West Chester, PA
West Chester Railroad
4.4· 318 Google reviews
At a Glance
Source checked 2026-08-11- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationWest Chester, PA
- Rating4.4 ★318 Google reviews
- UpcomingSun, Aug 16
About West Chester Railroad
West Chester Railroad operates volunteer-led heritage excursions through the Chester Creek Valley between Market Street in West Chester and the restored Glen Mills station. A typical round trip lasts about 90 minutes and includes a stop at Glen Mills, while selected Picnic Specials extend the visit for picnicking and nearby winery access. Seasonal fall, Halloween, and holiday programs use their own schedules.
Photo gallery
See West Chester Railroad
8 photos
Select any photo to view it larger with its creator, source, and license.
Ways to Ride
Choose the visit that fits your groupBest first visit
West Chester to Glen Mills excursion
The core trip is a roughly 90-minute round trip through the Chester Creek Valley with a 20-minute stop at the restored Glen Mills station and picnic grove.
See official details →Relaxed Sunday outing
Picnic Special
Selected two-hour trips allow time to bring a picnic, explore Glen Mills station and its grove, and visit Red Brick Winery next door.
See official details →Seasonal trips
Fall and Halloween trains
The official catalog lists foliage and family-friendly Halloween excursions on specific autumn dates; use the current calendar rather than assuming daily service.
See official details →Birthdays and groups
Private table car or charter
Groups can request the table car during selected scheduled runs or ask about chartering an entire train, subject to advance arrangements and event restrictions.
See official details →Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- SeasonTrains run only on dates shown on the official calendar; regular and special-event schedules vary
- Trip LengthAbout 90 minutes round trip for the normal West Chester-Glen Mills excursion; Picnic Specials are advertised as two hours
- ArriveArrive at least 15 minutes before departure; the ticket office opens about 30 minutes before the first run
- ParkingAmple free parking is available at Market Street station
- AccessibilityVintage coaches have narrow doors, no wheelchair lift, and no high-level platforms; staff may be able to accommodate a portable wheelchair, so contact the railroad before booking
- WeatherTrains generally run in rain, shine, or snow and are cancelled only when operating conditions may be hazardous
- RestroomsThere are no restrooms aboard; portable facilities are available at Market Street and Glen Mills stations
- Good ForFamilies, diesel and Pennsylvania Railroad fans, fall outings, picnics, photographers, and multigenerational trips
Find the Depot
The Trains
The operator's roster explicitly identifies ALCO RS-18 No. 1803 as currently in service. Its collection also includes ALCO C424 No. 4213, EMD GP9 No. 6499, EMD GP38 No. 7706, and five 1931-32 Reading Railroad Blueliner coaches; the roster does not mark every locomotive as active, and it specifically says ALCO S-2 No. 3 and Plymouth No. 1 are not in service. Visitors seeking a particular locomotive should confirm with the railroad because assignments can change.
History
The original West Chester Railroad Company was chartered by the Pennsylvania legislature.
The West Chester & Philadelphia Railroad opened on November 11.
The two West Chester routes had become part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system.
SEPTA passenger service to West Chester ended.
See full history
The original West Chester Railroad was chartered in 1831. The West Chester & Philadelphia Railroad opened a second route in 1858, and both lines became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system by 1881. Market Street served generations of passengers until the original station was demolished in 1968; Penn Central and SEPTA continued passenger service until 1986. Excursion service returned after local railroad enthusiasts worked to restore the line, with the current operation preserving the former Pennsylvania Railroad Media Branch between West Chester and Glen Mills.
Around the Depot
Start with the railroad’s own Glen Mills stop and picnic grove. Back in West Chester, the History Center supplies the strongest close-in cultural pairing; the Brandywine Museum of Art is a larger regional side trip for visitors making a full day of the valley. Every promoted stop below has a substantive internal planning guide and a rights-documented gallery.
Photo by Smallbones via Wikimedia Commons · Public domainChester County History CenterLocal history museumAbout 0.5 miA downtown museum and archive connecting West Chester’s railroad setting to more than three centuries of county history.Plan this stop →
Photo by Ron Cogswell via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0Brandywine Museum of ArtAmerican art museumAbout 10 miAmerican art, Wyeth family holdings, and changing exhibitions inside a converted riverfront mill.Plan this stop →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.
Compare rentals on Discover Cars →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Tours & Activities near West Chester
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 does the West Chester Railroad depart?
All trains board at Market Street station, 230 E Market St, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382. Do not drive to Glen Mills expecting to board there; the operator says parking there is limited and hazardous.
How long is the West Chester Railroad ride?
The normal West Chester-to-Glen Mills round trip takes about 90 minutes and includes a roughly 20-minute stop. Picnic Specials are advertised as two-hour experiences, and other events may differ.
When should I arrive?
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. The ticket office normally opens about 30 minutes before the first scheduled run, and special-event seats can be released if tickets are not redeemed promptly.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
The vintage equipment has narrow doors, no wheelchair lift, and no high-level platforms. The operator may be able to accommodate a portable wheelchair with crew assistance, so email before booking to discuss the specific chair and transfer needs.
Are restrooms available on the train?
No. The operator provides portable facilities at Market Street and Glen Mills stations, but there are no restrooms aboard the train.
How should I contact the railroad?
For general information and ticketing, email info@wcrailroad.com. The operator says email is its best contact method, has no regular office hours, and reserves 610-430-2233 for railroad emergencies rather than online ticketing questions.
Sources & Verification
Source-checked August 11, 2026. This free profile has not yet been claimed or confirmed by the operator.