Strasburg Rail Road
Ride America's oldest continuously operating short-line railroad through scenic Amish Country on a historic steam train.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful rides
Strasburg Rail Road
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride America's oldest continuously operating short-line railroad through scenic Amish Country on a historic steam train.
"A wonderful short ride through farmland, making it entertaining and comfortable for all ages."
🎯 Ride the Open-Air Car
For the best views and connection to nature, opt for the open-air car with a viewing platform.
🎟️ Book Themed Events Early
Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' or the 'Christmas Train' sell out fast. Book months in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Amish Country Ride
Lancaster County, PA
Experience a 45-minute round trip through picturesque Amish farmland on a historic steam train.
+1
First-Class Lounge Car
President's Train Car / Henry K. Long Lounge
Indulge in a luxurious journey with plush seating, swiveling chairs, and onboard food and drink service.
Steam Locomotive Encounters
East Strasburg Station
Get up close to powerful, meticulously maintained steam engines like #90 and #475.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Combine with Museum Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride the Open-Air Car
For the best views and connection to nature, opt for the open-air car with a viewing platform.
🎟️ Book Themed Events Early
Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' or the 'Christmas Train' sell out fast. Book months in advance!
📸 Capture the Steam
Bring your camera! The sight and sound of the steam locomotives are iconic.
🚰 Stay Hydrated & Snack
While some cars offer service, bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea for longer rides.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride the Open-Air Car
For the best views and connection to nature, opt for the open-air car with a viewing platform.
🎟️ Book Themed Events Early
Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' or the 'Christmas Train' sell out fast. Book months in advance!
📸 Capture the Steam
Bring your camera! The sight and sound of the steam locomotives are iconic.
🚰 Stay Hydrated & Snack
While some cars offer service, bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea for longer rides.
♿ Accessible Options Available
The railroad offers accommodations for physically disabled guests for comfortable and safe boarding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Strasburg Rail Road for its charming scenic rides through the Amish countryside and the friendly, helpful staff. Many highlight the enjoyable experience for families and the opportunity to get up close with historic steam locomotives. Some note that the ride itself is relatively short, but the overall atmosphere and unique offerings like themed trains and first-class cars make it a worthwhile visit.
"It is a wonderful short ride through farmland. They make it entertaining and comfortable. Also, if you're physically disabled they make accommodations and get on and off comfortably and safely. I highly recommend it for an enjoyable short outing. They're are few nice little shops and across the road is the Pennsylvania railroad museum, and that's fantastic! You need a good 4-5 hours for that place."
P Scott
"Enjoyed every single thing about it. So much that we went twice! Ride the open car. It's the one with the viewing platform and the best way to really enjoy nature in the countryside. Everybody at the railroad was so kind and helpful. They actually seem to really enjoy their job. Can't wait to come back again!"
Lisa Kay
"This was such a cool experience! Starting with the staff - super friendly! We were in one of the cars that serves snacks and drinks and our server was amazing and attentive. The ride out and back was pretty cool. My kids liked looking at all the different landscapes and being able to open the windows. I would definitely recommend!"
Rachel Kelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Strasburg Rail Road is located in Ronks, PA, within Lancaster County. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors combine their trip with a visit to the nearby Pennsylvania Railroad Museum.
Public transportation options directly to the Strasburg Rail Road are limited. It's primarily a destination reached by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you are not driving.
From Philadelphia, the most convenient way to reach the Strasburg Rail Road is by car, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Lancaster and then arrange for local transport.
Yes, it's possible to visit the Strasburg Rail Road as a long day trip from NYC. The drive is about 3-4 hours, so an early start is recommended. Alternatively, consider an overnight stay in Lancaster County.
Absolutely! The Pennsylvania Railroad Museum is directly across the street, and the charming towns of Lancaster County offer Amish experiences, markets, and shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Strasburg Rail Road tickets directly from their official website, which is the recommended method to ensure you get your desired seats and times.
Ticket prices vary depending on the train car chosen and any special events. Standard coach tickets are generally affordable, while first-class options are more premium. Check their website for current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book your Strasburg Rail Road tickets in advance, especially for popular times, weekends, and special events like the Christmas Train or Day Out With Thomas.
A standard ticket includes a scenic 45-minute round-trip ride through the Amish countryside. Some tickets, like those for the President's Train Car or Henry K. Long Lounge, include additional amenities or services.
