23 Train rides in TEXAS (Scenic, Breathtaking, and Peaceful)
The Lone Star state, Texas, is rich in culture, cuisine, and tourism.
However, are you aware that Texas also has numerous train rides that are scenic and breathtaking?
Train rides take us back to simpler times before cell phones and radios when lengthy car trips meant staring out the window and enjoying the countryside.
This article hints at how enjoyable Texas train rides can be, and you will be eager to jump on a train ride to enjoy the scenic and arresting view of Texas.
Here is your chance to view Texas’s magnificent splendor more delightfully; keep reading to learn more.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Road Trips in Texas.
Train Rides In Austin, Texas
1. Austin Steam Train (Memorable HZRX Ride)
With its HZRX Diesel 3134 locomotive, the Austin Steam Train Association provides memorable rides.
The train offers scenic views of the Hill country with other enjoyable activities for children and adults alike.
For most of its routes, it offers four different service classes; an excursion coach, a first-class coach, a first-class lounge, and a first-class lounge exclusive to adults.
Some of its themed events include murder mysteries and an exotic Christmas train ride for children.
Conversely, The Hill Country Flyer travels through the Texas Hill Country and includes a stop in Burnet for a two hours layover, during which passengers can get out and eat.
The shop is the finest choice among the available places on this railway.
Best to visit for an adventurous getaway!
Address: Austin Steam Train Association Museum, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste C-100 Cedar Park, TX 78613, USA
2. Zilker Eagle Train (Small & Big Impression)
Less is more.
This is true for the big impression the Zilker Eagle train leaves on its passengers despite its small size.
The Zilker Eagle is a beautiful miniature train owned and operated by the Austin Parks Foundation and Zilker Metropolitan Park, Austin, Texas.
Austin Park has been for over 60 years and has always been a popular place for kids and adults.
The Zilker Eagle is easy to access, and it’s a great way to experience the alluring views and sounds of the park.
It runs on a 3-mile track traveling through tunnels while taking visitors on a 25-minute ride through the verdant landscape of Zilker Park.
Zilker Eagle operates year-round depending on seasons and weather too.
It’s a ticket to a fun-filled exploration.
Address: 2131 1/2 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX 78746
3. Austin Zoo Train (Up-Close & Natural Views)
Up-close and natural, these are the cool features of the Austin Zoo Railway Ride.
The Austin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary owns the Austin Zoo Railway.
Rawhide Rocket, the neat and comfortable zoo train, provides a scenic and satisfying ride giving you an up-close view of the animals and flora in the zoo through the Hill Country.
A professional guide provides fascinating details about the animals and flora along the route.
The train leaves the depot at the beginning of every hour, starting at 11 am and operating through 3 pm throughout the week.
A train journey lasts for twenty minutes satisfying the longing stares of the passengers.
On weekends, holidays, and school days off, the train runs extra excursions and provides free travel for children under two.
Address: 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin, TX 78736
Also see our article on Horseback Riding in Texas.
Train Rides in Houston, Texas
1. Amtrak Train Station (Scenic & Comfortable Rides)
The Houston Amtrak Station is at 902 Washington Avenue near the George Bush Monument, the Theater District.
It is a train station serving downtown Houston and many other areas in Texas.
The Amtrak Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited train service this station to provide connections to cities such as San Antonio and Los Angeles.
Rides on this train are scenic and comfortable, with a waiting room, restrooms, vending machines, checked baggage, a ticket office, and free parking.
Passengers can also access restaurants and luxury hotels within walking distance.
Trains on the Sunset Limited route stop at the station thrice weekly and travel east to New Orleans and west to Los Angeles, with many stops in between.
Visit them soon for a memorable riding experience.
Address: 902 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77002
2. Houston Zoo Train (Antique Feeling)
What is more fun than visiting a zoo?
Visiting a zoo with a remarkable train ride!
The Houston Zoo’s train has been running continuously around the zoo since 1970, and it is well-known to many.
Visitors at the Houston Zoo can travel across the zoo grounds, each round taking about twenty minutes to complete, allowing them to get a closer look at the animals.
The twenty minutes promises a pleasing, beautiful, and satisfying exploration of the zoo, bringing you closer to flora and fauna as well.
Since the train has been around since 1970, it gives an unforgettable “antique’ feeling during and after each ride.
Houston Zoo Train Ride is your best bet if you want a ride that screams 100%.
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
3. Hermann Park (Breathtaking Views)
Are you thinking of a nice place to have fun with your family this weekend?
Think Hermann Park.
For almost a century, the Hermann Park Railway has delighted its riders at the park.
The park has three substations for visitors to board trains, including the central station, Kinder.
Passengers are dropped off and picked up by the train at M.D. Anderson Train Station.
They are treated to breathtaking views as they travel over a thousand-foot track of peaceful scenery, including exquisite landscapes and gardens that leave anyone stunned.
The train is super comfortable with its touch of luxury, and the short train excursion at Hermann Park lasts 1 hr 45 mins, including the outbound and return journeys.
Grab some tickets and enjoy the ride!
Address: 6102 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
Also see our article on Playgrounds in Texas.
Train Rides in Jefferson, Texas
1. Historic Jefferson Railway (Civil War Enthusiasts)
Whether a Civil War enthusiast or a haunted train lover, the Texas-based Historic Jefferson Railway is always ready to take you down the history lane and satisfy your night fantasies.
The Historic Jefferson is a 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railroad.
It is run privately by DBR Entertainment Inc.
Northeast Texas has deep piney woodlands, where the neat diesel antique trains run about 45-minute excursions.
The trains are neat, and the rides are affordable.
While on the train, some exciting things include the first artificial gas factory in Texas, blast boiler ruins, an old sawmill, and one of the few intact 1860s Confederate powder stores.
Customers can relax through the countryside on this ride departing from the Historic Jefferson Train Depot, Jefferson.
Address: 400 East Austin, Jefferson, TX 75657
2. White Oak Manor’s Train Ride (Antique Steam Engine)
Experience a first-class and informative ride at the White Oak Manor Bed & Breakfast.
The White Oak Manor is a 1920-styled bed and breakfast in Jefferson, Texas, bought and managed by two innkeepers, David and Tammy Doriot.
Well-known for its beautiful bedrooms and unmatched hospitality, this B&B has proved itself one of the finest and most enjoyable in Jefferson with its train rides and other exciting activities.
The White Oak Manor offers memorable rides in an antique, gas-powered narrow-gauge steam engine train on the Jefferson Railway, taking you through the Piney Woods along the Big Cypress Bayou and various historical places.
They also offer Christmas Train rides through the woods, getting you in the festive spirit even more.
Each trip takes about 40 minutes, stopping at specific areas, weather permitting, for passengers to disembark to see and feed the gators.
Address: 502 East Benners Street, Jefferson, TX 75657
3. Jeff’s Train Ride (Downtown Historical Tours)
If you love adventures, you’ll love the Jeff’s Train rides!
Jeff’s Train Rides is a business that allows customers to take rides around the beautiful downtown of Jefferson, Texas.
Like the Historic Jefferson Railways, people on board the Jeff’s Train Ride can take guided tours to any historical places in the surrounding area and take in the sights of Jefferson’s historic downtown district.
The trains at Jeff’s Train Rides are super comfortable and neat.
A professional guide gives information about places and other views, giving you a wholesome touring experience.
On Saturdays and Sundays, passengers can ride the train between the hours of ten in the morning and four in the afternoon all year round.
Love it fun-filled and educative?
Get on board at Jeff’s.
Address: 213 N. Polk Street, Jefferson, TX 75657.
Also see our article on Fun things to do in Texas.
Train Rides in Dallas, Texas
1. Grapevine Vintage Railroad (City-Run Enterprise)
There is something about these vintage Grapevine rides; they keep getting better!
From its Main Street station in Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, GVRR, serves as a tourist and event railroad in Grapevine, Texas.
GVRR is a city-run enterprise.
Their 1920 coaches are air-conditioned with many other amenities, making rides more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable,
You could order their private coach or charter for your private events or indulge in any of their exciting events like the Easter Bunny Express, Jazz Wine Train, and Trinity River Excursion.
Grapevine Cotton Belt Terminal opens all year, providing memorable and enjoyable riding and touring experiences to train enthusiasts, both kids and adults.
Their rates are affordable and with a ride for its worth.
Address: 705 South Main Street, Grapevine, Dallas, TX 76051
2. Trinity Railway Express (Fares Zones in CentrePort)
The customers’ reviews for this railway’s train ride in a word is, Aaaaaaamazing!
Dallas–Fort Worth has a commuter rail service called the Trinity Railway Express.
This railway was founded after negotiations between the Dallas Area Rapid Transportation and the Trinity Metro, resulting in a mutually beneficial deal for both parties.
Herzog Transit Services manages the rail route, which is owned equally by both transit agencies.
The TRE offers passengers an exciting way to travel and attend concerts, tournaments, and shows between Dallas and Fort Worth.
TRE Rides’ fares are affordable with fare zones in CentrePort West & CentrePort East.
It uses the GoPass payment gateway app for convenient and fast payment if you love to skip the stress.
TRE is one of the best train service providers.
Address: 100 S. Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
3. McKinney Avenue Trolley (Restored Vehicles)
Looking for a round-the-clock ride?
A soul-pleasing ride awaits you on the luxurious M-Line.
McKinney Avenue Trolley (M-Line) is one of the oldest streetcar lines in Uptown, Dallas.
This joy-giving trolley has been running since 1989.
It uses neat, comfortable, restored vehicles for its operations.
Some of the exciting activities in the park include fishing, bird watching, and competitions.
Although swimming and horse riding are some of the prohibited activities, the garden theater, picnic and grills, and the children’s playground are available to delight visitors in the park.
It gives passengers a unique way of seeing the city of Dallas and many other top sights in Uptown more delightfully.
The M-Line trolley runs uninterruptedly all year long.
Riding with them is wholesome and informative.
Address: 3153 Oak Grove Ave., Dallas, TX 75204
Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in Texas.
Train Rides in Fort Worth, Texas
1. Texas and Pacific Railway Museum (Historic Station Experience)
Come to this railway museum housed in the historic Texas and Pacific Station to glimpse life during the 1930s and 1940s!
The trains are exquisite, and the sights along the way are utterly captivating—you’ll love it!
Not only can you ride on the express, but you can also learn about the railroad’s rich history and explore artifacts, interactive displays, and old photographs illustrating the history of the railway.
This legendary station is in Marshall, Texas, and Amtrak’s Texas Eagle runs through it from Chicago down south to Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.
The museum hosts educational programs on the train, including lectures, workshops, and tours.
This surprisingly affordable museum railway is open year-round.
It is a perfect place to have some fun and learn history too.
Address: 241 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76102.
2. Trinity Railway Express (Dallas to Fort Worth Link)
DART and FWTA jointly run the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
The service connects downtown Dallas to downtown Fort Worth and vice versa.
On board, a train trip on the fastest train between Fort Worth and Dallas takes about one hour to round up the 31 miles separating the two cities.
Like in Dallas, TRE offers its passengers rides to travel and attend concerts, tournaments, and shows between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Train fares are affordable, and TRE uses the GoPass payment gateway app for convenient and fast payment if you love to skip the stress.
On Mondays through Fridays, the peak-time train service is every 30 minutes.
The TRE is a terrific method to go throughout the region with its broad network of linking services.
Address: 1001 Jones Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102
Also see our article on Indoor Activities in Texas.
Train Rides in Waco, Texas
1. Waco Vintage Railroad (Dinner Train & Ross Museum)
Riding on the Waco Antique Railroad is like going on a time machine to the old Texas city of Waco.
This railroad offers thrilling views on a 4.5 miles long neat steam locomotive from the Cotton Belt Station to Ross.
Guests can roam the grounds and take pictures while checking out the artifacts from the area’s railroad history.
There are informative lectures during the ride.
Their dinner train, which serves a 4-course meal, is one of the most thoughtful choices when considering a great place to dine at night.
Each ride takes about one and a half hours, with a quick visit to the Ross Railroad Museum.
The railroad also offers charter services for private events and group outings.
It’s a place for beautiful rides.
Address: 1300 N. 23rd Street, Waco, TX 76708
2. Bellmead Rail Yard (Restaurant Onboard)
Take a journey through Waco, Texas, and back in time when you step aboard the super conducive vintage train car at the historic Bellmead Rail Yard.
For more than a century, this transportation hub has been contributing to the growth of the city of Waco with its hardworking staff and unmatched service.
As you relax into your seat and listen to the gentle sway and clack-clack of the wheels on the tracks, let yourself be taken away by what this charming ride offers.
There is a restaurant serving tasty meals and drinks, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the beauty of central Texas that awaits you.
Do not miss out – ride this timeless train next time in Waco!
Address: 3700 Katy Ln, Waco, TX 76705, USA
3. Texas State Railroad (Theme Rides Available)
The Texas State Railroad hosts annual excursions on vintage steam and diesel trains.
On the 25-mile rail journey, you can see the beauty of East Texas and the Neches River Valley atop a steam or diesel locomotive from the early part of the 20th century.
As you see the sites in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, take in the stunning scenery, diverse animals, and fascinating history of Texas.
The vintage steam and diesel trains are neat and comfortable, with open windows wide enough for a good view.
They also provide theme rides like the Pumpkin Patch Express and the North Pole Express, which are excellent options for the entire family.
You can enjoy a drink while riding comfortably for four hours!
Address: 789 Park Road 76, Rusk street, Waco, TX 75785
Also see our article on Fun things to do in Texas.
