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lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

Hi

I'm thinking of coming down there for a trip after X-mas. Won't work (unless I have to wash dishes to get home) Wink

So as opposed to a "package trip which I suspect would be heinous I thought of getting cheapish hotels and go around on trains. I'm being vague so:

1)are trains safe and efficient?

2)Are OK hotels easy to find (perhaps armed with an LP guide.?)

3)Do a lot od people do this?

4)Any city suggestions. Mazatlan sounds OK from my reading...

notamiss · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:30 am Post subject:

Mexico lost its tradition of passenger rail service quite some decades ago. There are hardly any routes left, and train is not considered a good way to travel. Ground travelers use buses. Buses are plentiful and frequent. Luxury buses are as comfortable as airplanes, or better. Not-quite luxury buses are pretty good, too, and very affordable. Some information about bus service in Mexico: http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/buses.htm, http://studenttravel.about.com/od/mexicobuses/f/mexico_buses.htm, http://www.mexperience.com/directory/buses/bus_table.htm, https://www.ticketbus.com.mx/ticketbus/inicio.jsp.

Gary Denness · Guest

There is the train through the Copper Canyon mind you, which is spectacular.

MO39 · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 4:42 am Post subject:

Years ago (n the 1960s) there was a train that went all the way from Mexico City to Oaxaca, and now that it has passed into history, I really regret never taking it. According to my 2006 Lonely Planet, Mexico's regular passenger train system was eliminated when the railroads were privatized in the 1990s.

However, there are a few left on touristic routes: Gary has mentioned the Copper Canyon train. There is also something called the Tequila Express, which goes between Guadalajara and Amatit�n and the Expreso Maya which connects the Yucatan Peninsula, Palenque and Villahermosa.

�Feliz viaje!

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

MO39 · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:27 pm Post subject:

If you're planning to travel during Holy Week, I definitely recommend making reservations ahead of time. One year a friend and I found absolutely the last free hotel room in Jalapa during that time!

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

There isn't a room to be had in this city at Semana Santa. People pulling suitcases down the streets looking sad are a common sight. Good advice to book well in advance, make a deposit and get a receipt.