rail tour at rail explorers

Catskills Division

• 10% OFF Dining and Drinks at Foxfire Mountain House!   when you present your red Rail Explorers wrist band. Bohemian and relaxed, Foxfire is like your globe-trotting uncle’s country estate. A place where modern travelers can lounge by the stone fireplace on sheepskin rugs or on vintage velvet and leather sofas. It’s about conversation, community, and the right ambiance to create perfect moments. Plan your visit at foxfiremountainhouse.com

Rhode Island Division

• Rail Explorers and a train ride!   Why not combine your Rail Explorers Tour with dinner on the '  Grand Bellevue ' - an elegant dinner train experience. Check out the many train tours and experiences available on the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad at     www.trainsri.com

• Dashing Dan's Clam Car are serving up classic New England clam shack dishes from a vintage 1950s train car! Located on the track right next to the Rail Explorers Station, they're in the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. Right now they are offering full take-out service for patrons. Check out the menu at dashingdansclamcar.com

• The Gulf Stream Bar and Grille focuses on creating a comfortable, friendly dining experience. The main dining room, indoor bar and dog-friendly outdoor deck and bar provide stunning sunset and water views. Their creative menu offers coastal cooking with a New England Twist – taking delicious recipes from regions along the Gulf Stream, and adding a dash of New England style.  The Gulf Stream Bar and Grille is conveniently located just around the corner from Rail Explorers' station. Menu and more details at www.gulfstreambar.com

• Rail and Fly! See Rhode Island from the unique perspective of the rails with Rail Explorers, then take to the skies with Newport Helicopter tours and see the island in a whole new way! Try the  Mansion Tour  or the spectacular Sunset Tour . Book your helicopter tour today at  www.newporthelicoptertours.com

Cooperstown Division coming soon

Looking for adventure? Rail Explorers railbike tour opens in Kentucky. Here's what to know

Not knowing what to expect, passengers onboard a new Kentucky experience known as railbikes, let out hollers of delight as the heavy steel carts began rolling down a private use railroad track in Woodford County, about an hour east of Louisville.

Those delighted riders onboard the unique bright red contraptions included this reporter and Courier Journal photographer Sam Upshaw.

"I had no idea it would be this exciting," I called out to Mary Joy Lu, the woman seated to my left on the four-person railbike. Lu is the CEO of Rail Explorers , which operates similar tours in places such as Boone, Iowa, The Catskills and Cooperstown, New York, Las Vegas, and Rhode Island.

With the clickity-clack of the railbike's steel wheels accelerating down the seldom-used railroad track, we zipped through woods, passed limestone cliffs, and alongside lush green farmland with thoroughbreds grazing in pastures.

Although pedaling the railbike feels nearly effortless I could sense we were picking up speed as my hair whipped in the breeze.

"How fast are we going?" I asked as I glanced at the seatbelt fastened around my waist.

Lu explained our railbike was moving downhill for the first half of the 10-mile round trip and would soon hit a speed of 18 miles per hour. She also mentioned we were perfectly safe, as long as I didn't slam on the brake.

Heeding her words of caution, I did not slam on the brake, not even once. Instead, I gently feathered the handheld brake 30 minutes later when I was told it was time to come to a stop.

But I didn't want to stop. I'll just say that scooting down a railroad track in an open-air vehicle at 15-18 miles per hour is a truly breathtaking experience. And one you should try.

Curious about my recent Rail Explorer adventure? Here's what to know about how it got started, Lu's inspiration for the company, and why it's a "fabulous" thing for Kentucky tourism.

Kentucky is the first southern state to get a Rail Explorer experience

The beauty of Woodford County drew Lu to open a Rail Explorer fleet in the Bluegrass State. All rides begin and end at the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Versailles. The stretch of track used by Rail Explorer is coordinated with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad, which is the only other vehicle using the track.

After a five-mile ride west from the Bluegrass Scenic Railboard Museum, riders disembark and spend about 30 minutes enjoying the Kentucky River view from about 100 feet up while guides use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railbikes. The turnaround point also offers a view of the Wild Turkey Distillery as well as Young's High Bridge built in 1889.

While Sam Upshaw and I mingled with other riders and took a few photos, we noticed Versailles resident and the former Kentucky State Attorney General and U.S. Congressman Ben Chandler taking in the spectacular view.

"This is one of the best things as far as recreation is concerned to happen to Kentucky in my lifetime," Chandler told us. "I just think it's absolutely fabulous and I am so happy it's in Woodford County. We are very lucky to have it, it aligns so well with bourbon tours and the horse industry. I think it's going to be a smashing success."

How a TV soap opera inspired the creation of Rail Explorer

Pedal-powered rail vehicles date back to at least the 1850s when maintenance workers used hand cars to travel along the tracks. They were used to transport crew and materials for track inspection and repairs and weren't nearly as sophisticated as the "Rolls Royce" of railbikes used by Rail Explorers.

Lu designed her first railbike adventure after noticing two actors riding a railbike in a Korean soap opera.

"I have to admit I am kind of addicted to K-Dramas," she laughed. "I was so intrigued by the railbike that I flew to South Korea to meet with the designer of the contraption I saw in the show. They were offering rides in a South Korean mining town and the tourism which resulted from the railbikes brought the town back to life."

