Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Steam through scenic Lancaster County aboard America’s oldest operating railroad, where the first thing you can expect is an authentic steam railroad experience! Strasburg Rail Road steam locomotives and cars, including First Class, Dining, Coach, and Open Air, all beautifully restored and carefully maintained by a world-class staff. Our regular steam train excursion provides a 45-minute roundtrip through the countryside, while an audio commentary highlights the history about the railroad and surrounding area. More than 2,500 acres of farmland are visible from the train, much of which is farmed by our Amish neighbors. Group rates are available for 10 or more Guests with additional perks for Cafe 1832 and our gift shops! Special Events include Day Out With Thomas, Christmas Trains, Wine & Cheese events, and more! Face Masks and social distancing required. Advanced Reservations required.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Restaurants
23 within 3 miles
Attractions
59 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,028 reviews
Excellent
3,629
Very good
917
Average
313
Poor
89
Terrible
81
Pat
Bethesda, MD64 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This trip was fun but very short. We rode in one of the first class cars which I recommend (they aren't too expensive) as they have large swivel chairs and way fewer people. The train is well maintained and beautiful. The only things is this rail line is very short. The ride is 45 min totally but that includes some loading time, both directions of the trip. And about 10 min or so of the locomotive changing from one end to the other to switch directions. All this means you don't actually see a whole lot. I still recommend it as it was a nice ride with very pleasant staff.
Written March 21, 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.
Robin M
Brookville, PA573 contributions
Sep 2022
My friend and I decided to take a ride on the Open-Air car at the Strasburg Railroad. I purchased tickets from the website before our visit. It was $24 per person to ride the open-air car.
We arrived early and checked in at the ticket booth. Since the train had already pulled in, we got to board and find a seat. The train filled up quickly. The train pulled out promptly at 2 PM. Even though it was warm outside, there was a very nice breeze coming through the windows. A narration played through the speakers as the train progressed, telling us about the farms we were passing. The train made it's way to Paradise, where the engine was moved to the back of the train for the return trip.
At the train station, there were refreshments available, along with a general store and a toy store. All in all, it was an enjoyable 45-minute ride.
We arrived early and checked in at the ticket booth. Since the train had already pulled in, we got to board and find a seat. The train filled up quickly. The train pulled out promptly at 2 PM. Even though it was warm outside, there was a very nice breeze coming through the windows. A narration played through the speakers as the train progressed, telling us about the farms we were passing. The train made it's way to Paradise, where the engine was moved to the back of the train for the return trip.
At the train station, there were refreshments available, along with a general store and a toy store. All in all, it was an enjoyable 45-minute ride.
Written September 21, 2022
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.
mike1046
59 contributions
Feb 2023
What a wonderful day. We took the 45 min ride in the First-Class car; seats were very comfortable. They do offer snacks on the trip for a fee, we just took bottled water with us. They have several gift shops at the station, as well as a small cafe with hot food. Located directly across the street from the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
Written February 22, 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.
Leah K
1 contribution
Oct 2022
I was very disappointed after spending $100.00 for two tickets. There were four railcars, we sat in the first seat closest to the conductor. Little did I know that when the train traveled to the destination and stopped, there were Actors outside the train performing a skit. The spooky music was loud so we could not hear anything that the inside Actor was saying, most of his time was spent in the aisle to the middle of the railcar. The entire train was positioned center to the skit area and with the angle of where the train stopped, it was hard to catch what little I did see. By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late, the skit was just about over.
I would recommend that those planning to attend this event, to sit in the second or third railcar.
I would recommend that those planning to attend this event, to sit in the second or third railcar.
Written October 23, 2022
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.
sanitationgirl2000
Baldwin, NY526 contributions
Sep 2021 • Friends
I was with my friend and we were down the block at the casey jones restaurant and saw everyone with cameras and asked what they were doing? Someone pointed down the road and told us the old steam train is coming! So we waited and watched and this thing was impressive as it made its way down the track. We ended up going to take a ride. Watching this train come is was so nice,and you can watch them fill the coal and water before you leave. I would get your tickets early so you can watch all this. Best time is summer so you can ride the OPEN CAR with no windows so you can hear the train and it just gives you a whole different feel. They talk about back in time, and when you reach the end they disconnect the caboose,drive past you and reconnect to take you back. You can also get off near a picnic area and catch it at the end of the day. They also offer dinner for around $75 but you are only on the train 45 minutes so I would imagine they move things real fast. There is also a few little stores before you board the train or you can get something to eat at the Cafe, all basic burgers, hot dogs, fries... it was a nice ride.
