Virginia Scenic Railway

Virginia Scenic Railway All aboard! We offer sightseeing excursions by rail in Virginia's legendary Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont regions.
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The COUNTDOWN has begun! Rides begin on June 12, 2026. Do you have your tickets?
06/03/2026

The COUNTDOWN has begun!

Rides begin on June 12, 2026. Do you have your tickets?

The rail world has been buzzing all weekend after the Virginia Museum of Transportation's reveal of the stunning new pat...
06/01/2026

The rail world has been buzzing all weekend after the Virginia Museum of Transportation's reveal of the stunning new patriotic look for the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611.

Now dressed in a bold red, white, and blue livery (inspired by original American Freedom Train concept art from the Bicentennial era), 611 is rolling into America’s 250th Anniversary celebration in style.

Virginians and visitors alike will have the rare chance to see and ride behind in person during the much-anticipated "Summer of Steam."

Departing from Staunton and Louisa, these 90-minute excursions offer a front-row seat to the power, sound, and spectacle of one of America’s most celebrated steam locomotives.

🚂 The Staunton route (operating June 12–21) delivers one of the journey’s most dramatic moments: a passage through the 4,000-foot-long Blue Ridge Tunnel.

🚂 The Louisa route (operating June 26–July 5) will steam across one of Virginia's most historically significant railroad corridors. Louisa is part of the original corridor that helped open Virginia to westward expansion in the 19th century.

🎟️ Schedule & tickets: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

For train enthusiasts, history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a uniquely American summer experience, this is a don't miss moment. Grab your family, grab your friends, and grab your tickets before this opportunity passes you by.



Photo credit: Cayden Worley

It's hard work, sure. But it's a labor of LOVE, DEDICATION, and PASSION. On behalf of our entire team, we couldn't be mo...
05/29/2026

It's hard work, sure. But it's a labor of LOVE, DEDICATION, and PASSION.

On behalf of our entire team, we couldn't be more excited for Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 to return to service, blow that fabulous whistle, and hit her stride as she accelerates down the track and through the Blue Ridge Tunnel. We hope you'll join us in Virginia for this historic “Summer of Steam” railroading event.

Want to ride? Your opportunity to be a part of history begins in Staunton on June 12, 2026 and concludes in Louisa on July 5, 2026.

Get your tickets now before they're all gone. Note: if the class of service is sold out for the date you wish to ride, we encourage you to look for other classes of service (e.g. coach class) on that date - or pick an alternate date to book your reservation.

https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

Photos: Kate Simon

To everyone who has ridden with us before, and to those planning your very first journey, we can’t wait to welcome you a...
05/27/2026

To everyone who has ridden with us before, and to those planning your very first journey, we can’t wait to welcome you aboard. This summer is especially exciting as the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 will lead our "Summer of Steam" excursions — bringing the sights, sounds, and power of living railroad history out of the museum and on to the rails.

It's the support, excitement, stories, and memories shared by our passengers that keep us rolling year after year. From lifelong railfans to families creating brand-new traditions, you’re part of what makes these journeys so special.

If you'd like to be a part of this summer's steam railroading extravaganza in Virginia, learn more and reserve your tickets: https://www.virginiascenicrailway.com/rides/summer-of-steam/

Photo credit: Gen Harrison

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415 Bridge Street
Staunton, VA
24401

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