Lu and her husband Alex Catchpoole were living in Brooklyn at the time and opened their first fleet of Rail Explorer trips in the Adirondacks in 2015. It was the first time railbikes for recreation had been operated outside of South Korea.

How does the railbike work?

These specific mechanical railbikes are custom designed by Catchpoole. They have four steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each comfortable seat and Catchpoole's REX Propulsion System- a custom-built electric assist motor that makes the experience effortless, even when climbing steep inclines.

"We designed this to be very accessible to anyone," said Lu. "Couples young and old, groups of friends, and families of all ages and abilities can enjoy this unique experience. Our technology leads the world in safety and ease of operation so our riders can include those who are visually or hearing impaired or differently abled. We want everyone to have the opportunity of this unique experience."

The ease of operation is legit. For most of the trip, I forgot I was pedaling until Lu would lean over and whisper, "If you don't want to go this fast, stop pedaling so hard."

Guests on our two-hour trip included a family of four with two young kids. We noticed the kids pedaled when they "felt like it" and lounged in their seats looking at the scenery for a good portion of the ride.

No one was stressed or worn out or cranky at the end of the adventure, which we count as a win.

Although the railbike requires at least one person to pedal in order to move forward, the magic of steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience very different from riding a regular bicycle. There is no need to carefully watch the road ahead or steer and riding is hands-free.

What to know about Rail Explorers in Kentucky

The headquarters for Bluegrass Rail Explorers is located at the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum, 175 Beasley Road in Versailles. We parked and walked around to the back of the museum and found the Rail Explorers headquarters in a sparkly silver Airstream RV near the tracks.

You sign up for a trip — either a Tandem, with two seats, a Quad with four seats, or any combination of the two. Each trip includes a guide, who rides along in the first railbike at the front of the fleet and takes care of turning the bikes at the turnaround point for the ride back to the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum. This means you have plenty of time to enjoy the incredible view in an otherwise hard to get to scenic overlook.

The five-mile return trip is a bit slower since you are going uphill and that's the time for photos and video.

How much does it cost to book a Rail Explorer?

Tickets for a two-person Tandem Rail Explorer are $90 ($45 per person) and a Quad Rail Explorer is $160 ($40 per person.)

If you are a parent thinking you'll save money by holding your child on your lap, sorry that is not allowed. Everyone must have their own seat with the expectation of infants, who must be strapped to a carrier attached to the adult's chest.

Pets are welcome and ride for free. The rule is one pet per bike and is limited to 40 pounds or less.

Limited seats are available and reservations are highly recommended. Visit RailExplorers.net or call 877-833-8588.

You may like: Musical based off life of Muhammad Ali, with music by Teddy Abrams, is Broadway bound

You may like: Want to get out of town? 7 places to take a summer vacation in Kentucky

Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at [email protected].

Rail Explorers

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702 Hunter Ln

Ione, CA 95640

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My husband found Rail Explorers in Amador by chance and we decided to take it! This is a great experience and what a surprise! We visited on Easter (we forgot about the holiday since we didn't have any family plans this year) and the staff who greeted us were just as happy as us to be there. The parking is very well maintained and plentiful for our entire group. We checked in at the small gift shop and they gave us bracelets and said we could wait in the tables and chairs until they were ready for us to start. It was a chilly but sunny beautiful spring day so we were thankful for that because the previous day was one of the roughest rain and lightning storms of the year and the group was delayed so we JUST made it on our day. The staff offered to take our pictures by their sign and showed us to the bathrooms to use before we departed as there were no bathrooms on the trip. And let me just say the bathroom was a trailer like one at events I've seen. I was so surprised when I went into the bathroom and there were like 4 or 5 stalls and a sink with a mirror! They also have a ground level more accessible large port-a-potty. We were called to the carts and given the safety and operational instructions about the carts and what we should expect from our excursion. Everyone was super nice and very informed - they all supported each other which was nice to see. We got on our cart, we had a 2 person one and I was surprised it was so spacious - the website said you can bring a dog and/a cooler/backbacks etc. We were super eager to take our cart out! The cars are motor assisted so we weren't expecting much resistance, but I was a little worried about it at first because I'm not in the best shape! But when we were given the OK and took off, the resistance was next to nothing! My feet were almost slipping off the pedals like I was on a bike that the chain fell off LOL. They offered cars with 4 seats as well. The ride was about 8 miles total according to the guides and we stopped traffic a few times to cross the highways - that was funny, I had no idea we were going to be crossing road ways, but the staff operated the RR Crossing lights, bells, and arms and also sent staff out in neon vests to ensure no cross traffic. The ride itself was pretty relaxing and super fun! It may have been too early for many wildflowers but we were able to see some flowers against the green hills from all the rain. At the halfway point, we slowed and stopped our cars and were guided toward a bluff overlooking a valley in the distance. It was beautiful and there were seats all along the bluff. Great for pictures and a picnic! The staff turned our cars around and we were off back to where we started. All in all it was a very nice adventure - we'll bring some friends and more food next time! Thanks for being open on a holiday too!

