Construction of the Mexico-Queretaro Train Begins

The construction of the Mexico-Queretaro Train officially began, says Andrés Lajous, Head, Railway Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF). Lajous explains that the new rail system will allow for a two-hour journey between the two cities, offering a faster and more reliable alternative to road travel.

“It is not just about travel time, but the certainty of the journey; knowing that if you leave at 9 a.m., you will arrive at your destination by 11 a.m.,” says Lajous. He highlights that the project will strengthen urban connectivity by linking with the Suburban Train (Buenavista-Cuautitlan) in Mexico City, as well as the Metro, Metrobús, and Ecobici. In Queretaro, the train will connect with the QroBús system and include spaces for local transportation.

According to the ARTF, the train is expected to serve about 6 million users annually, providing an efficient solution to the long road trips that, due to traffic congestion, can take between four to six hours.

Lajous details that the train will cover a 226km double-track route, reaching a maximum speed of 200km/h.

The route will feature several strategic stations: starting in Mexico City, the first stop will be in Huehuetoca, State of Mexico, a growing industrial and residential area. Other stops will include Praderas del Potrero (occasional stop), Tula, San Juan del Rio, Los Heroes/Airport (still to be defined), and finally, Queretaro.

Lajous emphasizes that the conceptual design for the stations is already in place, ensuring comfortable and safe access for passengers, with spaces for parking and public transport. Additionally, the project will promote the use of regional materials, such as masonry and brick, to boost the local economy.

The Mexico-Queretaro Train is the second railway project to begin construction in 2025, following the Mexico-Pachuca Train, whose work started in March. Both are part of the first phase of national railway expansion, which will also include the Queretaro-Irapuato Train and the Saltillo-New Laredo Train, set to begin in July this year. Together, the four projects will total 786km of new rail routes and will be built by the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA).