A Must-Visit Lancaster Attraction

Charming attractions dominate the Lancaster area, which is known for its heartwarming atmosphere and its abundance of whimsy. Visiting often feels like stepping into a time capsule, which reminds us that the traditions of yesteryear can still be relevant today. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Strasburg Railroad Museum, where train enthusiasts and casual riders alike gather to celebrate the great tradition of railroads in America.

In addition to providing the top Lancaster PA train ride, the Strasburg Railroad is famous at the national and even international level. When you picture the concept of a tourist-oriented, heritage-style railway, Strasburg is almost certainly what comes to mind. It has set the stage for historic railways all around the country to thrive.

Visiting this iconic railroad can be a wonderful part of any Lancaster vacation, but it definitely takes planning. In addition to keeping your eye on the ever-changing Strasburg Railroad schedule, you'll need to determine which types of tickets fall within your budget and who, exactly, will find each type of ride appealing. To help, we've compiled all the essential details on Strasburg Railroad ticket prices, special events, seating, and more.

How to Book Your Tickets Online

Given the enduring popularity of the Strasburg Railroad, it's easy to see why rides are so frequently booked far in advance. The easiest way to score a ticket is to book online through the official Strasburg Railroad website.

If you're only in Lancaster for a short time, you'll almost certainly book a single ticket. Keep in mind, however, that annual passes are available for regular riders. This option provides unlimited rides at coach class, plus the opportunity to upgrade to other cars for a reasonable rate. There are also several seasonal passes, providing dozens of rides in spring, summer, or fall.

If you'd like a sneak peek of the Strasburg experience before you book your tickets, you're in luck: the Strasburg Railroad webcam provides live footage from multiple perspectives. You can also get a unique glimpse of the journey via Google Street View.

As you book your trip, take a close look at the vast range of seats and events. Take advantage of the website's all-encompassing calendar, which allows you to browse by date. This calendar includes options for every type of car (premium, dining, and general, for example), listed at various hours throughout the day.

Dining Aboard the Train

Riding the train is fun on its own, but the experience takes a definite step up if you add delicious snacks or meals to the picture. Therein lies the appeal of reserving your tickets for the dining car, where you can both eat and relax as you enjoy the comfort of air conditioning.

When booking online, you'll select not only your desire to eat in the dining car, but also, the specific meal you'll enjoy. These change often, but possible options include meatball subs, veggie wraps, and chicken tacos.

This is by no means the only way to dine aboard the train. If you book a ride during a special event (such as the brunch edition of the Santa Paradise Express), your meal may be included with the price of your ticket.

For an especially sophisticated experience, you can also opt for the Elegant Express. Available during select weekends, this involves a meal prepared by Café 1832, as well as complimentary wine. Favorites from the Elegant Express menu include lobster ravioli and vegetable lasagna. Café 1832 meals can also be purchased along the railroad platform.

If you prefer to eat before or after your railroad adventure, you'll be thrilled to find a variety of great restaurants near your train ride. Nearby options include Agapē Cafe & Grill, Katie's Kitchen, and Bespoke Brewing. Better yet, stay in a nearby hotel or resort with onsite dining options, so you have somewhere convenient to relax after your railroad experience comes to an end.