Train Trips in Virginia

The Ghost Train

• Just in time for Halloween, Northwest River Park's Ghost Train takes family-friendly train tours of the "haunted" forests around Chesapeake in southeastern Virginia. The train begins at the park's activity center where storytellers set the spooky scene. As the train winds through the wooded park, the ghost story continues with periodic stops for families to get out and discover clues and additional information. The train runs from Thursday to Sunday in the last two weekends of October, and reservations are required.

  Northwest River Park
  Chesapeake, VA 23322
  757-421-7151

The Mystery Train

• The Mountain State Mystery Train offers train trips across Virginia, West Virginia and surrounding states that highlight the natural beauty in the region. Trains carry passengers through mountains, valleys and forests. While guests are enjoying their ride, the train's Mystery Theater Company puts on interactive shows and audiences are encouraged to participate. Routes vary by season, but the rail company operates weekend and mid-week tours of scenic Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge mountain range. Their Fall Foliage and Spring Fever trips showcase Virginia's beautiful scenery.

  The Mountain State Mystery Train
  866-529-6412
  themysterytrain.com

Amtrak Train Trips

• Amtrak runs rail service in 22 cities and 9 routes throughout the state. Most train travel radiates out of Union Station in Washington, D.C., and proceeds east to historic Manassas and Harrisonburg or south to Richmond and the Virginia Beach area. These trains are focused on getting travelers to their destination rather than educating tourists about the scenery and historic significance of the route. Amtrak provides a cheap and convenient way for travelers to explore the state by rail.

  Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation
  Public Information Office
  600 East Main Street, Suite 2102
  Richmond, VA 23219
  804-786-4440
  amtrakvirginia.com

Coal Heritage Train Trips

• Located on the eastern tip of Virginia, Buchanan County is home to many abandoned and reclaimed coal mines. These mines were once connected by a rail service that transported mined coal to factories. As of 2010, plans for a coal heritage train tour attraction were still underway; contact the state tourism office for updated information.

  Virginia Tourism Corporation
  901 E. Byrd St.
  Richmond, VA 23219
  virginia.org