With so many forms of travel and people wanting to get from Point A to Point B in the quickest way possible, it seems that the appreciation for a picturesque train ride has somewhat been lost. Whether you have a set destination in mind or are just looking to hop aboard and spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery of our state, these trains will certainly entertain you. Here are seven scenic train rides in New York that will give you an unforgettable experience.

1. Arcade & Attica Railroad
Jonathan Filbert/Flickr
Mark Fischer/Flickr
Arcade & Attica Railroad Corporation, 278 Main St, Arcade, NY 14009, USA
Jonathan Filbert/Flickr
This 15-mile short line passing through Western New York runs through historic and scenic areas near Buffalo. Operating both steam-powered and diesel freight trains, this railroad generally runs from Memorial Day all the way through to October. Visit the Arcade & Attica Railroad website for the latest schedule of upcoming train rides, from murder mystery rides to fall foliage excursions and more! These are some of the best train rides in New York.

Take a look at this video by @ThingstodoinWesternNYforKids:
2. Catskill Mountain Railroad
TheTurducken/Flickr
Kat Stan/Flickr
Catskill Mountain Railroad, 55 Kingston Plaza, Kingston, NY 12401, USA
Kat Stan/Flickr
Based out of Kingston and beginning its operations back in 1982, this railroad is open for all seasons for recreational use! With a history dating as far back as the mid-1800s, this historic train ride has several stations. A 5-mile round trip ride from Mt. Tremper to Boiceville that will take you roughly 45 minutes is a New York favorite, bringing you along Esopus Creek where you can see much of New York's breathtaking wildlife. Check out upcoming seasonal rides at the Catskill Mountain Railroad website.
3. Adirondack Scenic Railroad
John T/TripAdvisor
Brad O'Brien/Flickr

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Adirondack Railroad, 330 Main St Suite 102, Utica, NY 13501, USA
Ted_And_Laura/TripAdvisor
This amazingly nostalgic train ride that's located inside Adirondack Park was once a part of the New York Central Railroad. Purchased by New York state in 1975, the trains and tracks are now maintained by helpful volunteers. Running from Utica all the way to Remsen, a day spent on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad is a day well spent! It's one of the best New York scenic train rides after all. For tickets, upcoming themed train rides, and departure schedules, visit the Adirondack Scenic Railroad website.

Take a look at this video by @thinkspeakact:
4. Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, 136 E Main St, Milford, NY 13807, USA
Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad/Facebook
Filled with history and built in 1869, these vintage train cars will give you a strong sense of nostalgia. Traveling through various landscapes of New York from gorgeous farmland to luscious forests and wetlands, you can catch a memorable, seasonal train ride here throughout the year from April through December. Visit the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad website to find out when the next train departs!

Take a look at this video by @HighIronProductions:
5. The Santa Claus Express via Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
melland/Flickr
Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad, 136 E Main St, Milford, NY 13807, USA
melland/Flickr
Usually beginning its exciting trips at the end of November, you can hop aboard these seasonally decorated vintage train cars at the Milford Depot. Taking about 2 1/2 hours, reservations are required for this unforgettable train ride. For departure dates and to buy tickets, visit the Santa Claus Express web page.
6. Medina Railroad Museum
nzggator/TripAdvisor
Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Ave, Medina, NY 14103, USA
medinarailroadmuseum.org
New York's largest model train museum and railroad lets you and your family explore your adventurous side in a uniquely nostalgic way. Running on a seasonal schedule, the museum funds various train trips and events that are perfect for all age groups! In June our favorite Day Out With Thomas event begins, where you can come take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and explore the Imagination Station. Visit the Medina Railroad Museum website for more upcoming events that are fun for the whole family.
7. Finger Lakes Railway
Mike Roqué/Flickr
Finger Lakes Railway, 68 Border City Rd, Geneva, NY 14456, USA
Mike Roqué/Flickr
Running tracks through six counties in the Finger Lakes region, this railway passes through Western New York's tranquil and rural areas. With its main line running from Syracuse to Canandaigua stretching over 76 miles, this incredible way of transport is hiding right before you. To check out the latest upcoming excursions, visit the Finger Lakes Railway website.

Have you ever taken a ride on one of these incredible scenic train rides in New York? Share with us your favorite New York train rides! And if you’re looking to enjoy the New York fall foliage by rail, check out these fall foliage train rides in Buffalo, New York.

Looking for a place to stay in New York this fall? Check out the best places to stay in New York.

 

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More to Explore

New York Scenic Train Rides

Meghan Byers | September 09, 2022

What are some fun day trips to take by train in New York?

The following are a few options for fun day trips by train in New York:

  • The Hudson Line travels alongside the Hudson River, stopping at plenty of stations along the way, including some historic and unforgettable locations. Enchanting and beautiful Tarrytown is one such stop, with its fairytale castle and the Tarrytown Music Hall.
  • Sleepy Hollow – yes, of headless horseman fame – is another stop a bit further north along the Hudson Line. It makes for a great stop around Halloween, although this charming village is beautiful year-round, with Hudson River views including a picturesque lighthouse.

 

Are there any scenic train rides you can take from New York City?

If you’re looking for a scenic train ride from NYC, Amtrak’s Adirondack line can’t be missed. The Adirondack train departs from New York City and travels all the way up to Montreal, passing through the beautiful, bucolic Hudson Valley along the way. The line goes to New York’s historic state capital, Albany, and plenty of other exciting destinations which you can view on the Amtrak website. But you don’t need to have a specific destination or itinerary to enjoy this ride through some of the Empire State's most beautiful scenery.

Are there any other train museums in New York?

Yes, there are other train museums in New York including:

  • The New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn is focused on historical artifacts of the NYC bus, subway, and commuter rail systems, and is a fascinating look at the history of public transport in the city.
  • The New York Museum of Transportation in West Henrietta has its own private rail line you can ride to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum in the town of Rush.

 

Looking for more train-themed adventures? Try this train-themed road trip through New York!

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