The Hill Country Flyer is the company's original route and has run since July 25, 1992. The 66-mile route goes from Cedar Park to Burnet. Prior to returning, the Burnet Gunfighters Association enacts a wild-west shootout at the depot, weather permitting.
The Bertram Flyer runs from Cedar Park to Bertram, a shorter ride than the Hill Country Flyer. A 15-minute layover in Bertram allows riders to visit the restored 1912 train depot there.
Santa Claus is aboard these Christmas-themed December trains. Mrs. Claus gives out gingerbread cookies, and a storyteller visits every car to bring to life the story of the North Pole Flyer. This two-hour, 30-minute ride has no stops, as all events take place on board.
Day Out with Thomas departs from Burnet, an hour northwest of Austin, in early autumn and consists of a 25-minute ride on a full-size Thomas the Tank Engine from the Railway Series books and the television show, "Thomas and Friends."
Several trains are offered in direct association with local events, including the Bluebonnet Festival and Main Street Bethlehem in Burnet in April and December, respectively, and the Oatmeal Festival in Bertram in September.
Several murder-mystery trains are offered throughout the year, including A Wild West Murder Mystery, Murder on the Bertram Flyer, Murder Most Foul and A Halloween Whodunit on the Bertram Flyer. These trains are available for ages 17 and up, with the exception of A Halloween Whodunit, which is available for those 12 and older.
The operating crews of ASTA trains have consisted of volunteers since the organization was founded in 1989. Volunteers also maintain equipment, lay track and restore equipment. These unpaid workers restored the Bertram depot prior to its 1997 opening.
Austin Steam Train Association
401 East Whitestone Blvd., Suite A-103
Cedar Park, TX 78613
512-477-8468
austinsteamtrain.org
