Strasburg Rail Road
add photosChildren ages 3-11 receive a discounted ticket price. Kids under the age of 3 are free.
Meals included with some train rides
7 Reviews for Strasburg Rail Road
46
33
'11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"Choo Choo!"
The Strasburg Railroad dates back to 1832 when it was chartered as a line for hauling freight and passengers from Lancaster County to Philadelphia’s main line. For over 100 years it served that purpose, and is now considered to be America’s oldest short line railroad. Then in the 1950s, the Strasburg line was turned into a tourist attraction – inviting the public to come ride the rails in its refurbished passenger cars.
As part of our trip to Lancaster County last week, we had the chance to check out some of Strasburg’s biggest bragging points. Strasburg is a small town tucked right inside the heart of Amish Country. As we drove to the railroad we passed farm after farm, and yes- saw quite a few horses and buggies trotting along the road.
We arrived at the Strasburg Railroad Station and took in the sights and sounds. Train whistles, coal burning, shops, train themed kiddie rides, a cafe… lots to explore while awaiting our train’s departure.
We boarded our train and enjoyed a 45 minute ride through Amish farmland. Corn fields and other crops as far as the eye could see. Barns, silos, tiny farmhouses all dotted the rich, green landscape.
I am a total sucker for history. I found it fascinating to imagine what it must have been like to ride on the Strasburg Railroad “back in the day.” Back when the only other form of transportation in that area was by stagecoach or on horseback. Train rides were considered a “luxury” in most cases and your average every day Joe would not have had the opportunity to take such a journey.
We enjoyed our ride and before we knew it, were pulling back into the station. We ate some tasty lunches from the cafe and then had some time to wander around. After exploring the shops, Lily Bean and Biker Bob took a ride on this tiny Cagney steam train.
The Strasburg Railroad offers several options for riders: coach, first-class, open air or the dining car.
In addition to the traditional railroad trip, Strasburg Railroad has various themed events that run throughout the year (ticket prices vary by event).
This ride was definitely appropriate for any age bracket- young and old. Let’s face it- there’s just something fun and exciting about trains!
Want to check out the Strasburg Railroad with your fam? Tickets start at just $7 for kids, $14 for adults.
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Very nice train"
We rode the train at lunch in the dining car with our 1yr old and 3 yr old. You pay for the ride, and then pay separately for the food you order on the train. The food is pricey, and not that great - but you're paying for the experience. They did let us feed our kids food that we brought, so we only paid for our meals. The ride itself was 45 min in length - including stops. A very short ride, but some lovely scenery. One neat thing is that you can ride the train and get off at the halfway point to go to the Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. We didn't stop, but it looked like a really fun place. Overall, it was a kid friendly attraction, and it would be a hit for little train lovers.
0 families found this helpful
"great for kids of all ages"
My husband loves trains! He took 2 of our boys on a train ride. I'd say the 2 year old was too small just b/c well, he was 2 and didn't care! Our 5 year old loved it! They ate lunch on the train. You can get off at the one stop where there is ice cream and a small park. They took at lot of great pictures on the tour too.
0 families found this helpful
"A Child's Dream Come True!"
OMGOSH! The first time we ever went here, my son Keith was just 3 years old and completely and totally in love with Thomas the Train. He was all about choo choos and when we arrived at the Strasberg Railroad he was in his GLORY. Completely & Totally in love.
Of course, we shopped in the stores and found lots and lots of Thomas gear (and cute train whistles).
Because it was such a HUGE deal, we decided to splurge a little and paid extra for our tickets so that we could enjoy dinner in the dining car.
When the train arrived, all of the kids were thrilled. It was an old steam train and the dining car was just as I imagine it was back in the 1800s. Our meal was served while the train was moving and it was DELICIOUS! It was a full-course turkey dinner and it was wonderful.
Of course, the biggest thrill came when the old steam train blew it's whistle.
Just seeing my son's face, as he stared out in wonder made this trip PRICELESS.
(total, for 9 people, it was $200. Not bad considering it was a steam train ride and a full-course dinner!)
0 families found this helpful
"All Aboard!"
Train lovers will delight in climbing aboard the train and taking a ride through scenic lancaster. There is even a dining car that offers lunch, dinner and special wine and cheese tastings! I haven't had the pleasure of dining aboard the train but would like to try it the next time around.
Also on site is the Cagney train which is a mini steam train that takes you on a short ride down the track and a Pump Car that operates on hand power. On the pump car you take a ride down the track and you operate the car! (kids must be older than 5 for this one)
If you are hungry for lunch they have a counter service restaurant or pack a lunch and spread out a picnic blanket in the grass by the parking lot.
There is a great gift shop to take up some train themed soveneirs.
For an extra special experience with the kids be sure to check out their special events. We have visited multiple times when Thomas the Tank events are there and have had a blast. There are many more kid activities set up to up the entertainment value.
1 family found this helpful
"Great fun for train lovers."
If your little guy or girl loves trains, they'll love the Strasburg Railroad. You can take a 45 minute ride on an old fashioned steam locamotive. They have open air cars and closed cars, as well as a dining car. There are shops and a restaurant (it's nothing fancy, but the foods good), and a miniture steam train just for the kids to ride. All in all it's a lot of fun, but it wouldn't take up a whole day.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
After you’ve seen the railroad museum, cross the street for a forty-five-minute ride on the Strasburg Rail Road. Food service is available. The East Strasburg Rail Road Station was built in 1882 and includes railroad gift shops and the Dining Car restaurant. The Strasburg Rail Road is the nation’s oldest short-line railroad.
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Strasburg Rail Road »
Find Activities near Strasburg Rail Road »
Find Restaurants near Strasburg Rail Road »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
