Life is about the journey, not the destination. And there’s simply no better way to enjoy the journey than aboard a passenger train! Happily, New Jersey has many options when it comes to epic train day trips. So before you search for “spontaneous day trips near me,” check out the following list of incredible adventures on the rails of the beautiful Garden State. All aboard on one of the most incredible day trips in New Jersey!

1. Whippany Railway Excursions, Whippany
Facebook/Whippany Railway Museum
1 Railroad Plz, Whippany, NJ 07981, USA
Facebook/Whippany Railway Museum
Whippany Railway Museum's Excursion Trains make for one of the most perfect New Jersey day trips. These sought after rides run just a handful days a year in the spring and fall, and are sure to delight any locomotive lover. Trips run for 10 miles along the route of the Historic Whippanong Trail through Whippany, East Hanover, Livingston, and Roseland. The train passes through the remnants of pre-historic Glacial Lake Passaic, a natural swamp which is home to a wide range of wildlife.

Trips last for approximately 45 minutes, and your fare also includes access to the museum and grounds. See historic trains and equipment, memorabilia displays, model trains, rare paperwork, and more -- this is such a fun adventure for little locomotive lovers! For a few dollars extra per ticket, you can upgrade to a restored 1927 luxury club car, and really ride in style! For dates and ticket info, visit the Whippany Railway Museum's website.
2. Delaware River Railroad Excursions, Phillipsburg
Facebook/Delaware River Railroad Excursions
99 Elizabeth St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865, USA
Facebook/Delaware River Railroad Excursions
The Delaware River Railroad offers several spectacular excursions throughout Northern New Jersey, designed to delight both children and adults. Children will love the railroad's themed and seasonal events like Easter Bunny Train Rides, A Day With Thomas (the tank engine), and The Polar Express. Families will delight in seasonal offerings whisking passengers away to pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

The popular mine train will take you to the Ol' Susquehanna Mine, where you can take a tour and hunt for gemstones. The Knight Train is the Renaissance Faire of train rides, taking you back to a different time. But there's another extra special treat - The Winery Train. An all-day adventure, you'll take a scenic ride along the Delaware and hop a bus to Villa Milagro Vineyards. Learn how grapes are grown and made into wine with a nice tour of the grounds and then sample a few flavors to find your new favorite. Hop a bus, catch the train and head back - or, add on a stop at the mine free of charge. Ticket prices vary for the Delaware River Railroad excursions; for more info visit the Delaware River Railroad Excursions website.

Take a look at this video by @Mike77E9:
3. Black River & Western Railroad Excursions, Flemington/Ringoes
Facebook/Black River & Western Railroad
101 John Ringo Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08551, USA
Facebook/Black River & Western Railroad
The spectacular seasonal day trips in NJ by train are offered most weekends and there are seasonal excursions as well. The approximately hour-long rides run between Flemington and Ringoes with a 10-15 stop in the middle. Certain train rides run 90 minutes. The Ringoes station offers restrooms, a gift shop, and a museum. Ticket prices vary by age, and you can learn more about specific rides and purchasing tickets at the Black River & Western Railroad website.

Check out this video by @MrNJT:
4. Pine Creek Railroad, Wall Township
Facebook/New Jersey museum of Transportation
4265 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale, NJ 07727, USA
Facebook/New Jersey Museum Of Transportation
In conjunction with the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, Pine Creek Railroad offers short steam train rides seasonally for just a few dollars per person. Though the rides are only 15 minutes, Pine Creek is located in Allaire State Park with plenty to do. Don't miss historic Allaire Village with restored buildings and period interpreters. They also offer unique special events including the Civil War Encampment and Railroaders Weekend which features a parade of classic and modern trains. Several holiday rides are available, though the Haunted Express Nighttime Rides are a favorite. This place really is fun all year long for day trips in NJ! For more information, visit the New Jersey Museum of Transportation's website.

Check out this video by @jerseyrf:

Of course, you can always hop on a commuter train to almost anywhere in New Jersey; we have the largest commuter rail system in the United States in terms of track mileage (951 miles). But, I think we prefer these scenic excursions better. Don’t you agree?

Looking for more day trips in New Jersey? We thought you might be! For more stellar day trips in the Garden State, check out: Whitesbog Village, Sahara Sam’s Indoor Waterpark, or this Fairy Garden.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Day Trips In New Jersey

Sarah | August 04, 2021

Are there any wine trains in New Jersey?

Yes, there are wine trains in New Jersey. The Warren County Winery Train is one experience where you’ll want to leave the kids at home. It’s perfect for a unique date, girlfriend getaway, or outing with friends. On the train, you will enjoy about 90 minutes of ride time, including a guided tour of the Delaware River Valley. In addition to the train ride, you'll take a short bus ride to the beautiful Villa Milagro Vineyards, where you'll tour the vineyards and learn about their organic farming practices and wine-making process. The tour ends with a wine tasting, making this the best adults-only day trip in New Jersey.

What are the most scenic train trips in New Jersey?

One of the most scenic train trips in New Jersey includes the Black River & Western Railroad's scenic "Pumpkin Train" rides throughout October. Excursions last two hours in total and will take you through tree-lined passageways that are painted with bright, vibrant fall foliage. An hour into the trip, the train stops by a local fall festival where kids can pick a pumpkin and wander through a corn maze. This is a unique autumn activity that those of all ages can enjoy!

What are the best day trips in New Jersey?

The best day trips in New Jersey include the following:

  • Snow Tubing at Mountain Creek
  • The Liberty Science Center
  • Adventure Aquarium + Battleship New Jersey
  • Asbury Park
  • The Historic Village at Allaire
  • Cape May

 

Plan a year's worth of epic day trips in New Jersey with this handy guide.

 

Related Articles

Explore New Jersey