The very first F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet created is now homed at The National Museum of Transportation!
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National Museum of Transportation

4.7
·3k reviews·St. Louis, United States

Explore a world of wheels, wings, and rails! Discover historic vehicles, from massive locomotives to classic cars, with many you can enter.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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The very first F/A-18 E1 Super Hornet created is now homed at The National Museum of Transportation!

National Museum of Transportation

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a world of wheels, wings, and rails! Discover historic vehicles, from massive locomotives to classic cars, with many you can enter.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"Fantastic museum that chronicles the history of Transportation. The vintage car and train engine collections are awesome."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the grounds to see all the amazing vehicles.

Check for Events 🎉

The museum hosts various events throughout the year; check their website before you go!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,640 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Locomotive Wonderland

Locomotive Wonderland

Outdoor exhibit area

Explore over 70 historic locomotives, from massive steam engines to classic diesel models. Get up close and personal!

Step Inside History

Step Inside History

Various exhibit halls and train cars

Many vehicles, including vintage cars and Pullman passenger cars, allow you to step inside and imagine life in a bygone era.

Scenic Train Ride

Scenic Train Ride

Departs from the museum station

Take a charming ride on a 24" gauge train around the museum grounds for a unique perspective and quick way to see exhibits.

Kid-Friendly Play Area

Kid-Friendly Play Area

Near the parking lot

A shaded, pea-gravel play area with trucks offers a perfect spot for younger visitors to burn energy while parents relax.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors (and Indoors!)

Much of the National Museum of Transportation is outdoors, so check the weather! While many exhibits are sheltered, you'll want comfortable shoes for exploring the vast grounds. Don't miss the chance to go inside historic trains and cars.

Plan for Interactive Fun

This isn't a 'look but don't touch' museum. Many exhibits are hands-on, and train rides are a highlight! Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy a less crowded experience and more personal interaction with guides.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Event days
Why
Special activities and atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

At the Colorado Railroad Museum, our dedicated volunteers are always eager to share their knowledge of Colorado’s rich railroad history with younger generations. Recently, our Gen Z staff decided it was time to return the favor—by teaching some Gen Z slang! 🔥 We might be a little late to the trend, but hey—coordinating multiple generations in one roundhouse isn’t always easy! Stop by the Museum so...
@colorailroadmuseum
86K likes • 401.4K views

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the grounds to see all the amazing vehicles. Instagram

Check for Events 🎉

The museum hosts various events throughout the year; check their website before you go! Reddit

What a ride! One of the most unforgettable experiences at the National Military Museum is the chance to actually ride in real military vehicles—not just see them behind ropes or glass. These aren’t gentle museum rides either; they’re loud, bumpy, and absolutely awesome if you're into engines, history, or action. 🟢 M113 or M688 Tracked Vehicle Ride What it is: These are real tracked personnel carri...
@dutch.favourites
76.5K likes • 1.6M views
📍National Museum of Transportation in St. Louis, Mo 🚂 The museum has the worlds largest collection of transportation vehicles in the world. Many of them you can get inside and explore and learn about! 🚎you can take a train and a trolley ride to see more exhibits quicker and to get the lay if the grounds. 🛤️ We went on a week day and nearly had the place to ourselves! 🚈 My kids loved getting to ...
meghangarriott
60 likes • 2.6K views

Train Ride is a Must! 🚂

Don't miss the chance to ride the 24" gauge train for a unique museum experience. Instagram+1

Interactive Exhibits Galore! 👍

Many exhibits are hands-on, perfect for engaging all ages. InstagramReddit

This is our favorite hidden gem at The National Museum of Transportation! Near the parking lot there is this perfect play area filled with pea gravel and lots of trucks. It's nicely shaded on sunny days and has plenty of places to sit. Tag a mom friend that you want to relax here with while the kids play! #stlouismom #stlouiskids #toddlermom
simplypreparedmama
28 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟

You'll be doing a lot of walking across the grounds to see all the amazing vehicles. Instagram

Check for Events 🎉

The museum hosts various events throughout the year; check their website before you go! Reddit

Train Ride is a Must! 🚂

Don't miss the chance to ride the 24" gauge train for a unique museum experience. Instagram+1

Interactive Exhibits Galore! 👍

Many exhibits are hands-on, perfect for engaging all ages. InstagramReddit

Stroller Friendly Paths 🚶‍♀️

The museum grounds are generally easy to navigate with strollers. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Transportation for its vast and impressive collection of historic vehicles, especially the locomotives. The interactive nature of the exhibits, allowing guests to enter many vehicles, and the charming train ride are major highlights. It's highly recommended for families and anyone interested in the history of transportation.

