Strasburg Rail Road

A great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. From food to gift shops you will find something to get. There is also the real excitement of an actual scenic train ride through the beautiful countryside. Top off your wonderful day with a trip through the train museum and possibly dine and stay over at the nearby Red Caboose Motel and restaurant. What a great place to make memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.

We visited for a second time today and again, it was such a fun time for the kiddos and for the the adults! I would love to do the murder mystery or the dinner car some time! It wasn’t too busy on a Friday in May, we easily got seats and parking was abundant. The ride was beautiful and peaceful. The instructions over the speakers were clear and helpful. We were able to quickly and easily buy tickets before the ride, but I do think getting them online in advance first would make it even easier. We will always recommend visiting the Strasburg Railroad to friends!

What a fun adventure today as my friend and I enjoyed a 45 minute ride with lunch in the Dining Car ! Picture perfect day and the Cuban sandwich was well made and came with a bag of chips and a cookie. Drinks cost extra and were ordered on board. The tables and chairs were comfortable with great views out clean and large windows. The engineer could not be hear well but Kathy the server was friendly and helpful. Apparently we were on the final run for retiring Conductor Jerry, after 20 years of service! Stepping up into the train was a bit steep for older legs but doable. Really nice and smooth so not at all difficult. Great experience!!

Strasburg Rail Road is such a wonderful experience for all ages! From the moment we arrived, everything felt like a step back in time in the best way possible. The train itself is beautifully restored, and the ride through Lancaster’s countryside is just stunning and peaceful. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and the whole place was very family-friendly and well-organized. The little extras like the gift shop, model trains, and play areas made it even more fun for the kids. Whether you’re a train lover or just looking for a fun day out, this is a 5-star adventure that leaves you smiling and feeling nostalgic. We’ll definitely be bac

A great experience for anyone who loves train. Fun for the whole family. A great gift shop as well. Open air train was a lot of fun and relaxing way to spend time and educate the younger generations.

Strasburg railroad is a wonderland for anyone who loves trains! We took my 2 year old to see the full size Thomas the tank engine and he loved it. They have great stores, a miniature train and friendly staff. It was great and we had a blast.

My experience on the parlor car was nothing short of spectacular. The staff were very friendly, the car kept in pristine condition, and it was a very smooth ride. There is the ride to Paradise and then back. Since the Parlor Car is in the back, one can see the train backing up in Paradise to connect to the parlor car. They also serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to those on board, and my sparkling lemonade was a great refresher. Overall, I would recommend both tourists and locals to take advantage of the parlor c

The train itself is impressive, and the staff were friendly and shared interesting information throughout the ride. The kids absolutely loved the experience, which made it worthwhile. That said, the ride is pretty short and follows an out-and-back route, so it felt a bit underwhelming overall. It’s definitely worth doing once, especially with kids, but probably not something we’d repeat multiple times.

This is one of the better rail services in Pennsylvania. I grew up in Pennsylvania and have fond memories of coming here in the 80s while on my elementary school field trips. It's been so special coming back with my own kids and remembering how special this place felt while I was there age. When my kids were just 3 years old, we did their Christmas Santa train and it was truly special with Santa, music and Mrs. Claus. There was live music, hot chocolate for sale and we brought our extended family. The train goes through the beautiful farmlands of Lancaster, PA. We recently returned with my kids now 4 years old. This train ride was equally as amazing as we did the dining car. You pre-pick your meal and while the turnaround is fast, they do a good job at getting the food out. There is also a wide range of beverages for purchase from milk and soda to wine, beer and cocktails. Before taking the train, I recommend checking out the train museum across the street, which is a separate entry fee. We've done a few train rides in Pennsylvania, and this is one of the best organized and friendly of the group (especially compared to the New Hope train, which was one of the worst we've experienced). Definitely check it out!

Visit Date: December 22, 2024 I came to Strasburg Rail Road with my family, my son and my boyfriend. We took a trip to PA together and this is what we did on December 22. My family had been on this Rail Road before but this was my first time going. I think my family got tickets for the Santa train, all I know is Santa showed up for the kids, an elf showed up and there were Christmas Carolers. The train ride was beautiful and very scenic. This is the second old fashioned train ride I've been on in PA, the first one I did was the New Hope/Ivyland Rail Road with my son for his birthday. It was super cold the day we went but we warmed up in the souvenir shops, they also had a cafe area and kitchen area where you could warm up. Riding the Strasburg Rail Road was a nice experience, I would recommend it!

We've been to this place numerous times in the past years and the kids love the idea of experiencing a locomotive train ride. The ride is approximately 15-20 minutes one way and it reverses back to the station, with a total ride time of 45 minutes. We've been on Easter Sunday, in summer, and in fall. During the Easter Sunday trip, the kids got a chance to join a nearby outdoor Easter egg hunt event. Afterward, we lined up and rode our impressive steam locomotive. Minutes after we departed the station, an Easter bunny mascot sprung out of nowhere, and the kids on the train were delighted to see him. The mascot walks through the aisle and gets some photo ops from the riders. At the same time, it was handing out cookies to the kids. The train is authentic, and I highly recommend this ride. Also, don't forget to visit the train museum just right across the street. And while you are on it, I also recommend visiting the Kitchen Kettle Village. The cliche, "The days are long but the years are short," is so true. Spend time with the kids while they are still young!

Are you looking for a new experience in Lancaster County? Look no further than the Strasburg Railroad's offerings. My daughter and I chose the Wine & Cheese train 45-minute ride. The steam engine train ride eased down the tracks to view the natural beauty of Lancaster County's farming community. It's an excellent experience for not just Mothers and daughters but also dates, girlfriends, or entertainment for visiting family or friends.

Check in process was easy, everything ran on time. We had first class seating which was the utmost comfort with giant swivel chairs. My friend and I each ordered a drink to enjoy during the ride. The drink was delicious but the ride was so short that it was over before I even got to finish my drink. It was difficult to hear the audio "tour" portion. Next time I need to see if they offer anything for the hearing impaired (not that I am, but the noise from the open doors and sound of the track precludes any ability to hear). I would recommend at least one ride, it was a nice experience. There is a small cafe there for sandwiches before or after your ride as well as a gift shop.

(For this one, it's only pertaining to their wine and cheese offerings.) I'm a big fan of the Strasburg Railroad. They are the ultimate counter culture tourist railroad company in that as places over the past few decades have trimmed back their offerings and/or run less steam, with SRR, it's same as it ever was. All steam, all the time. We've been intrigued with trying their wine and cheese train for several years but could never make it with work schedules. On a whim last weekend, it was showtime. Note upfront that other tourist railroads offer similar things and they do it only a few times a year as a special train. At Strasburg, their wine and cheese offerings are usually Friday-Sunday most of the year on the last train or two of the day in one of the lounge cars or their parlor car (it does vary). www.strasburgrailroad.com/dine-aboard-the-train/wine-cheese/?REFID=AdWords16&keyword_session_id=vt~adwords|kt~|mt~|ta~&_vsrefdom=wordstream&gad_source=1 Once you leave the station you are given a board with three samples of wine, three different cheeses, a tiny spot of mustard, a few crackers, dried fruit and two dark chocolate nibs. You then get a glass of whatever wine you enjoyed the most after you finish your board. A few random thoughts: Unlike the Strasburg website's boiler plate, at no time did anyone check IDs or tickets. In truth, the car was maybe 1/2 full which I thought was interesting for it being a Saturday. I think the reason for the 1/2 full is the pricing. $70pp for this is a bit stiff plus they try to sell you on buying a bottle for $30 (which costs $20 from the vineyard) or the glass you just drank out of for $8 or $9. At the end of the day, the car itself (#88 their parlor car Marian) is a work of art but is the experience worth an extra $35 past the regular price to ride the same car? I'm not really a wine person but we were just at a tasting room in a NE PA winery recently and their offerings tasted far superior to what they're offering on the train. Ironically, the thing that tasted the best, the cheeses, are not for sale. (Hint-Hint) Overall we had a good time with something that is a unique experience. The car and the scenery are both first rate. The car hosts were very nice and did a great job cleaning up, serving and explaining things. As much as I like the SRR, this will probably be a one and done for this specific offering. To much dough for wine that at least to me, isn't that good. They either need to back down the price, or push up the quality of the offerings.

We love the Strasburg railroad. We visited 5 years ago and sat in first class, which had comfortable spinny green velvet chairs. This time we did the Bonnie and Clyde show and sat coach. The acting was fantastic and the railcar was beautiful. If we are ever in the area again, you can make sure that we will book another trip.

TL;DL - WORTH A VISIT! It's a great place, for both children and adults alike! We are a family with 2 teenagers and we had a great time! The train takes you to the town of Paradise and back. There's recorded narration of the history along the way. It's a beautiful scenery along the way. It was decorated for fall and Halloween. Must be wonderful fir Christmas! Will be back!

The Strasburg Railroad is the perfect activity for the casual ....and intense train enthusiasts! 45 Minutes was the perfect amount of time to take in all the beautiful scenes and stories of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We got a little glimpse of how the Amish live, saw some animals, and other attractions in the area. The trains are in pristine vintage condition and really give you an idea of what it was like to travel in the past. We loved seeing them fill the engine, and all the smoke billowing out. After the train ride, our kiddos perused the gift shop and burned some extra energy on their authentic wooden train playground set. Paired with breakfast at Speckled Hen, this was truly a treat for our entire family. PS: Thomas the Tank Engine does special visits several times a year!

Took my kids here to do the train ride. They have a lot of different train rides but we were here midweek during the day so we just did the regular 45 minute one. The ride took us through great scenery where we saw farms, animals etc. The guy narrating the ride did a great job and it's actually someone talking not just a prerecorded thing. There is also a picnic park you can request to stop at and they will drop you off there and pick you up on the next train back. We paid a little bit extra for the open air car which gives a better view. Overall, we had a good time but I think it is one and done for us .

Much of my experience is reflected in the other 5 star comments. However, this proved to be a far more immersive experience than I expected!! Comfy seats, light snacks for purchase, and beautiful historic train car, etc... Now, about half way down the tracks the train slows to a stop. The Engineer blasts his horn in different patterns as they echo across the expansive farm; it really was cool!! Plan to sit on right side of train if you want to open your window for this part. I missed the first couple of blasts because our car was a bit noisy so be sure to ask your Steward to announce as the train slows so you and your fellow passengers are aware. I suspect the rather short duration is largely because we're on the most picturesque portion of this line; could it have gone another 15 or so minutes? Sure. But this experience was well worth every minute! Be sure to get a couple quick pictures, then really take in the sights, and sounds, smells without distraction (it's really worth it.) Hopefully you travel on a day that's conducive to opening your window as doing so really brings everything together!

What an adventure we were on the dining cart for lunch. It was a lite lunch that hit the spot. Learning about the history of the railroad and around the area it's amazing. Just wish the ride was longer and all the employees were very polite and engaging.

We taken this 45 minute train ride probably 5 times over the last 30-some years, first whilst we were dating, then with infants, then just the 2 of us, and recently with our 2 and 4 year old granddaughters. I like old-fashioned fun, and don't have a need for electronic, high-tech gadgetry. These were simpler days when people worked hard, expected nothing, and country, family, and Higher Power were a priority. I hope this place stays in business for generations to come!

Great time on the wine and cheese ride. Very very pretty car and the refreshments were good. Scenery was excellent and people that were with us were very friendly. Highly reccomended

We went on the christmas ride because the ride, at that time, was Christmas. They did a great job with the extras and the performers were A+ all-around. The little village is outstanding - you can spend 3 hours there with a kid pretty easily. I definitely recommend. And it is magical seeing the steam engine run.

Where else can you get a first class ride on a vintage steam-driven train? For $25 you get a 45 minute train ride that you will remember forever. Tickets are reasonably priced for the experience, and they don't overpack the cars. If you have kids, they will LOVE the ride. You can smell the burning coal (which I find pleasant), and hear the engine going. The whistle is a unique sound, and the conductor provides a comforting narrative. The part about the "ghost train" was great! If you don't have kids, I recommend spending a few dollars more and upgrading to first class. Al little more elbow room, and less loud children. I look forward to the next time I can take a ride!!!

