Virginia Scenic Railway

What a lovely ride through the countryside. We headed west out of Staunton going to Goshen and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We opted for lunch in the dining car and were very pleased with our choice. Lunch was catered and excellent. The potato soup was thick and very tasty. My husband had the wedge salad with chicken and said it was also delicious. The historical tidbits were interesting and added to the trip. Great day all around. Definitely recommend and I think our next venture will be a murder mystery excursion.

We climbed aboard the Blue Ridge Flyer 🚂 to experience the thrill of roaring through the Blue Ridge Tunnel! The dining experience featured pre-ordered meals prepared by Lil Gus’s in Grottoes, VA. We chose turkey panini sandwiches 🥪 with cream cheese 🍮 and apple pie 🥧 for dessert. Our sandwiches were slightly warmed and served with coleslaw that was a tad too soggy. We both packed our desserts to go, and I genuinely enjoyed the cream cheese pie 🥧 and half of my panini sandwich 🥪, which I took home too. It wasn’t as bad hot! Ben, our server, had just two weeks of experience and could definitely spruce up his uniform 🥋 with some ironing or dry cleaning for a more polished look, especially since he mentioned they made good money and tipping wasn’t required. Presentation means everything to me! The train car was clean and the journey lasted approximately three hours, but it could have been more soothing with a diverse selection of music 🎼. Please, please download a playlist with progressive tunes to play softly between the pre-recorded historical messages! 🎶✨ Lastly, Tim, the bartender, was attentive, and surprisingly, all non-alcoholic drinks are at no additional cost! 🥤🙌 Overall, I recommend the Blue Ridge Flyer. I’m giving it three stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ because the dining car was not as upscale as I had imagined for $120, simply overly pricey. Maybe 🤔 I’ll try coach class $65, next time to see if I can improve the rating! 🌟😊

🌟 A Truly Unforgettable Ride! 🌟 Our trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway was absolutely magical from start to finish! The scenery was breathtaking — rolling mountains, vibrant foliage, and that nostalgic charm that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment. But what really made the experience shine was the people. Mike, Gina, and Tim were outstanding — warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about making every guest feel special. Their friendliness and professionalism turned a beautiful train ride into something truly memorable. And let’s talk about the food — all prepared by Lil Guss! Every bite was delicious, fresh, and clearly made with love. It’s not every day you get to enjoy such high-quality dining while watching Virginia’s landscapes glide by your window. From the service to the atmosphere, everything was top-notch. We can’t wait to go again — and we’ll definitely be recommending Virginia Scenic Railway (and especially Lil Guss, Mike, Gina, and Tim!) to everyone we know. 🚂✨

If looking at trees blocking the scenic view is what you want, do this. All the other reviews with nice pictures, be quick to take them. You do get like a total of 5 minutes of good pictures. Wish I could have seen the mountains better. Staff is great. We did the dining cart but not worth the $120 per person. For paying the elite package, we got boarded on last with a handicap person in the group. There’s no thoughtful organization on how you board on. Also the train engine broke down on the return trip. Over 2 hours to get a replacement.

Decided to try the train dining experience with my family. My whole family loved it! Awesome service from the staff and hosts. The food was incredible, which included lunch and dessert. The train ride was nice and very informative, with the tour voice on the overhead speakers. Hosts were very polite and easy to talk to. Will definitely book again.

What a great time! What made the trip worthwhile was the company! The windows were a bit dirty so the scenery was not the best. But... the nostalgia, our boothmate sisters Catherine and Cindy, the Buckingham Branch Railway President Steve, and the railway transportation staff gave the 698 people who traveled with us a trip to remember! We highly recommend the experience 👌 Looking to relax for 3.5 hours, take the train ride!

