Maya Train Draws Just 6% Foreign Tourists, Data Reveals

Mexico — The Maya Train, branded as a flagship tourism project developed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and continued by current President Claudia Sheinbaum, has failed to draw significant international visitors. According to official data, only 6% of passengers who have used the rail service since its inauguration in December 2023 are foreign tourists.

Limited International Appeal

From December 2023 to May 13, 2025, just 77,027 of the train’s passengers were foreign nationals. Nearly half were U.S. citizens, followed by 7,450 Canadians and 3,342 Colombians. On average, only 149 international tourists used the Maya Train daily during this period.

This figure starkly contrasts with the 20 million international travelers who arrived at Cancún International Airport in the same timeframe. Additionally, foreign passengers have largely concentrated on the Mérida-Cancún route, which already has extensive highway connectivity.

Falling Short of Government Targets

The federal government had aimed to attract at least 3 million passengers, a goal that remains distant due to unresolved connectivity issues between train stations and tourist hubs.

Financial Struggles in First Year

Financial reports reveal the Maya Train lost 2.561 billion pesos in its first year of operation, excluding federal subsidies. Revenue from passenger fares and souvenir sales totaled 275 million pesos, while operational expenses reached 2.837 billion pesos—covering only 9.6% of its costs.

The project, constructed and managed by Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), continues to face scrutiny over its economic viability and environmental impact.

The Maya Train remains a contentious issue as Mexico balances tourism ambitions with financial and logistical realities.