Chepe Express: The Only Real Long-Distance Train
The Chepe Express, also called El Chepe, is Mexico’s sole remaining long-distance passenger train. It runs 673 km from Los Mochis in Sinaloa to Chihuahua City, cutting through the Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre) with stops at El Fuerte, Divisadero, and Creel. The journey takes about 16 hours if you ride straight through, but most travellers break it up. There are two classes: the Chepe Express (tourist class with panoramic windows and a dining car) and the Chepe Regional (cheaper, slower, more local). The train operates daily in both directions, though schedules can shift seasonally.
Fares are set by the operator and vary by class and route, so check the official site for current pricing. The best months are October to March, when the canyon is dry and temperatures are mild. Book at least two weeks ahead if you want a window seat in tourist class. If you’re starting from Los Mochis, the train leaves early morning; from Chihuahua, it departs mid-morning. I’d book the Chepe Express for the full Los Mochis–Creel stretch, spend two nights in Creel to explore the Divisadero overlook and the adventure park, then continue to Chihuahua. Skip the round-trip train ride; fly out of Chihuahua instead if your schedule is tight.
Teotihuacán and Other Tourist Trains
The Tren Turístico Teotihuacán is a weekend-only service from Mexico City’s Buenavista station to the Teotihuacán archaeological site. It’s a 45-minute ride on a modern train with large windows, and it drops you a short walk from the Pyramid of the Sun. The train runs Saturday and Sunday, departing Buenavista around 8 a.m. and returning in the late afternoon. Fares are reasonable, but tickets sell out quickly; buy online in advance. This is a convenient alternative to the bus, which leaves from the Terminal del Norte and takes about an hour. The train is family-friendly and avoids traffic, but it only runs on weekends, so plan accordingly.
In Mexico City, the Tren Ligero (light rail) from Tasqueña to Xochimilco is a useful, cheap way to reach the Xochimilco canals and the Dolores Olmedo Museum. It’s not a tourist train per se, but it’s efficient and gives you a glimpse of daily life. Another option: the Tren Suburbano from Buenavista to Cuautitlán serves commuters, not tourists, but it’s clean and fast if you’re heading to the northern suburbs. For most visitors, the Teotihuacán train is the only tourist-oriented rail experience near the capital. I’d book it for a Sunday and combine it with a visit to the site’s museum. Skip the light rail unless you’re actually going to Xochimilco.
Day Trips and Heritage Railways
Several short heritage and tourist trains operate across Mexico, mostly on weekends and often run by local organizations. The Tren Escénico in Puebla is a weekend excursion from Puebla’s main station to the town of Cholula, mainly for families and school groups. In Jalisco, the Tequila Express runs from Guadalajara to the town of Tequila, with tastings and tours included; it’s a full-day affair and must be booked through authorized operators. In the Yucatán, the Tren Maya is a new regional rail line linking Palenque, Cancún, and Tulum, but as of this writing it’s still ramping up service; check current schedules before planning around it. These trains are not for budget travellers; they’re experiences, and prices reflect that.
For the Tequila Express, book at least a week ahead and confirm whether lunch is included. The train leaves Guadalajara’s Chamizal station in the morning and returns in the evening; it’s a long day, so stay overnight in Guadalajara rather than trying to connect to another city. The Puebla–Cholula train is a half-day outing; combine it with a visit to the Great Pyramid of Cholula. I’d choose the Tequila Express over the Puebla train if you’re interested in agave culture, but skip both if you’re short on time. The Tren Maya is worth watching, but don’t build an itinerary around it until service is reliable.
Practical Tips for Train Travel in Mexico
Mexico’s passenger rail network is limited, so don’t expect to cross the country by train. The Chepe Express is the only long-distance option, and it’s not a commuter service. Book tickets directly with the operator (the Chepe has its own website) or through a reputable local agency. Bring cash for snacks and tips; not all trains accept cards. Luggage space is limited on the Chepe, so pack light. The train from Buenavista to Teotihuacán has no food service, so eat before you board or bring a picnic. For the Tequila Express, dress comfortably; it’s a festive atmosphere but not formal.
If you’re basing yourself in Mexico City, the Buenavista station is a major hub for both the Teotihuacán train and the Tren Suburbano. Stay in neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa, or Centro Histórico for easy access to Buenavista via Metro or Metrobús. For the Chepe, fly into Los Mochis or Chihuahua and spend a night before or after the journey; both cities have comfortable hotels near the stations. I’d book a hotel in Creel for the Copper Canyon portion; it’s a small town with guesthouses and lodges that fill up in high season. Avoid trying to do the Chepe as a day trip; it’s too long and you’ll miss the point.