How the Maya Train relates to Chichén Itzá
The Maya Train (Tren Maya) runs around the peninsula with stations at key tourist spots. The official Maya Train guide published by INAH lists a Chichén Itzá station, with access to the archaeological site via federal highway 180, and a separate station in Izamal.
The Chichén Itzá station isn't inside the archaeological zone: you still need road transport to reach the pyramids. That's why many travelers combine the train with a van.
How the Maya Train tour day works
- Transfer to the Maya Train station in Mérida from the Mary Tours office downtown.
- Train from Mérida to Izamal, about forty minutes. The ticket is included.
- Izamal: the yellow town, the convent and its Baroque altarpiece, plus free time on the main square.
- Chichén Itzá by van, with a guided tour of the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulcán, the Platform of the Jaguars and Eagles and the Ball Court.
- Buffet lunch of regional dishes in Kaua.
- Cenote Selva Maya, the swim of the day, once the heat eases.
- Back to Mérida by road.
You need official ID to board the train. Chichén Itzá entry, cenote entry and drinks are paid separately.
Maya Train or van all day?
The difference is more about the experience than the time. The train section is short, but many travelers want to ride the Maya Train at least once. The classic van route (Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid) adds another colonial town at the end of the day.
- Choose the Maya Train if the train experience appeals to you and you'd like a slightly shorter day.
- Choose the classic route if you'd rather add Valladolid.
We have a full comparison of reaching Chichén Itzá by Maya Train versus by van.
Chichén Itzá in a nutshell
Chichén Itzá lies about 6 kilometers south of Pisté on highway 180. It was one of the most important cities of pre-Hispanic Mexico, linked to others by a network of sacbés (white Maya roads), and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site since 1988. INAH's guide also mentions the site museum, the Balankanché caves and several cenotes in the region. They aren't part of this tour, but they show how rich the area is.
Tips
- Bring official ID: you can't board the train without it.
- Swimsuit under your clothes for the cenote.
- Comfortable closed shoes for Chichén Itzá.
- Biodegradable sunscreen and a hat.
- Cash for entry fees.
- Train times are set by the operator; Mary Tours confirms your departure when you book.
Fun facts
- The Maya Train has a station named Chichén Itzá, but it's outside the archaeological zone.
- Chichén Itzá was linked to other cities by sacbés, Maya roads surfaced with white stucco.
- From the train you see the low-jungle landscape between Mérida and Izamal.
Related tours
Archaeology · 11 h
Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and Izamal
The Mérida–Izamal leg by train, the rest by road
from $1,600 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Transfer to the station — From the office to the Maya Train station in Mérida.
- 9:18 AM Maya Train ride — Forty minutes from Mérida to Izamal. Ticket included.
- 10:15 AM Izamal — The yellow town, the three-tier Baroque altarpiece and free time on the main square.
- 12:30 PM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulkán, the Jaguars and Eagles platform and the Ball Court.
- 2:30 PM Lunch in Kaua — Buffet of typical regional dishes.
- 3:45 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim of the day, with the heat already easing off.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Two hours on the road back.
Included: Transport, General culture guide, Maya Train ticket Mérida–Izamal, Midday meal
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Transfers · 10.5 h
Transfer to Chichén Itzá
Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
from $2,650 MXN per vehicle
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maya Train station inside Chichén Itzá?
No. The Chichén Itzá station connects to the archaeological site via highway 180; you have to get there by road.
Does the tour include the Maya Train ticket?
Yes, it includes the Mérida–Izamal ticket, plus transportation, a guide and lunch. Chichén Itzá and cenote entry are extra.
How long is the train from Mérida to Izamal?
About forty minutes, according to the tour itinerary.
What do I need to board the Maya Train?
A valid official ID.
Is it better to go by train or by van?
The train is an experience in itself; the van route lets you add Valladolid. It depends on what you prefer.