Discounts may be available for groups, children, or seniors, and sometimes through special promotions or partnerships. It's best to check the official website or inquire directly for any current discount offers.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
The standard scenic train ride at the Strasburg Rail Road is approximately 45 minutes round trip.
You can choose from various cars, including open-air cars for immersive views, comfortable coach cars, and luxurious first-class options like the President's Train Car or the Henry K. Long Lounge.
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. Some cars also offer onboard food and beverage service, especially the first-class options.
Absolutely! The Strasburg Rail Road is a fantastic experience for all ages, especially children who love trains. Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' are particularly popular with younger visitors.
The Strasburg Rail Road is the oldest continuously operating short-line railroad in North America, dating back to 1832. It offers a glimpse into historical rail travel.
🍽️ 🍷 Food & Dining
Yes, some of the train cars, particularly the first-class options, offer onboard food and beverage service. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks.
The Strasburg Rail Road offers unique dining experiences, including a Wine & Cheese Train, which is perfect for a romantic outing or a special celebration.
Yes, you can enjoy a meal on certain trains, especially during special dining events or in the first-class lounge cars where food and drink can be ordered.
The Wine & Cheese Train typically features a selection of wines paired with artisanal cheeses and accompaniments, offering a delightful culinary journey through the countryside.
While onboard dining is available, there are also restaurants and eateries in the surrounding Ronks and Lancaster areas if you prefer to dine before or after your train ride.
📸 📸 Photography
The station area offers great opportunities to photograph the steam locomotives. For scenic shots, consider the open-air car or locations along the route.
Yes, passengers are encouraged to take photos from the train. The open-air cars and the windows of other cars provide excellent vantage points.
Absolutely! Getting up close to the powerful steam engines like #90 and #475 at the station is a highlight for photographers.
Railfan photography, capturing the steam locomotives in action, scenic countryside shots, and capturing the vintage atmosphere are all popular.
While some areas might be accessible, it's important to respect private property. The best and safest way to photograph the trains is from within the designated areas or from the train itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Even on regular days, the sheer excitement of seeing and riding a real steam train is captivating for children. Pairing your visit with the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum across the street offers even more train-themed fun.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy scenic views of the Amish countryside while savoring delicious wine and cheese pairings. Alternatively, booking first-class tickets in a beautifully restored lounge car provides a luxurious and intimate setting for your journey. The gentle rhythm of the train and the picturesque scenery create a perfect backdrop for quality time together. 🚂 Train Enthusiasts & Railfans
The railroad's commitment to preserving these powerful machines and their authentic operation is highly appreciated. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Steam Locomotives
Locomotive #475, a Norfolk & Western 4-8-0 Mastodon, is also a star attraction, often seen chuffing through the scenic landscape. These powerful machines are meticulously maintained, offering a truly authentic and awe-inspiring journey back in time. Visitors can often see these engines up close at the station, providing fantastic photo opportunities. The sheer scale and engineering of these locomotives are a testament to a bygone era of rail travel. For many, the sound and sight of a steam engine in full operation is the primary reason for their visit, making it a must-see for any train enthusiast.
While the primary focus is on the operational locomotives, the railroad also occasionally hosts special visiting engines, such as the renowned Norfolk and Western #611, adding to the excitement for railfans.
Beyond the Ride: Special Experiences
Families with younger children will be thrilled by events like 'Day Out With Thomas'. This beloved event features appearances by Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, complete with train rides, activities, and entertainment tailored for kids.
It's a magical experience that creates lasting memories for little ones. For a truly immersive and engaging experience, consider the escape room options or other themed events that the railroad occasionally hosts. These add an extra layer of fun and challenge to your visit, making the Strasburg Rail Road a destination with diverse attractions for all types of visitors.
A Journey Through History
This rich heritage is palpable as you step aboard the vintage carriages and witness the operation of authentic steam locomotives. Beyond its own operational history, the railroad is intrinsically linked to the broader narrative of American rail transportation. Its proximity to the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum further enhances this connection, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the evolution of trains and railroading.
From its early days serving agricultural needs to its current role as a premier tourist attraction, the Strasburg Rail Road has adapted and thrived. The dedication to preserving its heritage while offering modern amenities ensures that this historic line continues to captivate and educate visitors for generations to come.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit