One of the best ways to enjoy almost 40 miles of pure Georgia scenery is to climb aboard a unique excursion train. GA has a number of scenic train rides to choose from, but the SAM Shortline is pretty unique. Stopping in some of the best towns our state has to offer, this scenic train ride in Georgia allows guests to wander through parts of our great state that they might not normally get to enjoy. The SAM departs from Archery, Georgia, and ends in Cordele, and it’s definitely a train ride the entire family will enjoy.

The Georgia excursion train known as the SAM Shortline is one of the best scenic trains you can climb aboard in the state.
Sam Shortline Excursion Train/Facebook
Traveling through six different towns in southwest, Georgia, visitors can get a glimpse of all our beautiful state has to offer in one single ride.
Facebook SAM Shortline Excursion Train
The SAM Shortline Excursion departs from the depot in Archery, Georgia and treks along through the towns of Plains, Americus, Leslie, and Cordele.
TripAdvisor David T.
The highlight of the excursion for many, is that they can stop along in any of the towns they see fit and enjoy a little bit of exploration, while catching another train later in the day.
Kerri Klatt/GoogleReviewws
Enjoy the pockets of nature you’ll witness along the way, like the sparkling views of Lake Blackshear or Georgia Veterans State Park.
Sam Shortline Excursion Train/Facebook

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Each train will have different amenities on board to enjoy, from snacks and beverages to souvenirs in the gift shop.
Facebook SAM Shortline Excursion Train
The accommodations aboard the trains, too, are most fascinating—with a vintage vibe that all can enjoy.
David T/TripAdvisor
Not every excursion train will stop at all the depots along the way, so if you have a particular destination in mind, then you should verify in advance.
Sam Shortline Excursion Train/Facebook
However, if you just feel like climbing aboard to take the 38-mile ride to indulge in a bit of peace and quiet, then the more the merrier.
Sam Shortline Excursion Train/Facebook
Check out the seasonal events too, that the SAM train holds for visitors, from the Day Out With Thomas to the Mistletoe Express train and so much more. This Georgia train ride has plenty to offer all ages!
Sam Shortline Excursion Train/Facebook

There are different depots to which you can climb aboard the SAM Shortline in Georgia. To find out where those depots are located, as well as specific train times and ticket prices, visit the train’s website or the train’s Facebook Page.

Also, if you’re looking for a fall foliage train ride in Georgia, then you’re in luck, but make sure you book your tickets quickly! For another fun rail experience, this vintage 1929 train caboose has been completely restored into a cute and historic vacation rental.

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More to Explore

Train Ride in Georgia & Related Info

Megan Todaro | January 13, 2023

What's the most beautiful train ride in Georgia?

The most beautiful train ride in Georgia happens during autumn when the leaves begin to change, and you can see it all firsthand. Departing from the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway in downtown Blue Ridge, guests will be able to enjoy a 26-mile round-trip adventure, which will total around four hours of train time with a two-hour layover. Grab a train seat by the window, or if you can, find an open-air seat to take in all the magic of the leaves changing.

What are the best train experiences in Georgia?

Besides the SAM Excursion train ride, Georgia has some other train rides worth considering too. To start, visitors can climb aboard the Amtrak Crescent train from Atlanta, Georgia, up through to the mountains of Toccoa. Guests can go from city life to a mountain getaway within just a few hours. A list of the best train experiences in GA includes:

  • Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blue Ridge
  • Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad, Stone Mountain
  • SAM Shortline Excursion Train, Cordele
  • Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah
  • Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth
  • Locust Grove Train Watching Platform, Locust Grove

 

Are there any seasonal GA train rides?

Yes, train fans will be delighted to find out there is a seasonal train ride in Georgia that happens every year. The Santa Express Train from Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is one of the most beloved seasonal events and takes an hour and fifteen minutes to complete. Aboard this train, you’ll experience a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” singing Christmas carols, holiday character visits, and even a surprise from Santa.

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Featured Addresses
SAM Shortline Train at Georgia Veterans State Park, 2459 U.S. Highway 280 W, Cordele, GA 31015, USA