Strasburg Rail Road
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-10- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationRonks, PA
- Rating4.7 ★6,288 Google reviews
- UpcomingFri, Sep 11
About Strasburg Rail Road
Strasburg Rail Road runs narrated 45-minute round trips from East Strasburg to Paradise and back through 2,500 acres of Lancaster County countryside. Visitors can choose Coach, Open Air, First Class, or Dining accommodations, then add seasonal events or a behind-the-scenes experience. Advance reservations are encouraged because trains depart on time and popular dates can sell out.
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Ways to Ride
Choose the visit that fits your groupBest first visit
Daily steam excursion
The signature narrated 9-mile round trip to Paradise and back, with Coach, Open Air, First Class, and Dining choices.
See official details →Couples and special occasions
Dining and premium cars
Choose the Dining Car, First Class cars, or limited premium dining experiences when the official calendar offers them.
See official details →Railfans and older children
Behind-the-scenes tours
Mechanical Shop and hostling experiences show how historic steam equipment is maintained and prepared for service.
See official details →Families and repeat visits
Seasonal and family events
The operator rotates Thomas, character days, Halloween programs, and three distinct Christmas experiences.
See official details →Plan Your Visit
- SeasonSchedules vary by date; check the official calendar
- Trip Length45 minutes for regular round trips
- ArriveBoarding begins about 10–15 minutes before departure
- ParkingOnsite parking is close to the station; some special events use remote parking with a free shuttle
- AccessibilityHistoric passenger cars are not ADA-compliant. A mobile lift can accommodate many wheelchairs up to 400 lb combined weight; accommodations are not guaranteed
- WeatherTrains normally run rain or shine
- RestroomsAvailable in First Class and specified Coach cars; Open Air cars do not have restrooms
- Good ForFamilies, steam enthusiasts, photographers, and multigenerational trips
Find the Depot
The Trains
The visitor-facing steam roster centers on locomotives No. 90, No. 475, and No. 89. No. 31 has been under a federally required rebuild since 2009, and the railroad also operates its full-sized Thomas locomotive for Day Out With Thomas. The locomotive assigned to a particular train can change, so visitors seeking a specific engine should confirm with the operator.
History
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania granted the railroad charter on June 9.
The company was incorporated and soon began carrying passengers and freight to Paradise.
Local investors completed their purchase of the railroad on November 1.
Tourist passenger operations began.
No. 31 made the first restored steam passenger departure on September 1.
Locomotive No. 90 arrived at Strasburg.
The railroad acquired Norfolk & Western No. 475.
See full history
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania chartered Strasburg Rail Road on June 9, 1832. The operator’s current history says the Panic of 1837 delayed development; by 1851 the company was incorporated and soon carrying passengers and freight to the main line at Paradise. Local investors completed their purchase of the deteriorated railroad on November 1, 1958, tourist passenger operations began in 1959, and No. 31 made the railroad’s first restored steam passenger departure on September 1, 1960.
Around the Depot
Strasburg is unusually dense with train experiences. At the station itself, visitors will find Café 1832, the General Store, the Toy Store, and a children’s play area. The stops below are ordered by approximate distance within each relevance tier; confirm walking routes and current hours with each venue.
Photo by LostplanetKD73 via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0General Store & Toy StoreOnsite railroad shopsAt the stationTwo operator-run shops at the station with railroad gifts, books, apparel, toys, and model-train items.Plan this stop →
Photo by Shakes1420 via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Café 1832Onsite diningAt the stationThe operator’s onsite café for a meal before or after the train; check its current seasonal hours directly.Plan this stop →
Photo by Logg Tandy via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0Railroad Museum of PennsylvaniaRailroad museumAbout 0.1 miA separate Commonwealth museum directly across Gap Road with more than 100 historic locomotives and railroad cars.Plan this stop →
Photo by Howard N2GOT via Flickr · CC BY 2.0Choo Choo BarnModel railroad attractionAbout 0.3 miA 1,700-square-foot animated model railroad attraction depicting Lancaster County scenes.Plan this stop →Photo by Howard N2GOT via Flickr · CC BY 2.0Strasburg Train ShopModel train shopAbout 0.3 miA local model-railroad hobby shop beside Choo Choo Barn.Plan this stop →
Photo by David Wilson via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0Paradise Station and Red Caboose MotelRail-themed lodgingAbout 0.5 miA rail-themed local stay and restaurant where guests sleep or dine in railroad cars beside the Strasburg line.Plan this stop →
Photo by Nolabob via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0National Toy Train MuseumToy train museumAbout 0.5 miA major toy-train collection with operating layouts covering the history of model railroading.Plan this stop →
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Where to Stay
Photo by David Wilson via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Featured stay
Red Caboose Motel at Paradise Station
Sleep in a genuine caboose right beside the Strasburg Rail Road line, about a mile from the depot.
View stay guide →Check availability →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.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near Ronks
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
How long is the regular Strasburg Rail Road ride?
Regular train rides are 45-minute round trips from East Strasburg to Paradise and back on the same track.
Where does Strasburg Rail Road depart?
Passenger trains depart from 301 Gap Road, Ronks, Pennsylvania 17572. This physical visitor address differs from the railroad’s Strasburg mailing address.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The historic passenger cars do not meet current ADA standards. The railroad has a mobile lift for many standard wheelchairs up to 400 pounds combined weight and will make reasonable efforts to accommodate guests, but access is not guaranteed.
When should I arrive?
Plan to board about 10–15 minutes before the scheduled departure. Trains depart promptly.
Is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania part of Strasburg Rail Road?
No. It is a separate Commonwealth of Pennsylvania museum located directly across Gap Road.
Where should I buy tickets?
Use Strasburg Rail Road’s official schedule and booking page for current departures, availability, accommodations, and event-specific policies.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 10, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.