National Museum of Transportation
Explore a world of wheels, wings, and rails! Discover historic vehicles, from massive locomotives to classic cars, with many you can enter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
National Museum of Transportation
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
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.
"Fantastic museum that chronicles the history of Transportation. The vintage car and train engine collections are awesome."
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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
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
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors (and Indoors!)
Plan for Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Train Ride is a Must! 🚂
Don't miss the chance to ride the 24" gauge train for a unique museum experience. 
Interactive Exhibits Galore! 👍
Many exhibits are hands-on, perfect for engaging all ages.
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.
Check for Events 🎉
The museum hosts various events throughout the year; check their website before you go!
Train Ride is a Must! 🚂
Don't miss the chance to ride the 24" gauge train for a unique museum experience.
Interactive Exhibits Galore! 👍
Many exhibits are hands-on, perfect for engaging all ages.
Stroller Friendly Paths 🚶♀️
The museum grounds are generally easy to navigate with strollers.
What Travellers Say
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.
"Visited on 6.14.2025. Fantastic museum that chronicles the history of Transportation. The vintage car and train engine collections are awesome. There is an enormous amount of steam locomotives, diesel engines and classic Pullman passanger cars. Many of the exhibits are hands on and the museum is very interactive. This is definitely a great place to bring young kids. Highly Recommend to anyone traveling through the St. Louis area."
Rick White
"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
"Very cool and interesting museum. My 6 year old son loved being able to go inside trains and go on a train ride. We went when it was 95 degrees outside and there was a heat advisory. But it was still very cool and there’s stuff inside and outside so u can rest in air conditioning if u need to."
Hathor Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, the museum offers parking for visitors. It's generally spacious enough to accommodate most visitors, especially on weekdays.
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.
Yes, the museum strives to be inclusive. Wheelchairs are available, and many of the grounds and exhibits are designed to be accessible.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Absolutely! A major highlight is that many of the vehicles, including numerous trains and classic cars, allow visitors to enter and explore.
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. +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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
If the museum has a cafe, it likely offers kid-friendly options. Otherwise, nearby restaurants will have plenty of choices to satisfy younger palates.
Yes, there are benches and seating areas throughout the museum grounds, both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to rest between exploring exhibits.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Yes, you can typically take photos and videos from the train during the ride, capturing the museum grounds from a unique perspective.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Don't miss the shaded play area with trucks, a perfect spot for little ones to explore. The museum is also stroller-friendly, and the 'Creation Station' offers engaging activities. 🚂 Train Enthusiasts
The train ride is an essential part of the experience for any rail fan. +1🚗 Car Buffs
Budget Travelers
While admission fees apply, the sheer amount of exhibits and interactive experiences offers great value. Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Collection: Locomotives and Rail
For a truly immersive experience, the museum offers a ride on its own 24" gauge train. This charming excursion circles the grounds, providing a unique perspective on the vast collection and the sprawling layout of the museum.
+1 It's a highlight for many visitors, especially families, and a fantastic way to cover more ground without extensive walking. The dedication of volunteers and staff to maintaining these historic machines is evident, with ongoing renovation projects ensuring these pieces of history remain for future generations. While the signs sometimes lack detailed information about specific engine makes and classifications, the visual impact of these powerful machines is undeniable. [^Rpostnumber] For enthusiasts, it's a treasure trove of railway history, offering a tangible connection to America's industrial past. The outdoor setting means you can truly appreciate the scale and engineering marvel of these locomotives.
Beyond the Rails: Cars, Planes, and More
This allows visitors to step back in time and imagine road trips of yesteryear. The museum also includes exhibits on aviation, showcasing aircraft that represent different milestones in flight history. What sets this museum apart is its emphasis on interactive exhibits. Unlike many museums where you can only observe, here you are encouraged to engage. This hands-on approach makes the history of transportation come alive, particularly for younger visitors. The 'Creation Station' area is specifically designed for children, offering activities that spark creativity and learning.
This focus on engagement ensures that visitors of all ages find something to captivate them, making it a truly family-friendly destination. The museum's commitment to preserving these historical artifacts in their original state, as donated or delivered, adds an authentic layer to the experience.
A Family-Friendly Haven
Beyond the main exhibits, there's a dedicated outdoor play area near the parking lot, filled with pea gravel and trucks. This shaded spot is perfect for toddlers and young children to burn off energy while parents can relax.
The 'Creation Station' area also provides engaging activities for kids, ensuring they remain entertained and learning throughout the visit. With knowledgeable guides who patiently answer endless questions and interactive displays that appeal to all ages, the museum provides a rich and enjoyable experience for the entire family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit