Verde Canyon Railroad

Wow! We loved this train ride. The seating was comfortable, the staff was friendly, and the scenery was beautiful. (Added after original review: The curated musical sound track during the ride was awesome! Too bad it wasn't sold in the gift shop. (Probably some copyright issues and the narration is mixed in.)) I was skeptical at first given the price. You can take the train to the Grand Canyon for half the price, but you get what you pay for. I say that even though I love that ride, but for totally different reasons. On the Verde Canyon Railroad, you get first class seating everywhere. There were fewer seats because of how everyone was in a plush love seat or chairs. Every 2 cars share 1 open air car. Each person gets a charcuterie "board" big enough to be a meal. Plus, you get a glass of champagne or bubbly apple cider to toast the departure. It was a very grown up experience.

Very nice experience! The time at the depot was nice however, you don’t need to arrive 1.5 hrs early like they suggest. We arrived 45 mins before and it was perfect. The crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. Prices are steep, but the train is very comfortable with nice big chairs and the charcuterie/champagne and water are a nice touch. I thought they would give 1 small champagne bottles each but it was 1 small single service bottle per 2 people. Also, the ride does seem quite long. It would have been perfect as a 2-3 hr train ride.

Wow. Great place, great people. Thank you, Charley and your crew, for being so informative and very courteous with my family and people in general. Great view and great drinks. We enjoyed Charley's informative talks about the tour and his wit and enthusiasm. If you seat on the right of the train, you won't be disappointed with all the great views!! Ask Charley to make you a "mean" Bloody Mary!! Big thanks to the Cafe employee who recommended Calaveras in town for dinner. You didn't disappoint!

My family and I went on the scenic train ride for my mom's birthday on a Friday, it was amazing! The train was very clean, seats were comfortable, views were incredible and the staff was wonderful. When we first got on they helped us find our tables since we had a group of 7. Each person received a charcuterie board, water and champagne. The bar tender we had on the Phoenix cabin was phenomenal with a great personality. You could order drinks from the bar (card only) throughout the journey. The open air cabin was the best! It was so fun to be outside during the ride getting to experience the canyon. Our outdoor guide was Christian and he was so much fun to listen to as well enjoyed the views. He was very knowledgeable and had a great personality cracking many jokes. We all had a great experience and loved every minute of it!

Beautiful Scenery. Highlight of our trip! Very friendly staff. Boarding was quick and efficient. The couches were pretty comfy. The fruit/cheese board as well as the champagne being provided added a great touch. Would highly recommend and would go back.

I gave my husband a train ride for Christmas. We had a fantastic time. The train cars are clean and comfortable, the canyon is beautiful, and the staff were amazing. We spent out time inside during the ride up the train and then went outside for the ride back. Doing meant less of a crowd around us, as most people did the opposite. The bartender offered us drinks, but we don't drink, so she mixed some sodas for us. Then she gave us ice cream sandwiches for free. The little cracker/cheese box they provided was the perfect meal for us. We spent money in the gift shop instead of on food. The museum is small, but packed full of information and cool things to see. We look forward to riding again during the spring or fall.

It was amazing! The people were knowledgeable, funny, took grat care of the guests. The atmosphere was comfortable. The decor very modern and comfortable. The open car was amazing as well. Champagne or sparkling cider toast as the train pulls out of the station plus complimentary charcuterie snacks placed at each seat. Adult beverages and other snacks available. Excellent adventure and history plus good music

Worth the ticket with comfy couches , individual charcuterie boxes , wine and other surprises! Hosts inside and out on the open air cars were very knowledgeable and personable. The trip itself was breathtaking with the intense colors and landmarks pointed out along the way . It was 2 hours each way and very enjoyable . I would recommend and I will be back for the starlight sunset ride !

One of THE best things to do in Cottonwood AZ area! Hands down, this is 100% enjoyable, relaxing, informative, and food and drinks in every car! This is a refreshing respite into the AZ countryside with completely refurbished cars, fully air conditioned and outside cars to enjoy the views and fresh air. Discounts are available; just ask! The historical trip they guide you through is so very worth it and the Guides point out the timelines of AZ's past, what went on etc. We did the evening ride and we personally loved that! Seeing the setting sun through the Canyon was epic if not a million Kodak moments. While the trip and food cost a few bucks, nothing was undesirable and the on-train food was a complete delight and had numerous items with fresh fruit. Tons of pictures to be had and just a very fun way to enjoy vast landscapes that truly take you back to an earlier mindset envisioning what it must have been like, all on authentic, fully restored early 1900 trains. Gotta come do this!

