Photo by Steve Morgan, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
About Astoria Riverfront Trolley
The Astoria Riverfront Trolley glides along a 3‑mile (5 km) heritage streetcar line on former freight tracks beside the south bank of the Columbia River, offering continuous river views and passage under the Astoria–Megler Bridge. Boarding occurs at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, with flag‑stop service at benches and shelters. Powered by a diesel‑generator trailer, the 1913‑built car completes a round trip in roughly 60 minutes, operating daily from May through September.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- OR
- Rating
- 4.6 ★ 307 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Astoria Riverfront Trolley. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- Trip Length
- 60-minute round trip
- Hours
- Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMFriday: 1:00 – 4:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The line runs on former freight tracks along the south bank of the Columbia River from Portway Street on the west to 39th Street on the east, a distance of roughly 3 miles (4.8 km). Its sole historic vehicle is ex‑San Antonio Public Service Company No. 300, a 1913 American Car Company streetcar that ARTA purchased in 2005, and in November 2023 the association added a rebuilt ex‑Ballarat Tramways M‑Class Melbourne Tram No. 183 (formerly Ballarat No. 30) as a backup and special‑event car.
History
See full history
The concept of a heritage streetcar in Astoria first emerges in 1980, followed by a thwarted 1986 effort to acquire a trolley car because of insurance costs. After Burlington Northern abandons its Portland‑Astoria freight line in 1996 and the city railbanks roughly six miles of right‑of‑way, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley Association (ARTA) secures a five‑year lease for ex‑San Antonio Public Service Company No. 300 in November 1998; the car arrives the next month and service launches on June 8 1999. Volunteers raise $40,000, refurbish the car and, in 2001, the city funds a new carbarn on Industry Street, while by 2004 the trolley is described as a “symbol” and “icon” of Astoria and one of the city’s most popular attractions. ARTA purchases the car outright in August 2005 for $50,000, completing the transaction in early 2006 with a $5,000 city contribution. After a pandemic‑related suspension in 2020, the line reopens July 23 2021, operates on a reduced segment from June 2022 through July 2024, and expands its fleet in November 2023 with the acquisition of a rebuilt ex‑Ballarat Tramways M‑Class vehicle.
Around the Depot
The Astoria Riverfront Trolley is a short, scenic Oregon ride; pair it with time along the waterfront.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.