Mexico is Offering New Routes for Turbocharging the Railway Travel with Explosive Pathways to Skyrocket the Trips

Published on July 19, 2025

Mexico is making huge strides in expanding its railway infrastructure in 2025, with a range of passenger routes that aim to modernize the country’s transport system and enhance connectivity across regions. The country’s focus on railways is not only transforming its transportation network but also creating a more sustainable and efficient way of traveling, which is poised to revolutionize both tourism and regional development.

In this article, we explore the key railway routes being introduced in Mexico in 2025, the government’s investment in these projects, and the strategic goals behind this transformation. From the much-anticipated Tren Maya to new urban commuter systems and long-distance connections between major cities, the future of rail travel in Mexico is set to become a driving force in the nation’s growth.

Mexico’s Ambitious Railway Expansion Plan in 2025

The railway projects being launched and developed in 2025 are part of the Mexican government’s broader National Railway Program (Programa Nacional Ferroviario). This program seeks to construct over 3,000 kilometers of new passenger rail lines by the end of the current administration, with a substantial budget of approximately 157 billion pesos ($7.8 billion USD) allocated for these projects in 2025. These projects are expected to enhance Mexico’s transport infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, provide sustainable travel alternatives, and improve tourism accessibility.

In 2025, several high-profile rail routes will come to life, linking Mexico’s most important cities, tourist destinations, and regions. Here’s a detailed look at the key routes being developed:

1. Tren Maya (Maya Train): The Jewel of Mexico’s Railway Network

Perhaps the most anticipated railway project in Mexico is the Tren Maya, a regional railway system designed to boost tourism and enhance connectivity in the Yucatán Peninsula. This rail network will connect several cities across the region, including Palenque, Escárcega, Campeche, Mérida, and Cancún, offering travelers a sustainable, efficient way to explore Mexico’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Palenque, Escárcega, Campeche, Mérida, Cancún
  
• Purpose: Primarily for tourism, it connects cultural landmarks, archaeological sites, and the Riviera Maya.
  
• Status: The first segment from Palenque to Escárcega began operations in December 2023, with subsequent sections expected to open in stages. The final segments, including from Escárcega to Chetumal, are slated to open by the end of 2024.
  

Why the Tren Maya is a Game-Changer:

The Tren Maya is a critical project that aims to stimulate tourism, drive economic development in the Yucatán Peninsula, and provide a more eco-friendly alternative to traveling by car or plane. The route will not only attract visitors to Mexico’s ancient ruins and pristine beaches but also generate significant employment opportunities and promote regional development in one of the country’s most culturally rich areas.

2. Mexico City – Pachuca (AIFA – Pachuca) Line: Connecting Mexico’s Capital to the Heart of Hidalgo

A key commuter rail route that will significantly reduce travel times between Mexico City and Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo, is the AIFA–Pachuca line. As the distance between these two cities often leads to heavy traffic congestion, the new rail line is expected to provide a much-needed alternative for commuters and tourists alike.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Mexico City, Pachuca
  
• Purpose: Enhance connectivity for daily commuters and tourists traveling between Mexico City and the important northern cities of Hidalgo.
  
• Status: Construction commenced in March 2025, and the line is expected to be operational by early 2027.
  

The Impact of This Line:

This rail route will ease congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a more convenient and affordable way for people to travel between Mexico’s capital and northern cities. It will also improve access to Pachuca’s historical and cultural attractions, benefiting tourism and local businesses.

3. Mexico City – Querétaro: A High-Speed Link Between Mexico’s Capital and Central Mexico

The Mexico City – Querétaro line will connect the country’s capital to the state of Querétaro, one of Mexico’s most industrially advanced regions. The high-speed rail line is designed to cut down the travel time between the two cities, which are currently connected by highways that are often congested.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Mexico City, Querétaro
  
• Purpose: Serve both daily commuters and tourists, providing a fast and efficient link between Mexico’s capital and a growing industrial hub.
  