This four hour ride along the Verde Valley river was a beautiful and relaxing experience. We did not have cell service so we were able to completely relax and immerse ourselves in nature, history, and the whole train experience. There is a guide in each train car and another one on the outdoor viewing train. Each has its own vibe and is equally cool. My only complaint was the expense. But for a one time trip for four hours in beautiful weather with the fall colors, in the end, I thought it was worth it. We have been to the Sedona area many times and we're looking for something new and different. This was definitely it! I think I would even try it again in spring or winter for a different experience. Special thanks to our guide Christian and I think Sean

Review for the restaurant. Total scsmmers!! You do NOT save any money buying food ahead. Same price in person. And they also lie about the items. Turkey sandwich says Boarshead on Multigrain. It's really just cheapo turkey on white bread. Staff confirmed that the menu is a lie and owner won't uodate it. It's a TV screen menu, so just uodate it you scammers!! Thx

This train ride exceeded my expectations. Well organized. The team members were excellent. They really enjoy their work.

During check in, greeted and presented with tickets. Walked around gift shop n food area, had to pull a table into corner for shade. Ended up getting chicken tenders(5-6) and fries/bbq sauce $19 decent sized for price. Train loaded 15 minutes prior to departure, meet Ryan waiter on train and Bryan outside car instructor. Both gentlemen were friendly and polite. Ended up buying waters during trip home $2-20oz smart water w/cup of ice. At first thought it was kinda expensive $139 per person and no discounts-4 hours, beautiful scenery and people we encountered, pleasant ride and ok (warm weather) I could do it again. Suggestions: earlier departure time am to see wildlife or sunset ride to see wildlife. Maybe a senior or 2nd return discount, preferred seats(choice), a couple more crackers for the amount of cheese/meats you get.

This was a cool experience! You board a train attached to a covered outside area where you can see the scenery. We got lucky and did it on a great weather day! It got hot here and there, but we were able to go back inside the cart to sit in air condition when that happened! You got a little charcuterie to snack on and a full service bar. I'd definitely recommend bringing on a few sit down activities! Scenery is beautiful but it is a 4 hour train ride and there's only so much scenery you can look at before it all starts looking a little similar. The train does go back and forth on the same path. So if you miss anything the first two hours, you'll pass it by again the last two hours!

This is a tough review for me to write. First impression once seated on the train was really unfortunate. However enough other stuff to bring up the score and prevent a really TO'ed guest. Team was friendly and greeted us as we boarded. Car was divided with big cushy couches and tables for two (with chairs) on the other side of the isle. Now my supreme disappointment..."large panoramic windows" yep that's what it said...see the image of our large panoramic window...aka wall. View totally blocked, nothing, nada, just a big wall. What saves it was they have open air cars you can go out on. Fortunate not too cold so we spent the entire trip standing on the rail or sitting on wood benches: Our attendant, Josselin was great. Clear safety instructions and pointed out things of interest along the way. The other saving grace was the charcuterie tray we all got. Actually glad we just snacked for lunch. So bottom line, great team, great scenery, great snacks, open air cars in decent weather and they left on time. However we didn't get to enjoy our big cushy seats because our seats absolutely sucked because of no window/view. They really should sell those seats as limited view and charge half price because that's what they were worth. Prob a one and done but would confirm we didn't have wall seats if we went again. YMMV...

This is definitely a "must do" ... at least once kind of thing! We had family in town from Hawaii (I know!) for spring break and what better thing to do than hop in a train that shows off a beautiful side of AZ that most people don't even know exists? It's a fun way to explore, socialize, and enjoy the views along the way! Train offers comfy seating and a full bar experience for those that need to spruce up the ride! We found discount tickets on Groupon, but turns out that going directly through the RR station is more affordable. It is a bit pricey, but they do include a cute individual charcuterie and champagne/water for the ride. It's recommended you arrive at least an hour in advance so ensure you get your tickets (if not purchased in advance) and perhaps grab a bite to eat at the station eatery. They also have a cute souvenir shop that you can browse through prior to boarding. One important thing to note is that outside food is not allowed on board... However, the charcuterie is surprisingly very filling. The reason I say this is a one time kind of experience is because it's a round trip ride on the same tracks, so the scenery is the same. I guess going during a different season would change it up for those of you that need to it more than once. As for me? The Verde Canyon Railroad is checked off my to-do list.