Late review from September 7th. My wife and I really enjoyed the entire experience: the show, the food and the scenery all came together to create a great afternoon. The murder mystery took some interesting turns and the actors did a great job keeping us engaged. After the performance the actors came out sans costumes to greet us all and answer any questions/curiosities. Shoutout to Mike and Kelsie (sp?), who did a terrific job taking care of the cabin. They were hustling the entire time.

Leisurely, scenic trip through the mountains. The servers were fantastic--we didn't want for anything! We chose to sit in the dome car, and the views were lovely. We ordered the boxed lunch, and it was A LOT of food. If we had known there was already going to be free snacks, we probably would have foregone the lunch. Something to know for next time! You do get to keep your souvenir pint glass, and the servers cannot accept tips. It was a nice way to spend 3 hours.

Everything!! Wonderful and realizing ride. Great service from Kelsey. Loved the trivia that was played during our ride!

Just a fun way to spend three hours. The train was comfortable and the staff was friendly and professional - shout out to Zach and Avery. The food was delicious. I had the Italian Sandwich and my husband had the Grilled Chicken Salad. We shared the cheesecake and the chocolate cake - so yummy. The views were lovely - rural scenery with farms and houses and woods. Definitely go before the trees leaf or many of your views will be blocked. We highly recommend.

I cannot say enough about the Virginia Scenic Railway. The railway crew was fantastic. The train pulled out in time and kept to their schedule. There was narration through the 3-hour trip; I learned a lot! We sat in the dining car so we had plenty of room to stretch out. This was worth the extra money. The wait staff was outstanding....very customer service oriented and always ready to pour a beverage refill. The food was delicious and plentiful. (I recommend the BBQ sandwich with the sides of baked beans and cole slaw.) The scenery was absolutely beautiful (although I can't wait to do this again when the leaves change color in the fall). This is a great date adventure. Highly recommend VSR!

What an outstanding ride. While their meals aren't vegan friendly, they were vegetarian options and I could easily make it vegan. A very smooth ride and some super knowledgeable folks sharing info the whole time.

Kelsey and Elizabeth were awesome and treated us so wonderfully. The train ride was very smooth and relaxing. The food was tasty and they were able to accommodate my gluten allergy. Overall a great experience.

Took my mom on her first train ride while visiting Va and she loved it! We did the Allegheny Special which leaves from historic Staunton and takes you through the farmland of the Shenandoah Valley. *Note-no outside food or drinks allowed on the train. A lot of us had to toss our drinks before boarding so keep that in mind before stopping at the Starbucks nearby! The service was great and we enjoyed the food we opted for when we booked our tickets. The farmland views were peaceful. I'm glad my mom and I got to enjoy this relaxing adventure together!

10/10 recommend! The food was delicious, the staff was wonderful, and the views were spectacular!

My husband and I visited from out of town and did the Allegheny train ride. We were a little skeptical because of the rainy weather but it cleared up enough to get some amazing country side/Mountain views (would be even more amazing in the Fall). The staff were friendly and very accommodating (Max and Travis?). We received complimentary snacks and glasses to take with us! Seats were comfortable and we had a very pleasant experience.

Another fantastic trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway, this time it was a fun date night dinner. Staff was very friendly and attentive, thank you Elizabeth and Zack for fantastic service. Delicious light dinner and dessert and we enjoyed the commentary on local history.

We had a fabulous experience with our servers and attendants on our excursion with Zackary and Elizabeth

We chose the Blue Ridge trip. The staff was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and attentive. The food was delicious and generous. The seating was very comfortable (we had dome seats). Our attendant, Tim, was great. Even with a rainy ride for the first half the scenery was lovely.

Great smooth ride! Air condition! Super nice hosts! The food was very good! Very informative history about the local area and train history!

The train ride was very relaxing, wish it was a bit longer. The hostess was great and attentive. The tables were adequately spaced apart. The view of the mountains was majestic. The barbecue sandwich and salad were delicious.

We have done both the Blue Ridge and Allegheny routes and both were great experiences! The food both times was also excellent! Highly recommend.

We went to Staunton for a little weekend getaway and this was something we planned around. It was really fun! I will say I thought one side of the train kind of had better scenery but it was still really lovely. You're so well taken care of by the incredible staff who really have the process down. They were all so lovely. I want to do it again in another season (there are two routes to choose from - we did the blue ridge flyer) and the other route.

What scenery??? The backs of buildings that are loaded with trash and graffiti? Or the bus station we waited and were almost mugged?? Food was like a tv dinner Servers were nice Don't recommend

it wasn't what we were expecting at all. the train bathroom had a smell, it was very old, the carpet needed to be deodorize an cleaned. the ride tour we saw a lot of junk cars and delapidatated houses. also, alot of just bushes and trees. more bushes than anything.the prices they charged for the tour wasn't worth it. it was more like taking a sunday drive nothing special at all .

Great service beautiful relaxing train ride. Good food too. We were able to have a couple drinks that for us was perfect. Good time all in all.

We had tickets on the Blue Ridge Flyer going East. The waiting area is outside, but their website warned us so we were dressed appropriately. The boarding process was organized and easy. The train was beautiful and clean and had well functioning facilities. The ride was smooth and beautiful. There was always something to look at. There is an occasional informational track running which gives interesting history of the train and countryside. A meal is served during the ride as well. Choosing a meal is done during the booking process and everything was exactly what we ordered. The food was delicious and the service was smooth. The courteous and knowledgeable staff was another highlight of our trip. Our train host Kelsea was friendly and efficient. She clearly loves her job and I can see why. The entire trip made me want to run away and ride the rails. I highly recommend that you try this!!

Great train ride. Also the food and staff was excellent. I took my mom for her first train ride and she loved it.

We went on the westbound train this morning. So enjoyable! - The ride was smooth. - The seating was comfortable, - The restrooms were spacious (so I was told). - The lunch we were served was delicious. The restaurant that catered is now on our list for a meal. - The staff and servers were attentive and professional. Next, we want to go east!

Very excited service. Had an enjoyable train trip. The food was good.make sure you book your train ticket.

We had an amazing ride on the Alleghany Special! It was romantic and relaxing. The perfect day to celebrate our anniversary. I highly recommend planning a ride soon! The meal was very nice and the tea was good! We got to keep the complimentary souvenir glass at the end which was nice!

We had a wonderful time taking the Alleghany Special. Lunch by Lil Gus' was delicious. The train ride was educational and fun. Relaxing and well worth the cost.

We drove 5 hours and stayed overnight for this train ride which was for my wifes birthday. My ticket was scanned and me and my wife boarded the train. About 15 mins after the trip began, we were approached by a lady who stated it looks like you only paid for 1 ticket in front of n entire car full.of people. I showed her my receipt which stated I paid for a table for 2 and selected 2 meals. She stated that the website can be confusing and they were working on that to which I replied that's not my fault. She replied it's not their fault either??? She said that I wouldn't be charged to ride but we would only get 1 meal? I said fine, we will just take 1 meal. A few minutes later, we were approached by another lady who stated the manger will be charging the card on file again without my permission. Once again, in front of an entire car of people. This was for my wifes birthday. The experience was ruined by a misunderstanding that was handled very poorly. Was told I would be contacted that Monday regarding the issue. No one called...

This is a pretty new service; it has two trains on weekends, with sit-down meal service on each. One runs west from Staunton, one east. It's a leisurely ride, taking about 3 hours each way. Meals are catered before leaving, but are excellent. Scenery on both runs is great, through the Appalachian and Blue Ridge ranges. The vestibule is open, with the dutch doors open, for sight-seeing. Staff is very competent and friendly, with Kristin leading the dining staff, as well as giving commentary on the equipment, and on any delays (meets with other trains, etc.). The Engineer and Brakeman were happy to chat with passengers when they are able. All in all, a very pleasurable ride. Highly recommended!