FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Strasburg Rail Road is a real, operating steam railroad. The primary difference between us and modern-day trains is that Strasburg Rail Road’s trains are pulled by larger-than-life steam locomotives, and passengers ride in authentically restored, turn-of-the-century wooden rail cars. 

However, the same safety issues remain. Please abide by our safety measures while visiting the Strasburg Rail Road.

No, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is a separate entity, completely independent of the historic Strasburg Rail Road.

Since its opening in 1975, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s network of state-owned museums. It was created in Strasburg because of its rail connection via the Strasburg Rail Road which has been and continues to be privately owned by about 250 shareholders.

We encourage our guests to pre-reserve your tickets online or call our guest service agents. The East Strasburg Station does have tickets for most rides and events hosted by the Strasburg Rail Road available for purchase onsite.

All tickets are purchased as non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if a guest is unable to visit with us at their reserved time, we will work with them to rebook/exchange their tickets to a different date and time.

We are happy to evaluate item and money donations and bequests on a case-by-case basis.

Because the Strasburg Rail Road is a for-profit company, donations of money and/or items to the company are not tax deductible. Individuals interested in making a donation to the Strasburg Rail Road may contact SRRTrain@strasburgrailroad.com.

Consistent with most rail travel, trains operate on a fixed timetable; therefore, all trains depart promptly at their scheduled departure time. Ticketed passengers should plan to board the train about 10 to 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

All regular train rides are 45-minute roundtrips. This includes special ticketed events such as the Wine & Cheese experience, Dinner trains, and most special event trains.

The Strasburg Rail Road is a short-line railroad, which is designed to go directly from Point A to Point B.

As America’s oldest short-line railroad, Strasburg Rail Road trains have traveled the same 4.5-mile track since 1832. Throughout its history, the locomotive has traveled in reverse for the first part of the trip, uncoupled at the end of the line, and recoupled on the opposite end of the train for the return trip.

This is because the railroad played an important role in the transportation network in Central Pennsylvania, and expediency was valued. With no need (or real estate space) for a turntable and no compelling rationale for re-orienting the locomotive, this process was a viable solution that continues today!

Parking is available on-site in close walking distance to the station. Drop-offs are also permitted near station entrances. During special events, remote parking may be used, with a free shuttle provided to the railroad.

First-Class cars – President’s Car, Parlor, Lounge, and Dining – have restrooms on board. Coach Cars 58, 62, 65, 72, and 105 do have restrooms, and at least one of these cars is always on the daily train. However, Open Air Cars do not have restrooms, so we recommend arriving early and using the public restrooms so as not to miss any of your ride.

Due to the historic nature of our railcars, Strasburg Rail Road’s passenger train does not meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards with respect to accessibility.

For individuals who use a wheelchair, a mobility device, or have difficulty navigating steps, we do have a mobile lift. (Please note: The mobile lift has a combined weight limitation of 400 pounds).

Though we cannot guarantee accessibility, we have a variety of accommodation options available, and we will make a reasonable effort to provide each and every guest who wishes to ride the opportunity to do so.

If you are concerned about whether you or a member of your traveling party will be able to board the train, we recommend contacting our business office to discuss your particular circumstances.

Our business office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., holidays excluded. Our business office phone number is 717-687-8421, or you may email us at srrtrain@strasburgrailroad.com.

Patrons can visit the on-site gift shops and Cafe 1832, which open one hour before the first train of the day. On Thursdays – Sundays, May through September, period costumed characters can be found walking through the mall and often perform a Vaudeville-style show.

Food, water, strollers, and other light personal belongings are permissible to bring onto the property.

Pets are discouraged to be brought on property. Only service animals are permitted on the train.

Outside alcohol, drugs, and weapons are prohibited on railroad property. Strasburg Rail Road is a smoke-free property.

Visit Code of Conduct to read what is expected of our guests.

In accordance with Pennsylvania law, alcohol can only be served during the train ride. Purchased and served alcoholic drinks must be consumed before exiting the train; alcohol is not permitted off the train.

In addition, Strasburg Rail Road is not permitted to serve alcoholic drinks while the train is berthed in the Station.

Strasburg Rail Road does not permit pets or animals on trains or in customer-occupied areas of the station mall and train platform. 

Service animals are not considered pets and are permitted in all areas where customers are allowed.

Our trains run rain or shine, and promptly on schedule. However, the safety of our guests and team members is vital.

If a ride is canceled due to severe inclement weather, we will work with each guest to rebook to a later date and time that is convenient to them or issue an e-gift card that may be used at a later date.

View and purchase your photos taken during any of the specialty trains or Strasburg Rail Road events as long as you have your Strasburg Rail Road photo receipt from the day.

No, all sales are final. There are no refunds on any ticket purchases.