Virginia Scenic Railway

Imagine a journey through time, where the rhythmic clatter of wheels accompanies idyllic views of the Shenandoah Valley unfolding before your eyes. The Virginia Scenic Railway is a unique tourist project in the USA that offers guests the chance to travel along historic tracks in classic mid-20th-century railcars. Based in the charming city of Staunton, this railway turns an ordinary trip into a true aesthetic pleasure.

The railway's routes pass through the dense forests of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, cross picturesque rivers, and dive into the cool depths of legendary tunnels, such as the famous 1,200-meter Blue Ridge Tunnel. Passengers can choose between two directions: toward the quiet village of Goshen or to the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, each offering its own unique panorama of American nature.

With a 4.7 rating based on over a thousand reviews, the Virginia Scenic Railway is rightfully considered one of the region's most popular attractions. The atmosphere of the "golden age" of rail travel is recreated here, from the elegant interior finishes to the attentive service, making it a must-visit for all history lovers and scenery enthusiasts.

For schedule information and ticket bookings, it is recommended to contact the railway representatives directly. The official boarding address is the historic station building.

The main reason tourists visit is for the chance to relax in a cozy seat of a restored 1940s railcar and watch the changing natural landscapes through the window. During the three-hour trip, an attendant shares fascinating stories about the history of the route, which has been in operation since the mid-19th century. You will see pastoral farms, ancient bridges, and majestic mountain peaks that seem close enough to touch.

Travelers find the passage through the Blue Ridge and Little Rock tunnels particularly thrilling. In these moments, you can feel the true romance of the old railway as lamp light reflects softly off the walls and the sound of the train grows deeper. On some trips, the locomotive even changes position at the final station, allowing passengers to observe the technical maneuvering of the train set.

A trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway is easy to combine with a cultural program in the city itself. After returning to the station, it’s worth stopping by the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library or strolling through the cozy streets where the famous Statler Brothers once began their journey. It is an ideal option for a family holiday, offering a blend of relaxation, education, and inspiration.

The starting point for most routes is located at 12 Middlebrook Ave in the heart of the city. Reaching the Virginia Scenic Railway by car is easy: Staunton is conveniently located in the Shenandoah Valley and has excellent connections to major state highways. For navigation, you can use the coordinates 38.1474809, -79.0724056.

If you prefer public transport, a great option is the Amtrak Cardinal, which runs between New York and Chicago. It stops in Staunton on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. From the station, the boarding area for the excursion trains is just a few minutes' walk away.

For travelers arriving from further afield, the nearest major transport hubs are the airports in Charlottesville or Roanoke. From there, you can reach Staunton by rental car or taxi, which takes about an hour's drive through Virginia's scenic landscapes.

The history of this route began back in 1836 with the founding of the Louisa Railroad. By 1854, the tracks connected Staunton with eastern regions, turning the city into a thriving commercial hub. During that era, life here was bustling: workshops, depots, and warehouses were built, many of which are preserved in the historic district to this day.

In the post-World War II era, engineer Robert Young proposed a unique modernization of the tracks to adapt them for high-speed passenger traffic. It is thanks to these technical solutions that modern tourists can enjoy a smooth train ride even on challenging sections of the landscape.

One of the most impressive engineering achievements on the route is the Blue Ridge Tunnel. Its construction took place in the mid-19th century under incredibly difficult conditions, and in December 1856, builders made a breakthrough at a depth of more than 200 meters below the mountain's surface. Today, the updated Virginia Scenic Railway, launched in 2022 by the Buckingham Branch Railroad, allows you to experience this great heritage of the past.

To fully enjoy your trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway, you should set aside at least 3–4 hours in your schedule. The excursion itself lasts about three hours, but it is important to arrive early for a relaxed boarding and to familiarize yourself with the station area.

If you also plan to walk through the historic city center, allow half a day for your visit. This will let you combine your railway adventure with lunch at one of the local restaurants and a tour of Staunton's architectural landmarks without any rush.

The company office is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 16:00. The administration is closed on Saturdays and Sundays; however, weekends are often the most popular days for excursion trips.

Since trains run strictly on schedule and seating is limited, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official website in advance. Keep in mind that the station also serves regular passenger routes, so the platform can be busy on days when the Cardinal train arrives.

After an exciting train journey, it’s worth taking some time to explore the city itself. The area around the station is steeped in history, with old brick buildings housing cozy restaurants and interesting museums.

A stroll through the neighborhood will allow you to see architectural monuments from different eras and soak up the atmosphere of a classic Southern U.S. town. Below are some interesting places nearby: