Maya Train Foreign Ridership Jumps 47% in Mexico

More tourists are choosing trains over planes to explore Mexico's hidden treasures, and local communities are reaping the rewards.

Foreign ridership on Mexico's Maya Train jumped 47% in January compared to the same month last year. The railway welcomed 13,166 international passengers, up from 8,980 in January 2025.

Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez says the growth comes from visitors using the train to explore pueblos mágicos, or "magical towns," scattered along the 1,500-kilometer route. These charming communities, known for their cultural heritage and natural beauty, are experiencing an economic boost as train passengers stop to explore.

The railroad winds through five Mexican states including Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. It became fully operational in December 2024 after years of construction under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

Mexico's tourism sector is gearing up for an even bigger influx of visitors this summer. The country will co-host 13 FIFA World Cup matches in June and July across Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

To help visitors make the most of their trip, the government launched "Conoce México" (Discover Mexico), a bilingual mobile app available now for download. The app covers all 32 Mexican states and lets certified tourism agencies sell experiences directly to travelers.

The timing couldn't be better. Overall international tourist numbers to Mexico increased 9% in January, reaching 4.29 million visitors.

The Ripple Effect

The Maya Train's success shows how infrastructure projects can do more than move people from place to place. By connecting smaller towns to major tourist destinations, the railway is spreading economic opportunity beyond Mexico's traditional resort areas.

Local artisans, restaurants, and hotels in pueblos mágicos are seeing new customers they might never have reached otherwise. When tourists take the train instead of flying directly between major cities, they discover communities that showcase Mexico's authentic culture and heritage.

This sustainable tourism model benefits both visitors seeking genuine experiences and communities preserving their traditions while building economic resilience.

As Mexico prepares to welcome World Cup fans from around the globe, the Maya Train offers a glimpse of how thoughtful tourism infrastructure can create lasting positive impact for generations.