Catching the IE-TRAM at Sunrise: A Ride Through Modern Mérida
- C. Monte Raynor
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
What’s good, Mexit Planners?
It’s 5:20 a.m. on a Friday and I’m out here in Mérida, chasing sunrise and something I’ve been waiting on for months—the North Route of the IE-TRAM. If you’ve been following the transportation upgrades in Yucatán, then you know this line is a big deal.
This new route runs from Parque La Plancha, right through Prolongación Paseo de Montejo, and all the way up to the Periférico—Mérida’s ring road. Think of it like Mérida’s version of a subway. Smooth, clean, quiet, and air-conditioned.
Let me walk you through what this morning ride looked like—and why this route just might be the perfect intro to Mérida for visitors and future expats.
🌞 Why So Early?
Listen—108°F days in Mérida don’t play. If you want to move around, get your steps in, or just enjoy the city without melting, you’ve got to beat the sun. So I set out before dawn with a plan: hop on the southbound tram first, then loop back on the northbound line, just to see how it all connects.
Also… I’ve been down with a post-cruise bug after returning from Alaska (amazing trip), so today was all about getting back out there, breathing in some hot Mérida air, and reconnecting with the city.
📱 Using the Va y Ven App (Don’t Skip This)
If you’re in Mérida—or planning your exploratory trip—the Va y Ven app is your new best friend.
You can:
Track buses and trams in real time
See exact routes and stops
Know exactly when the next tram is coming
Even better? All the modern buses and trams are air-conditioned. That may not sound like a big deal, but ask anyone who remembers the old 1970s-era buses—you’ll appreciate this upgrade.
🚋 Hopping on the Tram
The IE-TRAM runs daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and the frequency is around every 15–20 minutes. I just missed one crossing the street (had to make a game-time decision), but the next one rolled up right on schedule.
One of the most exciting parts of this route is that it runs right along Prolongación Montejo—the backbone of north Mérida. The tram passes by neighborhoods like Campestre, and landmarks like Walmart Express, Galerías Mall, and The Harbor.
The Campestre Club is also on the route—a private, old-school social club with its own sports facilities, kind of like Mérida’s OG country club before Yucatán Country Club came on the scene.
🎟️ Still Free (For Now)
Surprise: the tram was still free to ride even though the promotional period was supposed to end a few days ago. You might want to get in on that before they start charging regular fares.
🚉 Route Highlights
Here are a few of the notable stops and areas:
➤ Parque La Plancha
The southern terminal of the tram. Newly renovated park, beautiful landscaping, and tons of shade now that the trees have grown in. Plus, there’s an amphitheater, cafés, a craft beer taproom, and even a light museum. They’ve really turned this area into a hub for culture and relaxation.
➤ Centro Mérida (Mejorada Area)
This is where you’ll see the old city gates—massive yellow arches that marked the original boundaries of Mérida. Just down the street? The best tacos in town at Wayan’e. (Don’t sleep on the cochinita or the castacán.)
➤ Colonia Itzimná & Explanada
Historic neighborhoods with loads of character. On the way back, I stopped in Exna to check out a new café, Café Latte, where they roast their own coffee daily. Total hidden gem.
➤ Gran Plaza, Galerías, The Harbor
If you ride all the way up north, you’ll hit the major commercial zone.
Gran Plaza: OG mall, currently being renovated.
Galerías: Home of the ice-skating rink (yes, in Mérida).
The Harbor: Newer, trendier mall with restaurants and a cinema.
And yes, there’s even a Texas Roadhouse near the Harbor stop. (Go figure.)
💡 Pro Tip: Use the Tram to Tour the City
If you’re new to Mérida, the tram is perfect for exploring. You don’t need a car to get your bearings. Just download the app, hop on, and enjoy the ride.
You can hit:
Historic districts
Shopping zones
Cultural spots
Foodie destinations
It’s clean, safe, cool (literally), and efficient. Back in the day, I used to drive folks around the city for private tours. Now? Just give them the app and tell them, “Hop on the tram.”
☕ Coffee, Always
After my IE-TRAM adventure, I made my way back to Manifesto Coffee, one of my go-to spots. Ordered a fruit plate and got back into my routine. But on the way, I also scoped out a few more food spots and coffee shops for another day—including Humo Smokehouse, a solid spot in Itzimná for ribs, baked beans, and brisket.
🔄 What’s Changed in Mérida
It’s wild how fast this city is changing.
Transportation is modernizing
Parks and public spaces are being revamped
Businesses are moving north, but Centro still holds its charm
Even the old railway station at La Plancha has been transformed—but they kept the tracks and the structure, which I love. It’s history meeting progress.
🎉 Final Thoughts
The IE-TRAM North Route is a game changer for Mérida. Whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, or just visiting, this is an easy, scenic, and inexpensive way to get to know the city.
From colonial gates to rooftop malls, from artisanal tacos to modern espresso—you can see it all without ever needing a car.
Until next time, make your Mexit plans and keep exploring.
– Monte, I’m out.
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