Virginia and Truckee Railway
Virginia and Truckee Railway
4.5
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About
Back in the days of the Comstock load, the Virginia and Truckee Railroad was making history hauling gold and silver. Now more than 70 years later, the V&T is once again traveling along the original route between Carson City and Virginia City, NV. On our fully-narrated, 24-mile roundtrip Sisters in History Route, see old mines, historic cemeteries, travel through tunnels, maybe even see some wild mustangs, then experience the Wild West in Virginia City's shops, restaurants, and saloons. Or join us for an hour-long ride on one of our popular theme trains, like THE POLAR EXPRESS(TM) Train Ride or our relaxing Wine Train into the Carson Canyon. Our regular season opens Memorial Weekend and runs through mid-October, followed by THE POLAR EXPRESS(TM), which runs mid-November to mid-December.
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Virginia and Truckee Railway
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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.
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4.5
166 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
25
Average
7
Poor
8
Terrible
11
bearair70
Reno, United States2 contributions
Oct 2020
It was conducted on a electric motor assisted rail bike. The guest provided some pedal power, but most of it was accomplished by a throttled motor. There was a 2% grade downhill and then return uphill on a standard gauge track that runs the allignment of the Virginia & Truckee railroad. Unfortunately, the tour was too short and more track needs to be laid. The total distance was about 4 miles round trip and there were 5 cycles (all independent) plus a staffed lead and follow rail car. Scenery was great with leaves changing color and two historical stops including a silver stamping mill on the Carson River.
Written October 24, 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.
Pico B
Gardnerville, NV7 contributions
Aug 2020
Took the new Railbike Tour today. Fun! You pedal a four-seater rail bike along the tracks. It's like taking an old time handcar down the rails, but easier. The seats adjust so that you can pedal comfortably. You can pedal as much or as little as you want since the railbike has a quiet, electric motor-assist to use as needed. We mostly pedaled and coasted as we went down towards the Carson Canyon where we overlooked the Carson River. You go in a group but are far enough apart to keep any viruses at bay. Plus, you're outdoors. You stop twice to get off, take photos, and have a snack. We saw some wild horses on a hillside! We used the motor-assist on the climb back out of the canyon. The staff were all friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic. They clean the railbikes between groups and everyone wears a mask. Safe, clean, and pleasant. Now we have a new activity we can take visiting guests to.
Written August 11, 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.
Sue C
27 contributions
Aug 2020
What a great ride. First time on the rail bike but loved the experience with my 9 year old grandson. Being out in the open and seeing the canyon was great. Of course, using the electric assist was mandatory at my age but great exercise even with the assist. No horse sightings but lots of sign. Will go again with more people.
Written August 19, 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.
Donna G
1 contribution
Aug 2020
I really enjoyed the rail bike tour. It was fun and the canyon is beautiful. With that said, I realize this is a new concept for the V&T railroad as they are diversifying. Just as the ride got really interesting, they turn the rail bikes around and you pedal back to the train station and over the bridge which stops right in front of a storage place!
To make this experience a truly great one, it should be longer and go deeper in the canyon then loop back around to mound house and not stop at the storage place for the turnaround spot. There is so much interesting history in the canyon that this part of the tour fell short. Maybe mounting a speaker on each cart would be a better option than the kid who did a short, quick version on the history in the canyon.
Now, if they would offer a ride up to Virginia city and back,WOW! I would come back many times. Right now, I feel once was enough of an experience until they improve the rail service. Sorry guys, but that is my honest assessment. Make it a longer, more interesting journey and I will be a repeat customer
To make this experience a truly great one, it should be longer and go deeper in the canyon then loop back around to mound house and not stop at the storage place for the turnaround spot. There is so much interesting history in the canyon that this part of the tour fell short. Maybe mounting a speaker on each cart would be a better option than the kid who did a short, quick version on the history in the canyon.
Now, if they would offer a ride up to Virginia city and back,WOW! I would come back many times. Right now, I feel once was enough of an experience until they improve the rail service. Sorry guys, but that is my honest assessment. Make it a longer, more interesting journey and I will be a repeat customer
Written August 17, 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.
Kathy L
1 contribution
Nov 2020
We signed up for a special rail bike ride and hiking tour. We were extremely disappointed. The rail bike ride was extremely short and we were supposed to have a historian/guide for the hike. That person turned out to be unavailable. So, when we got to the hike portion of the afternoon, we were given no guidance as to where to go or what to see by any of the of 3 guides that accompanied us.
The price for the rail bike ride and the hike was $65 per person. We felt extremely ripped off.
We would not recommend this UNLESS the price is significantly reduced.
The price for the rail bike ride and the hike was $65 per person. We felt extremely ripped off.
We would not recommend this UNLESS the price is significantly reduced.
Written December 8, 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.
Gillian L
Temecula, CA38 contributions
Oct 2020
This was interesting and something different to do, however.....
1) Going downhill was fun and needed very little pedaling. At the end of this first area, there was a cooer with water and peanuts we could help ourselves to while the crew turned the bikes around. We had read there was information about the area given but we did not get any information.
2) We needed the pedal-assist going back up but it was extremely hard pedaling and then it stopped. We followed the instructions and had to yell at the crew in the lead bike ahead to come and help. We did not think the motor kicked in. We were given different instructions and set off again. Still, no assist as it was extremely hard work pedaling and we are fairly fit. We needed help but the crew bike cart was way way ahead and even not even visible also on their phone so could not hear us yelling.
3) We got back to the depot and called for instructions and got even different instructions there. . This seemed now correct as I could hear the slight him of the battery and pedaling was much easier.
4) At the end I suggested the lead crew stay within earshot and not go so far away and the answer was they didnt think they were far off.
5) Back at the depot I suggested they check our bike as the battery definitely didnt work till the end/or give only one set of correct instructions. Plus make sure the lead crew is close enough to hear the passengers. To be told they are only in front to prevent people from going to fast and if help was needed the back crew is the one to help. Well that seems impossible as they are way back at the end and also far away and not able to hear us calling for help. If that is the case then clear expectations need to be given before the trip.
The main reason I do not recommend them is their poor customer service. When a customer is trying to give feedback you do not argue and basically indicate the customer is wrong or doesnt know what they are talking about.
1) Going downhill was fun and needed very little pedaling. At the end of this first area, there was a cooer with water and peanuts we could help ourselves to while the crew turned the bikes around. We had read there was information about the area given but we did not get any information.
2) We needed the pedal-assist going back up but it was extremely hard pedaling and then it stopped. We followed the instructions and had to yell at the crew in the lead bike ahead to come and help. We did not think the motor kicked in. We were given different instructions and set off again. Still, no assist as it was extremely hard work pedaling and we are fairly fit. We needed help but the crew bike cart was way way ahead and even not even visible also on their phone so could not hear us yelling.
3) We got back to the depot and called for instructions and got even different instructions there. . This seemed now correct as I could hear the slight him of the battery and pedaling was much easier.
4) At the end I suggested the lead crew stay within earshot and not go so far away and the answer was they didnt think they were far off.
5) Back at the depot I suggested they check our bike as the battery definitely didnt work till the end/or give only one set of correct instructions. Plus make sure the lead crew is close enough to hear the passengers. To be told they are only in front to prevent people from going to fast and if help was needed the back crew is the one to help. Well that seems impossible as they are way back at the end and also far away and not able to hear us calling for help. If that is the case then clear expectations need to be given before the trip.
The main reason I do not recommend them is their poor customer service. When a customer is trying to give feedback you do not argue and basically indicate the customer is wrong or doesnt know what they are talking about.
Written October 10, 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.