We were looking for something new to do to get out of the valley and see more of the state, so a quick day trip up to Sedona/cottonwood sounded nice. Typically, we are in the cottonwood area sipping on wines from vineyard to vineyard, but for a 4 hour ride on a train through the area AND wine? Sounded even better. The price is a little steep at $125 pp before tax/fees for the basic package which includes a little bottle of Cook's brut to cheers as the train pulls out of the station. It also includes a little charcuterie box of cheese and crackers which was nice to snack on along the route. We also found out that you can also bring your food that you ordered from the cafe in the gift shop to eat on the train as well. You can see below the prices for that... also pricey at $19 for chicken tenders (and all the other options too). Even more expensive than being at a concert where you're DYING and would pay anything to eat something. However, you are not able to bring drinks that you purchase at the bar at the station. As a federally regulated train, it is similar to being at the airport. You can bring food on, but alcohol consumed on the train must be purchased on the train. We both love history and were very excited to learn and hear more about the area and the train. Tristian was the guide in the open air cart and he did a great job of pointing out things of interest along the ride. He had to repeat himself 3-4 times depending on how many people were out there at one time. I think it would be very helpful for those outside guides to have a mic and some sort of speaker system so he didn't have to repeat so many times and rush to make sure he was able to point everything out. There was a bit of narration inside as well, but it was pretty quiet so you aren't able to hear much of it. I wish there was more shared about the history of the area, the native people, the plants in the area, significance of certain rocks. It was more "Oh! There's a rock shaped like a turtle, elephant, frog, etc." It felt like cloud gazing. Tristian did point out the monocline fold and the cave dwelling which were really neat and wished more of the train ride included information like that. The train does not turn around, the engine detaches from the front then comes around to the caboose to reattach to bring the train back to the station. That being said, the better view is on the side of the seats, not the couches. The couches are very comfortable, but if that ends up being your seat, I'd suggest spending most of the ride in the outside cart so you're able to see everything.

This was my second trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad. We had a party of 8 in the VIP seating area. The sofas were very comfortable with great views. Love the charcuterie and sparkling wine toast at the beginning of the trip. The bar options are nice. The narrative was provided by Christian on the outdoor car, and our server in the Cottonwood car was Michael. Both were delightful! It's a relaxing and interesting ride. I've lived in AZ most of my life and learned a lot about our history. The gift shop is lovely and the staff members were very helpful. On our first trip I pre-ordered meals assuming they would be served on the train, but you pick up the boxed meal at the cafe and take it on the ride. Overall, a great value.

Had a memorable experience here for the Christmas North Pole train experience. We were a party of 13 and we booked our tickets online a few weeks prior. The day of, we arrived and quickly checked in. The worker was friendly and had our tickets ready at the counter. The patio area was well decorated and you could feel the Christmas vibes. The bar area was open for drinks and they had characters walking around. The bathrooms were clean and there was plenty of stalls. The train ride was comfortable, spacious, and nicely warm. The elves (workers) did a great job keeping everyone entertained and festive throughout the ride. There was a drink station and hot chocolate was being served ($3). We were allowed to head outside once the train was on the move and we quickly made it to the "north pole." The train did not stop but it was slow enough for pictures. The displays and lighting at the north pole and throughout the ride could've definitely been a lot better - I wasn't too impressed... On our way back, the workers passed out reindeer boogers (jellybeans) and all broke loose. They didn't specify who would get some and they seemed to pick and choose who received them. Some of my family members got some and some did not - not fair. In total, the ride was about an hour long, 30 mins in each direction. Once we made it back to the station, we stopped by the gift shop and headed on out. Definitely worth the visit and good for children! Staff was great!

* Verde Canyon RXR We got tickets for a four-hour tour up and down the Copper Canyon. on the Clarksdale RXR. The ticket included a pre-trip meal at a the rail road station at a fast-food cafeteria-style restaurant. The double cheese and bacon burgers was substantial in size but barely room temperature since they were precooked and piled in a tray. My wife ordered a grilled cheese sandwich which was not in much better shape than the burger. I also purchased a couple of $1.00 bags of M&Ms. Well $1.00 at the grocery store, $3.00 each at the station. On the train we had a snack package that was really quite nice. Cheese, crackers, salami, wine etc. Half way through the ride, at the turn around point, we were offered the opportunity to purchase a "Mudslide Beverage". They made theirs with 2 oz Baileys Original Irish Cream * 0.5 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka * 1 cup Ice * Chocolate Syrup And a scoop of icecream!

We've been wanting to do this train ride for quite some time and finally had the opportunity to make it to the Verde Canyon Railroad over the weekend. It's about a 2-2.5 hour drive from the Phoenix area (check out construction along the I-17 before you go, and give yourself plenty of time to get there). We arrived about an hour and a half early; parking was easy to find. They have a souvenir shop, a small museum, and a spot you can grab some breakfast before the train ride. Food options were a breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich, or a pancake on a stick to choose from (entrees came with tater tots & and a fruit cup). There's a place to grab a voucher when you book your tickets for a small discount on the food. The ride itself was nice and scenic! As far as the duration goes, I did think it was a bit long. Based on our experience , this ride is best for when temperatures are cooler so you can spend more time on the outside car and also with a group (for more entertainment). They give you a small bottle of champagne (or sparking apple cider) at the beginning of the trip so you can toast to start the ride. The snack box which is included in the ticket price had 3 different cheeses, salami, pepperoni, and turkey, crackers, a packet of mustard, grapes, apricots, and a brownie. The meat, cheese, and fruit were nice, crackers were ok; I personally didn't care for the brownie. While this was a nice box, I do think for a 4 hour ride, it would've been nice to have a more substantial food option, like cold sandwiches with chips. Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, & mixed drinks) were available throughout the train ride. At the half way point, they offered a surprise treat which was an ice cream sandwich for $1 or they had a few drink specials; a mudslide, tequila sunrise, or a bottle of wine. My mom got a Bloody Mary which she enjoyed, I had gotten the tequila sunrise which was also good. They gave everyone a bottle of water at the beginning, we didn't ask for additional so not sure if that would've been an extra cost or not. I did see many people who had brought their own water bottles, they had asked everyone to open containers before boarding. Overall, a nice day trip to get out of town and enjoy some nice views of Verde Canyon! The staff members dropped some random facts throughout the course of the ride and mentioned when the more scenic spots were coming up so you could get your cameras ready with plenty of time. If you're going up to Sedona / Cottonwood area, it's worth adding this to your agenda. A bit pricey but worth going at least once!

