Maya Train Is Running Again Between Cancun and Playa del Carmen |
The route resumed August 15 with four daily trips, a new shuttle connection, and a station that is closer than you think but not quite where you expect it to be |
The Maya Train Is Running Again. Here Is What Puerto Morelos Travelers Need to Know.
The Cancun to Playa del Carmen route of the Maya Train came back to life on August 15. For anyone living in or visiting Puerto Morelos, that is news worth paying attention to, because our town sits right in the middle of that route.
Why Was It Stopped in the First Place?
The Cancun to Playa del Carmen service resumed on August 15 after a temporary suspension. The route resumed with four daily trips, two southbound departures from Cancun and two northbound departures from Playa del Carmen.
The Puerto Morelos Station Is on This Line
The Puerto Morelos station is not in the town center, so travelers should plan extra time for the transfer into town. That is important to understand before you plan a trip. The station is not in town, and it is not near the beach.
Unlike Cancun and PDC, there is no shuttle service to the Puerto Morelos station. So arrange a ride with a local taxi or Uber.
The Schedule and What It Costs
The official schedule lists two southbound departures from Cancun at 6:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and two northbound departures from Playa del Carmen at 7:47 a.m. and noon. The full Cancun to Playa del Carmen trip takes about 49 minutes southbound and 53 minutes northbound.
Current fare tables list the Puerto Morelos to Playa del Carmen trip at about 105.50 pesos in regular tourist class and 127 pesos in premier class for international travelers, but passengers should confirm the fare when booking.
The New "Tren Maya Conecta" Shuttle Service
On August 15, the new intermodal service "Tren Maya Conecta" began operating to connect stations with nearby destinations.
In Cancun, shuttles connect the station with the airport, Plaza Las Américas, and Hotel Zone stops. In Playa del Carmen, the intermodal buses connect to Playa Playacar, Quinta Alegría, Plaza 28 de Julio/CAPTA, and a hotel-zone return point.
Is It Worth It?
If you are based in Puerto Morelos and want a cheap, air-conditioned ride to Playa del Carmen for a day out, the train is a solid option. The catch is the limited schedule.
With only two southbound departures in the morning, for a day trip you need to come back by ADO bus or collectivo. You might be better off staying overnight so you can enjoy yourself, and take the morning Maya Train back.
An ADO bus or a private taxi may still be more convenient for travelers who want direct access to central Playa del Carmen. A private taxi or colectivo remains the most flexible option.
But for budget-minded travelers who do not mind the logistics, the train offers a comfortable, traffic-free ride that is hard to beat at that price.
Check schedules and buy tickets in advance at trenmaya.gob.mx. |