The Guadalajara Electric Train is a rail transport system serving Guadalajara, the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco. The system consists of two operating lines and 29 stations, covering a total distance of 24 kilometres (15 miles) through the city centre and suburbs.
The electric train, inaugurated on 1 September 1989, runs along the city’s north-south corridor. The basic fare for the system is 7 Mexican pesos ($US 0.36). Operating hours are 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with slight variations depending on the day of the week.
The system serves approximately 240,000 passengers per day. Fares are collected through access gates, tokens or smart cards. The system does not operate 24 hours a day and has no air conditioning. Walking between platforms is not allowed and trains are not driverless.
There are no screen doors on the platforms. Trains run at an average speed of 35 km/h and can reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h. The service is managed by SITEUR. The timetable is from 5:00 to 23:00 from Monday to Sunday. The fare is 7 pesos.
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, located in the central western region of Mexico, serves as the administrative capital of the state of Jalisco. With a population of over 5 million, the city is nestled in the Atemajac Valley and is one of the most populous cities in the country.
Guadalajara is renowned for its ability to host major artistic and sporting events. It was recognised as the American Capital of Culture in 2005 and is the permanent venue for many international fairs and festivals in Mexico. The city’s developments in sports infrastructure led to its selection as the host city for the 2011 Pan American Games.
The city boasts a neoclassical architectural style influenced by Spanish and French aesthetics. Popular attractions include the Octavio Paz Latin American Library and the Degollado Theatre. The local climate ranges between 26ºC (78.8ºF) and 32ºC (89.6ºF).
The Metro
The electric train of Guadalajara covers a distance of 24 kilometres (15 miles) through the four cardinal points of the city. Line 1 was inaugurated on 1 September 1989 and Line 2 was added in 1994.
The system uses 48 trains from manufacturers such as Bombardier, Concarril and Siemens, all assembled in Mexico. Most of the trains are 30 metres long and 2 metres wide.
The electric train, also known as light rail, is operated by SITEUR (Sistema de Tren Eléctrico Urbano), a government subsidiary responsible for the city’s public transport. The light rail provides over 90 million trips per year.
- Also known as: Electric Train or Light Rail
- Length: 24 kilometers (15 miles)
- Rail width: 1435 mm (4.71 ft)
- Number of lines: 2
- Number of stations: 29
- Maximum speed: 70 km/h (43.5 miles)
- Website: www.siteur.gob.mx
- Operator: Sistema de Tren Eléctrico Urbano (SITEUR)
- Daily ridership: Approximately 269,228
- Established: September 1, 1989
History
Guadalajara’s railway history began in the late 19th century with the inauguration of a mule-drawn tram system that ran from the city to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As the country’s electrical infrastructure developed in the early 1920s, the Compañía Hidroeléctrica e Irrigadora del Chapala (CHIC) introduced electric trains, setting the stage for mass transport in the city.
By the early 1970s, however, the city’s growing population had made the old railway system inadequate. Despite plans to build a new metro, the project was delayed for a decade due to objections to the demolition of historic buildings to make way for train tunnels.
Initially, the metro lines were used mainly for trolley buses. The circular train service, along a 15.5-kilometre (9.6-mile) route serving 19 stations, only began operating in 1989. Twelve of these stations were on the surface, while seven were underground. Line 2, with 10 stations and a length of 9.6 kilometres (6 miles), opened on 1 July 1994.
Lines and Stations
The Guadalajara electric train consists of two lines serving a total of 29 stations. The first line was inaugurated on 1 September 1989, and the second line followed six years later. In total, the network covers 24 kilometres (15 miles) and serves the central city and surrounding areas.
Line 1
This line runs along the north-south corridor and has 19 stations, with termini at Periférico Norte and Periférico Sur. It is 15.5 kilometres long and takes about 65 minutes to travel. The line has 12 surface stations and 7 underground stations. The line can be recognised by its blue colour.
Line 2
Covering the east-west corridor, this line runs from the city centre to the east. All 10 stations are underground and are spread over 8.5 kilometres. A full journey on this line takes about 36 minutes under normal conditions. The line terminates at Juárez and Tetlán. The line is identified by its green colour.
Connections to Other Systems
The city of Guadalajara has several transport systems that work together to meet the mobility needs of the city. The SITREN (Sistema Integral de Tren Ligero), also managed by SITEUR, is one of these interconnected systems.
SITREN operates 3 lines with 12 stations, served by 56 trolleybuses and feeder buses with a capacity of 100 and 50 passengers respectively. It operates every day of the year and connects with the electric train at Juarez station on Line 1 and Tetlán station on Line 2.
The Macrobús is another complementary transport system to the electric train. Operated by SITEUR and developed on the basis of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) model, it has a main channel that crosses Independencia Avenue and 15 other feeder lines. The Macrobús extends over 103 kilometres (64 miles) and is served by 27 stations and 2 depots.
