The train ride itself was great and views were awesome! We had a very informative young man that gave us so much information in the outside rail car which was a bonus! FYI when you make reservations ask NOT to be seated near restroom or door to outside train car. We didn't know this and it really made our inside train car experience not very enjoyable as people were constantly in and out of bathroom and going in and out of our railcar.

Had a great trip. The staff told stories and history for the entire 4 hour trip. Beautiful scenery, great history . The riding car is very comfortable with full service bar. The observation car is a fun and provides great 360 views

The twilight ride was very relaxing. The employees were fantastic and enthusiastic about their jobs. Service on the train was great. Scenery was great and my wife and I enjoyed taking lots of video and pictures.

“The third most scenic railroad”. They didn’t say if that was third most scenic in the world, in the US, or just in AZ, but it was certainly scenic. A geologic layer cake of sandstone & limestone, a cliff dwelling, a lush river valley, and both extant and abandoned homesteads. Incredible stargazing once the sun set! 3.5 hours for a 40 mile round trip. We did the evening wine tasting ride. Would only do the wine tasting again if it were the evening for Arizona wineries. Overall, a great way to spend an evening together.

Celebrating my sister’s 60th birthday. There were 10 of us. We started the afternoon with lunch - no one complained- large servings. Then wine tastings. So far, all staff on point. Something for everyone- nice selection. Received the souvenir glass. Boarded the train. Met by shea. She was awesome. Very attentive to everyone on the Tucson car. She shared stories, engaged travelers and seemed to enjoy her job. Super comfortable seating. Roomy enough for our party of 10 to switch up seats and visit. Scenery was impressive and our outside guide ( so sorry I forgot his name). Was well informed on the area and sites along the way. He seamlessly answered our questions. All and all, a great day had by all.

What a fun experience! My husband booked us on the evening "wine train" in mid-May, and not only was the weather perfection, the entire evening was splendid. Tim, our history guide on the outside car was knowledgeable and funny while pointing out places of interest and unusual rock formations. Nate, our bartender and inside car guide was great, also. The train ride took about 4 hours and what a relaxing ride it was. My husband and I opted in for the dinner upgrade (which you pick up before boarding the train) and the snack tray on the train. The dinner (I had the chicken salad, husband had the turkey sandwich) was a large serving size and very fresh. The limited menu items (burger, sandwich, chicken straps, salad, wrap) are all made as you order, so you are able to customize your selection. Make sure to bring a jacket if traveling in the evening; the outside car gets chilly but the views of the stars unmarred by city lights is magical.

Renting the caboose is the way to go but book in advance … way in advance. What a fun way to spend time with friends and celebrate a special occasion. The Verde Canyon Railroad team, Dawn, Jessica, Pearl and Hayden were amazing! And what a beautiful journey. We loved every minute of it.

First, Branden really made the experience top notch. His commentary was fun, informative and not overpowering. He is VERY knowledgeable about the local area and was a real pleasure to have leading our car. The views are spectacular!!! The facility is wonderful. And of course the train ride is outstanding. Nice leisurely ride through the canyons. We were in the Jerome Car with a large group. Branden was on top of things the entire ride. Came outside with us to help and show us the sights. Get there early and just relax and enjoy the nice patio seating. There is food if you are hungry. there is also food and drinks on the train. Our only disappointment was the positioning of the engines before we started. The train was so long, the front of the train was beyond the walkway so we could not get photos of the engines Thanks Branden!

I have ridden on the Verde Canyon Railroad multiple times since it first began and always enjoyed the trip. This time however, the personal touch just isn't there. You have to listen to an overly loud automated narrative that is not remotely synced to the scenery. By the time the narrative would point out a sight we were too far past it to see. In the past the bartenders and car attendants would point things out, but now they don't. The bartender did say we would be entering the tunnel in 5 minutes, but it was actually about 30 seconds away. He was depending on the recording, which was way behind. Our car was mid train. The outdoor attendant did his best but could barely be heard and had not learned how to pronounce the names of things correctly. He had only been there for a month. In fact I only saw one employee who I recognized from previous trips and she was great. Shout out to Liz for answering my questions and hearing my concerns. Please bring back the interaction and not be dependent on a recorded narrative. Also, I tried to order a prickly pear margaritas only to be told they were out of prickly pear.

We had a great time on the Verde Canyon railroad - there was plenty of food (lunch prior and a charcuterie box on board) and all of the staff were superb. We would recommend getting up and outside straight away after the toast and finding a spot on the right hand side of the outdoors car for the best views. Only complaint is that the music on board needs to be turned down (or off) so we can hear what the brilliant guides are saying, as they were often drowned out. Would highly recommend to all.

Great train ride. The ride was 3hr. Long. You get a good lunch, and a chessboard with a champagne toast. They also have a full bar on board. The train has comfortable seats, there are sofas, and tables too. There are outdoor cars for anyone who wants to sit outside. The canyon is beautiful.

So disappointed in this specific Christmas venue. Waste of time and money. This 30 minute ride to a few decorated playhouses and “wild animals” was not worth the trip. I saw better decorations in surrounding neighborhoods!

Our experience was through a tour with HGV so our meal & drinks were included. We were in luxury cars with table or sofa seating. Our bartenders Jacob & Shannon were on top of their service! We enjoyed the entertainment too!

The Verde canyon railroad trip was terrific. Very enjoyable. I would take this trip again. All the people were very friendly and helpful.

I was the train enthusiast who pushed our group to take this tour. My thoughts: Pros - Jerome car was nice - cushy seats - snack box was nice - don’t eat too much lunch - scenery was beautiful (the first time - see below) Cons - Biggest thing that cause a 3 rating - narration sucked. We were promised music over the many speakers in the car (got nothing). I asked the guy who was going to give info if his info would be piped in over the speakers said he “no” and he would run into the cars on important things (he was usually out on the open car trying to shout over the trains noise). He came in maybe once but the bartender pointed out a few things. I see from other reviews there is a produced narration on tape but not our trip. Looks like even it is not timed to point out things before the come. - Oh yes, if there are just two of you, get the two seats, not the side with four seats. The view on the 2 seat side is much much better. A lot of rock walls on the 4-seat side. You will not get the good view on the return trip because the train does not turn around. They stop, move the engines from the front to the back to pull cars back to station. This could have been a much better experience but was the low point in our 9 day trip to the Grand Canyon area.