SITEUR, short for Sistema de Tren Eléctrico Urbano, is the urban light rail system serving the Guadalajara metropolitan area in Jalisco, Mexico. It operates in Guadalajara, Zapopan, and Tlaquepaque, and the system is owned and run by the state of Jalisco. Opened in 1989, it currently has three lines in service, while Line 4 is under construction. In 2024, annual ridership reached 168,605,000 passengers, making SITEUR the most widely used light rail system in North America.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System name | Sistema de Tren Eléctrico Urbano (SITEUR) |
| Type | Urban light rail system |
| Area served | Guadalajara, Zapopan, and Tlaquepaque |
| Opened | 1989 |
| Lines in service | 3 |
| Line under construction | Line 4 |
| Annual ridership | 168,605,000 passengers in 2024 |
| Coordinates | 20°43′49″N 103°21′08″W |
Guadalajara Metro Map
Map of Guadalajara Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Guadalajara Metro map in PDF format.
About Guadalajara
Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco, Mexico, and the main city served by SITEUR. The system is part of transportation in the wider metropolitan area, covering Guadalajara, Zapopan, and Tlaquepaque.
SITEUR opened in 1989 and today works as a core part of city transport and local transport in the region. The network has three active lines: Line 1 runs north to south, Line 2 goes from the city center to the east, and Line 3 links the northwest with the southeast. A fourth line is being built to connect the city center with the southern part of the metro area.
The system is heavily used for daily public transport. In 2024, ridership reached 168,605,000 passengers.
Network overview
- Line 1: 20 stations
- Line 2: 10 stations
- Line 3: 18 stations
- Line 4: under construction
The history of rail transport in Guadalajara goes back to 19th-century mule-drawn trams. Modern tramway and light rail service began with Line 1 on September 1, 1989, followed by Line 2 on July 1, 1994. Line 3 and the ongoing expansion with Line 4 show how the system has continued to grow.
Coordinates: 20°43′49″N 103°21′08″W
Lines and Stations
The Guadalajara light rail system currently has three operating lines and one more in development. Together, these routes serve key parts of the metropolitan area. If you are looking for a stations map, route plan, or stations list, the line-by-line breakdown below is the easiest place to start.
Line 1
Line 1 runs north to south between Auditorio and Periférico Sur. It is 16.5 km (10.3 miles) long and has 20 stations. In the city center, the route goes underground, while the northern and southern sections run at grade. Some surface sections have level crossings with crossing gates.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Auditorio | North terminal of Line 1 |
| Periférico Norte | Connection to Mi Macro Periférico |
| Dermatológico | Line 1 station |
| Atemajac | Line 1 station |
| División del Norte | Line 1 station |
| Ávila Camacho | Connection to Line 3 |
| Mezquitán | Line 1 station |
| Refugio | Line 1 station |
| Juárez | Connection to Line 2 |
| Mexicaltzingo | Line 1 station |
| Washington | Line 1 station |
| Santa Filomena | Line 1 station |
| Unidad Deportiva | Line 1 station |
| Urdaneta | Line 1 station |
| 18 de Marzo | Line 1 station |
| Isla Raza | Line 1 station |
| Patria | Line 1 station |
| España | Line 1 station |
| Santuario Mártires de Cristo Rey | Line 1 station |
| Periférico Sur | South terminal of Line 1; connection to Mi Macro Periférico |
Main connections on this path train route include Mi Macro Periférico at Periférico Norte and Periférico Sur, Line 3 at Ávila Camacho, and Line 2 at Juárez.
Line 2
Line 2 runs from Juárez in the city center to Tetlán in the east. The route is 8.7 km (5.4 miles) long and has 10 stations. It is fully underground, except for a non-passenger section at the eastern end leading to the maintenance facility.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Juárez | Connection to Line 1 |
| Plaza Universidad | Connection to Line 3 |
| San Juan de Dios | Connection to Mi Macro Calzada |
| Belisario Domínguez | Line 2 station |
| Oblatos | Line 2 station |
| Cristóbal de Oñate | Line 2 station |
| San Andrés | Line 2 station |
| San Jacinto | Line 2 station |
| La Aurora | Line 2 station |
| Tetlán | East terminal of Line 2 |
Key transfer points are Juárez for Line 1, Plaza Universidad for Line 3, and San Juan de Dios for Mi Macro Calzada.
Line 3
Line 3 connects Zapopan in the northwest with Tlaquepaque and Tonalá in the southeast. It is 21.5 km (13.4 miles) long and has 18 stations. This route crosses much of the city and includes both underground and elevated sections.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Arcos de Zapopan | Line 3 station |
| Periférico Belenes | Connection to Mi Macro Periférico |
| Mercado del Mar | Line 3 station |
| Zapopan Centro | Line 3 station |
| Plaza Patria | Line 3 station |
| Circunvalación Country | Line 3 station |
| Ávila Camacho | Connection to Line 1 |
| La Normal | Line 3 station |
| Santuario | Line 3 station |
| Guadalajara Centro | Connection to Line 2 |
| Independencia | Connection to Mi Macro Calzada |
| Plaza de la Bandera | Line 3 station |
| CUCEI | Line 3 station |
| Revolución | Line 3 station |
| Río Nilo | Line 3 station |
| Tlaquepaque Centro | Line 3 station |
| Lázaro Cárdenas | Line 3 station |
| Central de Autobuses | Southeast terminal of Line 3 |
Connections include Mi Macro Periférico at Periférico Belenes, Line 1 at Ávila Camacho, Line 2 at Guadalajara Centro, and Mi Macro Calzada at Independencia.