Our oldest grandchild is crazy about steam trains and I promised after a previous trip to the museum across the street that we would come back and ride the train. Covid hit and here we are a few years later. My daughter needed the kids cared for due to the county closing school early, so we made the decision to take them a few places, the Strasburg Railroad being one of them. I bought first class seats, because that's just the way Nana rolls. I knew for the oldest child, it would be special and it did turn out very nicely for him! The car was air conditioned and that ended up being nice as showers and thunderstorms plagued this weekend. The boys were hot (as were Nana and Poppy!) but then on the train, they got cold. I would say if you DO book the first class, bring something for the shoulders because the AC definitely will freeze you out! The boys were very excited to get the show on the road. There is about a 30 minute wait for the train to take off. In this car, you can buy drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic along with light snacks. Nana and Poppy were starting to need the drink....lol. Was not cheap, but 2 sodas, two mixed drinks and a cheese platter were roughly 35 bucks without the tip. The trip is 45 minutes and you ride slowly through the Amish farmlands with some cute commentary along the way. At the halfway mark, the train comes around and much to my grandson's delight, the steam train comes around so that you can get a movie (very easy when you get first class to have a place to take movies from!) and it connected to our car. Grandson was just so THRILLED to actually see this happen! Before you know it, you are on your way back again. I think the only thing that I would do differently is check the schedule closely as THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE was ALSO in town! I didn't know this when I made the reservation, or at least didn't see it. When I wanted to take my grandsons to this event, I never could work it out. Now they are a little too old for it, but there were kids everywhere you looked. Luckily, we just booked the regular train. It is not a cheap excursion, but for your train lovers, it's a fun day!

I'm not a train fanatic, but I love how this is a steam locomotive on America's oldest continuing operating short line railroad. It has a great deal rd character. You feel like you've been transported back in time. It's a 45 minute train ride to Paradise. Pennsylvania that is. ;-) A leisure ride through Amish country in an authentically repaired passenger car. Choose from coach, open air, the dining car, or first class in the #118 Moedinger or parlor car #88, Marian. Be sure to check out pictures of the interior passenger car online to make an informative decision. before booking. The dining car, your meal must be chosen online. Purchasing tickets online is strongly advised, although we went the last week of April & while it wasn't crowded or super busy, you might not want to chance it. I don't think there's a bad choice, whether you go coach or first class. However, I opted for First class to check out the large velvet swivel chairs. There were only roughly 15 of us in first class on a Friday at 11am . In first class they offer snacks for purchase & accept cash or credit. A drink/snack menu is placed on a little table. There are no assigned seats, just designated passenger cars. ** Be sure to check in at the station building between lamppost 3 & 4 at least 30 minutes prior to departure! You will receive your actual tickets & be directed to the corresponding passenger car at the station building! Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure. Try to use the restrooms before boarding, which are at the entrance to the station, far opposite end of the station building. The bathrooms are clean. If you're doing the escape room, it's located next to the bathrooms & to the right of the toy store. They do ask to show your tickets aboard the train, so keep it handy & don't lose them! Although, the views aren't extraordinary, it is nice to just sit back & relax & enjoy the country side. It was pouring during our ride, but it didn't dampen our spirits or time! Definitely take the weather into consideration when choosing open air seats. Throughout the ride, there is a narration on the overhead speaker. It's informative, but has some cheesy, fun puns thrown in. When you reach the end of the line in Paradise be sure to keep a watch of the front of the train switch tracks to drive the train back to Strasburg (you will see it pass by on the right side of the train/ the train closest to the boarding station). The side of the train closest to the station has better views. Either before or after, if you have time, there is a toy shop & souvenir shop & a photograph shop? The stores open an hour before the first train & close 30 min? prior to the last train of the day's departure . They have costumed actors representing people of the era roaming around the station. Be sure to check out their website to familiarize yourself with special events, holiday trains & special tours. They even do a Thomas the engine train ride! They do have a cafe on site, but it's not extensive (sandwiches, burgers, salads etc). If you can wait there are nearby restaurants. We checked out LAncaster Central Market & bought some custom made to order sandwiches & long Johns & brought a cooler with us. They do have picnic grounds, but it was inclement weather, so we ate in the car. ** Parking is on-site, it is near the Bespoke Brewery, opposite side. There are two other train museums not affiliated behind the Strasburg RR & near the Bespoke Brewing. For the Harry Potter fans, there's a nod to the 9 3/4 platform. Strasburg RR is roughly a 45 minute drive from Downtown Hershey. From LAncaster Central Market about a 25-27 Minute drive.

