Hill Country Flyer
Hill Country Flyer
3.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
About
Weekly train ride that tours on a 33-mile journey through Texas' Hill Country.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,419 within 3 miles
Attractions
411 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.5
38 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
12
Average
4
Poor
9
Terrible
3
LUchicago
Chicago417 contributions
Feb 2020
The volunteers were very helpful and friendly, making the trip easy but still a bit disappointing.
We paid extra for the Adult Only Lounge on the Nambe portion of the train. It was just a car with four tables and small windows....which really didn't matter as the scenery was, well, unpleasant at best. Garbage, unkempt yards, and where the heck were the hills??? The other cars were more open with larger windows and more natural light. Our ticket did include complimentary coffee and snacks.
We enjoyed walking through the entire train to see the various refurbished cars and the history train museum at the depot was interesting.
The volunteer actors for the "gunfight" were fun with "cheesy" family humor.
We walked down Main Street in Burnet to find a restaurant. The staff was very nice, the menu and food...large portions but not so enjoyable.
This was a disappointing day.
We paid extra for the Adult Only Lounge on the Nambe portion of the train. It was just a car with four tables and small windows....which really didn't matter as the scenery was, well, unpleasant at best. Garbage, unkempt yards, and where the heck were the hills??? The other cars were more open with larger windows and more natural light. Our ticket did include complimentary coffee and snacks.
We enjoyed walking through the entire train to see the various refurbished cars and the history train museum at the depot was interesting.
The volunteer actors for the "gunfight" were fun with "cheesy" family humor.
We walked down Main Street in Burnet to find a restaurant. The staff was very nice, the menu and food...large portions but not so enjoyable.
This was a disappointing day.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jimmie Q
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
My reserved seats were sold to other couples which started our trip on a sour note. Put in a so called private cabin with a lousy view. I complained and they moved us to a different coach. Will not recommend it.
Written November 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roving28424
2 contributions
The ticket operator did not show up. The train did not leave until several minutes later than advertised. The train was not steam; it was diesel which bothered my allergies. The web site advertised beautiful hill country views and Christmas lights. The train trail followed the highway and the houses along the way were rundown and did not display any lights. I was very disappointed on our ride (12/27/03).
Written December 31, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deltongwells
Austin, TX12 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
We have ridden the flyer during normal times (no special events) and it was a good time at reasonable rate. We thought we should do one of the special events. We choose the North Pole Flyer. The price was more which is understandable for a special event. Beware this is what the website states. "Our 1960 Alco diesel powers the North Pole Flyer, our railroad's own Christmas ride! Each car is decorated for the season, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on board the train. Santa has a gift for each child, while Mrs. Claus and her helper serve delicious Christmas cookies, and all passengers enjoy complimentary hot chocolate! Read long with our Christmas story, The North Pole Flyer, as you spend time with family and friends riding in our vintage train cars. This approximately 2 hour round trip to Bertram does not stop and deboard as all events take place on board the train."
To follow up on the experience based on what was listed. We had to hunt someone down for hot chocolate. Mrs. Claus person did come by with cookies. No Santa came by nor did our child receive a gift. No story was being read, also no Christmas music was played until we were back at the train depot 4 mins before we unloaded. Train was not decorated for Christmas or holidays as listed as well. So save your money and go for a regular ride which is great. This was a let down for our family because we were set up to believe it would be something based toward the holidays and train cars would be decked out accordingly.
To follow up on the experience based on what was listed. We had to hunt someone down for hot chocolate. Mrs. Claus person did come by with cookies. No Santa came by nor did our child receive a gift. No story was being read, also no Christmas music was played until we were back at the train depot 4 mins before we unloaded. Train was not decorated for Christmas or holidays as listed as well. So save your money and go for a regular ride which is great. This was a let down for our family because we were set up to believe it would be something based toward the holidays and train cars would be decked out accordingly.
Written December 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scotts_Travel_Tips
Pearland, TX165 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
If you like trains and want to see some hill country sights in a unique way, this train is for you!