See all photos from Amy H. for Rail Explorers

What a great experience! We had such a fun and interesting time. The turnaround spot is so beautiful!

The turnaround spot on the evening tour. (3/17/24)

This was such a fun experience. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, and the scenery along the track was beautiful. Pedaling was pretty easy since it was assisted, and the seats were comfortable. I went at the beginning of April, so all the grass was green and full of life. It was also raining nearly the entire ride, but they provided ponchos and hand warmers. It was honestly so fun despite the rain making it extremely cold. I appreciate the staff still going out to ride with us even in that weather. I would definitely go again!

Great experience! Very professional staff is very attentive and monitors safety as the priority. Very easy pedal uphill with the motors, and a brisk downhill ride at 15 mph makes for an exciting time! I wholeheartedly recommend this trip!

What a cool adventure this was! The rail cars themselves are new, and almost effortless to pedal. Even going uphill was easy! The staff was very friendly, attentive, and intent on all involved being safe and enjoying the experience. We are in our mid-50s and found it enjoyable, but there were also families with small children that found it fun. Being the middle of spring, all the trees and grasses in Amador County are beautifully green and flowers are blooming. The scenery was magnificent! We only wish it lasted a little longer. Would highly recommend for anyone who is up for doing something unique in the area.

What a surprisingly fun adventure! Tucked away on a small road in Ione is Rail Explorers. Prepare for Amador counties version of Hogwarts Express. 2 of 4 person custom pedal assist rail cars will take you up into the hills of Gold Country along 4 miles of track. Stop over for a picnic and enjoy the views, including horses, cows and even Preston Castle off in the distance. Hold on to your hats, this time it's all downhill and it's much faster this time. We had a great time. Thank you!!

The ride with Rail Explorers!

We saw this outfit on the local news and it looked like fun. It WAS! The rail bikes are pedal cars (two-seaters and four-seaters) that ride on abandoned railroad tracks and have an electric motor assist. The tour starts in Ione (Hunter Lane is a dirt gravel road, but rest assured, you're going the right way!) and you ride the Amador Central rail right of way for 4+ miles to the turn-around point. Going out is mostly uphill, but with the electric motor it's a breeze. The turn-around is on a hilltop that has a nice view of Highway 88 and an abandoned mine, which is nice since it takes a while for the crew to turn the bikes around for the return trip. The way back is mostly downhill, and it's easy to top 25 MPH. That might not sound like much, but when you're riding on an open vehicle with no steering wheel, it feels plenty fast! Unfortunately, they're only operating for a few more weeks until they shut down for the winter, but they plan to open for more tours in the spring.

A fun afternoon riding through the hills where you can enjoy the scenery and see cattle roaming near the tracks. The staff really made the trip fun and enjoyable.

Great time and suggest anyone giving this a go. It was not tiring and in fact the return trip is primarily downhill so even easier. With the electric motor you do not over exert yourself at all and feel like most people should do this successfully. Went in November so the weather was great and will plan to go again in the spring.

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Railbike tours offered along Bluegrass Scenic Railroad

VERSAILLES, Ky. (LEX 18) — Rail Explorers is opening a new location in Versailles to offer railbike tours along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad.

The 10-mile round-trip tour takes riders through two thoroughbred farms, between limestone cliffs, to the Kentucky River with views of a bourbon distillery and Young’s High Bridge, built in 1889.

Riders may choose the Quad Railbike (up to four riders) or Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) option.

After a 5-mile ride west from the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum, riders will spend about 30 minutes with a view of the Kentucky River from about 100 ft. up, while guides use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railbikes, before pedaling back along the gentle curving track to the starting point.

Guests can expect about a two-hour experience.

Tickets for a 2-person Tandem Rail Explorer are $90 ($45 per person) and a 4-person Quad Rail Explorer is $160 ($40 per person).

Tours are pet-friendly. Pets ride for free, but are limited to 40 lbs. or less, one pet per bike. Previous pets have included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, even ducks.

Limited seats are available and reservations are recommended.

Visit RailExplorers.net or call 877-833-8588 to learn more and reserve tickets.

Public tours begin July 28.

The Versailles location is about 15 miles from both Lexington and Frankfort, off Highway 62 at 175 Beasley Road.

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Riders Up: Rail Explorers® rolls out in Central Kentucky

VERSAILLES, Ky., (July 26, 2023) –  The beauty of the Commonwealth’s horse farms, limestone cliffs, and river views are on full display during a tour with the nation’s premier railbike company,  Rail Explorers . The Bluegrass Kentucky Division offers riders a unique experience along the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad in Versailles, Ky., through the Horse Capital of the World and heart of Bourbon Country to impeccably cut cliffs above the Kentucky River with a view of the Wild Turkey Distillery, as well as Young’s High Bridge, built in 1889. Public tours begin July 28. 

“Central Kentucky offers a scenic splendor and rich history we are proud to showcase,” said Mary Joy Lu, Rail Explorers CEO. “We are thrilled to call Woodford County our new home, partnering with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum to offer a truly unique railroad experience. Where else can you pedal your way through two thoroughbred farms, watching mares and foals in the fields, then see gorgeous views of cliffs, water, and a bourbon distillery? It’s magical!” 

