Steam train trips

Escape from the 21st Century and relax on a ride through American railroading’s romantic past. Let the rivers and ranches of the Texas Hill Country, or the historic neighborhoods and lush parks of the heart of Austin, slip by your window as you, your family and friends share the delights of an adventure on Central Texas’ very own vintage passenger train!

The Austin Steam Train offers you a year-round choice of excursions. The trains are operated by the dedicated staff and volunteer crews of the Austin Steam Train Association, a community-based non-profit organization.

There are a variety of trips to choose from and all run year round. There are various stops on the trip to enjoy the scenery first hand, as well as a museum and shop.

Hill Country Flyer
The original and most popular train. Round-trip from Cedar Park to Burnet through the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy lunch and shopping during a layover in Burnet. Operates on an evening schedule in December for Christmas light viewing.

Bertram Flyer
Follows the scenic route of the Hill Country Flyer, but offers passengers a shorter journey from Cedar Park to Bertram and return. While the train makes a brief stop in Bertram to reverse directions, you may tour the town’s depot.

River City Flyer
Departs from downtown Austin for a ride through some of the city’s most historic parks and neighborhoods. Board at Brush Square at 2 p.m. or Plaza Saltillo at 2:10.
Twilight Flyer
These evening excursions feature special entertainment. Storytellers bring your kids’ favorite bedtime stories to life on board the Storybook Special trains. Other Twilight Flyers, such as the Murder Mystery Specials, offer an adult-oriented getaway. All Twilight Flyers depart from Cedar Park.

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This service takes you by steam train to one of several medieval English cities. A full day train trip with various levels of luxury!

Canterbury

This ancient cathedral city has always attracted visitors, from the medieval pilgrims immortalised by Chaucer to the present day tourists.

Within the ancient city walls you will find some of the oldest churches; twisting medieval alleyways; half-timbered Tudor houses; distinctive houses of the Huguenot weavers; beautifully proportioned Georgian and Regency terraces, and above all the Cathedral, seat of the Archbishop and pre-eminent centre of English Christianity for over a thousand years.

Bath and Bristol

Regency Bath is not strictly a cathedral city, but boasts a beautiful abbey. Elegant stone buildings with terraces, crescents and graceful squares spread before one. Visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room where the natural mineral water attracted all fashionable society.

Explore the Pulteney Bridge, topped by shops and buildings and visit the Old Abbey. View the Museum of Costume’s extensive display of more than 30,000 items and see carefully selected gowns from the collection of Her Majesty the Queen during her Golden Jubilee.

Warwick and Stratford

Although neither are strictly cathedral cities, both Warwick and Stratford are steeped in history. Stratford is the birthplace of possibly the greatest English playwright, William Shakespeare and is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Alternatively, visit the Teddy Bear Museum or the Holy Trinity Church. Warwick Castle forms a magnificent centrepiece to the city of Warwick, which is rightly famed for it’s antique and collectable shops. Tour the Heritage Motor Centre or enjoy a lesuirely walk along the river bank.

Oxford and Gloucester

This City of Dreaming Spires is home to an impressive cathedral and the world-famous Oxford university. Visit the Bodelian Library, which has educated many of the world’s most respected scholars.

For those wishing to learn more about this part of the cities history, you may wish to visit The Oxford Story Exhibition - 800 years of history of both the city and the university. The city also houses the world’s oldest museum - The Ashmolean. Alternatively, take a river trip which range from punts to steamers.

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An steam train trip with a difference… Learn how to drive a standard-gauge steam train on the Mid-Hants Railway “Footplate Experience Courses”.

They run two courses, an introductory and advanced.

Both courses offers the chance to learn to drive a powerful steam locomotive which is an exhilarating experience. The Mid-Hants Railway offers an opportunity to do this over one of the most demanding lines in railway preservation.

The course runs for the morning, afternoon or whole day and you will be paired with another participant and you will take turns to fire and drive the locomotive, under the instruction of the crew.

When you are not driving or firing you can ride in the coaches, where you may want to discuss the route, signals and other points with the guard. You could help with uncoupling, coupling, taking water, and operating the ground frame during shunting.

Each round trip takes about one and half hours, and you can book for just one round trip which costs £300 (including VAT) or two round trips (a total of 40 miles)

Participants must be between 16 and 75 years of age, fit, and in reasonable health, i.e. able to climb to from the footplate by a vertical flight of steel steps from/to ground level.

The learner driver will need to be correctly dressed with stout boots or shoes, and overalls for protection, as the footplate can be very hot and dirty. We can loan a pair of overalls (free of charge) if you let us know in advance, but not shoes.

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An unusual team train trip along the through the steeply-graded Tuggeranong hills and picturesque Melrose Valley, departing from Canberra Railway Station

This trip is almost 70km return and includes a stop for a picnic at Royalla. It takes about four hours and travels along the very beautiful Michelago tourist railway whisch is part of the former Queanbeyan-Cooma railway.

The rail link was opened in 1887, and the train uses well restored end-platform carriages which a 100 years ago were in operation around the Sydney network hauled by steam locomotives.

It’s an interesting journey for adults and children alike. There are many diversions along the way including wonerful scenery and lots of different animals to watch.
An hour’s stopover at Royalla leaves plenty of time to watch the engine running around the train, making ready for the return journey, a look at the rail fettlers’ shed and trolley - and for lunch.

Ocassionally the steam train locomotive, which is over 100 years old, needs urgent repairs and at these times a replacement diesel train takes the trip.

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The Essex steam train combines year round steam train trip though the georgous countryside of New England .

They have two coal-fired locomotives available to pull the lovingly restored railroad cars and you will experience an authentic journey back to the days of steam.

The Essex Steam Train takes you through some of the most beautiful country in the state. You will find forests and streams, beautiful vistas and nostalgic towns, and some gorgeous views of the Connecticut River.

In the Autumn, the colors of New England are an unforgettable sight. The Steam Train fits right in with the cider, falling leaves, and cool snap in the air that makes autumn in New England so special.

Winter is an exciting time to ride the train. And the Locomotive comes alive in the crisp winter air. Steam and smoke provide a sharp contrast to the cold and snow.

In the Spring, you can breath in the rich scent of new growth and witness the re-awakening of the Connecticut countryside first-hand.

Finally Summer arrives. What better way to cool off than a ride in our open car, enjoying the forest shade and the river breezes.
As well as a trip on the steam train, you can also board the river boat ride at Deep River Landing. This is a relaxing and informative ride up the beautiful Connecticut River, from Deep River to East Haddam. Sit back, take in the fresh air, and learn about the history and natural wonder of the Connecticut River.

Overall a really wonderful day trip out in a first class steam engine.

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