This is a perfect thing to do in spring or fall when the weather is not too hot (most cars do not have air conditioning unless you get the upgrade section). It does not cost that much to ride and the trip to Burnet takes just a couple of hours.
When you get to Burnet, there are a few restaurants you can eat at and also a lot of little shops. Women will really like this! Its a nice little town and they actually had some old West re-en actors that rode the train with us and did some skits when we got to Burnet. That was nice little extra touch.
I'd like to go again and take more people next time. Its a great outing for couples or with family and friends.
This is a perfect thing to do in spring or fall when the weather is not too hot (most cars do not have air conditioning unless you get the upgrade section). It does not cost that much to ride and the trip to Burnet takes just a couple of hours.
When you get to Burnet, there are a few restaurants you can eat at and also a lot of little shops. Women will really like this! Its a nice little town and they actually had some old West re-en actors that rode the train with us and did some skits when we got to Burnet. That was nice little extra touch.
I'd like to go again and take more people next time. Its a great outing for couples or with family and friends.
Written October 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
globeseeker007
globeseeker0073,255 contributions
Disregard these other negative reviews about the Hill Country Flyer. I have taken this trip twice, once with a steam engine and once with a diesel engine, and both of them were enjoyable. The train leaves from Cedar Park, north of Austin,Tx, and goes to Burnet and back. The trip costs about $28 and takes seven hours round trip.. There is a stop in Burnet long enough for one to walk around and get something to eat. There is also a snack car on board and one can bring his own lunch if desired. The coaches are old and one doesn't need to pay extra for one that is airconditioned as you can open the windows. The train is run by volunteers and they do a great job.
Written December 7, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pbUSA
Fort Worth, TX79 contributions
Took the short round trip (3 hours) to Bertram in July as that was the only route running. The full round trip route to Burnet only runs certain times of the year. This train was pulled by a diesel engine rather then the steam engine. The type of engine and trip type/length will be noted on the website along with lots of other information about the train and the organization (www.austinsteamtrain.org).
Although there were tickets showing available online for days before the trip, when I attempted to get tickets thru the website 5 days before arrival it showed the train was full. The day before we planned to ride the train I called and was told there were seats available even though that day there were none showing available online.
I'm not sure how their ticket operation is run but all the excursion and coach cars that day were half full or less then half full. Have no idea why it showed full on the website. Can't complain too much as it was great having only 15 people in a car! Lots of room to more around, change seats and get comfortable. I'd suggest calling directly if you find the website ticket page shows the train is full.
There is a nice new big building where you board the train that was supposed to serve as an operational station. Unfortunately it's unfinished and empty due to some type of dispute between parties involved. The only restroom (one person at a time) is at the small office where you pick up your tickets. There are restrooms on the train that are available only when the train is moving. There is no food or drinks available until you board the train. Things to keep in mind if you are traveling with children. Also there is very little seating where you wait to board the train. There is plenty of parking.
Sat in the coach car which is not air conditioned (or heated in winter). Although it was a hot Texas day the all the windows were open so it was fairly comfortable. However if you aren't used to the heat opt for the air conditioned car. Also the smell of diesel smoke is quite heavy at times in the coach car (open windows) so keep that in mind when making the reservation. The nice thing about the coach car with open windows was the true sound of the train clickity clacking on the tracks. The car was also in good condition, seats were comfortable (flip to reverse), there is an overheard rack for your belongings, and there is a restroom in the car. The train has one concession car which is a nice diversion during the ride. You can get up and take a walk, check out souvenirs/brochures, and get a drink/snack if you didn't bring your own.
The scenery on the ride isn't much. At least in July. One passenger who had been on the trip before said when the wildflowers are in bloom it's really pretty. There is one short bridge over a creek which was interesting but you have to look at the brochures they give you and watch the towns you've been thru or you might miss it. The gentleman who was the volunteer for our car was very friendly, provided history and other information about the train, and did point out a few things but he didn't mention the bridge.
