Phillipsburg, NJ
Delaware River Railroad Excursions
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-12- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationPhillipsburg, NJ
- Rating4.2 ★1,348 Google reviews
- UpcomingSat, Aug 15
About Delaware River Railroad Excursions
Delaware River Railroad Excursions is the public passenger program of the nonprofit New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society. Trains leave from the riverfront entrance at 38 Market Street in Phillipsburg and follow the Delaware River south toward Riegelsville over the Belvidere & Delaware River Railway. The society office at 162 South Main Street is not the public boarding address. Regular trips, destination add-ons, seasonal family trains, and the licensed Polar Express program have different timing and conditions, so the selected ticket controls the day.
Ways to Ride
Choose the visit that fits your groupFirst-time riders, families, river scenery seekers, and railfans
River Train
The core roughly two-hour Phillipsburg–Riegelsville excursion following the Delaware River, with flexible detrain-and-return options only when the published schedule permits.
Families prepared for a long outdoor layover and uneven terrain
Ol’ Susquehanna Mine add-on
A Snyders Station layover with a guided mine experience and gem panning, available only with specified departures and a substantially longer day.
Adults seeking a destination experience and flexible return plan
Warren County Winery Train
A train-and-shuttle trip to Villa Milagro Vineyards with a tour and tasting; return timing depends on the day’s train schedule.
Families planning a seasonal half-day outing
Great Pumpkin Train
A fall excursion with a pumpkin stop and seasonal activities on published weekends from September 19 through November 1, 2026.
Families seeking the licensed holiday story experience
The Polar Express Train Ride
A licensed approximately 90-minute holiday program with day-specific ticket inventory from November 27 through December 20, 2026.
Upcoming Events
Complete official date check
2026 special-event calendar
These dates come directly from the operator. USA Train Rides adds trip-planning details only when they are backed by reviewed sources. Check the live official calendar ↗
Plan Your Visit
- SeasonThe current 2026 public inventory runs on selected dates through December 20; products and departure times vary by date
- Trip LengthAllow about two hours for the regular River Train. Mine, winery, pumpkin, and Polar Express products use different itineraries
- ArriveArrive at least 30 minutes early for regular excursions and 45–60 minutes early for major special events
- ParkingUse the operator’s current parking map. Lot A is paid beside the ticket booth; lot B is paid near the free bridge; lot C is a free transit lot near 274 South Main Street
- AccessibilityThe path from the ticket booth to the train includes a hill; golf-cart assistance may be available. Historic cars require three boarding steps and cannot accommodate wheelchairs onboard
- WeatherTrains generally operate rain or shine. Tickets are final and nonrefundable unless the operator announces another remedy
- RestroomsThe current official visitor pages do not publish a complete restroom-access plan. Ask the operator before purchase when restroom access is essential
- RouteThe regular River Train travels south from Phillipsburg toward Riegelsville; the official visitor page describes a 20-mile round trip
- TicketsExchange or collect the ticket confirmation before boarding. Advance purchase is strongly recommended and special events can sell out
- Special Event ParkingLot A closes for Thomas and Polar Express dates. Those events use lots B and C with an operator shuttle
- Mine TimingThe mine add-on requires a long Snyders Station layover and is offered only with specified 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. departures
- FoodSnacks and drinks may be sold onboard. Guests may bring food and nonalcoholic drinks; alcohol is limited to the winery program
- StrollersStrollers are not permitted onboard, and the riverfront terrain is not described as stroller-friendly
Find the Depot
The Trains
The excursion railroad uses historic Long Island Rail Road passenger coaches with vintage diesel power and, on select days, NYS&W SY-class 2-8-2 steam locomotive No. 142. The Chinese-built locomotive entered service in 1989 and returned to revenue operation on October 4, 2025 after its federally required inspection and rebuild. Diesel No. 811 is also documented in recent service. Equipment can change, and a steam photograph or the presence of No. 142 does not promise steam on a specific ticket.
History
By 1855, the Belvidere Delaware Railroad was carrying passengers and freight over its Delaware River corridor.
The New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society was founded.
The Belvidere & Delaware River Railway acquired the former river line.
The society began operating Delaware River Railroad Excursions.
Steam locomotive No. 142 returned to revenue service on October 4 after its federally required inspection and rebuild.
See full history
The route follows the former Belvidere Delaware Railroad along the New Jersey bank of the Delaware River, a corridor developed in the 1850s. The New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society formed in 1988. The Belvidere & Delaware River Railway acquired the line in 1995, and the society began the present excursion program in 2004. The current common-carrier corridor extends beyond the public passenger segment, while track south of Carpentersville toward Milford is out of service.
Around the Depot
Begin with the most train-specific local stop: Phillipsburg Railroad Historians is only about 0.4 road mile away but opens solely for selected events. Riegelsville Inn is a uniquely train-accessible destination when a later return operates, while Crayola Experience is the strongest substantial all-weather family pairing across the river in Easton. Distances below use the Market Street train entrance, except the inn’s destination-stop context. Every venue is separately operated.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
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Tours & Activities near Phillipsburg
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I board?
Use 38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865 for the visitor ticket booth and train entrance. The society office at 162 South Main Street is not the boarding location.
How long is the River Train?
The official visitor page describes an approximately two-hour experience and a 20-mile round trip. Add-on products can create a much longer day.
Is every departure steam-powered?
No. Steam locomotive No. 142 operates on select days and equipment can be substituted. Confirm the specific departure when motive power matters.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Historic cars require three boarding steps and cannot accommodate a wheelchair onboard. The riverfront approach includes a hill, and golf-cart assistance may be available. Contact the operator before buying.
Where should I park?
Follow the official current parking map. Lots A and B are paid; transit lot C is free. Thomas and Polar Express use special parking rules, close lot A, and provide shuttle service from lots B and C.
How early should I arrive?
Allow at least 30 minutes for regular trips and 45–60 minutes for major special events, including parking, walking or shuttle time, and ticket pickup.
Can I get off in Riegelsville?
Only when the selected schedule has a later train that can return you to Phillipsburg. Follow the crew’s same-day instructions and never assume a protected restaurant connection.
Which departures include the mine?
The official mine page limits the add-on to specified 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. departures. It includes a long layover and should not be assumed on a 4 p.m. train.
Can I bring a stroller or food?
Strollers are not permitted onboard. Guests may bring food and nonalcoholic drinks; outside alcohol is not allowed.
Are tickets refundable?
Current official ticket terms describe sales as final and nonrefundable. Check the selected product and confirmation for any operator-announced exception.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 12, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.
- Official visitor home, operating season, address, phone, and society identity
- Official ticket office and current 2026 products
- Official River Train route, duration, destination stop, and visitor guidance
- Official mine add-on timing and itinerary
- Official winery destination itinerary
- Official Great Pumpkin Train dates and schedule
- Official Polar Express program overview
- Official FAQ for arrival, ticketing, access, strollers, food, and weather policy
- Official parking map and special-event shuttle rules
- Official society history and current No. 142 return-to-service status
- New Jersey State Rail Plan 2025 for line ownership and operating-corridor context
- Wikimedia Commons rights-cleared excursion media