I love movies featuring historic trains, but this might be the first time I've ridden one in real life - I'm totally obsessed! This is inspired me to start seeking out other historic railroads. The 45 minute ride was educational with gorgeous view of the Lancaster County countryside, and the train cars are both comfy and beautiful. Even sitting on the shady benches waiting for the train was part of the magical experience.

As close to a Time Machine as you'll ever find. Hop onboard a century-old train that takes you through beautiful Lancaster County farmland on a 45 minute journey. This place comes alive through the sight, sounds and smells of coal-burning locomotives that have each have their own character and identity. Feel the wind in your hair while riding an open air car, or reserve a table for two in the dining car. When you're done, take plenty of photos that will instantly transport you back to your visit. Across the street is one of the best railroad museums in North America, and nearby are tons of activities related to railroading and Amish culture. My first trip on the railroad was more than 35 years and I've shared that experience with my parents, as well as my own children. If you're taking a long weekend in Lancaster County, make sure you include a stop at Strasburg on your itinerary.

The Strasburg Rail Road, one of the oldest operating railroads in the United States, I could easily hop aboard historic steam locomotives and take a scenic journey through the Amish countryside, exploring the beautiful landscapes and witnessing the timeless charm of Amish communities.

This was a great experience for us. We chose the open air car. The scenic tour of the area with some history being told was nice. It was a hot day so the open air car was an excellent choice. Was very enjoyable. Although if you have back problems as I do I would recommend paying the extra for the vip cars with the AC and padded seats.

Is this heaven? Well, for rail fans I certainly think it's part of it! My wife and I recently surprised our kids with a trip to Strasburg so we could experience riding the stunning Norfolk & Western 611 steam locomotive. What a gem in Lancaster farm country. We are so blessed to have such a scenic, magical and simple place to turn back time and unplug yourself for a day. We arrived early to see both the Norfolk & Western 475 and 611 steam locomotives take turns bringing folks back in and leaving for their rides through the country. After watching these trains on youtube video's, my sons were grinning from ear to ear seeing these beasts in person. Parking can get full throughout the day, but we found a spot with no issue as people come and go frequently. The staff at the check-in/ticket booth were so easy and nice to deal with as was the staff on the train itself. As far as tickets go, in my humble opinion just ride on the basic car. The seats were comfortable and the views are just too nice to miss. I wouldn't bother booking the dining car while you ride, enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! You'll pass by acres and acres of farm land, several rail road crossings, and wave to lots of people along the route. The tickets were reasonable, I just wish the ride was longer than 45 mins! The rail car we rode in was clean, well maintained and beautiful. The ride was smooth and everyone involved in the train operation was extremely professional. The people we encountered throughout the day were so nice and good natured. It was a great experience to see so many different people come together and enjoy a train ride. Right near the boarding area for the trains within walking distance are bathrooms, a kids playground, a general store, an eatery and a toy train store. If you have a chance check out their train schedule, they have quite a few special train trips. We will definitely return! There are nearby eateries and other railroad museums, so you can certainly make a day trip in this area.

Typical tourist trap located in Amish country. I do feel it's overpriced on the dally, but they do have some special events that are worth checking out. The Thomas the Train event is a big hit and has been going on for at least two decades. I took my daughter here when she was two and now she's 26. I do feel like there were more to see and do back than, and the train ride was longer but it's much more organized now. There were a few things and ride on toys and activities for kids, all train or Thomas related included in the ticket price. As well as live kid friendly entertainment, a playground, indoor learning activities, and a pop up gift shop. Overall a pleasant experience for locals and tourists alike.

A great time! Hubs and I enjoyed a simple lunch in the dining car during a 45-minute ride through absolutely beautiful countryside, followed by a thorough walking tour of the mechanical shops given by David who was amazing!

Steam engines are the best! We rode in coach and it was very comfortable. 45min ride passes through rolling farmland. The "narration" is inaudible, they should just nix that. The shops & playground near the station occupied my kids for 2hrs after our ride.

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.