The 10-mile round-trip tour offers the Quad Railbike (up to four riders) and Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) option. After a 5-mile ride west from the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad Museum, riders will spend about 30 minutes enjoying the Kentucky River view from about 100 ft. up, while guides use hydraulic lifts to turn around the railbikes, before pedaling back along the gentle curving track to the starting point. In all, guests may expect about a two-hour experience. 

“Kentucky’s natural beauty and tourism opportunities draw visitors from near and far, and Rail Explorers is an innovative way to enjoy scenic views while exploring an area full of history,” said Lindy Casebier, Secretary of the Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet. “As the first-of-its-kind attraction in the Commonwealth, Rail Explorers is an excellent addition to the tourism community, not only in Woodford County but for the entire state.”

Rail Explorers Bluegrass Kentucky Division is the company’s first Southeast location. It builds on four sister locations: Boone, Iowa; The Catskills and Cooperstown, NY; and, Rhode Island. The company began operations in 2015 and since has hosted more than 500,000 riders. 

The founders of the railbike industry in America, Rail Explorers’ custom-built railbikes are pedal-powered, have hydraulic disc brakes, and feature a custom-built electric motor – the REX Propulsion System. The technology leads the world in safety, design, and ease-of-operation. The combination creates a truly effortless ride for guests of all ages and abilities – including those who are visually or hearing impaired, or differently abled. Rail Explorers’ commitment to inclusion prompted the custom electric-pedal assistance system to overcome the difficulty of pedaling uphill, as well as an all-steel-frame construction that is strong enough to have no weight limit. 

“Woodford County’s tourism train is rolling, and we are excited to welcome Rail Explorers to our community,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay. “Rail Explorers enhances our rail tourism experiences locating at our awesome Bluegrass Railroad Museum to offer a world-class experience with the scenic views of our picturesque Bluegrass from the Woodford County Park to the beautiful Kentucky River.”                                                    

Rail Explorers Bluegrass Kentucky Division will create at least 17 jobs, including two full-time management positions and 15 – 20 seasonal tour guides. 

“This new opportunity to showcase the beauty of Woodford County in a most unique way is a great addition to Versailles,” said Mayor Brian Traugott, Versailles. “This is the type of new business that can serve local residents, as well as draw tourists to our community.” 

The Versailles location is about 15 miles from both Lexington and Frankfort, off Highway 62 at 175 Beasley Road, Versailles, Ky. 40383. Tickets for a 2-person Tandem Rail Explorer are $90 ($45 per person) and a 4-person Quad Rail Explorer is $160 ($40 per person). Tours are open to the public.

Tours are pet friendly. Pets ride for free, but are limited to 40 lbs. or less, one pet per bike. Previous pets have included dogs, cats, lizards, parrots, even ducks. 

Limited seats are available and reservations are recommended. Visit  RailExplorers.net  or call 877-833-8588 to learn more and reserve tickets. 

Private, group and educational tours are also available. 

About Rail Explorers The inspiration for Rail Explorers came from a scene in a Korean soap opera. In 2012, company co-founder Mary Joy Lu was watching one of her favorite K-Dramas and became intrigued when she saw a strange contraption being pedaled along the railroad tracks. Mary Joy was so excited by this extraordinary looking railbike that within 10 days she was on a plane to South Korea to meet with the designer and manufacturer of the vehicles. Mary Joy, husband and co-founder Alex Catchpoole, and other Rail Explorers employees travelled back to Korea in 2015 to learn more about the unique business. Rail Explorers brought a fleet of explorers to the U.S. and began operations in the Adirondacks in 2015. This was the first time these railbikes had been outside of South Korea. 

Rail Explorers is committed to social and environmentally responsible operations and management. The railbikes produce zero emissions and tours have little to no impact on the environment and eco-systems through which they travel. Visit  RailExplorers.net  for more information. 

About the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum The Bluegrass Railroad Museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting an interactive experience of historic railroading in Kentucky. It maintains a museum of historic railroad artifacts and operates an antique tour train from Versailles, Ky. Visit  BluegrassRailroad.com  for more information.

Media Contact: 

Ashley Brauer, for Rail Explorers

[email protected]

270-308-1089

Zak Owens, for Rail Explorers

[email protected]

502-386-5704

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Rail Explorers - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Pedal the rails: Railbike excursions guide (2024)

Railbike excursions, what's the fuss about.

This concept has existed roughly since the 1850s, when maintenance workers on railroads used handcars and railbikes to get from point A to point B.  Something had to be used to carry the crew and materials for track inspections and/or repairs. In 1877, a Michigan farmer named George Sheffield was accredited for inventing the first three-wheeled railroad velocipede - a handcar that used a combination of hand and foot power to propel forward (“push-pull fashion”).

With many variations of this today, railbikes are primarily used for pleasure. The construction of each railbike may differ - some are 2-seaters, others 4 - and can come with electric assist. Essentially, the railbike may offer you a different perspective of the railroad - in essence you become the train. You chug along at a speed that is comfortable for you, while taking in the beautiful scenery along your chosen destination. It's a great opportunity to relax, try something different, and take some spectacular photos.