Beave8920
Minden, NV244 contributions
Dec 2020
We were looking for some fun ideas for the grand kids during the lead up to Christmas in light of the covid shutdowns. While I'm happy that the V and T came up with a creative way to celebrate the holiday, like the rest, I was extremely disappointed after waiting over an hour in line. It was advertised as a 20 minute experience. The entire "Christmas village" was 20 yards long, and lasted less than 5 minutes.
I'm all for supporting the locals, but you could have done a lot more for the $20 fee. I will say the dancing snowman and elves exhibited lots of energy, and Mrs. Claus was engaging, but "santa" never got out of his chair and barely acknowledged the grand kids. I understand the social distancing requirements, but the kids expected a little more.
While I understand the event was for the kids, I will say my grand kids enjoyed the encounter, brief as it was. So that's all that matters.
But c'mon V and T - I know you need some fund raisers but this could have been better presented. We've supported the Polar Express in the past, so we know what you can do.
I'm all for supporting the locals, but you could have done a lot more for the $20 fee. I will say the dancing snowman and elves exhibited lots of energy, and Mrs. Claus was engaging, but "santa" never got out of his chair and barely acknowledged the grand kids. I understand the social distancing requirements, but the kids expected a little more.
While I understand the event was for the kids, I will say my grand kids enjoyed the encounter, brief as it was. So that's all that matters.
But c'mon V and T - I know you need some fund raisers but this could have been better presented. We've supported the Polar Express in the past, so we know what you can do.
Written December 22, 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.
Steven P
Citrus Heights, United States6 contributions
Oct 2020
Cut the price in half and double the distance, preferably away from the junk yard and dump. It wouldn't hurt to let couples or singles know in advance of the bike seating/pricing policy if they don't want to be with strangers. Strangers in our case that did not want to use the pedal assist, except at a bare minimum.
Written October 23, 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.
Ben
2 contributions
Dec 2020
charged $20 for christmas light display. we waited 2 hours. was virtually no lights. literally seen more lights on my neighbors houses. the line was twice as long when we left. can't imagine the disappointment of those people. to give more detail - what you get is a 20 yard u-turn with 2 dancing reindeer and 6 elves. are beyond disappointed. i'd give negative stars if i could. great place to go if you wanna wait for hours while kids fight in the car to get to the end and for them to say "that definitely wasn't worth it.". quite an understatement. so awful.
Written December 15, 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.
Janice N
Henderson, NV138 contributions
Sep 2020
The Rail Bike is a brand new attraction (opened 2 months ago, according to the ticket agent). It is a BLAST! You ride 4 to a rail bike, with one passenger operating the controls. You go down to the canyon floor, have a break with light snacks and plenty of water and view the desert countryside. We didn't see any wild horses or sheep or deer, maybe because it was a bit smoky from the wildfires in Northern CA. Then you go back the opposite direction, getting some good cardio exercise (although we did use the pedal assist to help) and go across the highway. Staff members went ahead and behind you, so if there was any issue, someone would be right there. We totally enjoyed it!
Written October 3, 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.
macy m
Warren, Arkansas
Can we stay over in Virginia City and ride back the next day?
Written April 5, 2015
Yes, you can ride from Carson City to Virginia City on either a Friday or Saturday and return on Sunday. Just call our ticket office at 877 724 5007 and we will be happy to assist you.
Written April 6, 2015
macy m
Warren, Arkansas
Can we stay over in Virginia city and ride back the next day
Written April 5, 2015
What days and times does the train run ? What is the cost? How long does it take? Do you get to get off I in VC.
Written February 24, 2015
Thank you for your interest in the V&T Railway. The Carson City-Virginia City round trip excursions run on Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 23 through the end of October. Adult round trip tickets are $52, Seniors and Veterans are $48 and children ages 2 to 16 are $32. The rides start in Carson City at 10 am, arriving in Virginia City at 11:30. You have three hours in Virginia City to shop, eat lunch and sight see. The train returns to Carson City at 3pm, arriving at 4:15.
Written March 10, 2015
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