Booking was easy. Everyone was so friendly there's a cute little store for souvenirs with appropriately priced items. I purchased a very cute bangle. We also purchased food from the cafe there and ended up going back twice for their fries! They were so tasty!! Now on the train we boarded the Sycamore cart and Shea was amazing she kept the vibe high and energetic. She interacted with everyone and was very personable! The only feedback I'd give is to maybe shorten the train ride. 4 hours is entirely too long to go 40 miles round trip. At some point it becomes boring. Also requesting guests to get there 2 hrs before departure is nuts. If you're staying in Sedona or Cottonwood...DO NOT go that early! I don't think young kids or teenagers would enjoy this as much as seniors but I did enjoy my experience 100% The complimentary charcuterie and champagne was a great value as well!

The whole experience was amazing. Michael and Craig made it so much fun and narrated the trip. We loved the snacks the outside viewing area . Everything was amazing I highly recommend this trip

Lots of fun. Full size train and rail system. It is an out-and-back route that includes a tunnel and multiple bridges. Comfortable with both indoor and outdoor seating cars and you have ability to move in or out as often as you like. The complimentary snack is a nice touch. Optional drinks and additional snacks sold separately are reasonably priced. Communication equipment (intercom, announcements, speakers and even human guides) are not very good quality sound as you cannot easily hear what is being said. But, the staff does not seem to answer your one-off questions.

I wish I could give this wonderful experience even more than 5 stars! Our experience began with Herold calming my concerns about being late for check-in because we were stuck in traffic. We arrived beautifully (just as he said we would). our tickets included lunch. We got into the cafe line, were treated friendly and professionally by Ashley. I asked if I could get onions on the hot dog, and the girl standing next to her (Ashlyn) said, 'I'll put them on for you'. Ashlyn then brought the hot dog to me and asked me if it was enough! Those two girls (young women) were simply THE BEST! My lunch tasted even better under their care! We had enough time to visit the small museum which was nicely organized and very informative. We boarded our car (the Flagstaff) and Michele was our attendant and bar tender. Our table was beautifully clean and laid with the small bottle of champagne and snack tray. Michele was WONDERFUL! I HIGHLY recommend her prickly pear margaritas. (No salt) They were yummy and refreshing. Joselyn was our outdoor attendant! Again, I cannot say enough about her! Not only was she knowledgeable, she was caring too. She chatted with people, described the geology of the area, but made sure they stayed hydrated. I missed a photo opportunity of a cave that had been excavated and many different artifacts from different tribes were found. She took a photo of it with her phone, found me a bit later (when we had cell service) and air dropped it to my phone! (I didn't even know how to do that). We ended our trip by going through the gift shop. We like to honor the local artists by buying a piece of art. Even though it was the end of the day Connie and (I think Sandy?) helped me purchase two beautiful pendants, and a pair of earrings (the wooden overlay ones), for our granddaughter. I cannot recommend this train experience enough! My only hope is that they will remember us as fondly as we will remember them.

This is an amazing and enjoyable train ride deep into red rock country. The staff are friendly and informative. There is comfortable seating inside including sofas when you aren't in the open cars getting the full view. Going in and returning the same way is not a problem as the views are different and you can see stuff you missed going in.