Written October 21, 2021
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.
amybotta
Glenolden, PA30 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Brought tickets for the escape room on a train months ago due to limited availability. At that time the escape room was on a moving train car with one free drink for each participant. When we arrived the escape room was on a stationary train car the man at check in stated "its been like that awhile because of mechanical difficulties" because it was a stationary car they also could not serve alcohol so we were told that we could each get a free drink at the Cafe but had to do so before our room started in 15 minutes or it would be closed so we all got a bottle of soda or water to carry with us.
We then entered the escape room. Our hostess was good and stayed in character but as a group that has done almost 50 escape rooms this was one of the worst set up and the most expensive. Thre were multiple rooms. Only 2 simple puzzles to solve alot of it was just looking around to find the key for the next car. There were maybe 5 boxes/props 2 of which were broken.
We assumed the cost of $50 per person included a drink and train ride but as neither of these occurred it is pretty steep for a very poorly designed and maintained escape room
We then entered the escape room. Our hostess was good and stayed in character but as a group that has done almost 50 escape rooms this was one of the worst set up and the most expensive. Thre were multiple rooms. Only 2 simple puzzles to solve alot of it was just looking around to find the key for the next car. There were maybe 5 boxes/props 2 of which were broken.
We assumed the cost of $50 per person included a drink and train ride but as neither of these occurred it is pretty steep for a very poorly designed and maintained escape room
Written August 21, 2022
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.
AlisoninVirginia
Midlothian, VA56 contributions
Apr 2022
Train is attractive & historic. You will be riding by beautiful farms, but nothing you can't see from a car ride. The train ride is very short & spends as much time changing engines to head back than travelling. Our party of 5 paid more to sit in 1st Class. The few staff members on board were friendly. We picked 1st Class as we wanted to eat lunch onboard. Shocked that only beer, wine, soda and snacks were offered. Our server was the only one working the whole train, so by the time he got to our car, the trip was half over. We ordered brownies, macarons, soda, & a fruit & cheese tray. The prices were not bad, but the food was. The cheese tray had all spicy & strong cheeses. No cheddar, swiss or common types. Only 4 crackers, some dried cranberries a& frozen, shriveled grapes. My Diet Coke was frozen, too. We barely had time to pay the bill before it was time to disembark. Also, there is a very tiny bathroom on board. half the size of an airplane bathroom. My son, who is a large young man had much trouble getting in and out of the bathroom. No way a parent could help a child use it as you would never both fit inside it, especially the way the door was configured. We had rode this train many years ago for a Day out with Thomas & wanted to revisit it when my kids were grown up. If you love trains then give it a try, but I would not waste money on food, use the bathroom before departure, & know that you will pay way too much for such a short trip.
Written April 10, 2022
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.
beetrvln
Fountain Valley, California1,892 contributions
Oct 2022
The perfect end to a train day. When booking our tickets for the train before we left home, I discovered that on the day we were visiting they had a special wine and cheese event taking place in the parlor cars on the last train of the day. It sounded like fun and something different, so I bought the tickets for the event.
We arrived a bit early and grabbed a snack at the cafe at the train station before boarding our train car. Once on board, we settled into our comfortable seats and the new Chef introduced himself and explained the evening.
Once the train steamed out of the station, he passed out our wine and cheese board. All of the cheeses were from a local farm as were the wines. Sunset Farms supplied the cheeses. There was a Gouda, Super Sharp and a Havarti Dill. With the three cheeses, dried fruits and crackers were three wines from Waltz Vineyards in Manheim, PA, Rock Red, my personal favorite, a semi-sweet red and a Rose with hints of strawberry and made with 10 varieties of local Pennsylvania apples.
We enjoyed the cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts and wines one way on the train. When we reached the turn around point, the Chef offered us a glass of our favorite wine from the tasting on our return trip. The evening was special, the cheese and wine board delicious and there was something magical about being in the parlor car of this historic train.
The entire evening was awesome.
We arrived a bit early and grabbed a snack at the cafe at the train station before boarding our train car. Once on board, we settled into our comfortable seats and the new Chef introduced himself and explained the evening.
Once the train steamed out of the station, he passed out our wine and cheese board. All of the cheeses were from a local farm as were the wines. Sunset Farms supplied the cheeses. There was a Gouda, Super Sharp and a Havarti Dill. With the three cheeses, dried fruits and crackers were three wines from Waltz Vineyards in Manheim, PA, Rock Red, my personal favorite, a semi-sweet red and a Rose with hints of strawberry and made with 10 varieties of local Pennsylvania apples.
We enjoyed the cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts and wines one way on the train. When we reached the turn around point, the Chef offered us a glass of our favorite wine from the tasting on our return trip. The evening was special, the cheese and wine board delicious and there was something magical about being in the parlor car of this historic train.
The entire evening was awesome.
Written November 1, 2022
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.
