Photo by Xboxtravis7992, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
About Virginia & Truckee Railroad
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad runs a steam‑powered short‑line excursion along the historic 1869‑1950 mainline between Virginia City and Gold Hill, offering a 35‑minute round‑trip through Nevada’s rugged mining landscape. Seasonal service extends from Carson City to Virginia City, delivering authentic 19th‑century scenery as the train traverses the original route once vital to the Comstock Lode. Daily operations span Memorial Day through Halloween, with additional weekend runs during shoulder seasons.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- NV
- Rating
- 4.7 ★ 1,349 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Virginia & Truckee Railroad. 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
- 35-minute ride
- Parking
- Free lot · paid lot · street parking
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad operates a 14‑mile (23 km) heritage line that runs between Virginia City and Gold Hill, with seasonal extensions to Carson City. Its active roster includes the original 2‑6‑0 “Lyon” (engine No. 1), the Booth‑built “Ormsby” (No. 2) and “Storey” (No. 3), and the Baldwin‑built “Virginia” (No. 4) and “Carson” (No. 5), all of which pull period‑appropriate flat cars, passenger coaches and freight cars that once carried ore, lumber and theater patrons.
History
See full history
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad incorporates the 1868 incorporation of the original company, which began grading work on February 18, 1869 and drove the ceremonial first spike on September 28, 1869. Engine No. 2 hauled the railroad’s first revenue car on November 12, 1869, and the first ore train left the Yellow Jacket mine on November 18, 1869; regular scheduled service between Gold Hill and Carson City starts on December 21, 1869, with the inaugural passenger run arriving in Virginia City on January 29, 1870 and daily passenger service commencing February 1, 1870. After decades of commercial operation, the line is abandoned in 1950, its track removed and equipment sold. In the 1970s, historic‑railroad enthusiasts rebuild the former mainline, restoring the Virginia City–Gold Hill segment privately and the Gold Hill–Mound House segment with public funding and private donations, and the revived enterprise operates today as a privately owned heritage railroad.
Around the Depot
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is a classic Nevada ride; give it a deliberate spot on your itinerary.
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.
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