Reserving your spot

With several groups of people out on a railroad at any given time, it's not meant to be a race. The idea is to enjoy your time out on the tracks. Tailgating is not preferred. Each operation will have its own set of rules that you must follow. So don't just plan on showing up the day of without a reservation and in flip flops - it's not going to happen.

It’s like riding a bike

These "hands free," people-powered rail vehicles are gaining momentum all over the United States on a variety of railroads, so here's a guide to help you find one near you.

Note: Cancellations may occur if weather conditions are dangerous. Riders may be turned away if rules are not observed. Weight/height/age restrictions may be present. If children are allowed to ride, but cannot reach the pedals, a car seat or baby sling may be advised.

This list is not all-inclusive.

Skunk Train

Location: Fort Bragg, California

Season: All year

Price: $265 (2-seater)

Length: 7 miles (2 hours) or 25 miles (4 hours)

Note: Want to bring your pet along? A limited number of dog trailers and crates are available for an extra charge ($30).

River Fox Train

Location: Sacramento, California

Price: $109 weekday, $129 weekend (2-seater)

Length: 10 miles (1 hour)

Rail Explorers USA

Location: California, Rhode Island, New York, Iowa, and Kentucky

• Amador, Calif. Uses Amador Central Railroad tracks (mid-March thru December)
• Bluegrass, Ky. Uses Bluegrass Scenic Railroad (late-March thru November)
• Boone, Iowa. Uses Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad (mid-April thru October)
• Catskills, N.Y. (late-April thru October)
• Cooperstown, N.Y. Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad (early-May thru October
• Rhode Island. Uses Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad (late-April thru early-November)

Price: Varies, $65 to $175

Length: Varies by location

The Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Location: Essex, Connecticut

Season: TBD (Not available yet)

Price: $85 to $150

Length: 8 miles

Colorado Railbike Adventures

Location: Erie, Colorado

Price: $160

Length: 8 miles (2 hours)

Note: Learn about the Erie Coal Train

Revolution Rail Co.

Location: Colorado, New York, Maine, and New Jersey

Season: Cape May, N.J. (March to December),

Colorado, New York, and Maine (May to October)

Price: $90/$160 (2-seater/4-seater), Maine $60/$100

Note: Full moon rides are available at specific locations

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia

Season: March to December

Price: $48.75 (per seat)

Length: 5.7 miles (1.5 hours)

Tracks and Yaks

Location: Frostburg and Berlin, Maryland

Season: Feb. 17 to Dec. 31 (Frostburg), Apr. 1 to Nov. 24 (Berlin)

Price: Varies, $99 to $299 (2-seater/4-seater)

Length: Varies by location (2 to 4 hours)

Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

Location: Laconia, New Hampshire

Season: Begins in May

Price: TBD, 4-seater

Length: 5 miles (1.5 hours)

Scenic Railriders

Location: Concord, New Hampshire

Season: May 11 to Nov. 3

Price: $75 to $90, $145 to $160 (2-seater/4-seater)

Length: 6.2 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)

Adirondack Railbike Adventures

Location: Thendara or Tupper Lake, N.Y.

Season: May to October and/or July to October (Timber Ridge)

Price: $45 per seat or $150 per private bike (2 to 3 seats)

Length: 7 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)

Note: Haunted Halloween option $25

American Rail Bike Adventures

Location: Boulder City, Nevada or Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania

Price: $80 to $170

Length: 7 to 8 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)

Mount Hood Railroad

Location: Hood River, Oregon

Season: April to October

Price: $199 (2-seater)

Length: 11 miles (2.4 hours)

Joseph Branch Railriders

Location: Joseph, Oregon

Season: May 18 to Sept. 30

Price: Varies, $60 to $240 (2-seater and 4-seaters available)

Length: Varies, 6 to 20 miles (1 to 4 hours)

Note: Evening tours available. Onsite unsupervised boarding ($10 to $20) available for pets comfortable with crates - only offered during daytime trips.

Secret Valley Excursions (Colebrookdale Railroad)

Location: Boyertown, Pennsylvania

Season: May through November

Price: $155/$175 (3-seater/4-seater)

Length: 45 mins. to 1.5 hours

Note: Explore magical rock cuts hand-dug by Civil War veterans.

Pennsylvania Rail Bike

Location: Hawley, Pennsylvania

Season: Memorial Day through Halloween

Price: Price varies $125/$315 (2-seater/4-seater)

Length: 10 miles (2 hours) or 20 miles (3.5 hours)

Vance Creek Railriders

Location: Shelton, Washington

Season: May 18 to Sept. 29

Price: $24 (11 and younger), $36 (12 plus), 4-seater

Length: 13 miles (2 hours)

What to bring with you?

• The No. 1 thing to bring with you on a railbike excursion - an adventurous spirit
• Weather appropriate clothing: hats, gloves, etc…
• Closed-toed shoes (no opened-backs shoes either)
• Helmet (some places may provide them)
• Water or other non-alcoholic beverages
• Insect repellent
• Light jacket/poncho (rain gear)
• Camera/smartphone
• Benadryl/EpiPens
• Small bag/fanny pack
• Car seat/baby sling

Watch Trains LIVE episode “Ridin' the Rail Gliders,” to see more on railbikes.

