Visitors to Philadelphia interested in seeing the scenery that surround the city can find numerous options for tours. Among these are railroads that offer scenic train tours. These railroads are located within an hour of Philadelphia in eastern Pennsylvania and Northern Delaware and offer train tours throughout the year.
The main station for the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad is on West Bridge in the community of New Hope, Pennsylvania approximately 41 miles from Philadelphia. The railroad has operated since 1962. The railroad offers tours through Bucks County in its passenger coach trains, which are vintage models made during the 1920s.
The route is the same as that traveled in the 1914 film series "The Perils of Pauline." The railroad also hosts special train rides, including the North Pole Express during the winter holiday, with a Santa theme for children. Murder mystery train rides and Sunday brunch excursions are also scheduled throughout the year.
The New Hope and Ivyland Railroad operates daily during the summer months, with a limited schedule for the remainder of the year. Trains depart hourly during the summer. A secondary station for the railroad is on Street Road in Lahaska, Pennsylvania; passengers may board trains here as well. On-site parking is available at both stations.
West Chester Railroad is in West Chester, Pennsylvania, about 36 miles from Philadelphia. The railroad offers 90 minute train tours from West Chester to Glen Mills, a 15.4 mile round trip. The train passes through the communities of Westtown, Cheney and Locksley, and themes for the tours vary throughout the year. During the fall, visitors can enjoy the local fall foliage, while December brings the Santa Express train ride. The West Chester Railroad offers excursions every Sunday from June through December. Special trips are also featured for Easter and Mother's Day. The railroad has free, on-site parking.
The Wilmington & Western Railroad departs from Greenbank Station on Newport-Gap Pike in the city of Wilmington, Delaware, about 36 miles from Philadelphia. The railroad has been in operation since 1867. Tours take a route along the Red Clay Valley, providing views of the water. The railroad changes the theme of the tours throughout the year. Around Valentine's Day, couples can embark on a special dinner ride. Fall foliage, murder mystery, and Easter Bunny tours are also among the featured trips.
The hours and days of the tours on the Wilmington & Western Railroad vary throughout the year through the railroad is typically closed during the month of January. Greenbank Staton has a museum with historical memorbilia about the railroad that visitors can tour. Free, on-site parking is available.
