Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico

Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico
The Chepe Express Train
Overview
Service type
LocaleNorthwestern Mexico
PredecessorKansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway
First serviceNovember 22, 1961 (1961-11-22)[2]
Current operatorFerromex
Former operatorFerrocarriles Nacionales de México[3]
WebsiteChepe Express
Route
TerminiChihuahua
Los Mochis
Stops20
Distance travelled668 kilometres (415 mi)
Line usedQ Line[3]
Technical
Rolling stockLocomotives primarily EMD GP38-2 and SD40-2. Coaches are primarily Kinki Sharyo (Japan) Generations 1 through 3.
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico (reporting mark CHP), commonly known as the Chepe Express or El Chepe, is a passenger train operated by Ferromex in northwestern Mexico between city of Chihuahua and Los Mochis, crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.

Stretching approximately 673 km (418 mi), the railway traverses the scenic Copper Canyon region and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in North America. The route includes 37 bridges and 86 tunnels, reaching elevations of about 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level near Divisadero (the continental divide), a popular lookout spot over the canyons.[1] The service functions both as an important transportation link for local communities and as a major tourist attraction.

History

The concept of the railroad was officially recognized in 1880, when the president of Mexico, General Manuel González, granted a rail concession to Albert Kinsey Owen[4] of the Utopia Socialist Colony of New Harmony, Indiana, United States, who was seeking to develop a socialist colony in Mexico. The railroad was actually built by Arthur Stilwell[2] as the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway, starting about 1900.[5]

From 1910 to 1914, Mexico North Western Railway (sp. Ferrocarril del Noroeste) completed the Temosachic–Casas–Grandes line. Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway completed the Chihuahua–Ojinaga section.[3] Enrique Creel's Chihuahua al Pacífico railroad completed the Chihuahua–Creel section.[3]

In 1940, Mexico acquired the rights from Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway.[3] In May 1952, Mexico took possession of a line operated by Mexican Northwestern Railway.[3] In 1955, Mexico merged them as Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico, S.A. de C.V.[3] Financial difficulties caused by the cost of building a railroad through rugged terrain delayed the project, and the ChP was not completed until 1961.[6]

The private rail franchise Ferromex took over the railroad from the Mexican government in 1998.[3]

Schedule

In general, two different passenger trains run daily: Chepe Regional, a slower service with more stops for locals, with 16 stops at which boardings or disembarkations can be made at passenger request, and the other a luxury, Chepe Express, direct service for tourists, which is faster and more expensive.[7] First-class trains are composed of two to three cars, each holding 64 passengers. Second-class trains have three or four cars, each holding 68 passengers.[8]

On its way from Los Mochis to Chihuahua it runs through El Fuerte, Temoris, Bahuichivo, Posada Barrancas, Divisadero, and Creel, among others.

  • Bridge across the Río Fuerte at El Fuerte
  • El Chepe at terminal station, 8 February 2009

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Schmidt, Bob. "El Chepe" (PDF). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Working on the Railroad". Archived from the original on 2008-12-25. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "THE STORY OF THE CHEPE". Chepe Express. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  4. ^ Fuchik, Don. "Topolobampo or Bust". California Native Tours. The California Native International Adventures. Archived from the original on February 19, 2026. Retrieved March 10, 2026.
  5. ^ "The "Chepe Express" (Train)". American-Rails. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  6. ^ Winberry, John J. "FERROCARRIL DE CHIHUAHUA AL PACIFICO: MEXICO'S NEWEST RAILROAD". JSTOR. 54 (4). Wiley: 864–873.
  7. ^ "Chepe Regional". Chepe Express (in Spanish). Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  8. ^ "Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacífico". Mexico Activities. Lonely Planet. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.

Further reading

Tren Turístico railway map
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