Three years after the much-celebrated launch of the Maya Train, which now loops around the Yucatán Peninsula and connects iconic destinations like Cancún, Tulum, and Mérida, Mexico is once again on the move—quite literally. The country is preparing to break ground on a new railway project that will stretch far beyond the peninsula’s borders, linking the capital with the Gulf Coast and promising to reshape travel, commerce, and tourism across central and eastern Mexico.
According to Travel Off Path, the Federal Government of Mexico has confirmed plans for a combined freight and passenger train that will span a remarkable 348 miles. This ambitious route will connect three of the nation’s most storied cities: Mexico City, Puebla, and Veracruz. Each city boasts its own unique blend of history, architecture, and culture. Mexico City, the throbbing heart of the nation, is famous for its grand Metropolitan Cathedral, the lush Chapultepec Castle, and vibrant neighborhoods ranging from the leafy Condesa to the lively Zona Rosa. Puebla stands apart as one of Mexico’s best-preserved colonial gems, showcasing a European-style city layout, a stunning Baroque cathedral, and richly adorned facades. Veracruz, the train’s planned terminus on the Gulf, is celebrated for its Spanish-era fortress San Juan de Ulúa, a 16th-century Zócalo ringed by colonial buildings, and picturesque beaches that have long drawn visitors from across the globe.
But how close is Mexico to turning this vision into reality? As reported by Travel Off Path, there are still two possible routes under consideration. One option would see the train pass through Tlaxcala before reaching Puebla, while the other would head directly to Puebla and then on to Veracruz. The final decision will likely hinge on a complex mix of geography, engineering, and cost. If the Maya Train’s development has taught Mexican officials anything, it’s that the country’s varied terrain—and the occasional archaeological discovery unearthed during construction—can present both opportunities and headaches.
The project’s budget could soar past $30 billion, a figure that depends on the chosen route, whether the train will be low, medium, or high-speed, and the kind of terrain contractors will need to navigate. On flat land, a medium-speed train typically costs around $30 million per kilometer, but in mountainous regions, the price can skyrocket to $80–$90 million per kilometer. Thankfully, roughly half of the new train’s route mirrors the geography of the Maya Train, which could help keep costs in check. The second half, however, will cut through more challenging landscapes, requiring the construction of bridges and tunnels that will test the mettle of engineers and planners alike.
Despite these challenges, optimism is running high. The construction timeline is expected to stretch at least four years, taking into account environmental and archaeological assessments, as well as the technical demands of building through slopes and mountains. Yet, as Travel Off Path notes, this train is considered a legacy project for the current administration under President Claudia Sheinbaum, much like the Maya Train was for her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. There’s a strong sense that, come what may, this railway will be completed under the current leadership.
Early plans suggest the new train could feature up to 11 stations. While the full list isn’t set in stone, proposals indicate the journey might begin in La Paz (State of Mexico), then move on to Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City, Los Reyes, and Calpulalpan. As the train exits the capital and the State of Mexico, it could make six stops in Puebla state: San Martín Texmelucan, Coronango, Puebla (city), Amozoc, Rafael Grajales, and Esperanza. The final stretch would see the train cross into Veracruz, with stops in Córdoba and the Port of Veracruz itself.
And this isn’t the only railway project on the horizon. Mexican officials are also eyeing a line connecting Mexico City to Querétaro, and even contemplating an expansion of the Maya Train into neighboring countries like Belize and Guatemala. The nation’s railway renaissance, it seems, is just getting started.
Meanwhile, the Yucatán Peninsula is basking in the glow of its own tourism boom, thanks in no small part to the Maya Train. On August 9, 2025, Yucatán state officials unveiled the “Santuario Maya” (Maya Sanctuary) campaign in Mexico City—a sweeping initiative aimed at attracting more visitors and encouraging them to linger longer in the region. According to statements from Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena, the campaign is “something more than a promotional strategy: it is a vision, a way of feeling and living Yucatán.”
State officials, as reported by local media, have emphasized that Yucatán’s allure goes well beyond its stunning landscapes and ancient ruins. The true magic, they say, lies in the region’s vibrant communities, rich cuisine, living Maya language, and deep-rooted traditions. The campaign urges travelers to look past the famed sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal and discover lesser-known treasures like Chacmultún in the south. “We want visitors to stay longer and discover everything the state offers,” tourism authorities explained, highlighting the importance of experiencing Magic Towns, savoring local gastronomy, visiting historic haciendas, and engaging with the Maya language firsthand.
Sustainability and community empowerment are at the heart of the “Santuario Maya” initiative. The campaign is designed to foster equitable tourism development, targeting families, couples, luxury travelers, wellness enthusiasts, and business groups alike. Yucatán’s tourism infrastructure has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, bolstered by more than 11 billion pesos (about $584 million) in private investment in hotels, restaurants, and related businesses. This summer alone, the state expects to welcome over 400,000 tourists—a testament to the campaign’s early momentum.
The Maya Train itself has played a pivotal role in Yucatán’s rising fortunes. The 1,554-kilometer (966-mile) rail network now links the state with other major Maya destinations, including Cancún, Tulum, Campeche, and Palenque. This improved connectivity has made it easier than ever for travelers to access Yucatecan gems like Izamal, Valladolid, Mérida, Maxcanú, and Pisté, the latter located just a stone’s throw from Chichén Itzá. Air travel has also expanded, with direct flights from Mérida to 12 Mexican cities and international routes to Miami, Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Havana, and Guatemala.
Tourism Secretary Darío Flota Ocampo and Juan José Martín Pacheco, president of the Mexican Hotel Association in Yucatán, joined Governor Díaz Mena at the campaign launch, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving the state’s tourism push. “Today we have the great opportunity to show the world everything we are, with respect and pride, and establish Yucatán’s global image as an authentic Maya Sanctuary,” Díaz Mena declared.
With new railways on the drawing board and tourism initiatives gaining steam, Mexico appears determined to position itself as a world-class destination for culture, history, and adventure. The tracks may not yet be laid, but the journey is already underway.