A 188-mile inter-oceanic route: what will surprise you about Mexico's new passenger train

From the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast, the new Mexican train offers a journey with stunning views. It stretches 188 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca, allowing travelers to explore both coasts.

A new rail link connects some of the world's most prominent Mayan ruins, including the Mayan ruins at Tulum in Cancun, all the way to the hidden gem of Palenque. The construction of the railroad has caused as much excitement as it has controversy because of the damage to the unique ecosystem," writes TheTravel.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced the completion of a brand new rail route that will allow travelers to get from the Gulf of Mexico directly to the Pacific coast in Oaxaca. There are big plans for this rail route and it might be worth adding it to your next Mexico adventure list.

Mexico's new inter-oceanic train covers 188 miles

It begins in the Mexican city of Coatzacoalcos, located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Veracruz. From there, it travels across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to Salina Cruz on the Pacific coast in the picturesque state of Oaxaca.

From Salina Cruz, travelers can head along the coast or inland to the beautiful city of Oaxaca, a colonial gem with so much to explore. The journey can be made in both directions, allowing travelers from both coasts to hop on board.

Although this $2.8 billion project was built primarily for freight traffic to offer an alternative to the congested Panama Canal, it was an easy decision to include a passenger line as well.

The Mexican president also announced that the Interoceanic line will connect with the Mayan railway service sometime in 2025, something to look forward to for travelers looking for an even more exciting adventure.

The journey is expected to last eight hours, with stops at 10 destinations where passengers can get off wherever they wish. Of course, travelers can also stay on the train and enjoy the journey through the heart of Mexico.

Trainroute:

Coatzacoalcos

Jaltipán de Morelos

Medias Aguas

Jesus Carranza

Donají

Mogone

Matias Romero

Chivela

Ixtepec

Teuantepec

Salina Cruz

How much will the new Mexican train cost?

The cost of tickets for passenger transportation ranges from $27 to $91 USD. Starting at approximately USD 27 for tourist class, then increasing to USD 36 for executive class and USD 91 for first class tickets.

Prices are likely to fluctuate depending on the peso/US dollar exchange rate, but these are confirmed approximate prices that travelers can expect. Tickets for the 475-seat train sold out by the end of 2023, almost as soon as they became available, and it was stated that demand for this new route will be monitored in case a second train needs to be added to meet demand.

Online ticketbooking and purchase at the station

For those interested in adding this wonderful journey to their bucket list, there are currently two ways to purchase tickets. The first is online on the train's website, where passengers can specify the point of departure and point of arrival, the date of departure and the number of passengers.

The second way to buy tickets is in person, at kiosks at the train station in Coatzacoalcos or at the train station in Salina Cruz. If travelers are traveling in Mexico spontaneously, they just need to come in person and buy tickets on the day or the day before the train departure. However, given the hype around the completion of this route, it may be worth booking tickets in advance to have confirmed seats.

After purchasing their tickets, travelers will be able to sit back and enjoy an unforgettable journey, crossing the Isthmus of Tehuantepec from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in eight hours.

Both coasts of Mexico are known for their stunning beauty and are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so the opportunity to see both sides of the country will be a real treat.

What makes this trip unique is the undiscovered places you can visit along the way. This region of Mexico is home to underrated scenic landscapes and small towns that are home to authentic Mexican people and culture. This is the perfect train trip for those looking for a new experience in an unconventional setting. With tickets starting at $27 USD, there is no reason not to add this excursion to your list and make it a priority for your next trip to Mexico.