Craig H
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
Good grief. Where do I begin? First, the only reason they want you there 45 minutes early is so you can spend more money at all their shops along the strip. Second, boarding the train is a free-for-all. No order whatsoever. If you get a back car, as soon as the train starts to move, they hit you with a brass band and Santa and the carolers right after, all within the first 10 minutes of the ride. Then there is nothing. Then you stop and sit for 15 minutes looking at nothing while they move the engine. No decorations outside, just trees and abandoned buildings. We stopped multiple times along the ride and honestly probably spent more time stopped than actually traveling.
Written December 10, 2022
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.
susanbA9488YK
Pottsville, PA9 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
DO NOT, I repeat NOT do the wine and cheese tasting ride. It is a terrible, terrible rip-off. No where on the website, tasting menu nor during the introduction speech does it inform you that only ONE glass of wine is FREE. Subsequent glasses are freaking $14.00 dollars a piece for a local no name wine!!!!!! The staff just keeps bringing you glass after glass never ONCE mentioning the cost. So in addition to the cost of the ride which is not cheap, you easily end up spending almost another $100 just for a mediocre wine. At $14.00 dollars a glass, I could go to the local vineyard and buy an entire bottle.
Written August 21, 2022
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.
Jane
Haddonfield, NJ3 contributions
Do you provide handicapped parking or a shuttle to the station?
Our triain leaves at 12:30 today. We have our tickets.
markel82014
27 contributions
There is handicapped parking right by train.
kathleenb567
Marion, Maryland34 contributions
Can i bring a service dog onboard?
Michael B
Mesquite, NV15 contributions
I would think so but best bet is to call.
rabia a
New York City, NY
It’s my first time,I just searched for it,my 3 year boy is obsess with trains,should I do online booking,or just go in,where should I book online.
J Smith
Lincolnton, NC43 contributions
I booked online due to covid-19 they didn't offer tickets on site. I went directly to the website to book. Enjoy! Must wear face mask!
robbyess
Ephrata, PA6 contributions
Hello! How long is the train ride from start to finish? How much time should I forecast for this entire experience? Thank You.
Mike Shore Guy W
59 contributions
The ride is 45mins round trip. You should arrive 45mins to 1hr before your scheduled train to allow time to either purchase tickets or check in if you prebook online.
greenteanj
nj123 contributions
Would you recommend the coach or open air car? Is there a reason the open air one is slightly higher in price? We are going in the summer when it is hot.
Gary B
Ridley Park, PA3 contributions
The open air car is nicer in the fall. During the summer the bugs can get bad (You're riding through farmland) and if a thunderstorm pops up you may get wet. On a hot, hot day as we have had so far this summer, if the train stops for a prolonged period of time, it can get very hot in the car. None of the above would be a problem if you were in coach. Good luck and enjoy!!!
greenteanj
nj123 contributions
What is the best way for a family to do Strasburg Railroad on a shoestring budget?
Mike Shore Guy W
59 contributions
Coach or open air is best for budget passengers. Also, someone said that "coach is air conditioned" that is NOT correct. Coach cars do NOT have AC but the windows do open.
Gman
6 contributions
Is this a good place for families with kids?
Dreamer19441793330
Chaska, MN1 contribution
It certainly is a wonderful experience for all ages of “kids.” A learning environment provides answers to many questions just by talking to the Firman or Engineer on Steam Locomotive No. 90, an exceptional Decapod Engine.
bakerboyroy
New York City, NY
Is it easy getting on railroad?
Patty M
6 contributions
Not only is it easy steps, but they do have a capability to help those who are confined to a wheelchair. There was a lady next to us who was very grateful for their service.
Martin Donnelly
Magherafelt, UK3 contributions
Can we get off in Intercourse and return on a later train
Hi Martydonnelly, We regret to inform you that the Strasburg Rail Road doesn't run as far as Intercourse, but passengers can disembark at one of two picnic groves along our line to enjoy a picnic lunch and other amenities.
Strasburg Rail Road (Ronks) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Strasburg Rail Road
- Strasburg Rail Road is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Mon - Thu 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Fri - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Strasburg Rail Road:
- (0.60 mi) The Carriage House at Strasburg
- (0.82 mi) 1786 The Limestone Inn B&B
- (0.82 mi) Verdant View Farm Bed and Breakfast
- (0.53 mi) Red Caboose Motel, Restaurant & Gift Shop
- (2.21 mi) After Eight Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Strasburg Rail Road:
- (0.07 mi) Cafe 1832
- (0.59 mi) Speckled Hen
- (0.31 mi) Uncle Leroy's
- (0.76 mi) Fireside Tavern
- (0.31 mi) Isaac's Restaurants
- Attractions near Strasburg Rail Road:
- (0.07 mi) Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
- (0.11 mi) Railroad
- (0.11 mi) The House of Donald Collectibles and Museum
- (0.26 mi) Choo Choo Barn
- (0.73 mi) Old Windmill Farm