Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train – Your Complete Guide to the Sunset Experience (2025)
Did you know there’s a luxury tequila train in Mexico that only runs once a week? That’s right—the Jose Cuervo Express departs Guadalajara every Saturday, taking you deep into the heart of Mexico’s agave country for a full day of tequila tastings, cultural experiences, and one unforgettable ride.
We recently took the Sunset Edition of the Jose Cuervo Express, and spoiler: it was absolutely worth it. From sipping Palomas in the agave fields to exploring underground tequila caves and partying onboard the train, this experience should be on every Mexico bucket list.
And the best part? You can easily book it online through GetYourGuide with round-trip transportation from Guadalajara included.
We recently took the Sunset Edition of the Jose Cuervo Express, and spoiler: it was absolutely worth it. From sipping Palomas in the agave fields to exploring underground tequila caves and partying onboard the train, this experience should be on every Mexico bucket list.
And the best part? You can easily book it online through GetYourGuide with round-trip transportation from Guadalajara included.
How the Jose Cuervo Express Works
The Jose Cuervo Express only runs on Saturdays, with two experiences to choose from:
- Sunrise Tour – Train out to Tequila in the morning, bus ride back in the evening.
- Sunset Tour – Bus out to Tequila in the morning, train ride back in the evening.
Here’s the twist: you don’t ride the train both ways. Instead, you’ll do half the journey by luxury coach and half by train. We booked the Sunset Tour, and after doing it, we 100% recommend this option. More on why in our pro tips below.
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Check-In & Bus Ride
Check-in starts bright and early around 8 a.m. at a meeting point just outside the city. Once you show your ID and credit card (phone photos are fine), you’ll get a wristband and be directed to either the Spanish-speaking or English-speaking bus.
Expect a smooth, well-organized process with complimentary coffee, cookies, and shade while you wait. The luxury coach ride to the agave fields takes about an hour, with friendly guides providing bottled water and even helping you book lunch reservations in Tequila.
🌟 Pro tip – Both the departure lounge and the luxury coaches are equipped with bathrooms, so don’t hold back—stay hydrated and sip worry-free all day long!
Agave Fields Experience
Arriving at the agave fields feels like stepping into a postcard. You’re greeted with a fruity welcome drink (yes, tequila before 10 a.m.!) and a live band. Breakfast is included, and soon after, the bar opens with Palomas, tequila shots, and plenty of fun.
A jimador demonstrates the traditional harvesting process, cutting the massive agave hearts by hand. Fun fact: each agave piña can produce 3–4 bottles of tequila. You’ll also learn the key difference between tequila (blue agave only) and mezcal (multiple agave species, popular in Oaxaca).
Of course, the highlight here is photos in the fields—staff will insist, and trust us, you’ll want to say yes.
Exploring the Town of Tequila
After a short bus ride, you arrive in the charming Pueblo Mágico of Tequila. The town is UNESCO-listed, colorful, and full of mariachi music.
The tour takes you through the Jose Cuervo Cultural Center and production facilities, ending in an atmospheric underground cave where family reserve tequilas are aged in massive oak barrels.
From there, you’ll enjoy a frozen margarita before free time for lunch and exploring.
Where to Eat: La Antigua Casona
Head across the main square to La Antigua Casona, inside the luxurious Hotel Solar de las Ánimas. This restaurant offers air-conditioning, refined service, and beautifully prepared dishes.
We ordered strawberry margaritas, Caesar salad (yep, invented in Mexico!), chicken with beans and potatoes, and finished with coffee. Everything was delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect for cooling off. Be sure to book ahead directly with the restaurant as the buffet option promoted on the train is outside in a less fabulous courtyard!
🌟 Pro tip – If you’re staying overnight in Tequila, Hotel Solar de las Ánimas is the place to be—with a rooftop pool and 5-star charm.
Cultural Show
Next up is the afternoon cultural show featuring mariachi, folkloric dancers, and even balancing acts with glasses of water on their heads. Frozen drinks are passed around, and there’s a medical team on hand just in case (it’s hot!).
This is also when you can purchase your professional photos from earlier in the agave fields—digital copies are just 100 pesos each (about $5 USD).
All Aboard the Jose Cuervo Express
Finally, it’s time to board the Jose Cuervo Express for the highlight of the day. We reserved seats in the Elite Car, which comes with plush couches, fruit platters, and unlimited premium tequila.
While the Elite Car is fun, we’d actually recommend the Premium Plus Car for couples and small groups—you get a proper table setup instead of shared lounge seating, which works better for conversations and tastings.
The tasting lesson (in Spanish only) is fun and interactive. Our favorite tip? Rub coffee beans in your hand, add a drop of tequila, and if it evaporates clean without stickiness—you’ve got the good stuff.
The rest of the ride is a rolling party with music, dancing, and endless tequila. Drinks keep flowing, and yes—they even send you off with tequila to-go cups.
Back in Guadalajara
The train returns to Guadalajara just after 8 p.m. From the station, it’s easy to grab an Uber or taxi. If you want to keep the night going, head to El Gallo Altanero—ranked one of the Top 50 Bars in the World—for elevated cocktails and rooftop views in Colonia Americana.
Pro Tips for the Tequila Train
- Book early – The Jose Cuervo Express only runs on Saturdays and sells out quickly. Book your tour early to secure your spot.
- Choose the Sunset Tour – Less traffic, better lighting for photos, and a more festive vibe on the return ride.
- Bring a fan + keep your 'to go' bottle – Stay cool during the afternoon show with a fan and provided ice water.
- Premium Plus is best – Ideal seating for couples or small groups.
- Pace yourself – It’s a lot of tequila.
Final Thoughts
The Jose Cuervo Express is more than just a train ride—it’s a full-day celebration of tequila, Mexican culture, and stunning scenery in the heart of Jalisco. Whether you’re a tequila lover or just looking for a unique day trip from Guadalajara, this is one of the most memorable tours you can take in Mexico.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your spot on the Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train now through Get Your Guide. Salud!
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Guadalajara? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Guadalajara.
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