Went on the Santa train, it was extremely rushed. Had my 8 year old special needs daughter. They skipped her for a toy, which was a whistle that all the kids were non-stop on. Made it impossible for us to enjoy the train with constant train whistle. Was loud, not festive, very rushed and not a good experience for special needs kids.

Such a fun experience, I have been riding the Strasburg Rail Road since I was probably 5 years old. The train is beautifully restored, and takes a 45 minute ride to Paradise. I remember when the train ride was a little longer, not sure what happened. All the cars are fun, but I prefer the 1st Class parlor car that offers good and drinks for the ride. You can enjoy sitting on a sofa or wing back chair. I would only suggest that they offer some additional training to the staff in friendliness.

What a very nice adventure ! We had a guest from France and she wanted to see Lancaster and the Amish .... So we decided to do an afternoon train ride for 45 minutes. It was well worth the trip here ! We opted for the 1st class seating and the car was very comfortable with older swivel seats and menu options. It was well maintained.... They do a great job of preservation of older rail cars ! The entire staff no matter who speak with or ask questions of are Top Notch ! Professional, friendly and knowledgeable ! Very Impressive My wife and I are going to inquire about their Wine/Cheese adventure. Should be nice .... All in all, very nice ride and grounds ! Great place for children !

Amazing place, fast and flexible in terms of ticketing, scheduling and hopping to earliest train. The train is about 45 min. 20 min way x2 and 5-7 min for changing the main car. Highly recommend if you want to ride a train with relatives and especially kids. Beautiful nature and amazing guide tour.

We came here as part of our Lancaster, PA vacation on Tuesday May 23rd 2023 after the nearby Railroad musuem was closed. stores seemed really quiet, and we didn't go on the train ride. We entered (and exited) through Platform 9 3/4, which is a nod to Harry Potter, and a cool one at that. only spent 15 minutes here as we looked at the store, then went right back on the road. Enjoyed the Harry Potter reference, and now feel bad because we should have stopped in the toy train store that was there too. so i just wanted to say kudos for making a reference to Harry Potter!

Lovely restored cars, but the ride length is not worth the cost of the tickets and any significant travel time to get to the station. The ride is less than 45 minutes given the train has to stop for 10 minutes to shift the engine from one end to another. By the time we were settled in our car and received a refreshment, the train was headed back to the station.

Murder on the Orient Express... light. OK, it's not staring Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman and the train isn't quiet as luxurious, but if you've always wanted to experience a who-dun-it on the rails this is your best chance. It's a bit expensive, especially for a short trip (less than an hour), but there's a lot packed in, and overall it's a lot of fun. You get a wonderful ride through some beautiful country (don't get so distracted by the mystery that you forget to look out the window; the views are fantastic) in a wonderfully restored first class passenger car pulled by an authentic steam locomotive - while getting to enjoy a fun mystery in an intimate settings - and they throw in a drink (ok, it's in a plastic cup) and snack as well.

Cute little family train ride with Santa aboard. So much to see and do here while you wait for the train to board and leave the station. It was kind of pricey for the little ride we took, but it was nice going for Christmas because they had a Santa and people singing Christmas carols and playing instruments up and down the isles of the train. It was a nice memory to have with my family and was really good for photo ops. I would come again if they had a longer train route. The train went down about 20 minutes then stopped, and turned around to go back 20 minutes. Wish the trip was longer, and had more to see while we went past it.

Toot, toot, chugga, chugga! Here comes the Santa's paradise express coach! I love trains! As a kid I would sit for hours just watching my little train set go around and around on the track. The old steam trains brings back lots of nostalgia and movies like the Polar express brings it all home. They have many themed rides and you can check online for price and availability. We enjoyed the 45 minute ride on Santa's paradise express coach. As the train rolled out of the station we were met in the train with musicians playing traditional christmas songs and carolers singing. Santa went from car to car to take photos and Santa brought his own photographer with him as well, so as you guessed the photos were available for purchase. Since we sat on the second to last cars, Santa may not get to your car for a photo op depending on how many times he stops for a picture. My tip is to board the the middle car, this will guarantee you get the whole experience. Back at the train station you can shop at the gift shop or pick up something to eat. Remember, never let the kid inside you grow up and make sure to listen to the sweet bell ring every Christmas morning!