Train Rides In San Antonio, Texas
1. San Antonio Zoo Eagle Train (AZA-Recognized Zoo)
Located in the heart of San Antonio, Texas (USA), the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recognizes the San Antonio Zoo.
Almost a million people visit the San Antonio Zoo yearly to see the more than 750 animals and plants that call the zoo’s 50+ acres home.
Besides animal exhibits, it manages non-animal attractions, including the San Antonio Zoo Eagle train ride, which has operated on a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge since 1956.
Traveling around the zoo in comfort, visitors can see sights and hear the sounds of the San Antonio Zoo aboard the train.
The three open-air cars on this diesel-powered train can accommodate 14 passengers.
A zoo employee narrates the 10-minute journey making the journey noteworthy, informative, and enjoyable.
Address: 3903 North St Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas
2. Morgan’s Wonderland Express (Inclusive Train Rides)
Wonders never cease at Morgan’s Wonderland, and when they say, all aboard, you sure have to get on for the most fantastic fun ride there is.
Morgan Hartman inspired the Morgan Wonderland Amusement Park to ride in 2006, and it officially became a park in 2010.
They have multiple rail cars designed for everyone, no matter your abilities.
This is evident from the wheelchair ramps available for people using wheelchairs.
They give exciting rides around their 8-acre artificial lake that waters the plants and trees in the garden.
You can walk or stroll on their Walk & Roll path, have an excellent time at their Picnic Place, and treat your eyes to the beautiful view of “Taking Flight,” a bronze sculpture in the park.
Fun way.
Address: 5223 David Edwards, San Antonio, TX 78233
3. San Antonio Botanical Garden Train (Tiny Diesel Engine)
San Antonio Botanical Garden offers a tour of the grounds on a tiny train called the San Antonio Botanical Garden train.
The train is set in motion by a diesel engine producing 7.5 horsepower.
It comprises four open-air cars providing seats for 20 passengers.
In approximately ten minutes, the train makes a complete circle of the gardens, during which passengers experience the quaint views of various plants and flowers in the magical garden.
They provide classes and special events to showcase new plants, sculptural plants, art installations, and more.
SABOT also has an exclusive round-the-clock restaurant, the Jardin, treating visitors to great meals and satisfying drinks and cocktails during every visit.
Rides here are affordable and exciting, so you should get on soon.
Address: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, Texas
4. Brackenridge Park Train (Urban Park Exploration)
Brackenridge Park is a fun urban park in San Antonio, Texas.
From its ornamental garden to the golf course, mouth-watering dishes, sandwiches, salads, and teas at the Jingu House Cafe, there are many exciting things to experience in the park.
The park’s train has three open-air cars with a twenty-passenger capacity offering the most satisfying trips while exploring the park’s historical sites and some of the city’s most loved attractions.
Visits to Brackenridge park are free, but visitors can purchase train tickets at the park’s train station or the zoo.
You can explore the beautiful gardens, waterways, and many more attractions available at this fun park with family, friends, or lovers anytime, as the train runs from 5 am to 11 am throughout the year.
Address: 3700 North St Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas
Also see our article on Happy Hours in Texas.
Train Rides in Leander, Texas
1. Cedar Rock Railroad (Miniature Diesel Engine)
Riding on the Cedar Rock Railroad Train is one of the few fun ways to explore.
They have a miniature diesel engine train with several unclosed cars ready to take visitors through the park to enjoy the scenic and breathtaking natural landscape.
Visitors also get to see the abundant wildlife of different kinds.
The railroad track is over a mile long, so the train rides take about 15 minutes only.
Some events on the Cedar Rock Railroad include the Little Locomotive chase, Old Town Pflooterville, and Imagine Railroad Playscape.
Another exciting place to be while at the railroad is its park, with picnic tables and playgrounds for kids.
Cedar Rock Railroad runs from March to December yearly to dispense fun.
Address: 390 Borho, Leander, TX 78641, United States
2. Southwest Williamson County Regional Park (Neat & Safe Trains)
Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, Leander, Texas, is a paradise with something for everyone!
From the golf, crickets, and more, it is an exciting place to be.
However, what beats anything else at the park is their train ride and the railroad grill.
The 800-acre park provides an excellent train ride, taking you through the beautiful landscapes and greenery.
Trains in this park are neat and safe, with amenities making the rides super comfortable and exciting.
They also rent out these trains for personal events and charters.
Reservations are primarily available about 0 – 3 days in advance for impressive customer service.
Southwest Williamson County Regional Park’s train runs from 9 am to 8 pm daily throughout the year.
The next time you are in Leander, visit and have some fun.
Address: 3005 Co Rd 175, Leander, TX 78641, United States
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Looking beyond Texas? Check out our article on the best Train Rides in New York and Florida.