At the Bertram station you can get off the train for about 15 minutes, stretch, walk around a bit and look around an old Depot set up with items from the past to make it look authentic from days gone by. Then it's back on the train for the return to Cedar Park. While we found the trip rather boring it was worth doing once. I'd recommend this trip for those who are train enthusiasts, those who have ridden trains in their younger days and want to reminisce and those who are taking kids or grandkids on their first train trip. If you are looking for a 3 hour fun filled adventure packed activity this probably isn't it.
Although there were tickets showing available online for days before the trip, when I attempted to get tickets thru the website 5 days before arrival it showed the train was full. The day before we planned to ride the train I called and was told there were seats available even though that day there were none showing available online.
I'm not sure how their ticket operation is run but all the excursion and coach cars that day were half full or less then half full. Have no idea why it showed full on the website. Can't complain too much as it was great having only 15 people in a car! Lots of room to more around, change seats and get comfortable. I'd suggest calling directly if you find the website ticket page shows the train is full.
There is a nice new big building where you board the train that was supposed to serve as an operational station. Unfortunately it's unfinished and empty due to some type of dispute between parties involved. The only restroom (one person at a time) is at the small office where you pick up your tickets. There are restrooms on the train that are available only when the train is moving. There is no food or drinks available until you board the train. Things to keep in mind if you are traveling with children. Also there is very little seating where you wait to board the train. There is plenty of parking.
Sat in the coach car which is not air conditioned (or heated in winter). Although it was a hot Texas day the all the windows were open so it was fairly comfortable. However if you aren't used to the heat opt for the air conditioned car. Also the smell of diesel smoke is quite heavy at times in the coach car (open windows) so keep that in mind when making the reservation. The nice thing about the coach car with open windows was the true sound of the train clickity clacking on the tracks. The car was also in good condition, seats were comfortable (flip to reverse), there is an overheard rack for your belongings, and there is a restroom in the car. The train has one concession car which is a nice diversion during the ride. You can get up and take a walk, check out souvenirs/brochures, and get a drink/snack if you didn't bring your own.
The scenery on the ride isn't much. At least in July. One passenger who had been on the trip before said when the wildflowers are in bloom it's really pretty. There is one short bridge over a creek which was interesting but you have to look at the brochures they give you and watch the towns you've been thru or you might miss it. The gentleman who was the volunteer for our car was very friendly, provided history and other information about the train, and did point out a few things but he didn't mention the bridge.
At the Bertram station you can get off the train for about 15 minutes, stretch, walk around a bit and look around an old Depot set up with items from the past to make it look authentic from days gone by. Then it's back on the train for the return to Cedar Park. While we found the trip rather boring it was worth doing once. I'd recommend this trip for those who are train enthusiasts, those who have ridden trains in their younger days and want to reminisce and those who are taking kids or grandkids on their first train trip. If you are looking for a 3 hour fun filled adventure packed activity this probably isn't it.
Written July 30, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoungeLizardLLC
UK34 contributions
Apr 2018
We were a party of 4 adults Mum, Dad and two thirty-something offspring holidaying in Austin for a week. We looked on the website of the Austin steam train association and decided to book the Texas Hill country flyer due to the description of the picturesque scenery and the prospect of a gunfight in 'Historic' Burnet.
We booked 4 tickets in The Rippling Steam carriage for adults-only.
The train carriage was pretty cool evoking a sense of going back in time and seeing train travel as it used to be many years ago. I really liked that aspect. In fact this was the only aspect any of our party really liked. Our seats were at one end of the carriage and had no immediate window next to them. This was fine as it was pointed out during the booking process and we could see really well out of all the other windows. The 4-seater 'seat' however was in a right-angle (again seen on the booking) and is not really big enough for 4 adults as there is not enough leg-room and it does make it a little uncomfortable. It should really only be sold as a 3-seater. That said, we travel flights in coach so no great harm!!.
The train journey itself was a real let-down. On the website they describe the great scenery and hill country. There is neither. The scenery is track-side trees, back-yards, lumber yard, concrete yard, and little else. Do not expect a scenic landscape. It is really dull.
On arrival in Burnet we were told that the 'Gunfight' was cancelled due to the weather. Admittedly it was cold, but it was dry and clear, so no real excuses.
