Salina Cruz has a history shaped by the sea and the railway. Its port marks the Pacific end of a connection across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, on the Gulf of Mexico. Understanding that link helps explain the city’s importance and offers another reason to visit this part of Oaxaca, where transport history is part of the attraction.
If you are researching a trip on the Interoceanic Train, it is important to distinguish the history of the route from the current availability of passenger services.
What does the Interoceanic Train connect?
Line Z links Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, with Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. It is part of the railway system of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Passenger services on this line were relaunched on 22 December 2023.
The corridor combines railway and port infrastructure. News about freight trains or cargo movements therefore does not necessarily mean that passenger departures are available. Oaxaca state government
A history that goes beyond today’s train
The link between the port of Salina Cruz and the railway goes back more than a century. On 23 January 1907, during Porfirio Díaz’s presidency, the project integrating the railway and the ports of Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos was inaugurated.
The aim was to move goods between the two coasts using ships and trains. This history explains the railway’s important place in the development of the port.
For visitors, that background adds context to the port landscape: its connection with the other side of the Isthmus is part of its history, alongside its location on the Pacific. Oaxaca Department of Administration
Are passenger services currently running?
Information checked on 19 October 2026: the recent information consulted indicates that passenger services remain suspended following the accident in December 2025.
On 9 October 2026, El Imparcial de Oaxaca reported that services could resume in the first quarter of 2027. This is a forecast, not a confirmed reopening date or a guarantee that tickets will be on sale. Report on the possible resumption of services
For that reason, this article does not present fares, timetables or journey times as current. Before planning a trip that depends on the train, check the operator’s notices and confirm services for your date on the Pasajeros Interoceánico website.
Stations, tickets and transport: what to check before travelling
When services are announced to resume, check these points before booking other travel arrangements:
- Service availability for your chosen route and date before making a booking.
- The ticket price and the conditions of your fare.
- The exact departure and arrival stations.
- Baggage, change and cancellation policies.
- The transfer between the station and your accommodation: check whether you need a taxi and agree on a meeting point.
Do not assume that fares or timetables in older publications still apply. Keep your booking confirmation and arrange accommodation around your confirmed itinerary.
If you are travelling on a budget, compare the full cost of transport: tickets, transfers and accommodation if you need a night in the city. If you plan to arrive by bus while train services remain unconfirmed, check the arrival terminal and availability for your date with the operator.
For a family trip with children, allow time between transfers, plan meal breaks and check baggage conditions. Whether it is a couples’ getaway, a weekend or a longer holiday, avoid overly tight connections.
A hotel in Salina Cruz for a break along the way
If your Oaxaca itinerary includes Salina Cruz, you can explore the city and its port history without making your entire stay depend on a train journey.
Casa Mirador Hotel & Surf Camp offers a peaceful stay for travellers here to relax or work. Every room has a private bathroom, air conditioning and a fan; continental breakfast, Starlink Wi-Fi and parking are included.
The terrace and pool overlook the sea and the port. Take time to rest or enjoy the sunset from the house, in the upper part of Salina Cruz, about eight minutes from the city centre by car.
Check availability and rates for your dates when choosing accommodation. If you need a tax invoice, confirm the requirements before completing your booking.
Explore the house or browse our rooms to plan your stay.