Connections to the Airport
Despite Guadalajara’s extensive transport system, SITEUR does not operate a direct service from the city to the nearest airport. The Miguel Hidalgo and Costilla Guadalajara International Airport, located 23 kilometres (14.3 miles) from the city, is the third busiest airport in the country.
To get to the airport from the city centre, travellers can take a bus on the local airport line, which is free and runs directly to the Central Camionera in Guadalajara. From the Central Camionera you can take any bus on line 616 to the Plaza Universidad station on line 2. Alternatively, the Mexicaltzingo station on line 1 is a short walk from the main bus station.
Schedule and Frequency
The metro system operates every day of the year, with official operating hours from 5:00 to 23:00.
Train frequencies vary by line and time of day, but the average waiting time is about 7 minutes. The detailed timetable and frequency for each line is as follows
Line 1
The first train departs from Periférico Norte station at 5:00 a.m. and the last train arrives at Periférico Sur station at 11:05 p.m. Frequency is every five minutes during peak hours and usually every 7 to 9 minutes during off-peak hours.
Line 2
This line departs from Juárez station at 4:50 a.m. and arrives at Tetlán station at 11:00 p.m. The frequency between trains is 3.3 minutes during rush hour and 6 to 7.15 minutes during off-peak hours.
Fares, Tickets, and Cards
The Guadalajara metro has a range of fares and payment methods to suit different users. The basic fare is 7 pesos ($US 0.36) and the fare may vary slightly depending on the method of payment and the characteristics of the user. The following list provides details of the ticket prices and payment options set by SITEUR:
- Univiaje ticket: This basic ticket costs 7 pesos ($US 0.36) and can be purchased at all payment points and online.
- Electronic card: This is the most popular method of payment for Metro users. The card costs 20 pesos ($US 1.04) and can be loaded with amounts ranging from 50 centavos ($US 0.26) to 200 pesos ($US 10.46).
- Personalised or Transvales card: This card offers a 50% discount on fares for students, teachers, children, the elderly and the disabled. To obtain this card, eligible individuals must present the required documents for verification.
System Regulations
The Guadalajara Metro, like most public transport systems worldwide, has established rules to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all passengers. The SITEUR regulations consist of an 11-article section detailing the appropriate behaviour for users, including
- Children under five travel free of charge.
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Keep to the right when walking up and down stairs. No shouting, running or pushing is allowed on escalators.
- Physical assault on other passengers or damage to equipment is strictly prohibited.
- Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted on the system.
- Begging or any form of unauthorised solicitation is prohibited within the system.
- No animals are allowed on the system, except guide dogs.
- Eating and drinking are prohibited within the System facilities.
- Dollies or trolleys brought into the system must be collapsible.
- Firearms and sharp objects are not permitted.
- Littering or damaging the system is not permitted.
- Performances by musicians, actors or troubadours must be authorised by SITEUR.
- Bicycles are allowed if they are fully collapsible and stored in a case.
- Sitting on platforms or obstructing the flow of passengers is not permitted.
Future Expansions
In response to the growing demand for public transport in Guadalajara, SITEUR has initiated several expansion projects aimed not only at extending the rail network, but also at improving the capacity of the vehicles. This would allow more people to be transported in less time.
The main projects currently underway are the extension of Line 1 of the electric train and the construction of Line 3. The extension involves increasing the capacity of the trains from 600 to 900 passengers by switching from double to triple trains. This change will require platform adjustments from 60 metres to 90 metres and remodelling of the 19 existing stations.
Line 3 will be 21.45 kilometres (13.3 miles) long and will serve the cities of Zapopan, Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque with 18 stations. It is expected to carry 234,000 passengers per day, with a journey time of 33 minutes from one terminal to the other. These projects are expected to be completed before 2020.
Tips
Although the Guadalajara Metro is considered one of the safest rail systems in the country, passengers should remain vigilant regarding their personal safety and belongings. It is recommended that all types of luggage be carried in front of the body. Be aware of the rules and regulations in order to avoid violations due to ignorance. Also, check the tariff structures before entering the system to avoid any surprises. SITEUR provides driver service modules at each station to help with any problems that may arise.
Notable Facts
- The Guadalajara metro offers a bicycle parking system called ProBici, which allows safe storage of bicycles at each station, provided the rules and regulations are followed.
- It is one of the few systems in the world to offer special rates for teachers.
- The system includes dance shows at Plaza University station on Line 2 and a theatre stop at San Juan de Dios station on Line 2.
- The Washington station on Line 1 offers educational classes in dance and other cultural disciplines.
Sightseeing via the Guadalajara Metro
Built in the heart of the city, the Guadalajara Metro is the ideal way to reach the city’s tourist attractions. The following are some of the places within walking distance of the metro:
- Ocampo Palace Museum: Located near Plaza Universidad station on Line 2, it offers a variety of important scientific and artistic exhibitions.
- Plaza de los Mariachis: Located near San Juan de Dios station on Line 2, it offers cultural events and performances of traditional Mexican music.
- Acuario Michin: Home to almost every marine species found in Mexico, it is located a few blocks from the Mezquitán station on Line 1.