Jalisco’s Tequila Express — Mexico’s Most Enticing Rail Experience

ByCarlos Rosado van der Gracht
With all the talk surrounding the Tren Maya, it’s easy to forget it’s not the only rail experience to be had in Mexico. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

The Tequila Express is a popular tourist train in Mexico that takes passengers on a round-trip journey from Guadalajara to Tequila (yes, that’s an actual place) in the state of Jalisco.  

The Tequila Express began operations 1997 and continues to be a considerable draw for tourists. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine 

The train is styled like an old-fashioned passenger train and offers a variety of tours, all of which include a visit to tequila distilleries, a tour of the agave fields, and tastings of tequila. 

Tours also include lunch, a Mexican folkloric show, and free time to explore the town of Tequila. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

The Tequila Express departs from Guadalajara on Saturdays only. The Tequila Express has two different itineraries to choose from:

Sunrise

This itinerary departs from Guadalajara in the morning and returns in the evening. It includes visiting the agave fields, a tour of the La Rojeña distillery, and free time in Tequila.

The town of Tequila, Jalisco, is home to several distilleries ranging from the tiny to the enormous. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Sunset

This itinerary departs from Guadalajara in the afternoon and returns in the evening. It includes a visit to the Casa Cuervo distillery, a tour of the agave fields, and free time in Tequila.

A big part of riding the Tequila Express is all the music and activities included onboard, and as one would expect, these include lots of drinking tequila. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Tickets for the Tequila Express can be purchased online or at the train station in Guadalajara. Prices vary depending on the itinerary and the type of seating you choose. There are three classes of service available:

Express

The most basic class of service includes seating in a coach car and all included activities on the tour.

Premium Plus

An upgrade over the Express class, which includes seating in a more spacious car with wider seats and a cocktail bar.

Food is also a big part of the tour. It features tortas ahogadas, literally “drowned sandwiches,” a typical dish from Jalisco made up of a crispy roll called briote salado filled with braised pork and drowned in a spicy red salsa. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Diamante 

The VIP class of service, which includes seating in a private car with a bar and access to a private reserve tequila tasting.

The bar’s selection in the Diamante Car is impressive and something every tequila aficionado should experience at least once. Photo: Courtesy

Whether you’re a tequila lover or just looking for a unique and fun way to experience Mexico, the Tequila Express is a great option.

For bookings and up to date prices visit www.tequilaexpress.mx

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