First I'll say I've already spoken with them so nothing I say here is something they didn't hear from me on the phone. Long review: 1. Don't go 2 hours early. Unless you plan to spend that time in their tiny "museum", overpriced sandwich shop or overpriced gift shop. We simply went back into town, had a nice lunch and came back at 12:30 to get our tickets. I'd asked for preboarding (disabled) and they let me on without the preboard pass they never gave me. 2. Train itself is nice. But if you're a party of 3 you'll be seated across from your 3rd. Who is seated across from a stranger. Uncomfortable when your third is a teenage girl. Regardless they serve a nice charcuterie and a mini champagne which is nice. 3. You literally can't hear the narration if that's something you're interested in over the music and loud voices. I suggested headphones or Bluetooth? I mean I didn't hear any of it. Part of it tho was the partiers. 4. The party people. So maybe ppl who are celebrating could be on one or two cars? Bc we had some really over served people making a lot of noise. At one point hubs was on the open car and some man fell over onto him passed out. The third time the guy working finally asked if he was ok. They push the booze that's for sure. If you drink wine, you can't get a glass. Just a bottle. And they'll cork and bag it to take with you, but still $30 for the bottle. when the 20 minute stop/turnaround happens you can't leave and the big sell is its tradition to have a specialty drink. 5. Smokers - it's 4 hours. Just so ya know. We did nic gum but that still kinda sucked. 6. It's all gorgeous views. Big windows. Outdoor car. Decent couches/chairs. But honestly it wasn't worth the $ to us. We were disappointed. They offered a refund but that's not what this is about so we declined. They're really nice folks but a lot of improvement could be made. So... if you plan to go be prepared. Our car seemed like a bar. Maybe family and kids cars and then celebrations in other cars? Hope this helps folks be more prepared than we were if they plan to go.

Our experience on the Verde Canyon Railroad was absolutely unforgettable--truly one of the best ways to spend an afternoon during a trip to Sedona! We did the 4+ hour wilderness ride and loved every minute of it. We had reserved seats in the Wickenburg car, which offered both a comfortable indoor space and access to an adjoining open-air car. We spent the trip going back and forth between the two and soaking in the incredible views of the canyon. The red rocks were breathtaking! Throughout the journey, there is an educational audio recording that points out everything you can observe, as well as historical anecdotes. Before boarding, we enjoyed a modest lunch in the on-site café--it was simple but satisfying, and the space was impressively clean. The gift shop was also well-stocked and inviting, with lots of great souvenirs and local goodies. We kinda went crazy in the gift shop! Ornaments, hats, petrified wood, gifts for our nephew, etc Our car attendant, Eric, made the ride even more enjoyable. He was helpful, enthusiastic, and clearly loved sharing the experience with passengers. One of the highlights was spotting several bald eagles flying overhead--but the absolute best moment was when my husband and I saw one perched on a rock in the river, most likely fishing. It was majestic and serene, a sight we'll never forget. The ride also included a charcuterie snack and champagne--while we don't drink and passed ours along to another couple, it was a nice touch that added to the experience. We'll absolutely do this again every time we're in the area. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting Sedona or nearby--this ride is a gem!

I know what you're thinking...a FOUR HOUR train ride?! Let me say it was awesome, and the time flew. Well worth the money, tips: don't arrive 1.5 hrs ahead of time, they just want you to buy stuff . However, have your purchased tickets in hand and go to counter 20 mins before. You will end up lining up based on the cars name that your ticket reads. No need to rush, it will not be crowded, and is assigned seating. Every seat is great, and the staff is magnificent. There is also an outdoor car attached to your club car, that has bench's and rails for viewing. Each ticket gets a good sized snack box w/ meats, cheeses, crackers, brownie and split of champs or sparkling apple juice. Bar available in each club car. DO IT!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this train ride and the exquisite scenery of the Red Mountains and Verde Valley. The train was very comfortable and Chris kept us entertained. Tim informed us about the history of the railroad and Verde valley on the viewing flat car. I highly recommend this trip for unforgettable views and making new friends. It was a fast 4 hour trip if you're looking for incredible sights and possibilities wildlife sighting. We saw a herd of Elks running from the train noises when turning back. If you are not interested in seeing beauty and Gods art work this might be a long ride for you. I had a great time thank you Verde Canyon Railroad for everything

The Haunted Train was ok. It was the second night open and I felt like the timing wasn't quite right and for $55 for two, I'd hoped for more. The train rooms were great and very cool how they decorated them. Liked it was tempature controlled. It was spooky and I hate how people jump out at you

Highly recommend the Santa Fe Belle car with Michael and Bryan are extremely knowledgeable and hospitable! The trip was absolutely beautiful with the trees turning.

OK, this has something for everyone. The train ride was comfortable, the car air conditioned and it was a hot day! However, when the terrain became scenic, and photos were necessary, there is an open train car for photo ops. The food served was good, not gourmet, but certainly not a disappointment. I ate it all! The train car had a bar and it was stocked with what anybody would want. Lots of scenery, a great "host" or guide, Tristan, kept us intertained. He had the right personality for that position. This is a great option for those that are not able to hike or want to see more of the Verde Valley.

We are on a get-a-way in Sedona and decided the train ride would be a great way to see the red rocks and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. We were not wrong. The train cars are comfortably equipped with, the air conditioning worked well and the charcuterie boxes were a perfect snack. We were taken care of and served by Michelle who was funny, kind, and knowledgeable about the terrain and areas we passed if we had questions. We ordered a bottle of Chardonnay that was very nice. The train station had a great gift shop, tasty food options and warm and welcoming staff also. Everyone aboard our train car, the Prescott, were friendly and as happy to be there as we were. The photo opportunities are abundant. We think you should give it a try!