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Canadian Rail Explorer (Flight Inclusive)

Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a unique rail journey across Canada aboard the iconic train - "The Canadian". Travel in a classic 1950's train with dome cars, tail observation car, and fantastic dining car across the Canadian Shield, wide-open Prairies, and dramatic Rockies. Visit vibrant cities including Montréal and Toronto, gaze out at the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, soak in coastal breezes in Vancouver, and take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria on this unforgettable tour.

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13 days from £7999 (Flight Inclusive)

Saturday 22 March 2025

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Journey aboard The Canadian travelling 2,775 miles across Canada

Admire the picturesque scenery across the Canadian Shield

Travel in a classic 1950’s train through the Rocky Mountains

Experience the magnificent and thundering waters of Niagara Falls

Indulge in lunch at the iconic Skylon Tower

Enjoy a guided city tour of Montréal and Vancouver

Discover Stanley Park, Vancouver’s largest urban park

Visit the CN Tower in Toronto for incredible views of the city

Soak in refreshing coastal breezes on a scenic ferry journey to colonial Victoria

Stay in luxurious Fairmont hotels

Also included in your Tour Fare:

11 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 4 evening meals and 6 lunches

Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Saturday 22nd March We meet at our chosen flight check-in desk at London Heathrow Airport and, after passing through customs, we enjoy a complimentary drink and snack before boarding our British Airways flight to Montréal. After landing at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, we transfer to the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, our base for the next two nights. Those on our Ground Only package will travel independently meeting us at the hotel and, after check-in, we will spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore our new surroundings.

Sunday 23rd March After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Montréal by coach and by foot visiting many top attractions and historical sites including Notre-Dame Basilica, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium, and Old Montréal. This afternoon is spent at leisure to explore this vibrant city further walking the cobbled streets, discovering exquisite architecture, and indulging in fine dining.

Monday 24th March Today, we depart on the morning train to Toronto travelling this scenic route in Business Class and enjoying our lunch on board with a glass of wine and, on arrival, we make our way to the Royal York to check-in for our two-night stay. This afternoon, we enjoy free time to explore Toronto with its iconic architecture, fascinating museums and galleries, and superb shopping plus no trip would be complete without visiting the CN Tower for incredible views over the city.

Tuesday 25th March Our adventure today takes us to the magnificent Niagara Falls for a full day excursion discovering the top attractions along Niagara Parkways including the Floral Clock and Queenston Heights. We enjoy time at the Falls to appreciate this awe-inspiring force of nature, visit the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and take our lunch at the top of the Skylon Tower, a remarkable restaurant with stunning views at 775ft above the Falls!

Wednesday 26th March After breakfast this morning, we begin our iconic journey aboard The Canadian travelling 2,775 miles over four days and nights through breathtaking scenery from Toronto to Vancouver. We enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, fruit, and cookies throughout our journey plus delicious meals served in the comfortable dining car with fantastic views. We also have access to the Skyline car with its observation dome where the windows extend to the ceiling allowing for breathtaking panoramic views.

Thursday 27th March Today, we continue our rail journey through the Canadian Shield, a surprisingly sparsely populated area, taking us to Winnipeg past beautiful still waters, vast lakes, intricate ponds, and superb forests.

Friday 28th March The scenery changes dramatically today as we travel towards Edmonton across the wide-open Prairies of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta past rolling grassland, farms, woods, and fields. We cross the 845m long Fabyan Trestle Bridge over the Battle River arriving in Edmonton in the evening where the downtown skyscrapers can be seen glittering in the distance.

Saturday 29th March Today, we race towards the Rocky Mountains through an avenue of fir trees as we approach Jasper along the stunning Athabasca River. The beautiful scenery continues around every bend, passing the imposing Mount Robson, slowing for the striking Pyramid Falls, crossing the North Thompson River, and following the Fraser River Canyon to Vancouver.

Sunday 30th March We arrive in Vancouver in the morning and join our guided coach tour of the highlights of this modern city visiting the vibrant Granville Island and Stanley Park, Vancouver's largest urban park with 400 hectares of natural West Coast rainforest. Afterwards, we transfer to the Waterfront for the next three nights and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Monday 31st March After breakfast this morning, we travel by coach and scenic ferry through the islands to colonial Victoria on Vancouver Island where we enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Inner Harbour, Craigdorrach Castle, and Fisherman's Wharf. We enjoy free time to venture further and explore the waterfront and market before returning to Vancouver.

Tuesday 1st April Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Vancouver with our included day pass covering the Skyrail system, ferries to North Vancouver, and buses. Why not ride the Grouse Mountain Cableway, walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visit New Westminster Market, or discover the fishing village of Steveston.

Wednesday 2nd April After our fantastic Railtrail adventure, we transfer to Vancouver International Airport for our British Airways flight to London. Those on our Ground Only package will make their way independently to the airport for their chosen flights home.

Thursday 3rd April We land in the afternoon at London Heathrow Airport.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

* If you would like to make your own travel arrangements to/from Canada, please book on the "Ground Only" version of the tour.

