ROANOKE, VA
At a Glance
- TypeRailroad museum
- LocationROANOKE, VA
- Rating4.7 ★1,906 Google reviews
About Virginia Museum of Transportation
In downtown Roanoke, the Virginia Museum of Transportation presents an immersive exploration of American mobility within the historic 1918 Norfolk & Western freight station. Visitors wander through galleries that showcase early‑20th‑century automobiles, a restored DC Transit PCC streetcar, and the “Wings Over Virginia” aviation exhibit, while the museum’s renowned steam collection features the operational Norfolk & Western J‑Class No. 611 and the last surviving 2‑6‑6‑4, Class A No.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Virginia Museum of Transportation. 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
- ParkingFree lot · street parking
- AccessibilityAccessible restroom · accessible parking
- Good ForFamilies
- HoursMonday: ClosedTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Virginia Museum of Transportation’s rolling‑stock collection exceeds fifty pieces, highlighted by the Norfolk & Western J‑Class steam locomotive No. 611, operational since May 9 2015, and the Norfolk & Western Class A 2‑6‑6‑4 No. 1218, built at the Roanoke Shops in 1943 and transferred to museum ownership on April 2 2012. The inventory also includes the Virginian Railway SA‑class No. 4 (1910), the Norfolk & Western Class G‑1 No. 6 (1897), a Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 electric No. 4919, a D.C. Transit PCC streetcar, and diesel‑electric units such as the Norfolk & Western ALCO RS‑3 No. 300, EMD GP‑9 No. 521, and EMD SD‑45 No. 1776, together with a variety of freight cars ranging from Amoco oil tank cars to Norfolk Southern hopper cars. All equipment is displayed statically in the museum’s downtown Roanoke facility; no public ride operations occur on any track.
History
See full history
The Virginia Museum of Transportation originates in 1963 when the Roanoke Transportation Museum opens in Wasena Park, housed in an old Norfolk & Western Railway freight depot on the Roanoke River. In 1983 the General Assembly of Virginia designates it the Official Transportation Museum of Virginia. A flood in November 1985 damages the museum and much of its collection, prompting a relocation; the museum reopens in April 1986 at the former Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station in downtown Roanoke under the new name Virginia Museum of Transportation. During its 50th birthday on April 2 2012 the City of Roanoke transfers ownership of the Norfolk & Western steam locomotives No. 611 and No. 1218 to the museum, and that same year the freight station building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Around the Depot
Roanoke, Virginia is home to the Virginia Museum of Transportation, with the Altavista Train Station and the C&O Railway Heritage Center each about 38 mi away.
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 near Roanoke
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 is Virginia Museum of Transportation located?
ROANOKE, VA 24016
How do I get tickets to Virginia Museum of Transportation?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://www.vmt.org/.