We had an amazing time on the train ride. What made it so exceptional was our historian/server/bartender/cashier - Eric!! He's exceptional!!

My Mom and I decided to try something new and came to the Verde Valley Railroad train trip. So many good things to say. We got the package with the meal and were delighted the food was good and they give you plenty of it. There was a champagne toast once you start the journey and a charcuterie snack. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. There is a cute gift shop as well. We will come back.

What a nice experience. The train station was pleasant with an active cafe and lots of souvenirs. The train was well apportioned, comfy, and cool with a good sounds system. The charcuterie trays were good, the champagne was a nice touch but we needed more water for the four hour trip. The scenery was phenomenal and the staff kept us entertained and informed us The return trip was the only downside. Not much narration or staff engagement. We had conversations with other passengers.

Celebrated my birthday taking this awesome tour. Shea and Tristen were amazing tour guides and bar tenders and highly recommend getting on their rail car!! Only complaint is the food at the train depot was not good but the snacks they provide on the train was perfect!!

I feel like this was worth every penny. However, depending on where you end up sitting, you may not feel that way. You're gonna want to sit on the side that's next to the depot because that's the side that all the scenery is on but seating is assigned. I got lucky I ended up at a table . There are loveseats that accommodate parties of four I guess and there's not much to see on that side of the train, but you can go outside and look at scenery. The train leaves at 10:30 so I would advise getting there by 10 and if you are going to eat at the café, you're going to want to arrive even earlier . The café offerings were a little bit. In my opinion there was a breakfast burrito and English muffin, breakfast sandwich and sausage wrapped in a pancake like pigs in a blanket kind of. I opted for the egg and cheese English muffin breakfast sandwich with without meat and I've been into it and if you don't like runny yolks, this is not gonna be the breakfast for you. I did not care for that one but. But luckily, I also opted to get a yogurt parfait, and that hit the spot. When you get on the train, they give you champagne or sparkling cider and you get a snack box which has meats, cheeses, some flatbread, crackers, brownies, and dried fruit.. It was really good and they have a fantastic drink selection. You get on the train and you have a server in that train who makes all the drinks and everything . I was in a train car with Carrie and she was great. There is a gift card and a museum and the train ride is about 3 1/2 to four hours. It's very relaxing. I was noticing, however, that young kids and teenagers were bored. It was a nice experience. The train cars had good air conditioning the music and the narrator were clear. Overall, the train ride was pretty smooth. It wasn't very herky-jerky.

This is specifically for the The Magical Christmas Journey train ride that we did. Parking was easy. We got in a touch early so ordered some food. Food was generally good and we were able to take the food on the train. We were seated - albeit a family of four broken into two tables (maybe that is what we purchased?) we were still next to each other. Ride went down a ways and passed by illuminated displays. Not a lot. A lot of dead space, but still kind of nice to just be out there in the dark. Even the kids kind of liked riding in the dark on the open car. We finally passed by Santa's village and then a little more. Then Santa got on and talked with each boy/girl on the trip back to the main depot. Santa even talked with me - told me that coal was too expensive and that I would be getting broken concrete instead. LMAO! Kids got a small present (jellybeans, Reindeer boogers) which they didn't like so guess what - Dad got them.

After spending $500 my friends and I were separated even though we bought our 3 tickets together. I was promised we were sitting by each other by customer service in the lobby. You would think they would tell you when you buy 3 that you won't be sitting together. I never would have bought a $161 ticket had I known I couldn't sit with my friends.

I've heard about this railroad trip many times and decided to take my mom for her Christmas gift. We all enjoyed it! We were in a renovated car and it was beautiful and decorated for Christmas as well. The scenery is gorgeous. I liked that there was an outdoor viewing area as well where you can stand or sit to get a better view. We met some really nice people sitting next to us and I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon! I would highly recommend this. This is also a great option for those who want to sight see but can't walk far distances. We will definitely be back! I am going to aim for fall time next year.

What an amazing experience! From parking to the train ride and everything in between! Our tickets included a meal which was easy to figure out where to order and pickup. You can eat before or bring it on the train. The choices were abundant! So funny that Mom and I both chose chicken tenders but there were five (5) hearty sized and well cooked chicken tenders. The fries were great, too! And the generous portion of chicken tender dipping sauce was perfect. Every meal we saw others eating looked amazing from a turkey sandwich to a wrap or burger. Self serve, refillable fountain drink too. Lots of covered seating and some in the sunshine. The bathrooms kind of wowed me! Large, clean, easy to get in and out. Nice! Then, right before the train boarding time, a man came near the railing and explained where we should all be based on the train car we were assigned to. We boarded the train and surprised by the cleanliness and freshness of the air conditioned train car! Our seats were like a nice booth at the window. Two very comfortable high backed, fabric chairs and a small table for two between us. The other side of the car was a row of two love seats facing each other with a coffee table between to seat four. We each had a charcuterie tray and a split of champagne between us and the selection was beautiful and fresh. The bartender/server explained things to each table and opened the champagne before giving a toast when the train began the journey. Eric, our server was so charming and delightful. He/they explained where we were a lot and so hospitable. Tim was the other worker who spent most of his/their time on the outside car explaining history and geography to those who wanted to be outside. We did a little of both. There was music in the train car piped in when the narrator of the journey wasn't speaking. All the music was train related and fun! The drinks were reasonably priced and very well made. The beauty of the land around the train was only complimented by the service and accommodations inside the train. I highly recommend this experience.

The train was very comfortable and cool inside along with a nice charcuterie box. Our outdoor guide, Tristan, really made the trip great. 4 hours is a pretty long ride to just sit and look out windows. But Tristan kept us entertained on the outside car with facts, sites to look for, and some comedy. Also, I forgot from our initial reservation email that we were supposed to be there 1.5 hours before the start time. We were on track for 20 minutes early. They actually called us to make sure that we were still coming for our trip.

This was the funnest trip! A couple of friends, my husband and I all took the ride after a couple of nights partying in Prescott. The comfy couches and great service were exactly what we needed. Our host Nikki was excellent. She brought us all the drinks we wanted. They also give each guest a container of fruit, cheese, salami, turkey, crackers and fudge. I suggest you DO NOT eat at the depot. Food was not good. They give u so many snacks on the train there's no need to eat first. The outside car was fun to run out to when we came by the cool bridges, rock formation and tunnel. The guy working outside had a ton of great history to tell on the ride.

We had this excursion booked but with the government shutdown our flight was canceled with more than over a week to let them know we are not going to make this trip. We booked straight through to the site of the Verde Canyon Railroad and they still kept 10% of our payment. This was of no fault of ours and they would not even call back as I had to leave a message and an email came through stating they took 10%. Do you not honor the situation? DO NOT BOOK straight through them or if something happens out of your control they still take your money. We were looking forward to this trip too. Very sad they have to take peoples hard earn money when it was not there fault it was the government.

Fun time on this train ride. We were in Cottonwood. That was the name of the car we were in. We had Great, comfortable seats for our 4 hour tour/ride. Our server inside Cottonwood, his name was Sean, was amazing. The other helpers, outside on the open car, I don't know what you call them, but the guys that do all the talking, they were very very entertaining. Thank you for a fun ride and a very scenic tour. I will definitely pass this information along to family and friends that visit Sedona, that they should make it a point to book this tour. Thanks again...

At the end of the day, my husband and I benefited from the peace and serenity of chugging through the beautiful craggy Arizona landscape in a Verde Canyon Railroad car. But, our adventure didn't start off that well, unfortunately. We got there 1 1/2 hours early, dutifully following the rules, believing that would benefit us in some way. It didn't. The couple in front of me was told that they were being assigned to a newer comfortable car near the front. My husband was parking our car so I walked up and was told I was being sent to the last car before the caboose. Santa Fe, I believe. The Santa Fe attendant said later on that other customers don't get to have the "vintage" experience of riding in that car. The upholstery was worn out and the wallpaper was peeling. We were assigned to sit on some old straight-backed, cushioned bar stools at a small table. We desperately wanted to sit on a couch because a) we both have long legs so we had a hard time getting comfortable and b) we were a bit tired, exacerbated by the long walk to the back of the train. We asked the Santa Fe attendant how seats were assigned and she didn't know. Is it difficult for the check-in clerk to ask you what you prefer when you are there that early? Later on we asked a staff person if we could move; they couldn't find an unbooked couch. We wondered if we could have paid more and she said there's no first or second class seating; everyone is the same. It did not feel that way. The only good thing about arriving early had been that a nice couple from Texas offered to share their table with us as we waited to board. We enjoyed our chat with them. But, that was when I bit into the chicken tender that was anything but. It tasted old and chewy and had a faint cheesy flavor. I threw them all away. However, the fries were fresh and hot; we liked the tasty coating. Since they prohibit bringing your own meal, I suggest eating a light lunch ahead of time. You'll have a delicious, hearty snack waiting for you at your tables onboard the train. We consider ourselves "charcuterie connoisseurs" (kidding) and they were really well done. But, guess what? When you put all comfort aside and sit out on open air car, all of that bothers you in life is obliterated. The adorable attendant whose name I can't remember (she is kind of goth, short, with black hair, piercings, and gorgeous eyes) made it so much fun. She yelled out everything we were about to see. She would go from one side of the car to the other, to make sure everyone heard. She clearly loves her job, and cares deeply for the passengers. We ended up spending most of our time out on that deck, in the beautiful weather, holding on to our hats to ward off the occasional gust of wind. We met more friendly people, too. I thought I would be bored when the train returned back down the same route but instead I found myself exclaiming to my husband "Hey, there's that homestead" or "There are the twins!" I was proud of myself for learning Verde Canyon Railroad trivia. There's nothing like getting that close to the red rocks and all that nature. I was so uptight when it started and four hours later, as we neared the depot, I didn't want it to end.

