The Best 9 Train Rides In Texas
All Aboard! If you are looking for something different to do with kids, how about taking them on a train ride adventure? Kids love trains, and there are several railroads around designed with little folks in mind. They will experience the excitement of a train ride that will last for years. Take them on one of the eight best train rides in Texas.
Texas Train Rides and Excursions
Texas State Railroad
Palestine, Texas
Unplug for a rail excursion that merges comfort and adventure, on the Official Railroad of Texas. From the moment one steps aboard a vintage 1920's car, the excitement of being on the rails is exhilarating. This four-hour vividly, scenic ride includes comfortable seating, food and adult beverage service, and historic narration on a rail journey that whisks you back into another century. The route is flanked by a Victorian and Iron-Ore depot, each giving riders a glimpse of what it would have been like to catch a train in the golden age of rail travel.
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
Ft Worth, Texas
The train was built in 1958-1959 with a ride that is about five-mile, thirty-five to forty-minute round trip from the Forest Park Depot to the Duck Pond in Trinity Park and back with one stop at the Trinity Park Depot. The train crosses six bridges on its route The third longest bridge along the route of the Forest Park Miniature Railroad spans the Trinity Park Creek before the train crosses under the Fort Worth and Western Railroad trestle on its way to the Duck Pond.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Grapevine, Texas
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. Each month brings a different event to be enjoyed by all on one of their two engines, "Puffy" the 1896 steam locomotive, which is the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive.
Amtrack's Sunset Limited
New Orleans to Los Angeles
Amtrak's Sunset Limited makes multiple stops on it's 48 hour trek from New Orleans to Los Angeles. As it crosses Texas you can board or de-board in Houston, San Antonio, and Alpine for example. The Sunset Limited has coach seating, cafe cars, plus sleeping, dining and sightseeing cars.
Zilker Zephyr
Austin, TX
Take a scenic 25-minute ride through Zilker Park on a narrow-gauge, light-rail miniature train, which takes you at a leisurely pace along Barton Creek and Town Lake. The train departs approximately every hour on the hour during the week and every half-hour on the weekend, weather permitting.
Since 1956, the San Antonio Zoo Eagle has chugged along the tracks skirting the banks of the San Antonio River as it makes its way through one of San Antonio's most popular parks. Various stops include the Witte Museum, Kiddie Park, and the Japanese Tea Gardens, also known as the Sunken Gardens. 2 miles of new track has been added plus two new locomotives, remodeled train depots, and the main depot and cafe.
Amtrak's Texas Eagle
Chicago to San Antonio
Traveling daily between Chicago and San Antonio and through Dallas and Austin, the Amtrak Texas Eagle has sleeping car accommodations, a dining car serving fresh complete meals and spectacular views from the renowned Sightseer Lounge Car.
Landa Park Railroad
New Braunfels, Texas
What better way to explore Landa Park but on a relaxing train ride. This is fun for all ages and is available for individuals, groups,company picnics, and party packages are available for those special birthdays. Check the website for hours of operation throughout the year.
Amtrak's Heartland Flyer
Oklahoma City to Fort Worth
Amtrak's Heartland Flyer runs daily between Oklahoma City to Fort Worth. In Fort Worth you can catch connections to Dallas, Chicago and San Antonio via the Texas Eagle. You can enjoy a meal in the Cafe Car. You can also load your bike aboard the train and explore the cities by pedaling.