You're standing at the Guadalajara train station at 9:00 AM. It’s loud. There’s a mariachi band playing so close you can feel the trumpet in your teeth. People are already sipping something clear out of small clay cups. This is the start of the tequila express train Guadalajara experience, and honestly, if you hate crowds or early morning tuba music, you might be questioning your life choices right now. But hold on.
Most people think this is just a booze cruise on tracks. It kind of is. Yet, there’s a weird, deep history to this journey that goes way beyond getting a buzz while looking at blue agave plants. The train ride connects the urban sprawl of Jalisco’s capital to the dusty, magical town of Tequila, a place that literally gave the world its most famous spirit.
You’ve got options, though. That’s where people get confused. Is it the Jose Cuervo Express? Or the Tequila Herradura Express? They aren't the same thing, and picking the wrong one can definitely ruin your vibe. One is a high-energy party; the other is a bit more "sit back and look at the scenery." Let’s get into what actually happens once those wheels start turning.
The Two Titans: Cuervo vs. Herradura
When people search for the tequila express train Guadalajara, they usually find the Jose Cuervo Express first. It’s the big name. It’s flashy. They’ve got these "Elite" and "Diamond" wagons that look like something out of a 1920s film—lots of wood paneling and plush leather.
The Jose Cuervo Express runs on Saturdays and follows two different itineraries. You either take the train to Tequila and a bus back, or a bus to Tequila and the train back. Pro tip: take the train on the way there. Watching the sunrise over the agave fields with a drink in hand is way better than the sleepy, slightly hungover train ride back in the dark.
Then there’s the Tequila Herradura Express. This one leaves from the same Guadalajara station but heads to Amatitán, which is just down the road from Tequila. This is where Casa Herradura lives, at the Hacienda San José del Refugio. It feels a bit more "old world." If the Cuervo train is a Vegas club, the Herradura train is a high-end jazz lounge. It’s more relaxed. You get to see the actual fermentation tanks at one of the oldest distilleries in the country.
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What Actually Happens on the Ride
The train moves slow. Real slow. You aren't taking this for the speed. You’re taking it for the 1.5 to 2-hour window where the landscape shifts from grey concrete to rolling waves of blue. These are the Agave tequilana Weber, the blue agave.
Inside the cars, the tequila starts flowing almost immediately. They don't just hand you a bottle; there’s an actual tasting led by a maestro tequilero. You’ll learn that you’ve probably been drinking tequila wrong your whole life. Don't shoot it. Don't use salt and lime like a frat boy. You sip it. You look for the notes of cooked agave, vanilla, or citrus.
The snacks are usually traditional Mexican botanas. Think spicy peanuts, fruit with tajín, and maybe some small sandwiches. It’s enough to keep you upright but don’t expect a five-course meal while the train is moving. That comes later.
The Agave Harvest (La Jima)
Once you reach the destination, you get to see a jimador work. This is the highlight for most. A guy with a sharp, round tool called a coa slices through the spiky agave leaves like they’re butter. He’s left with the piña, the heart of the plant that looks like a giant pineapple.
Watching this makes you realize why good tequila is expensive. These plants take seven to ten years to grow. One mistake by the jimador and years of growth are wasted. It’s back-breaking labor in the Jalisco sun, and it puts that second margarita into perspective.
Navigating the Costs and Tiers
Let’s talk money. This isn’t a cheap afternoon. A ticket for the tequila express train Guadalajara will set you back anywhere from 2,800 to 4,000 Mexican pesos (roughly $160 to $240 USD) depending on the class you choose.
- Express Class: Usually the cheapest. It’s fun, but it can feel a bit like a school bus for adults.
- Premium Plus: This is the sweet spot. You get better seats, a proper bar, and a more curated tasting.
- Elite/Diamond: Here you’re paying for the "Instagram factor." You get specialized cocktails and the most comfortable lounges. Is it worth the extra $50? If you want a quiet corner and better booze, yes.
One thing the brochures don't tell you: it gets loud. If you’re looking for a romantic, quiet getaway, the morning train might surprise you with the volume of the mariachi band. It’s a celebration, not a library.
The Town of Tequila Itself
When the train stops, you’re usually cut loose for a few hours in the Pueblo Mágico of Tequila. It’s beautiful but touristy. The main plaza is anchored by the Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol, a stunning stone church.
Walk away from the main square. The side streets are where you find the real food. Look for birria (slow-cooked goat stew) or tortas ahogadas. If you’re still thirsty, find a street vendor selling cantaritos. These are massive clay pots filled with tequila, fresh lime, orange juice, grapefruit juice, and squirt soda. They are dangerous.
A lot of people skip the actual distillery tour once they get to town because they’ve been drinking on the train. Don't do that. Seeing the ovens where the agave piñas are roasted is incredible. The smell is sweet, almost like roasted sweet potatoes or molasses. It’s the soul of the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most travelers make the mistake of booking too late. These trains sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance, especially for holiday weekends or during the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
Another big one? Not drinking enough water. The Jalisco sun is brutal and tequila dehydrates you faster than you’d think. Every train car has water. Drink it.
Also, check the weather. The rainy season in Jalisco runs from June to September. While the agave fields look incredibly green and lush during this time, you might get caught in a massive afternoon downpour during your walking tour of the distillery.
Beyond the Train: The "Old" Tequila Express
There's some confusion online about the "original" Tequila Express. Historically, there was a government-backed train that was the "original" experience. That specific service has faced various operational shifts over the years. Currently, when people talk about the tequila express train Guadalajara, they are almost always referring to the Jose Cuervo Express or the Herradura service. Always double-check which private company is currently operating the route before you hand over your credit card info.
Is it a Tourist Trap?
Kind of. But it's a good one. Yes, it’s designed for tourists. Yes, it’s polished. But you are literally riding a train through a UNESCO World Heritage site (the agave landscape). You are tasting world-class spirits at the source.
The nuance here is that while it's a "packaged" experience, the quality of the education—the history of the families who started these distilleries—is genuine. You aren't just buying a drink; you’re witnessing a trade that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, even if it now comes with a VIP wristband.
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Logistics and Planning
If you're staying in Guadalajara, most people stay in the Americana or Providencia neighborhoods. You’ll need to take an Uber to the Estación de Tren (Ferromex) early in the morning. Traffic in Guadalajara can be a nightmare, even on a Saturday morning, so leave 20 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
The return trip usually lands you back in the city around 8:00 PM. You’ll be tired. You’ll probably smell like agave. But you’ll have a much better understanding of why this region is so fiercely protective of its liquid gold.
Strategic Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of this, do not just show up. Here is how you actually execute this trip without the headaches:
- Book the "Sunrise" Itinerary: Always prioritize the morning train over the evening train. The lighting in the agave fields is superior for photos and the energy is higher.
- Verify the Distillery: If you’ve already been to Mundo Cuervo, try the Herradura Express for a different perspective at Amatitán.
- Eat a Heavy Breakfast: Do not rely on the train snacks as your base. Hit a local spot in Guadalajara for chilaquiles before you head to the station.
- Buy Your Bottles at the Source: Some limited-edition tequilas are only sold at the distillery shops in Tequila and aren't exported. If you find something you love during the tasting, buy it there.
- Check for "Bridge" Weekends: Avoid Mexican "puentes" (long weekends) if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds. The experience is much more intimate on a standard Saturday.
The tequila express train Guadalajara is more than a ride. It's a sensory overload that manages to be both a party and a history lesson. Just remember to sip, not shoot, and keep an eye on the horizon when the blue agave starts to blur together.