We did an escape room called the curse of the bobber. It was a very interesting experience. It was different from other escape rooms we had previously done. We finished in 35 minutes. We were a little slow getting started but once we found the first clue we took off. It was a great way to spend some time on a rainy afternoon

Took my train nerd husband here on our honeymoon. I recommend staying around the corner in a caboose at the red caboose motel if you're from out of town! We took the hostling tour, which was really cool and we got to go into a locomotive as it was being serviced and heated up for the week. The trains here are in great condition and they have something for every age and interest level. Prices are reasonable considering it's still an active historic railroad, not a volunteer run museum like most steam attractions (at least on the west coast).

We did the Wine and Cheese train ride and had so much fun. The wine was really good. Staff was so friendly. The inside of the train is very vintage and beautiful. My only complaint (which is obviously our fault not the train's fault, was that we did it at night so we couldn't see anything. I'd definitely do the earlier time next time!)

This is such a fun place to explore and experience! From start to finish it's like being taken back in time! The trains are beautiful and the staff are unbelievably friendly! It's an absolute must for families and train enthusiasts alike! My ONLY critique is that I expected the train ride to be longer. The train ride itself is quite literally just 20 minutes down the track, then the train changes direction and goes 20 minutes back. That being said the ride is very enjoyable and the staff make it fun! The train station itself has a little something for everyone. A toy shop, cafe, general store, etc. If you have a child that enjoys trains this is 100% a must go!

I pulled the "birthday card" and made my friend come here with me for the Sleepy Hollow train ride. Upon arrival at the station, there is plenty of parking, and depending on what time of the year you visit, potential vendors at the parking lot entrance. I am a total Fall / Spooky Season nerd, so I ate it all up. They do such a fabulous job at decorating, and the trains and station appear well-maintained. The Sleepy Hollow ride itself was ok. I think I would have enjoyed it more, but there was so much noise from the train's engine and so much static on the actors' microphones that my friend and I couldn't really hear them telling / acting out the story. I mean, the story is Google-able, but still. Maybe they'll work out the microphone logistics a little better for next year. I still enjoyed the train ride, and I felt that the actors did a great job despite my not being able to hear them well. They all stayed in character throughout the entire ride, which was impressive, especially with how cheesy some parts were. (Definitely family-friendly, but possibly a tad scary for the littler ones) Since I couldn't hear the story well, I took in the beautiful scenery. It was absolutely amazing! Fall is my favorite time of the year, and the area around Strasburg Rail Road is gorgeous! On the ride, we passed so many fall decorations, activities, accommodations, etc. that I ended up bookmarking for future visits. After the Sleepy Hollow ride, there was a Headless Horseman presentation at the station. Again, it was a little difficult to make out what was happening, but it was really cool nonetheless. The overall ambience and aesthetic was on point. I'd totally come back and do the Sleepy Hollow experience or any of the other rides another time!

What a beautiful morning ride! Definitely a step back through time! We booked online, easy peasy, easy to board. We were in the first class cabins- definitely recommend as it's air conditioned, has a bathroom and bar/snacks. The ride is very scenic and fun, the staff are friendly. There's a restaurant, 2 stores and other fun stuff at the train station. Lots of free parking. Highly recommend if in Lancaster area!

We showed up at 10am and got seats on the 11am train. Nice comfy seats in the coach car. Easy reasonable speed. Not much soot, perhaps the wind was favorable both ways. Great commentary. Excellent views of the Lancaster Countryside. Also took the noon shop tour. As a 40 year practicing mechanical engineer, I was most impressed with the behind the scenes views and info. All in all, a great 3 hours! And we went across the road to the Pennsylvania RR museum and had another great 2-1/2 hour visit.

I have always wanted to hop on the Strasburg Railroad trains! I loved the beauty of the massive locomotives and The sounds and smells of the coal and bells. The $25/pp seats were in the premium air conditioned car. We didn't get any drinks because they were out of water, unfortunate for a warm day. The Lancaster country side is beautiful. You can get off and picnic and the last train will pick you up. Our 5 month old loved it! We didn't bring our stroller but the seats were so comfortable he fell asleep in our arms. Next time we will try the open air car. That looks really cool!

