Tequila Sightseeing Trains

The Basics

There are two Tequila sightseeing trains. The round-trip Herradura Express runs from Guadalajara to Amatitán, stopping at the Casa Herradura Distillery. The Jose Cuervo Express train runs one way from Guadalajara to Tequila, with the return journey by bus, and visits the La Rojeña Distillery. Both tour options offer a similar cultural experience: while on board, learn about tequila, sip tequila cocktails, and sample typical Mexican snacks, and then hop off to tour a distillery. Most tours also include a traditional Mexican lunch plus an entertaining show of mariachi music and dance. Tickets for both trains, especially the 1st-class carriages, can sell out well in advance, so plan ahead—especially for the summer months.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The train ride from Guadalajara takes between 1.5 and 2 hours; round-trip tours typically last all day.

• On the Jose Cuervo Express there are three seating options—Express, Premium, and Premium Plus—while the Herradura Express offers Club or Premium seats.

• Refreshments, including snacks and tequila cocktails, are served on board.

• All trains have restrooms.

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking around the distillery and agave plantations.

• The legal minimum drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old.

How to Get to There

Trains depart from Guadalajara station in central Guadalajara. Most tours include hotel pickup and round-trip transfers to the station. Riding the train is possible only as part of a round-trip tour from Guadalajara; you cannot board the train in Tequila or Amatitán.

When to Get There

Trains run Friday to Sunday and can get busy, so it’s essential to book your seats in advance.

Mexican Tequila

The state of Jalisco is the home of Mexico’s world-famous tequila industry. Here, about 74,130 acres (30,000 hectares) of blue agave plantations and more than 140 tequila distilleries produce some 50 million gallons (189,270 cubic meters) of the spirit each year. Tequila is produced from the agave tequilana (blue agave) plant using a traditional distillation process and has a minimum of 40 percent alcohol. The main types of tequila are blanco (white or silver tequila), made from 100 percent blue agave; reposado, tequila that has been aged in white oak barrels for between two months and a year; and añejo, tequila aged for over a year.

Ways to explore

The train travels between Guadalajara and Tequila once a week, with multiple package options available (you'll travel one way by train and one by bus). Book in advance, as it sells out quickly. A full-day experience, the trip includes a visit to the oldest working distillery in the Americas, a tour of the agave fields which supply the local factories, and a traditional dance performance. You’ll have time to explore the town of Tequila for sightseeing and shopping. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the tequila-making process and the drink itself. By the end, you’ll be a tequila-tasting pro.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Age limits

There are four train classes, with only Express allowing travelers under 18.

What to pack

Portable phone charger, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

It’s an occasion to dress nicely—the town, train, and agave fields are incredibly picturesque, and make great backdrops.

Not allowed

Lateness—the train won’t wait for you!

Address

The departure point depends on whether you’re taking the sunrise or sunset tour—the sunrise tour meets at the Ferromex terminal (and returns to the EDISA plant station at the end), while the sunset tour will depart from the EDISA plant station (and returns to the Ferromex terminal). Make sure you have a plan to get back to your vehicle if you’re driving yourself.

Driving

There will be a lot of tequila sampling on the tour, so it’s recommended that you have an alternate way to get home after the tour. The Ferromex terminal is centrally located in Guadalajara, and can be reached via the Ave. Circunvalación Agustín Yáñez, while the EDISA plant is on the outskirts of the city, on the ring road.

Public transportation

The EDISA plant is near the Sonora bus stop, which serves the MP-A04, MP-A05-1, MP-A05-2, and MP-C03 buses, while the Ferromex terminal can be reached by the MC bus, which stops at Agua Azul station.

Best times to visit

There are two options for your visit—the sunrise tour takes the train from Guadalajara in the morning, and gives you time to tour the agave fields in the soft morning light before returning by bus. The sunset tour departs by bus to Tequila and returns in the evening by train. The best option is down to personal preference.

Best days to visit

The train only runs on Saturdays, making it the best and only day to visit.

Best months to visit

To avoid the high season, which runs from November to April and when the train often sells out, visit in May or October when the temperature remains mild.

Special events

Guadalajara is full of festivals—from the world’s largest Mariachi festival at the end of August to the Day of the Dead festivities, which start mid-October and run into November.