• Status: Construction began in April 2025, with the line expected to be completed by October 2027.
  

Why Querétaro?

Querétaro is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities, known for its economic development, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. The new railway will connect tourists to the city’s colonial-era landmarks and beautiful architecture, and also support local industry by improving transportation for businesses and workers.

4. Querétaro – Irapuato: Enhancing Connectivity in the Bajío Region

The Querétaro – Irapuato line will connect the cities of Querétaro and Irapuato, traveling through a region known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. This line will support both local and international trade, while also providing a faster route for tourists interested in exploring the cultural offerings of central Mexico.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Querétaro, Irapuato
  
• Purpose: Connect the central states of Mexico and improve access to the Bajío region, one of the country’s most productive areas for agriculture and industry.
  
• Status: Preliminary works have already started, with full construction expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027.
  

Boosting Economic Development:

The Querétaro – Irapuato route will not only promote tourism but will also serve the growing number of industries in the Bajío region, making it easier for goods and workers to move between these key cities.

5. Saltillo – Nuevo Laredo: A Crucial Freight and Passenger Route

The Saltillo – Nuevo Laredo line is an important rail project linking the northern Mexican city of Saltillo to Nuevo Laredo, a key border town located near the U.S. This line will provide a vital transportation link for both passenger and freight services.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Saltillo, Nuevo Laredo
  
• Purpose: Serve both passengers and freight, improving trade between Mexico and the United States.
  
• Status: Preliminary construction and right-of-way studies are underway, with the project slated for full operation between 2026 and 2027.
  

Implications for Cross-Border Trade:

The Saltillo – Nuevo Laredo line will significantly enhance cross-border logistics, which is vital for trade with the United States. Additionally, it will facilitate easier movement for travelers between the two countries, particularly for tourists heading to northern Mexico.

6. Mexico City – Nuevo Laredo: A Major East-West Connection

A major project that will link Mexico City with Nuevo Laredo, passing through several significant cities, is the Mexico City – Nuevo Laredo route. This long-distance line will be a key addition to Mexico’s rail network, supporting both domestic travelers and international tourists heading to the U.S. border.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Mexico City, Monterrey, Nuevo Laredo
  
• Purpose: Provide a long-distance rail service linking the country’s capital to northern Mexico and the U.S. border.
  
• Status: The project is in its planning stages, with construction expected to begin in 2025.
  

Connecting Mexico’s Heart to the North:

This line will serve as a critical connection between Mexico’s central and northern regions, offering a convenient and scenic route for travelers exploring Mexico from top to bottom.

7. Mexico City – Nogales: A Panoramic Route for Tourists

Another major route under development is the Mexico City – Nogales line, which will link Mexico’s capital to the northern city of Nogales, Arizona, across the U.S. border. This route promises to offer both tourists and business travelers a scenic and efficient journey through diverse landscapes.

Route Overview:

• Cities Connected: Mexico City, Querétaro, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Nogales
  
• Purpose: Support tourism, freight, and cross-border travel.
  
• Status: Construction is planned to begin in 2025, with completion expected by 2029.
  

Mexico’s Railway Revolution in 2025

The railway initiatives launched in 2025 represent a fundamental shift in Mexico’s transport landscape. With massive investments in infrastructure, these new rail lines will provide faster, more sustainable travel options, linking cities, promoting tourism, and enhancing regional connectivity.

Whether you’re exploring the archaeological wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Tren Maya, commuting between Mexico City and Pachuca, or embarking on a scenic journey from Mexico City to Nuevo Laredo, these rail routes will soon become indispensable parts of Mexico’s travel network. Not only do they promise to reduce travel times and ease congestion, but they will also create more accessible tourism opportunities and contribute to regional economic development.

The future of rail travel in Mexico looks promising, with 2025 marking the beginning of a new era of connectivity, sustainability, and growth. The Mexican government’s continued investment in railway infrastructure is sure to deliver benefits for years to come, cementing the country as a leading destination for both international visitors and local commuters.