The drive there was long yet scenic. I arrived very early. But before I get to the good part...I made a reservation online for 1 for the Diamond Heist. Then I needed to change it. But seconds later it was sold out. I called.. it was closed and sent 2 emails..still no response. I needed the 2nd reservation and I didn't want to drive 2.5 hours not to have a seat. At 9am someone picked up and basically said sold out... I asked about cancelations..they basically said sold out. I waited 15 minutes and called back and asked was there any way I can get 1 more person, this gentleman said no. I don't know the seating and figured there just weren't any more seats, I should have booked it with 2 people. I was told you can't buy tickets for that train once I arrived. Oh well..this will be a solo trip. I get there and there was a nice crowd and great parking. You can buy tickets for the regular train..a walk up. Long story short, I sat by myself and there was ample room for another person. Not Cool! If you sit on the left side of the train, you don't see the actors doing their skit off the train. I expected a better jewelry heist.. like actually seeing faux diamonds? Hide stuff on the train? Be more interactive, The scene off the train was not necessary in my opinion...was there really a stop on trains just to fight and get back on back then??? The gift shop was cool and they had a restaurant which looked pretty busy. Actors were good.

Easy to go online and check availability in advance. We booked seats on the first-class train and sorry to say we were disappointed. For $25, the ride itself isn't very scenic, only went one way, sat at the end for 10 minutes, then reversed the exact same route. There was supposed to be some sort of audio commentary, but the system must have been broken because we heard nothing. It was nice at least that they offer a very very very limited snack menu, so don't come hungry.

Recommend traveling in comfort with the $25 ticket in the first class dining car. Snacks are available during the hour long ride. Not particularly scenic but we just enjoyed being able to sit and chat in comfortable seats during a rainy, wintry day as a tourist. There was some narrative overhead but almost impossible to hear over everyone's chatter.

Bottom Line:: I loved it! Super fun, safe and scenic. For me Strasburg Rail Road is one of those places where I want to jump out of the car before my husband has parked because I am so darn excited! My husband booked the train ride for us and I didn't know what to expect but I absolutely loved it! Upon arriving at Strasburg Rail Road I was immediately impressed with the size and authenticity of the Norfolk and Western #475 locomotive and the rolling stock. It was so cool to see the thick smoke puffing out of the engine and creating a shadow on the ground. Also, the station as a whole was really nice with a paver pathway that meandered along the station, station J-tower, station clock, shops, restaurant and very clean bathroom. I wasn't expecting there to be so much infrastructure. We visited on a cold February day during COVID. Strasburg Rail Road is limiting capacity to 50% and visitors must wear masks. We felt we had plenty of personal space and that this was the perfect outing on a winter day during the pandemic. We were fortunate to be able to travel through the Amish countryside after it was freshly blanketed with snow. Depending on the season and time of day there are various choices for cars. Most of our train was made up of typical passenger coaches but I think there was a parlor car and we rode in the President's car. Strasburg Rail Road maintains an impressive fleet of five steam locos and 20 passenger cars! Also impressive was the number of Rail Fans and photographers at every crossing! It was cool to be chugging along and to see so many other people excited about our historic, 100+ year old train ambling along the 4.5 miles of track. I think seeing the enthusiasm by young and old alike was one of the best parts of the ride! Kudos to engineer Andrea and fireman Corbin! Corbin had to shovel 1,000 pound of coal to get us back up the hill from Paradise to Strasburg (technically Ronks) and I couldn't help but feel proud knowing a women was at the controls. I am already looking forward to my next ride on the Strasburg Rail Road but in the meantime I'll have to settle for watching it on the RailFan camera feed!

I bought tickets months ago and a few days before our ride one of the families back out of the Hershey/Strasburg trip because of fevers. I'm sure everyone on the train would be thank full for the thoughtfulness of the mother not bringing sick people along because they have a no refund policy! Really! So called in and said that 2 adults and 1 child of our party couldn't attend, 2 days out for the actual ride, they gave us credit for all 6 adults and 2 children.. I'm so angry I'm getting ready for a day at Hershey park with the family that made the trip isn't with us because of the illness and I'm hoping the damn seats aren't already gone to others while we git stuck with a 360 dollar coupon for future purchases... horse pucky. This out fit is very shoddy at a minimum.