Flight Details:

BA0095 – 22MAR – LHR YUL – 1630 1955 (London Heathrow to Montréal)

BA0084 – 02APR – YVR LHR – 2050 1410+1 (Vancouver to London Heathrow)

Return flights from London Heathrow to Canada with British Airways

All train rides, transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montréal

Ideally located in downtown Montréal, the luxurious Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth offers bright and dynamic interiors, fantastic dining options, a refreshing spa, and an indoor pool. The contemporary bedrooms provide a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, ironing facilities, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Standing in the heart of downtown Toronto, the stylish and historic Royal York offers an incredible reception area which has featured in many films, several restaurants serving seasonally inspired dishes, and an indoor pool. The sophisticated bedrooms provide a private bathroom with a bathrobe, a hairdryer, ironing facilities, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.

The Canadian, VIA Rail

On board the iconic train travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, The Canadian offers an unforgettable journey with spectacular views, access to lounge and scenic dome cars, on board activities including wine tastings, and delicious, freshly cooked meals served inside the dining car. The cabins provide comfortable chairs that are replaced with upper and lower beds in the evening (note, passengers will need to step up into the upper beds). A private restroom is located within the cabin with a toilet, sink, and mirror and access to the shower room located at the end of the car is included with towels, pillows, sheets, and blankets also provided.

Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver

Superbly located on the waterfront overlooking the Vancouver harbour, the elegant Waterfront offers breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains, a vibrant restaurant and bar, and a heated outdoor pool. The stylish bedrooms provide a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic views, ironing facilities, a flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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UK, Euro & Worldwide 2024

Award Winning rail holidays in the UK, Europe & Worldwide, departing in 2024

Bavarian Rail Roamer

The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country

Canals, Steam & Historic Chester

Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam

Forest of Dean Steam & the Wye Valley

Festive Highlands Tartan & Taster

Floral Cheshire & Beyond

Great German Rail Ale Trail

Glorious Isles of Scilly

Grand Tour - Coastal Nostalgia in the Sunny South

Grand Tour - Derry To Kerry

Grand Tour - Land's End to John O'Groats

Grand Tour - Six Wonders of the Waterways

Grand Tour - The Transpyrenean

Grand Tour - Wales Coast to Coast

Heritage Bath & Ancient Wiltshire

The Hebrides & the Kyle Line

Hebridean Odyssey

Highland Adventure

Golden Highlander

Summer Highlander

Highland Rail Voyager

Harrogate New Year Celebration

Harrogate Christmas Celebration

Heart of Wales Steam & the Brecon Beacons

Harz Mountains Steam - the jewel of Germany

Isles of Scilly Discovery

Isle of Man Explorer

Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

Lake District & Cumbrian Mountains Explorer

Majorca's Hidden Trails & Treasures

North Norfolk Coast, the Broads & Steam

Nostalgic Lakeland Railways & Cumbria

The Orkney & Shetland Explorer

Picturesque Pitlochry & The Enchanted Forest

Queen of Scots

Queen of Scots & Edinburgh

Royal Berkshire, Oxford & Christmas Castles

Royal Deeside Explorer

Romantic Highlander

Rail & Ramble in Historic Derbyshire

Shipshape & Bristol Fashion!

Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East

Stirling Cities of Scotland by Rail

Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

Swiss Christmas Snow Train Adventure

Scotland's Far North, Shetland & Orkney

Springtime Gardens of Cornwall

Spectacular Scotland at Christmas

Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

The Australian (Flight Inclusive)

The Australian (Ground Only)

Dutch Maximum Steam Weekend

Eastern USA Fall Colours Steam (Flight Inclusive)

Eastern usa fall colours steam (ground only).

Lake Geneva Spring Steam

North East Steam

Northern Germany by Steam

Roses Battle By Steam-Settle & Carlisle Line

Swiss Glacier Express and the Bernina

Switzerland Steam-Powered Six

Swiss Rail Roamer

Swiss Mountain Steam

Timeless Isle of Man Adventurer

West Coast Arran & Skye Discovery

Wonderful Wales

Welsh Whisky, Mines, Mint & Steam

Yorkshire Gold - Steam, Coast & Country

Yuletide Yorkshire

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Train to Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco | Peru Rail | Deals | Perurail

NOTICE: Temporary suspension of the Hidroeléctrica route until April 12th

Please note: Tickets to Machu Picchu with Hiram Bingham Trains

TRAINS TO MACHU PICCHU

• PeruRail Expedition
• PeruRail Vistadome
• PeruRail Vistadome Observatory
• Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train

TRAINS TO PUNO

• PeruRail Titicaca
• Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train

TRAINS TO AREQUIPA

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• Bimodal service: Bus + Train

MACHU PICCHU

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• Ollantaytambo
• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Arequipa City
• Frirail 20% discount on fridays

FOR YOUR TRIP

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ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE

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Welcome hot beverage

Three-course gourmet lunch

Live typical music and dance

Pisco Sour demonstration

Observatory Bar Car

Views of the Peruvian Andes

Moving between railcars

Afternoon tea

For more information on this train service, please visit the section on  comparative services

PeruRail Titicaca offers an unforgettable journey between the magical cities of Cusco and Puno, across the Peruvian Andes by day to reach the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca or the imperial city of the Incas.

The luxurious Dining Cars and Observatory Bar Car make this journey magical and unforgettable.