Getting off the train we were met by a series of people touting for their restaurants, some even busing you to their establishments. In truth we went directly to one of these quite quickly since Burnet itself is small with little to stimulate much walking around. I say this not to insult to the good people of Burnet, as they all were very friendly. But the place is not really that kind of place.
So for us it felt like we were sold on a really scenic trip only to be offered up to restaurants to make money off the tourists.
The journey back was equally as dull.
So altogether a disappointing excursion which for a family of 4 costs around $250. I know there are good reviews on here and I believe other people will take more from it than we did since our primary goal was to see some great scenery from a historic train whereas other parties would be looking for other things.
We booked 4 tickets in The Rippling Steam carriage for adults-only.
The train carriage was pretty cool evoking a sense of going back in time and seeing train travel as it used to be many years ago. I really liked that aspect. In fact this was the only aspect any of our party really liked. Our seats were at one end of the carriage and had no immediate window next to them. This was fine as it was pointed out during the booking process and we could see really well out of all the other windows. The 4-seater 'seat' however was in a right-angle (again seen on the booking) and is not really big enough for 4 adults as there is not enough leg-room and it does make it a little uncomfortable. It should really only be sold as a 3-seater. That said, we travel flights in coach so no great harm!!.
The train journey itself was a real let-down. On the website they describe the great scenery and hill country. There is neither. The scenery is track-side trees, back-yards, lumber yard, concrete yard, and little else. Do not expect a scenic landscape. It is really dull.
On arrival in Burnet we were told that the 'Gunfight' was cancelled due to the weather. Admittedly it was cold, but it was dry and clear, so no real excuses.
Getting off the train we were met by a series of people touting for their restaurants, some even busing you to their establishments. In truth we went directly to one of these quite quickly since Burnet itself is small with little to stimulate much walking around. I say this not to insult to the good people of Burnet, as they all were very friendly. But the place is not really that kind of place.
So for us it felt like we were sold on a really scenic trip only to be offered up to restaurants to make money off the tourists.
The journey back was equally as dull.
So altogether a disappointing excursion which for a family of 4 costs around $250. I know there are good reviews on here and I believe other people will take more from it than we did since our primary goal was to see some great scenery from a historic train whereas other parties would be looking for other things.
Written April 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee W
Corpus Christi, TX85 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
This is still billed as a steam train, though a diesel has replaced the steam locomotive while it's out for overhaul for an extended time. Nevertheless, the cars are all interesting and authentic, dating from the 1920s to 1950s. There are different schedules -- we took the longest trip, six hours overall, from Austin to Burnet and back. We wound up in the First Class Coach section because it was air conditioned and the day was humid. The Hill Country is usually dry and the other cars wouldn't be too uncomfortable.
The crew are mostly volunteer enthusiasts, so they're enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The layover in Burnet requires walking several blocks to really enjoy. Accommodations for those with limited mobility are described on their website. Do visit the website to learn the differences between the different cars, levels of service, and prices.
The route doesn't include spectacular views, but there are a few points of historical interest and we enjoyed it quite a lot.
The crew are mostly volunteer enthusiasts, so they're enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The layover in Burnet requires walking several blocks to really enjoy. Accommodations for those with limited mobility are described on their website. Do visit the website to learn the differences between the different cars, levels of service, and prices.
The route doesn't include spectacular views, but there are a few points of historical interest and we enjoyed it quite a lot.
Written October 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jstryker
austin, tx1 contribution
It's boring, over priced, one of the employees was very rude, they messed up our seats, they left Cedar Park late, you don't get enough time in Burnet. We had to run eat and run back, it made for a very stressful lunch hour. The kids were bored and complained for 5 hours. For what you spend on this ride you are better off taking the family and your money and heading to the zoo or sea world, etc. I do not recommend it. I wish I had checked the reviews before we spent the money and wasted our Saturday.
Written October 22, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CourtneyR
Austin, Texas
Are liquor drinks available for purchase? Or can we BYOB?
Written March 3, 2021
What are the schedules in time for the train passing through Red Rock Texas
Written March 15, 2016
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing