As part of our continued dedication to helping travelers find the best lodgings in areas that are interesting and exciting….this post is for Texas train rides and for all the train lovers out there. Whether it’s a really cool renovated train car that has all the comforts for a sleep over at one of our members properties or a train ride that can take you on a short train ride or across the state or even across the country… but for this post, we will focus on scenic trains in Texas. Trains that will entertain the kid in each of us, young and old alike.
All aboard!
First stop: Austin area
Photo courtesy of ASTA
The ASTA or Austin Steam Train Association has three depots: Cedar Park, Bertram and Burnet and is home of the popular Hill Country Flyer, Sunset Express and Bertram Flyer, just to name a few. Trains typically run on weekends. Occasionally they offer a midweek ride. Check their website or Facebook page for up to date schedules. Many rides sell out well in advance, so we recommend that you make your reservations ahead of time.
Austin Steam Train Association
Train and Museum
401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste C-100, Cedar Park TX 78613
Information: 512-402-3830Email: info@austinsteamtrain.org
Where to stay: Austin Area
Next stop: North Texas
Photo courtesy of
the Grapevine RR Facebook page
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Railroad is serviced by two vintage locomotives which include “Puffy” the 1896 steam locomotive, which is the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive. Passengers enjoy riding in authentic 1920s and 1930s Victorian-style coaches as they take a step back in time and experience train travel as it was in the glory days of the expanding West.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers more than just standard train rides; throughout the year, discover many different special events, including the adult-only Jazz Wine Trains, the annual family-favorite North Pole Express®, or the After Christmas Trains to close out the year.
Grapevine RR 705 S Main St Grapevine, TX 76051
Where to stay: North Prairies & Lakes
Our final stop is East Texas
photo courtesy of Texas State RR
Texas State Railroad – “The Official Railroad of Texas” has Vintage steam and diesel locomotives that take passengers across the celebrated rails of the Piney Woods Route between Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure. Let us take you back in time aboard our vintage rail coaches from the 1920’s. We will depart from the historic Palestine, TX Rail Depot and journey 25 miles through the East Texas Piney Woods before stopping at the Rusk, TX Railroad Depot where you can enjoy lunch by the lake or stroll the beautiful grounds of the Depot. Many seating and pricing options are available with open air coach prices starting at $25 per adult. We have a concession car serving your favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with popcorn and various snacks for purchase. ADA compliant coaches are available. Enjoy this 4-hour, round trip adventure with family and friends to celebrate Mom!
Make reservations ahead of time for the popular Pumpkin Patch and Polar Express train rides.
Texas State Railroad 789 Park Road 70 Palestine, TX 75801
Call our reservations desk today at 855-632-7729 for more information or visit our booking calendar at
Where to stay: Piney Woods
Spend the night in a Rail Car or Historic Depot
Where to stay: Trains of Railcars
The following Members offer unique lodging in a renovated train car, caboose, train station or depot. Below are just a few scattered around the great state of Texas.
We sincerely hope that y’all enjoy your time on the train trail and don’t forget to make your reservations at your favorite member’s property ahead of time! See you on the porch.