Experiences on board

Pisco Sour Demonstration

Landscape of the Peruvian Andes

Stations for boarding the train

Located in the heart of the city of Cusco, a 15-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). From this station you can also take the bus in the Bimodal bus service (bus + train) bound for Machu Picchu Pueblo. For more information click here

• Address: Av. Pachacútec s/n, Distrito de Wánchaq, Cusco

The Puno station, redolent with mysticism, is located in the center of the city. Passengers board and disembark from the PeruRail Titicaca train here.

• Address: Av. La Torre 224, Puno, Puno

Important : Train tickets are not sold nor can ticket changes be made at this station.

Travel information you need to know

• Always carry your Passport or National Identity Card
• Be at the station 30 minutes prior to departure
• Present your physical or digital train ticket
• Luggage allowance. See more

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

Day tour to Gorki Leninskie

From Moscow

► Tours ► Day Tours   ► From Moscow   ► Day tour to Gorki Leninskie 

  Even if you are not a massive fan of the USSR, Lenin or socialism, Gorki Leninskie on the outskirts of Moscow is still a great place to visit, as it is one of the few estate houses in Russia belonging to a middling-class of landowners which has survived today with its interior intact. Of course the reason it has survived intact is thanks to the fact that Lenin spent the last years of his life here and after his death it was turned into a museum. Before Lenin, the estate belonged to the Zinaida Morozova – the widow of the famous Russian patron of the arts Savva Morozov. After the death of her husband, Zinaida wanted to turn the estate at Gorki into a family home with her new husband Anatoly Reinbolt, and the famous Russian architect Fyodor Shekhtel was hired to carry out the reconstruction

Moscow → Gorki Leninskie → Moscow

•  10:00  • .

  Transfer to the Gorki Leninskie Museum-Reserve. Your guide will wait for you in the lobby of your hotel with a sign saying   .  The journey can take up to 1h30 hours depending on traffic.

•  11:00  • 

• The Large House – this is the house where Lenin spent the last years of his life and where he died on 21 January 1924. You will see not only the rooms where he worked and relaxed, but also the rooms of his sister, the beautiful summer gardens and lots of items connected with Lenin and the former owners of the estate.
• Lenin’s Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost – this car was bought in England for governmental use. At first it was a standard car with four wheels, but it was transferred to a factory in St Petersburg for modification: its body was placed on caterpillar tracks and skis were attached to the front. Lenin travelled from Moscow to Gorki in this car, and made trips around the Moscow Region in it. On the night of 21 January 1924, after the autopsy on Lenin's body, Lenin’s brain was taken in this car to Moscow to be studied, and on the return journey the car brought back a zinc coffin.
• Lenin's Kremlin office and apartment – on 12 December 1922 Lenin worked for the last time at his office in the Kremlin and departed for Gorki. His Kremlin office and apartment was then sealed shut. During the presidency of Yeltsin the rooms were opened up and it was decided to transfer the furniture to Gorki Leninskie where the rooms were recreated. You will see here the actual furniture that Lenin used as well as other interesting artefacts, some of which date from an even earlier period: a map of the time of the Russian Civil War, materials for congresses and conferences, collections of statistics, and presents from workers and peasants sent from all over the country. The clocks in the office display the time of 8.15 when Lenin last left his office.
• Lenin Museum – this is the newest building on the estate. The museum was built in 1987 and represents a true monument of the late Soviet period. The museum was cutting edge for its time and features audio components. The centre of each hall has a cube of black glass which displays a six-minute long film. The museum may be dedicated to Lenin, but today it also serves as a museum of the technology and spirit of the Soviet Union in the 1980s. 
• Burial of the Leader Monument - this is one of the most unusual monuments of Vladimir Lenin. Nowhere else is the founder of the Soviet Union depicted as a corpse being carried, after all “Lenin lived, Lenin lives and Lenin will always live". The designer is Sergey Merkurov who also was responsible for creating Lenin’s death mask. He was at the time the country’s leading specialists in death masks and also worked on death masks for Lev Tolstoy, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Mikhail Bulgakov and Maksim Gorky.

•  14:30  • 

•  15:30  • .

Date of the tour

Number of travellers.

• Transfer from Moscow to Gorki Leninskie Estate and back
• English-Speaking Guide
• Excursion around the estate
• Entrance tickets to museums

• Gratuities (optional)
• The tour is available the whole year round.

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Indian Rail Transport Day 2024: First train to longest route, 5 facts about Indian Railways

From north to south and east to west, indian railways has a route length of 68,426 km..

• The Indian Railway Network is the world’s fourth largest rail network with a total route length of 68,426 km approx.
• The newly launched Vande Bharat Express holds the title of the fastest train in India with a top speed of 180 km/h, whereas the slowest train in India has a speed of only 10km/h. It runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty Nilgiri.
• The Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari Vivek Express holds the title of the longest train of Indian Railways. With a running time of 80 hours and 15 minutes. The train covers 4,233 km and runs through eight states.
• India’s tallest Railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, is located between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Standing at a height of 359 m, it's also the world’s tallest railway bridge. It's taller than the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
• The New Delhi Railway station has been awarded with the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest Route Relay Interlocking system.