The Mayan Train Just Got Cheaper — Here’s What It Costs Now

Getting from Mérida to Cancún or Campeche by train just became a better deal. The Tren Maya announced a fare reduction of up to 30% across its routes, with new pricing that took effect in late April — and one notable change that travelers from outside Mexico will welcome: the separate, higher foreigner-only rate has been scrapped.

The pricing overhaul introduces three tiers. The local rate, available to residents of the five states along the route — Yucatán, Quintana Roo, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas — dropped 20%. The special rate, for seniors, teachers, students, and people with disabilities, also fell by 20%. Most significant for visitors is the new “Turista México” category, which consolidates what had been two separate prices for Mexican nationals and international tourists into a single, lower rate — representing savings of up to 30% compared to the old foreigner fare.

What the routes actually cost

On the Mérida–Campeche run, the local fare dropped from MX$323 to MX$258 (roughly US$13), while the tourist rate fell from MX$484 to MX$339 (about US$17). The special rate comes in at MX$207 (US$10.50). Three departure times are now available — 10:55 a.m., 12:19 p.m., and 7:29 p.m. — with the trip taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes with stops along the way.

The more popular Mérida–Cancún route saw even bigger savings for tourists. The fare fell from MX$781 to MX$547 (about US$27), while the local rate dropped from MX$521 to MX$417 (US$21). The special fare is MX$333 (US$16.50). Six daily departures cover that route: 7 a.m., 9:18 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:05 p.m., 3:20 p.m., and 4:22 p.m. Travel time runs just over three and a half hours, with six stops en route.

For those heading to the ruins, the Cancún–Chichén Itzá fare is now MX$351 for tourists and MX$268 for locals. Longer hauls, like Cancún to Palenque, come in at MX$1,169 for tourists and MX$891 for locals.

By comparison, ADO bus tickets between Mérida and Cancún currently range from MX$501 to MX$920 depending on the service, making the train competitive — and in some cases cheaper — for tourist-class travel.

A growing ridership

The timing of the price cut follows a strong Semana Santa. Mexico’s tourism secretary, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, reported that the train moved 10,000 passengers in just two days during the holiday. International ticket sales are also up: the first two months of 2026 saw nearly 23,000 tickets sold to foreign travelers, a 41% increase over the same period last year.

The train’s director general, Óscar David Lozano Águila, noted that since its 2023 launch the Tren Maya has carried more than 2.3 million passengers. It currently runs 20 daily services across its 1,554-kilometer (965-mile) route, with plans to expand to 32 daily runs by the end of the year.

For travelers who’ve been on the fence about trying the train, lower fares and more departures make the case easier. Tickets can be booked through the official reservation portal or purchased at any of the 34 stations. In Mérida, there’s also a sales office on Calle 50 between Calles 25 and 27 in the Cordemex neighborhood.

The train’s mobile app — available for iOS and Android — lets riders check schedules, compare routes, and buy tickets in advance, which is still the safer bet during busy travel periods.

Tren Maya at a Glance

• Mérida to Campeche: MX$339 tourist / MX$258 local / MX$207 special (about US$17 / US$13 / US$10.50)
• Mérida to Cancún: MX$547 tourist / MX$417 local / MX$333 special (about US$27 / US$21 / US$16.50)
• Cancún to Chichén Itzá: MX$351 tourist / MX$268 local (about US$18 / US$13.50)
• Foreigner-only surcharge: Eliminated; tourists now pay the same “Turista México” rate as nationals
• Daily services: 20 currently; expanding to 32 by the end of 2026
• Tickets: reservas.ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx or at any station
• Mérida sales office: Calle 50, between Calles 25 and 27, Col. Cordemex

=