Line 4
Line 4 is under construction and is planned to run from Guadalajara to Tlajomulco. The planned route is 21.2 km (13.2 miles) long with 8 stations.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Las Juntas | Planned Line 4 station |
| Periférico Sur | Planned Line 4 station |
| Adolf Horn | Planned Line 4 station |
| Concepción del Valle | Planned Line 4 station |
| San Sebastián | Planned Line 4 station |
| La Fortuna | Planned Line 4 station |
| Centro Universitario | Planned Line 4 station |
| Tlajomulco Centro | Planned Line 4 station |
Construction began on May 22, 2022, and the line was inaugurated on December 15, 2025.
Schedule and Frequency
SITEUR runs every day of the year. Official operating hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., though exact opening hours, opening times, and timings vary by line. If you are checking schedule today or timings today, it is worth allowing for small differences depending on where you start.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| System working hours | Daily, 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Line 1 starting time | First train from Periférico Norte at 5:00 a.m. |
| Line 1 last train | Last train arrives at Periférico Sur at 11:05 p.m. |
| Line 1 frequency | Every 5 minutes at peak hours; every 7 to 9 minutes off-peak |
| Line 2 starting time | Service from Juárez begins at 4:50 a.m. |
| Line 2 closing time | Service continues until 11:00 p.m. at Tetlán |
| Line 2 frequency | Every 3.3 minutes during rush hour; every 6 to 7.15 minutes off-peak |
| Average wait | About 7 minutes |
For most riders, the timetable is straightforward: service starts early, trains run more often during busy periods, and the last train comes late enough for most evening trips. Even so, train schedule and route timetable details can change by line and time of day, so checking the latest schedule before travel is a smart move.
Fares, Tickets, and Cards
SITEUR offers several fare and ticket options. The basic ticket price is 7 Mexican pesos (US$0.36), making it one of the lower-cost public transport options in the city.
- Univiaje ticket: 7 Mexican pesos (US$0.36).
- Electronic card: 20 Mexican pesos (US$1.04), with reloads from 50 centavos (US$0.03) up to 200 Mexican pesos (US$10.46).
- Personalised or Transvales card: 50% discount for students, teachers, children, older adults, and people with disabilities.
- Mi Movilidad card: 30 Mexican pesos (about US$1.57).
Tickets and cards are used at the access gates. SITEUR accepts tokens and smart cards, and the Univiaje ticket can be purchased at payment points and online.
Children under five travel free. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For full-fare users, the Mi Movilidad card is available at VRT machines at the entrances of all Mi Tren Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3 stations, as well as at Mi Macro Calzada stations and some SITREN stops. The card can be registered at SITEUR train modules with official identification and CURP.
If you are comparing fare, price, cost, or looking for a fare calculator, the source material only provides the fixed ticket and card prices listed above. No day pass is mentioned.
Connections to Other Systems
Guadalajara light rail is part of a wider public transport system, not a standalone network. SITEUR also manages other transport services that help cover more of the city.
One major connection is SITREN, the Sistema Integral de Tren Ligero. It has 3 lines with 12 stations and uses 56 trolleybuses and feeder buses with capacities of 100 and 50 passengers. It runs every day of the year and connects with the rail system at Juárez on Line 1 and Tetlán on Line 2.
Macrobús is another important link. This BRT system, also operated by SITEUR, has a main corridor along Independencia Avenue plus 15 feeder lines. The network extends for 103 km (64 miles) and includes 27 stations and 2 depots.
There is no direct SITEUR rail route to Guadalajara International Airport. To reach the terminal, passengers need to use bus connections or other local transport services.
Connections to the Airport
SITEUR does not offer a direct rail link to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport. The airport is about 23 km (14.3 miles) from the city, so getting there requires a mix of transport options.
One option is to take the free local airport bus from the city center to Central Camionera in Guadalajara. From there, passengers can continue on route 616, which stops at Plaza Universidad station on Line 2.
Another practical route uses Line 1. Mexicaltzingo station is a short walk from the main bus station, making it a useful transfer point for continuing to the airport by bus or other surface transport.
So while there is no direct airport train, the system still connects with Guadalajara’s wider transportation network well enough for a trip with one or more transfers.
System Regulations
SITEUR has a clear set of rules intended to keep the system safe and orderly for everyone using it.
- Children under five travel free of charge.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Keep to the right on stairs, and do not shout, run, or push on escalators.
- Physical assault and damage to equipment are strictly prohibited.
- People under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed in the system.
