though this is not guaranteed at smaller stops.
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Sales offices — there is a Tren Maya ticket office in Mérida on Calle 50 between Calles 25 and 27 in the Cordemex neighbourhood.
Buy tickets at least a few days ahead for weekend travel and at least two weeks ahead for holiday periods. Same-day purchase is often possible on weekdays but not guaranteed on popular routes.
On-Board Experience
The Tren Maya uses modern X'trapolis electric trains with a capacity of around 300 passengers per set. The ride is smooth and quiet — noticeably more comfortable than a bus on the same route. Key features include:
- Reclining seats with armrests and power outlets (USB and AC)
- Overhead luggage storage and a dedicated area for larger bags
- Air conditioning set to a consistent, comfortable temperature
- A café car serving drinks, snacks, and light meals
- Accessible spaces for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility
- Large windows offering views of jungle, farmland, and small towns
The train runs at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, though average speed is closer to 120 km/h with stops. Onboard announcements are in Spanish and English. The overall experience is closer to a European intercity train than a tourist excursion — functional, efficient, and unpretentious.
Transfer and Last-Mile Logistics
From San Francisco de Campeche Station to the City Centre
The Tren Maya station is on the Periférico, about 5 kilometres from the historic centre. You have several options:
- Tren Ligero — the local light rail connects the Tren Maya station to the city centre and the ADO bus terminal. It runs frequently during the day and costs under MX$10.
- Taxi — a ride to the centro histórico costs approximately MX$80–120, depending on your bargaining skills and the time of day.
- Didi — the ride-hailing app operates in Campeche and is usually slightly cheaper than a street taxi.
From Xpujil Station to Calakmul Ruins
The station is about 4 kilometres from Xpujil town. From there, the Calakmul archaeological zone is roughly 65 kilometres south via a combination of town transport and the site shuttle. This is not a walkable connection. Arrange transport in advance through your hotel in Xpujil or one of the local cooperatives. The journey from Xpujil to the ruins takes about 1.5 hours by car or shuttle.
From Escárcega to Calakmul
Escárcega is the traditional gateway to Calakmul by road. If you arrive by train at Escárcega, you can hire a taxi or pre-arranged transfer for the 130-kilometre drive south to the ruins. This takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, continue east on the train to Xpujil or Calakmul station and use the local shuttle network from there.
Practical Tips
Timing your trip. Trains in Campeche State run primarily during daylight hours. The first departures are around 7:00 a.m. and the last arrivals are before midnight. There are no overnight services on the Campeche sections.
Food and water. The onboard café is convenient but limited. For longer journeys, bring your own snacks and a water bottle. Stations have small vendors selling fruit, packaged snacks, and soft drinks, but selection varies by location.
Heat and weather. Campeche is hot and humid for much of the year. The train is air-conditioned, but transfers between stations and final destinations can be uncomfortable in midday heat. Plan outdoor travel for early morning or late afternoon between May and September.
Cash vs card. Ticket offices and onboard cafés accept cards, but small vendors at stations and local transport to and from stations may only take cash. Carry Mexican pesos in small denominations.
Luggage. There is no strict luggage limit, but overhead storage is designed for carry-on sized bags. Larger suitcases can be stored in the dedicated luggage area. The train is comfortable enough for travellers with backpacks and mid-sized suitcases, but oversized luggage is impractical.
Safety. The Tren Maya is a modern, well-maintained system with security personnel at stations and onboard. As with any travel in Mexico, keep valuables close and be aware of your surroundings, particularly when transferring between stations and final destinations at night.
Connecting to the Yucatán coast. If you are heading to Mérida, the train takes about 2 hours 20 minutes from Campeche. From Mérida, you can continue north to Chichén Itzá (about 2 hours) or east to Valladolid and the Cancún airport (about 3 hours 30 minutes total). This makes a multi-stop peninsula route — Campeche → Mérida → Chichén Itzá → Cancún — entirely feasible by rail.
Is the Tren Maya Worth It for Campeche Travellers?
For most visitors, the answer is yes — with caveats. The train is faster than driving yourself on most routes, more comfortable than a bus, and now priced competitively. The Mérida–Campeche run at MX$339 tourist class compares favourably with an ADO first-class bus ticket and takes less time.
The real advantage shows up on longer routes. Reaching Calakmul from Campeche city by road is a 4-hour drive each way. The train to Xpujil cuts the journey roughly in half and lets you relax instead of navigating Highway 186. For a state as spread out as Campeche, the Tren Maya fills a genuine gap in the transport network.
The limitation is last-mile connectivity. The train gets you to the right town, but you still need a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to reach most ruins, beaches, and cenotes. Plan your transfers in advance and budget for them — the train fare is only part of the total cost of reaching Calakmul or Edzná.
GuideIs Campeche Safe? A Practical Safety Guide for TravelersCampeche is a state on Mexico’s Gulf coast, with its historic centre – the UNESCO‑protected walled city of San Francisco de Campeche – being the main area where visitors spend time. The state is classified by the U.S. State Department as a Level 1 destination, meaning only normal precautions are required; it records about 61 homicides a year (roughly 6.4 per 100,000 people), well below the national average and comparable to many mid‑sized U.S. cities. The historic centre is compact, well‑lit and heavily patrolled by both regular police and Tourist Police, who can help with directions or emergencies. Daytime walking is relaxed; evenings remain calm with restaurants and bars active until around 11 p.m., and the malecón stays busy after dark. Visitors should keep phones out of sight, wear bags across the body and stay aware of surroundings, especially in crowded markets. After midnight the streets outside the centre empty quickly, so plan to be back by midnight or use registered transport such as a taxi or hotel car. Archaeological sites such as Edzná, Calakmul and Río Bec are safe during normal tourist hours; organized tours are common, and independent drivers should stay on marked roads, fuel up beforehand and travel only in daylight. The main safety concern is petty crime – pickpocketing and bag snatching – which can be mitigated by using hotel safes, carrying limited cash and keeping belongings close. Solo travellers, including women, are generally safe in Campeche, though standard precautions apply: use registered transport at night, avoid isolated areas after dark and do not accept drinks from strangers. For transport, official taxis (sitio taxis) and ride‑hailing apps are preferable to street hails; the ADO bus station area requires the usual vigilance with belongings. If renting a car, drive only during daylight on the reasonably maintained highways and be prepared for wildlife and uneven surfaces at night. Important emergency numbers are 911 for police, fire and ambulance; Tourist Police +52 981 811 9901; Civil Protection +52 981 816 7733; Red Cross +52 981 811 9466; Hospital General de Campeche +52 981 811 9100; and the U.S. Consulate in Mérida +52 999 942 5700. Medical emergencies may need medevac to Mérida, about two hours away. The greater practical risks are heat, sun exposure, rural driving conditions and the June‑November hurricane season, which should be prepared for alongside the usual safety measures.Open
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