Is There a Train from the USA to Mexico? Current Status and Future Prospects

The current situation regarding passenger train service between the USA and Mexico is rather scarce, with no direct trains currently operating across the border. However, there are plans in the works for such a service, and recent developments indicate a potential shift towards dual-use rail lines for both passengers and freight transport.

Recent Developments in Train Service

According to news reports, a Canadian-based rail company, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), has proposed establishing passenger train service from Mexico City to the U.S. border. Mr. Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the President of Mexico, addressed reporters about the initiative and highlighted his government's interest in utilizing rail lines for dual purposes.

CPKC will present a study for the proposed route in May. This initiative is part of the broader effort to enhance connectivity and facilitate both commercial and tourist traffic between Mexico and the United States. Authorities aim to leverage the existing rail infrastructure, potentially converting some freight-only lines into dual-use tracks capable of accommodating passengers.

Current Border Crossings in Mexico

In the absence of regular international passenger trains, Mexico has several bus lines that commute across the border with significant regularity. One notable bus company, TUSFESA, offers extensive services connecting cities in the U.S. with their Mexican counterparts. For example, TUSFESA operates a route from Nogales, Mexico, to Tucson, Phoenix, and cities in Arizona like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. In the other direction, buses travel from Nogales to cities in northern Mexico, including Hermosillo, Obregón, Navojoa, Los Mochis, Culiacan, Mazatlán, and Tepic, with stops in Guadalajara.

Freight Trains and Border Crossings

While there are no passenger trains serving the U.S.-Mexico border, significant freight train traffic does cross the border regularly. Companies such as Union Pacific and Kansas City Railway (KCS) often move their train cars across the border, with the train engines detaching just as they cross the border and backing up to the U.S. side. This process ensures that the train does not enter Mexican territory officially.

On the other side, Mexican freight trains, primarily owned by Grupo México, cross into the U.S., with processes similar to those described above.

Exploring Train Travel in Mexico

For those interested in rail travel, there are alternative routes within Mexico. The Ferromex rail network, for instance, offers passenger services, but these are limited compared to the extensive bus networks. One notable route is between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, which spans the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. However, to use this service, travelers would need to board a bus in Ciudad Juárez, a U.S. border city, to get to the train in Chihuahua.

For more adventurous travelers, crossing the border by train can be an exciting experience. Despite occasional security concerns, such as train robbery, rail travel through the deserts and mountainous regions of Mexico can be a unique and memorable journey. In winter, some Travelers have reported witnessing snowfall in Mexico, which is a rarity in many parts of the country.

Conclusion

The future of train travel between the USA and Mexico looks promising, with plans for passenger service and the potential to enhance dual-use infrastructure. For now, while traditional international trains remain elusive, bus services and limited freight train options offer opportunities for travel between the two nations."