Tren Maya Tickets: What You Need to Know — Free Rides, Pricing Tiers, and the Expat Catch

If you’ve been curious about riding the Tren Maya, now’s a good time to hop on. From May 26 to June 15, the train is offering a free return ticket with the purchase of any one-way economy fare — part of a push to boost ridership across the region.

ren Maya trains at a modern station platform under a bright blue sky
The Tren Maya connects major cities and cultural sites across southeastern Mexico with comfort and style.

How to Score the Free Tren Maya Return Ticket

It’s simple, but with a catch:
You need to buy your outbound ticket in person at one of the 34 station ticket offices or authorized Tren Maya sales points. No online purchases. When you do, they’ll throw in the return trip for free.

Tren Maya ticket counter inside a modern station with bilingual signage


The promotion is valid for all routes. So whether you’re heading from Cancún to Campeche or exploring smaller stops along the way, your round-trip just got a lot cheaper—at least for now.

Why Foreign Residents Pay Tourist Prices

Here’s where things get tricky for the expat community.
Despite living here, foreign residents are charged the same fares as international tourists—even those who’ve called Mexico home for years.

The Tren Maya uses a three-tier pricing model based on nationality and place of residence:

  • Local residents with Mexican ID (INE): 2.32 pesos/km
  • Mexican nationals from outside the region: 2.90 pesos/km
  • Foreigners (including residents with temporary or permanent visas): 4.35 pesos/km

Let’s put that in perspective. A ride from Cancún Airport to Mérida costs:

  • Local resident: 489 pesos
  • Foreign resident or tourist: 977.50 pesos

A Scenic Experience Worth Considering

Even though the expat community does not yet get all the benefits Mexicans receive as visitors, it’s hard to deny that the Tren Maya offers something special. For guests staying at Abbey del Sol, it’s a chance to see the Yucatán Peninsula in comfort and style — whether you’re heading to ancient ruins, colonial cities, or jungle landscapes.


With panoramic windows, modern amenities, and beautifully designed dining cars like the one shown here, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. 

Elegant dining car on the Tren Maya with set tables and scenic views

While buses may still be the more practical choice for regular routes, the train is ideal for those who want to experience the region in a relaxed, scenic, and memorable way.

And with the current free return ticket promotion, now’s a great time to give it a try. Let us know if you’d like help planning your ride.