"Can't say enough about this museum! We had a blast. There is so much info and so many interactive exhibits. Definitely recommend the family pack for families. It's a great deal and if you only have one child as we do, the card doesn't expire. No kids, not a problem- it's a great place for adults too!!"

Jennifer Swanner

"It was cool for being there the first time. The tickets were higher than what I figured. Plus if you want to ride the smaller train you have to pay more. $16 for adults and $8 for 12 and under. Littles are free. You can see trains and climb on a few. Cool cars and other stuff inside. Ride the tram back and forth a few times for free. But it's a walk to get to it. But if you have never been the kids think it's cool!!"

Ashlea Chesebrough

"Truly had an awesome experience! Charles, one of the guides, gave us a walk through of several trains, and answered my son's 8000 questions. He was so kind and helped bring the history to life!

There was so much cool stuff to see (especially the trains!!) It was so cool to see a Big Boy up close! There was really great information that was interesting for all ages!

Everyone we encountered was so helpful, it was such a cool experience and we will absolutely be back next time we are in St Louis!"

Kaylee Wyckwood

What People Like

Massive locomotive collection
Interactive exhibits
Train rides

What People Dislike

Limited info on some engines
Can be hot outdoors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Museum of Transportation is located at 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method. Instagram

Yes, the museum offers parking for visitors. It's generally spacious enough to accommodate most visitors, especially on weekdays. Instagram

While specific routes can vary, checking local St. Louis public transit schedules is recommended. However, many visitors find driving to be the most straightforward option. Instagram

Yes, the museum strives to be inclusive. Wheelchairs are available, and many of the grounds and exhibits are designed to be accessible. TikTok

Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official National Museum of Transportation website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary. It's recommended to check the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Consider a membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it's noted as being very worthwhile. Instagram

Purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good idea, especially if you're visiting during peak times or for special events. Check the museum's website for online ticketing options. Reddit

The museum may offer discounted rates for seniors, children, and sometimes military personnel. Details on pricing and discounts are typically available on their official website. Reddit

The train ride is a popular attraction and may have a separate fee or be included with certain admission types or memberships. Inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's website for details. Instagram+1

While not always required, booking a time slot can be beneficial during busy periods to guarantee entry and minimize wait times. Check the museum's ticketing page for any such requirements. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the extensive collection of over 70 locomotives, the vintage car exhibits, and the opportunity to step inside historic Pullman cars. The interactive elements and the train ride are also highly recommended. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! A major highlight is that many of the vehicles, including numerous trains and classic cars, allow visitors to enter and explore. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's highly recommended for families! Kids love being able to go inside the trains and cars, and the interactive exhibits keep them engaged. There's also a dedicated play area. InstagramReddit+1

You can easily spend several hours here, especially if you plan to take the train ride and explore many of the vehicles. Many visitors spend 3-4 hours or more. Reddit

Yes, the museum often has knowledgeable guides who can offer insights and answer questions, bringing the history to life. Charles, a guide, was particularly praised for his helpfulness. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum may have a cafe or snack bar, but options can be limited. It's often a good idea to pack your own snacks or plan for a meal before or after your visit. Reddit

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally permitted, especially for families. There are often picnic areas or spots where you can enjoy your own refreshments. Instagram

St. Louis offers a wide variety of dining options. You'll find numerous restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas if you plan to eat out before or after your museum visit. Instagram

If the museum has a cafe, it likely offers kid-friendly options. Otherwise, nearby restaurants will have plenty of choices to satisfy younger palates. Instagram

Yes, there are benches and seating areas throughout the museum grounds, both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to rest between exploring exhibits. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always check for signage. TikTok

The vast collection of locomotives, especially the 'Big Boy' engine, offers iconic photo opportunities. The vintage cars and the train ride itself also make for great shots. Reddit

Yes, you can typically take photos and videos from the train during the ride, capturing the museum grounds from a unique perspective. Instagram+1

Drone usage is almost always prohibited at museums and historical sites to ensure the safety of visitors and the preservation of exhibits. Check the museum's policy if you have specific questions. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful for indoor exhibits. For outdoor shots, a versatile lens that can capture both wide-angle views of the locomotives and details of the vehicles would be ideal. TikTok

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