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Essex, CT

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

4.7· 3,155 Google reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Source checked 2026-08-23
  • TypeHistoric steam excursions, Connecticut Riverboat combinations, and Pullman dining trains
  • LocationEssex, CT
  • Rating4.7 ★3,155 Google reviews
  • UpcomingSat, Sep 26
  • Tickets & faresAdvance purchase strongly recommended; walk-up availability is not guaranteed

About Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

Valley Railroad Company operates the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat from the historic 1892 Essex Station. The classic choice is either a one-hour narrated steam-train round trip or a 2.5-hour train-and-riverboat combination. Vintage coaches travel through Deep River and Chester to Deep River Landing, where combination passengers board the Becky Thatcher for a 1.25-hour Connecticut River cruise before returning by train. The 2026 calendar also includes diesel-powered Essex Clipper dinner and brunch trains in restored Pullman dining cars.

📍 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426📞 860-767-0103

Choose an Essex Rail Experience

Choose the visit that fits your group

First-time visitors, families, river scenery, and wildlife-focused travelers

Steam Train & Riverboat

Combine a narrated steam ride with a 1.25-hour Connecticut River cruise for a 2.5-hour round trip.

Shorter visits and train-focused riders

Steam train only

Choose the one-hour round trip when the full boat combination does not fit the day.

Adults, couples, and meal-centered occasions

Essex Clipper dining

Reserve a 2.5-hour four-course dinner or three-course brunch in restored Pullman dining cars.

History travelers, families, and mixed-weather days

Connecticut River Museum

Continue the river story at an independent waterfront museum in Essex Village.

Plan Your Visit

  • ArriveArrive at least 30 minutes before departure and check in at the Essex Station ticket window
  • AccessibilityStation grounds and public buildings are accessible; historic train and boat have tall steps, narrow aisles, limited restrooms, gangway and gravel-platform challenges, and no wheelchair or walker storage
  • WeatherClassic excursions operate rain or shine, subject to operator delay, postponement, or cancellation
  • RestroomsSmall restrooms aboard; boat restrooms are down a full staircase; station restroom use is recommended
  • Train OnlyOne-hour round trip; coach $29
  • Train And Boat2.5-hour round trip; coach $49; first class $65
  • RiverboatAbout 1.25 hours aboard Becky Thatcher from Deep River Landing
  • Published Times11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on listed classic-excursion dates
  • TicketsAdvance purchase strongly recommended; walk-up availability is not guaranteed
  • ComfortSteam heat when weather warrants; no air conditioning on train or boat
  • EquipmentThe operator may alter equipment and schedule
  • TimezoneAll published times are local Eastern Time

Find the Depot

Address

1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT 06426

Get directions →

The Trains

Classic excursions are advertised with a steam locomotive and vintage coaches, while the Essex Clipper dining train uses vintage GE diesel-electric power and restored dining equipment. The Wallingford and Meriden date to 1927 and 1924 Pullman service, and the Goodspeed was built in 1927 before later restoration. Equipment can change, so the experience and seating class are safer promises than a specific locomotive number.

History

1868

Connecticut chartered Valley Railroad Company on July 17.

1871

The 45-mile line opened with a ceremonial run July 29 and regular service July 31.

1892

The Hartford & Connecticut Valley Railroad became part of the New Haven system.

1968

The last pre-preservation train ran over the Valley line in March.

1970

Connecticut formally leased 22.67 miles for revived freight and passenger service.

1971

Steam tourism returned from Essex to Deep River on the original centennial date.

See full history

Valley Railroad Company received its Connecticut charter July 17, 1868. The 45-mile route opened with a ceremonial train July 29, 1871 and regular service two days later. After New Haven Railroad control and decades of decline, the last train ran in March 1968. Volunteers secured the corridor, Penn Central turned the branch over to Connecticut in 1969, and the state formally leased 22.67 miles to the revived Valley Railroad in 1970. Steam tourism returned between Essex and Deep River on July 29, 1971, exactly 100 years after the first ceremonial run.

More in Connecticut

All train rides in Connecticut →

Train Types in Connecticut

Polar Express Trains →Christmas Train Rides →Steam Trains →Dinner Trains →Scenic Train Rides →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Essex Steam Train ride?

The train-only round trip is one hour; the train-and-riverboat combination is 2.5 hours.

Where do excursions depart?

Essex Station at 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, Connecticut 06426.

How early should I arrive?

At least 30 minutes before departure to check in at the ticket window.

Is advance purchase required?

It is strongly recommended. Walk-up tickets are sold only when capacity remains.

Is the train and boat wheelchair accessible?

The station campus is accessible, but the historic train and boat present tall steps, narrow aisles, gangway and platform challenges, and no wheelchair or walker storage. Call before booking.

Are there restrooms aboard?

Yes, but they are small. Boat restrooms require a full staircase, so the operator recommends the station restrooms first.

Is the dining train steam powered?

No. The operator describes vintage GE diesel-electric power for the Essex Clipper dining train.

Does the train operate in rain?

The classic excursion is advertised as rain or shine, though the operator may delay, postpone, or cancel when necessary.

Sources & Verification

Source-checked August 23, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.

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