Loved doing this with my wife. We got free tickets to this train ride with hilton grand vacations and we were offered a shuttle service to the train from sedona which only took about 30 mins to get to the train station. Once you arrive there is a restaurant , gift shop , outdoor seating, and restrooms for your convenience. The train itself was a bit wobbly so if you are prone to motion sickness maybe pass on this adventure. The train takes about 3-4 hours round trip and we had a whole couch to ourselves and an open bar. It was so much fun. Our bartender was very lively and made some great strong drinks. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing the red rocks. Great way to make some memories and soend the day in Arizona

What a long boring ride with hardly any views! So much money! Highly highly overpriced! Not worth the money for 1/5 the price!

This was an amazing train ride. Romn was our guide and made it fun and informative. I love history and he knew the history. I would recommend this train ride.

Just wanted to share some feedback about our experience yesterday. Train ride and views amazing! Relaxing 4 hour journey. We did the Grape Train Escape- would not do that theme/ride again. In the Sedona car we did not receive a champagne toast (so that was disappointing). As for the wine sample the 4 Non- Arizona wine samples were very small pours. Videos online showed glasses half full, we received way less- not even 2 sips worth. The wine was from Australia. What happened to wine from local wineries? Jacob's creek is $3.99 at Fry's for a bottle. Yes I will recommend the train ride, but the Starlight ride and not the Grape Train Escape. Unfortunately, not worth the extra fee. I like the option of purchasing drinks. The wine sample- was disappointing.

My cousin and I rode the Verde Canyon Railroad. We had a wonderful time and the scenery was remarkable. We're sitting inside the car and outside, both were comfortable and not too crowded. We rode in car Santa Fe Bell and spent time inside and outside. We went mid September and the weather was amazing. We ordered the lunch, ate it on the train, and ordered yummy mango smoothies which were made by Charlie and another worker (female). There was also a charcuterie box which was good except for the soggy crackers. All the staff were helpful and friendly, unfortunately I don't remember their names. They were friendly, attentive and concerned with our safety and the experience.

What a unique and fun experience for people of all ages! The daytime views are unmatched, as the land is wild and scattered with all kinds of fascinating history (which the guides will explain throughout the journey). Inside the cars is comfortable seating, snacks, drinks and plenty of windows but in the outdoor cars you catch a nice breeze and really experience the forest. I saw many children abroad and they all had a lovely time; older crowds found plenty of seating and the general energy onboard is camaraderie, so everyone gets lots of photos opps. The day I rode the train the afternoon turned stormy, and as little rain drops fell the cottonwood trees sent flurries of cotton swirling around those of us outside! I plan to return for a summer starlight ride to take in the same views by moonlight.

The train staff was friendly and the snack and beverages were good. The views were beautiful. It was exhilarating yet peaceful being in the open cart. It was a little long, and where we were sitting we couldn't hear the narration.

We were recommended this by a local resident. It did not disappoint. We had a great time! There is a cafe type restaurant at the station but honestly, the complimentary charcuterie that comes with your ticket is more than enough to eat! We ordered sandwiches from the cafe and never even ate them. While we did not partake, there is a bar at the platform that has cocktails before you board. Once onboard you are given champagne (or apple juice) to toast with when the train departs. Such a cute added touch. There is a bar and a restroom in each car. Our bartender was great. She was very welcoming and kept our drinks full. It's a long ride so we were very thankful for our attendant who kept offering up the history of the train and the canyon. He had tons of stories and helped point out landmarks and wildlife. (Saw 2 bald eagles) The train comes to a stop, the locomotive engine changes ends and you head back to the station. The canyon itself is very beautiful. We were lucky that it was a sunny, fairly warm day in January so we spent most of the ride outside in the open air car. Most certainly would recommend this experience. I mean, how often to you get to ride through a canyon in a train car?!?! **Wish we would have known - not far away is the super cute town of Cottonwood. Lots of shops and restaurants. Small, lively downtown are with plenty of places to see within walking distance. If we would have known we would have planned to visit either before or after the ride.**

I would highly recommend you take a trip on this train. Such beautiful scenery and just a really fun time. Like previous reviews stated the train leaves Clarkdale and travels through the canyon to the "town" of Perkinsville an old mining town. It is a unique way to spend the day. You are close to cottonwood and Jerome too so side trip/Road trip times might be in order. Haha!