- Begging and unauthorized solicitation are prohibited.
- No animals are allowed except guide dogs.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed in system facilities.
- Dollies or trolleys must be collapsible.
- Firearms and sharp objects are prohibited.
- Littering and damaging facilities are not allowed.
- Performances by musicians, actors, or troubadours require SITEUR authorization.
- Bicycles are allowed only if fully collapsible and stored in a case.
- Sitting on platforms or blocking passenger flow is not permitted.
Passengers are also expected to follow posted instructions and respect station and train operations at all times.
Tips
The system is generally considered safe, but it still makes sense to stay alert and keep your belongings close. Carry bags in front of you when possible.
Before you travel, check the fare and payment method. SITEUR uses access gates and smart cards, and the base fare is 7 Mexican pesos (US$0.36). If you buy a card at a machine, check the price carefully before paying, since some machines may not give change.
When planning your route, choose the correct line first, then follow station signs that show the final destination in your direction of travel. That is usually the easiest way to find the right platform, especially at transfer stations.
Frequency is usually convenient, with an average wait of about seven minutes. Still, running time between trips can vary by line and time of day, so leave a little extra time if you are making a connection.
If you need help, SITEUR has service modules at stations for passenger assistance.
History
Guadalajara’s rail history started in the 19th century, when mule-drawn trams connected the Guadalajara Cathedral with the Templo de la Merced. In 1974, several houses and streets in the city center were demolished for Avenida Federalismo, and the project included a tunnel reserved for future rail use. Because funding was not available at the time, the tunnel first opened as a trolleybus system on December 15, 1976.
Several years later, work began to convert the tunnel and stations for light rail. The trolleybus tunnel closed in early 1988, and Line 1 opened on September 1, 1989. Line 2 followed on July 1, 1994, extending east from the city center. Because of heavy congestion and high ridership, plans were later discussed to extend Line 2 westward.
Construction of Line 3 began at the end of 2014. The line, which runs northwest to southeast with underground, elevated, and surface sections, opened on September 12, 2020. In 2018, SITEUR added Auditorio station to Line 1 as the new northern terminal and started extending platforms to handle three-car trains. Partial operation with three-car trains began in March 2019, together with signalling and control upgrades.
Construction of Line 4 began on May 22, 2022. It was planned to run south from the existing Fray Angélico station toward Tlajomulco along an existing railroad right-of-way. Line 4 was inaugurated on December 15, 2025.
Rolling stock changed over time as well. The first 16 TLG-88 cars were built by Concarril in Ciudad Sahagún with propulsion equipment from Melmex, and later TEG-90 cars were produced by Bombardier. In 2015, SITEUR ordered TEG-15 cars for Line 1.
Future Expansions
To meet growing demand for public transport, SITEUR launched expansion projects aimed at increasing network coverage and train capacity.
The main projects described in the source material are the extension of Line 1 and the construction of Line 3.
Line 1 Expansion
The Line 1 expansion project includes replacing double trains with triple trains, increasing capacity from 600 to 900 passengers.
To support longer trains, platforms are to be extended from 60 metres to 90 metres, or from 0.06 km to 0.09 km (about 0.04 to 0.06 miles), and the 19 existing stations are to be remodelled.
The project also includes extending Line 1 north by 1 km (0.6 miles).
Line 3
Line 3 is described in the source material as a project planned to be 21.45 km (13.3 miles) long with 18 stations serving Zapopan, Guadalajara, and Tlaquepaque.
It was expected to carry 234,000 passengers per day, with a running time of 33 minutes from one terminal to the other.
According to the same material, these projects were expected to be completed before 2020.
Notable Facts
- SITEUR is owned and operated by the state of Jalisco and serves Guadalajara, Zapopan, and Tlaquepaque.
- The system opened in 1989 and includes three lines, with a fourth line under construction in the source material.
- Line 1 runs north to south, Line 2 runs east from the city center, and Line 3 runs northwest to southeast.
- In 2024, annual ridership reached 168,605,000 passengers, making SITEUR the most widely used light rail system in North America.
- The fleet includes 78 articulated light rail vehicles powered from overhead lines, with a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph).
- Line 3 trains use three-car consists, have air conditioning, and can reach 90 km/h (56 mph).
- Auditorio station was added to Line 1 in 2018, and Line 1 platforms were extended to support three-car trains.
Sightseeing via the Guadalajara Metro
The Guadalajara Metro is a practical way to get around the central area and reach several attractions without relying entirely on surface transport. For visitors, it is a simple way to combine sightseeing with everyday city transport.
Here are a few places you can reach easily by metro:
- Ocampo Palace Museum: near Plaza Universidad station on Line 2, with scientific and artistic exhibitions.
- Plaza de los Mariachis: near San Juan de Dios station on Line 2, known for cultural events and traditional Mexican music performances.
- Acuario Michin: a few blocks from Mezquitán station on Line 1, featuring almost every marine species found in Mexico.
If you want a simple sightseeing route, Line 2 works well for central cultural stops, while Line 1 is handy for attractions within a short walk of its stations.