All aboard the California State Railroad Museum’s excursion railroad
The Sacramento Southern RailroadNow in our 40th year, join us for a 50 minute round trip ride along the scenic Sacramento River, as you experience railroading first hand as it was in the early part of the 20th century. Pulled by one of our historic steam or diesel locomotives, this ride is the perfect hands-on compliment to visiting the museum and is sure to entertain the entire family.
Ticket Information
Days and Hours of Operation
March 2023:
Tuesdays and Thursdays - Departures 11:30a.m. & 1:00p.m. (tickets only available day-of at the station)
Saturdays and Sundays - Departures 11:30a.m. 1:00p.m. & 2:30p.m.
April 2023:
Tuesdays and Thursdays - Departures 11:30a.m. & 1:00p.m. (tickets only available day-of at the station)
Fridays - Departures 11:30a.m. 1:00p.m. & 2:30p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays - Departures 10:00a.m. 11:30a.m. 1:00p.m. 2:30p.m. & 4:00p.m.
May - June 2023:
Fridays - Departures 11:30a.m. 1:00p.m. & 2:30p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays - Departures 10:00a.m. 11:30a.m. 1:00p.m. 2:30p.m. & 4:00p.m.
Ticket Prices:
Coach
- Adults: $15
- Youth (6-17): $8
- Child (Under 6): Free
- Members: Free
First Class
Saturdays and Sundays Beginning April 1
- Adults: $25
- Youth (6-17): $18
- Child (Under 6): Free
- Member Adult: $12
- Member Youth: $9
- Member Child: Free
Tickets may be purchased day-of at the Central Pacific Passenger Station or online ahead of time.
Click Here to Purchase Tickets
Members ride free or at reduced cost based on their membership level.
Click here for membership information.
Additional Information
Location
Tickets maybe purchased or picked up from the Central Pacific Passenger Station at the corner of Front and J Streets in Old Sacramento. Click here for a google maps link.
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of the coaches, all passengers must be able to climb a narrow set of stairs to board the coaches. Due to limited aisle widths, wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers are not permitted on the coaches. Temporary storage for devices is provided at the passenger station. Should you have any questions regarding accessibility please call the Membership Office at (916) 445-5995.
Ride In First Class Style
Enjoy a scenic, 50-minute ride along the Sacramento River and sit back in luxury and air-conditioned comfort as you are served refreshments in first class style. Each operating day we will be pulling one of our three elegant first class cars. Learn about our first class cars below.
The El Dorado
This handsome 1920s lounge car offers large windows and comfortable seating. The car is divided into two sections select either the Parlor or Lounge. Passengers in both locations are free to move about the car and step off onto the observation platform for a beautiful view of the Sacramento River.
The French Quarter
This beautifully restored car was inspired by the New Orleans French Quarter, with wrought iron balconies and a “Sunset pink” painted ceiling studded with stars. Complete with its own serving bar, the French Quarter has large windows and a variety of seating combinations including four small dining table booths for seating of four guests; settees and lounge-style chairs.
The Audubon Dining Car
The Dining Car is known as the “Audubon” because of the hand-painted reproductions of bird illustrations by the artist/naturalist John James Audubon. Groups of four passengers are seated around a small dining table.
About The Sacramento Southern Railroad
Since 1984, more than one million guests have taken a ride aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad, served by all-volunteer crews fully trained and certified under Federal Railroad Administration regulations. Each spring, the Sacramento Southern Railroad takes center stage as visitors enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of authentic locomotives as they roll along the levees of the Sacramento River. Appealing to all ages, the experience offers guests the chance to experience train travel from an earlier era.
Perhaps the most dynamic way to experience railroading is to actually ride a train, as many visitors to the California State Railroad Museum can attest. Since 1982, excursion trains have been a popular offering along the Sacramento waterfront and a rewarding activity for those involved in the myriad, related tasks of construction and refurbishment, operation and maintenance. But what has it taken to get to this point, and where does the name "Sacramento Southern Railroad" come from anyway?
Click here to read about the history of the Sacramento Southern Railroad