Train Rides Explorer lists 13 train rides in Virginia. Compare the practical details families need before planning a visit.
Ashland Train Watching Platform is a toddler-friendly unique and amtrak train ride in Ashland, VA. The ride lasts Self-guided (as long as you like), costs FREE for adults and FREE for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Dedicated train-watching platform in downtown Ashland, famous for 40+ daily CSX/Amtrak trains passing at reduced speed through town. Free activity for train-obsessed kids. Ashland Train Day festival in April has children's train rides and model trains. Nearby restaurants and park.
Busch Gardens Railway in Busch Gardens Williamsburg is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Williamsburg, VA. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A scenic steam train ride at Busch Gardens Williamsburg circling the European-themed park through Virginia countryside.
Explore Park Miniature Train is a toddler-friendly scenic and miniature train ride in Roanoke, VA. The ride lasts ~10-15 min loop, costs ~$5–$7 per ride (+ park admission) for adults and ~$5–$7 per ride for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Scenic miniature train ride through the woods at Explore Park in Roanoke Valley. Part of larger outdoor recreation area with hiking trails, river access, and family activities. Good pairing with Roanoke's railroad history sights.
Fredericksburg Train Watching Platform is a toddler-friendly unique ride in Fredericksburg, VA. The ride lasts Flexible, costs Free for adults and Free for children, and children under two ride Free.
Popular train-watching spot in historic Fredericksburg, VA. Walk to the train bridge over the Rappahannock River. Active CSX line with frequent freight and passenger trains.
James River Rambler (Buckingham Branch) is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Dillwyn, VA. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A scenic train ride along the historic James River in Virginia. Offers vintage diesel excursions with river and forest views.
Manassas Heritage Railway Festival (Annual) is a toddler-friendly unique and museum train ride in Manassas, VA. The ride lasts 1 day, costs $0-$10 for adults and $0-$10 for children, and children under two ride Free.
Annual train festival in Manassas, VA with model train displays, railcar tours, and short train rides. Free admission. Great for young train enthusiasts.
Metro Richmond Zoo Safari Train Ride is a toddler-friendly zoo ride in Moseley, VA (near Richmond), VA. The ride lasts ~15 min loop, costs Included w/ zoo admission (~$25) for adults and Included w/ zoo admission (~$18 ages 2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE.
Narrated safari train ride through 8-acre free-ranging animal area. See antelope, ostrich, chimpanzees and more from the train. Additional fee with zoo admission. Very gentle, suitable for all ages. Also has carousel and petting zoo.
N&W 611 Steam Excursions is a toddler-friendly steam and scenic train ride in Staunton & Louisa, VA. The ride lasts ~1.5 hours, costs ~$50–$85 for adults and ~$30–$55 (2-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Limited-time excursions featuring iconic Norfolk & Western 611 steam locomotive — one of America's most famous preserved steam engines. Runs from Virginia Scenic Railway depots. Historic ride on the Buckingham Branch Railroad. Book far in advance.
Santa Express at Virginia Scenic Railway is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Staunton & Louisa, VA. The ride lasts ~1.5 hours, costs ~$35–$55 for adults and ~$30–$45 for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Seasonal Santa Express holiday train on the Virginia Scenic Railway. Festive decorations, visit with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies. Family-oriented pajama ride. Multiple departure locations (Staunton, Louisa). Sells out early — book ahead.
Shenandoah Valley Limited (New Hope & Ivy Railroad) is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in New Hope, VA (Shenandoah Valley), VA. The ride lasts ~45 min round trip, costs ~$20–$30 for adults and ~$15–$20 (ages 3-12) for children, and children under two ride FREE (lap child).
Heritage railroad through Shenandoah Valley countryside. 90-minute round trip from New Hope depot. Seasonal events including Pumpkin Patch trains and Santa trains. Scenic views of Blue Ridge Mountains. Locomotive is a classic diesel.
Virginia Beach Miniature Train at Lazy Days RV Resort is a toddler-friendly miniature ride in Virginia Beach, VA. The ride lasts 5 min, costs $3 for adults and $3 for children, and children under two ride Free.
Small gauge mini train ride at an RV resort in Virginia Beach. Short loops. Very casual, inexpensive fun for toddlers. Open seasonally.
Virginia Museum of Transportation (For N&W 611 excursion trips) is a toddler-friendly steam, scenic and museum train ride in Roanoke, VA. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A museum in Roanoke, Virginia home to the famous Norfolk & Western steam locomotive 611. Offers transportation history exhibits.
Virginia Scenic Railway (Buckingham Branch) is a toddler-friendly scenic ride in Staunton, VA. The ride lasts an unspecified amount of time, costs an unspecified amount for adults.
A scenic train ride through the Virginia countryside from Staunton through the Shenandoah Valley.
Confirm current schedules, prices, and closures with each operator before traveling.