Riding the Tren Maya: Our Smooth Journey from Puerto Morelos to Chetumal
A New Way to Travel the Yucatan
If you’ve been following our journeys through Mexico, you know we are always looking for the most comfortable and efficient ways to get around. Like many of you, we’ve been watching the development of the Tren Maya with a mix of curiosity and hope. Could this be the game-changer for travel in the Yucatan Peninsula?
We decided to put it to the test on a trip from Puerto Morelos to Chetumal as a way to reach the Mexico/Belize border. We wanted to see for ourselves if the reality matched the hype, and more importantly, if it’s a viable option for travelers like us who value a bit of comfort.
Our journey began with a quick and easy 10-to-15-minute taxi ride from the town of Puerto Morelos to the station. Upon arrival, we were struck by how modern and clean the facilities were. It felt organized and welcoming—a far cry from some of the chaotic bus terminals we’ve experienced in the past.
If you’ve been following our journeys through Mexico, you know we are always looking for the most comfortable and efficient ways to get around. Like many of you, we’ve been watching the development of the Tren Maya with a mix of curiosity and hope. Could this be the game-changer for travel in the Yucatan Peninsula?
We decided to put it to the test on a trip from Puerto Morelos to Chetumal as a way to reach the Mexico/Belize border. We wanted to see for ourselves if the reality matched the hype, and more importantly, if it’s a viable option for travelers like us who value a bit of comfort.
Our journey began with a quick and easy 10-to-15-minute taxi ride from the town of Puerto Morelos to the station. Upon arrival, we were struck by how modern and clean the facilities were. It felt organized and welcoming—a far cry from some of the chaotic bus terminals we’ve experienced in the past.
First Impressions: The Platform and The Train
Walking out onto the platform, the excitement really set in. The station architecture is airy and impressive, taking advantage of that beautiful Mexican sunshine. Seeing the sleek, green-and-white train pull up was actually quite a moment!
We couldn't resist pausing for a quick photo on the platform before boarding. The train looks futuristic against the blue sky, and honestly, we felt a bit like pioneers trying out this new infrastructure. Boarding was seamless, and we were eager to see if the interior lived up to the exterior’s promise.
Walking out onto the platform, the excitement really set in. The station architecture is airy and impressive, taking advantage of that beautiful Mexican sunshine. Seeing the sleek, green-and-white train pull up was actually quite a moment!
We couldn't resist pausing for a quick photo on the platform before boarding. The train looks futuristic against the blue sky, and honestly, we felt a bit like pioneers trying out this new infrastructure. Boarding was seamless, and we were eager to see if the interior lived up to the exterior’s promise.
Onboard Comfort: Room to Breathe
Once we settled in, the first thing we noticed—and absolutely loved—was the configuration of the carriage. We were delighted to find a "2 and 1" seat layout. This is a huge plus for couples or solo travelers because it means fewer middle seats and significantly more aisle space.
The ride itself? Surprisingly smooth. There was none of that rattling or jerking you might expect from older rail systems. It was incredibly easy to get up and walk around, which is essential for us on longer travel days.
As you can see from the photos, the seats are plush and blue, with plenty of legroom. Anne spent a good portion of the trip relaxing, catching up on her phone, and just watching the jungle scenery fly by. It felt spacious and remarkably civilized.
Once we settled in, the first thing we noticed—and absolutely loved—was the configuration of the carriage. We were delighted to find a "2 and 1" seat layout. This is a huge plus for couples or solo travelers because it means fewer middle seats and significantly more aisle space.
The ride itself? Surprisingly smooth. There was none of that rattling or jerking you might expect from older rail systems. It was incredibly easy to get up and walk around, which is essential for us on longer travel days.
As you can see from the photos, the seats are plush and blue, with plenty of legroom. Anne spent a good portion of the trip relaxing, catching up on her phone, and just watching the jungle scenery fly by. It felt spacious and remarkably civilized.
Amenities and Arrival
We know that for a 4-and-a-half-hour trip, sustenance is key. We were happy to discover a separate car dedicated to purchasing snacks and drinks - although we did follow the suggestions to bring some snacks with us in our backpack. It was nice to stretch our legs, walk through the train, and grab a coffee if we were inclined - without feeling cramped.
The entire journey took about 4.5 hours, eventually dropping us right at the airport in Chetumal. For us, this point-to-point convenience was fantastic.
If you are debating whether to rent a car, take a bus, or try the train, we can genuinely recommend the Tren Maya for this route. It was stress-free, comfortable, and a wonderful way to see the country from a different perspective.
We know that for a 4-and-a-half-hour trip, sustenance is key. We were happy to discover a separate car dedicated to purchasing snacks and drinks - although we did follow the suggestions to bring some snacks with us in our backpack. It was nice to stretch our legs, walk through the train, and grab a coffee if we were inclined - without feeling cramped.
The entire journey took about 4.5 hours, eventually dropping us right at the airport in Chetumal. For us, this point-to-point convenience was fantastic.
If you are debating whether to rent a car, take a bus, or try the train, we can genuinely recommend the Tren Maya for this route. It was stress-free, comfortable, and a wonderful way to see the country from a different perspective.
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