Special Event Trains

Due to the covid-19 outbreak all train operations are suspended. Please check back as we will post updates when operations resume.

Excursion Train Rides

ALL ABOARD THE CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM’S POPULAR EXCURSION RAILROAD

The Sacramento Southern Railroad

2020 marks the 37th consecutive season the excursion trains have been operating in Old Sacramento. Train rides include closed coach cars, open-air gondolas and a first-class observation car pulled by either Granite Rock No. 10 steam locomotive or one of our vintage diesel locomotives from the Museum’s collection.

The Sacramento Southern Railroad is operated in partnership between the California State Railroad Museum and Foundation. Railroad proceeds help fund Museum and Foundation projects and initiatives.

Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Tuesday Train Rides

As an expansion of the weekday train ride program for local school groups, the California State Railroad Museum offers excursion train rides to the general public on Tuesdays in March, April and October. Two train ride departures are available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

All excursion trains depart from the Central Pacific Passenger Station in Old Sacramento. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $8 for youth (ages 6-17) and free for children ages 5 and under. Weekday train ride tickets are only available in person on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 a.m. the day of the train ride at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located in the Central Pacific Passenger Station.

Click here for a google map link showing the depot location.

Farm-to-Fork Cocktail Train

Celebrate Farm-to-Fork in rail-related style! Showcasing the rich history and deep connection between agriculture and the railroad, the annual Farm-to-Fork Cocktail Trains are held in September. Guests will enjoy a leisurely first-class train ride as well as exquisite locally prepared appetizers and beverages. Space is limited for this special event and all train ride guests must be at least 21-years-old.

Check back in July when we will have more details about Farm-to-Fork 2020.

Spookomotive Train Ride

This delightful, not frightful train ride is just the ticket for the whole family. On weekends in October, guests will enjoy exciting on-board entertainment and a tasty Halloween treat. The whimsically decorated and diesel-powered train ride is crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks, and staffed by a “skeleton crew.” Train ride guests are encouraged to get in the spirit and dress up according to these fun weekly themes: Superheroes & Villains, Pirates & Princesses and Witches & Wizards. For guests desiring a VIP experience, ride in the First Class Mad Scientist Laboratory! Members receive discounted pricing.

Check back in August when we will have more details about Farm-to-Fork 2020.

Veterans Day Train Rides

To honor their service and celebrate the patriotic holiday, California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation offer veterans and active military personnel complimentary excursion train rides on the Sacramento Southern Railroad and complimentary Museum admission on Veteran's Day. With patriotic music playing aboard the trains, veteran and active military personnel are encouraged to wear their uniforms with pride while enjoying a special excursion train ride at 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Appealing to all ages, excursion train ride guests will delight in the sights, smells and sounds of an authentic, working locomotive as it rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River for a six-mile, 45-minute roundtrip excursion. Advance tickets are recommended and are available online or at the ticket office on the day of the train ride (based on availability) located in the Central Pacific Passenger Station ticket office (Front & J Streets) in Old Sacramento State Historic Park. First class train rides are not available on Veterans Day.

To receive complimentary Museum admission on this celebratory day, veterans and active military personnel must show their current military ID or proof of discharge under conditions other than dishonorable or bad conduct. Regular excursion train tickets cost $15 for adults, $8 for youths (ages 6-17), and ages five and under ride free. Regular Railroad Museum admission is $12 for adults, $6 for youths, and children ages five and under are free.

Check back in September when we will have more details about the 2020 Veterans Day Trains.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Events Polar Express Frequently Asked Questions

Relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and delicious cookies as you ride along with many of the story’s characters; such as the Conductor, the Dancing Chefs and a ghostly Hobo. Once you reach the North Pole, Santa will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, the “first gift of Christmas”. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride runs in November and December.