There's A New Way To See Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley–By Rail

Scenic train rides are crowd-pleasers, at least according to Pinterest, which predicted that train travel would be all the rage in 2023. In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the Virginia Scenic Railway was ahead of schedule, chugging into the station in historic Staunton in August 2022 to offer the first sightseeing train rides across the area’s bucolic farmland and verdant national forests. 

The addition of a relaxing rail excursion has been a boon for the region, enabling new access to the Shenandoah Valley. Until now, majestic valley views were primarily accessible by car as you motored from town to town, hopping on and off I-81, one of Virginia’s main highways, or along Skyline Drive, the 105-mile scenic byway that spans the length of Shenandoah National Park.

Two Scenic Train Routes 

Operated by Buckingham Branch Railroad, the Virginia Scenic Railway offers the state’s only regularly scheduled short-line excursion service, delighting rail passengers four days a week (Thursday through Sunday). Historic rail cars that date to the 1940s meander across the renowned Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Twice a day, excursions depart Staunton’s Amtrak station for three-hour view-filled rail journeys. Mornings, the Alleghany Special chugs west across working farms and pastoral landscapes, destined for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The rugged Allegheny Mountains come into view as the train nears its turn-around point in the village of Goshen. 

In the afternoons, the Blue Ridge Flyer choo-choos east, through scenic Fishersville and Waynesboro, before going dark in the mile-long Blue Ridge Tunnel. The train reaches the end of the line just west of Charlottesville, in the tiny town of Ivy, before returning to Staunton. 

To date, this sightseeing train has been wildly popular, selling out weeks in advance. Thanks to climate-controlled rail cars, it’s a fun year-round activity, too. In the month of December, the train transforms into Santa’s Scenic Railway with kid-friendly treats, like fresh-baked cookies, toasty hot chocolate, and hot apple cider. 

Lunch With a View 

It can be easy to get hungry on a three-hour train ride. Thankfully, each ticket comes with sit-down meal service. At the time of booking, passengers choose from four meal options, including favorites like a smoked chicken sandwich with a side of red-skinned potato salad and house-made tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese sandwich made on Texas toast. 

There’s dessert too, like cheesecake and triple-layer chocolate cake. For little ones, there’s a kid-friendly menu, which includes faves like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. All meals come with a non-alcoholic beverage served in a souvenir glass. The Virginia Scenic Railway hopes to offer a selection of wines and beers in the future. 

How to Book a Trip 

Train tickets can be booked by phone or online. Passengers choose a dining table for two or four at the time of booking. At this time, just one train car is in use per excursion. Each car can seat up to 34 passengers, all with window views. The goal is to add an additional rail car by year-end. 

Advance recommendations for rail excursions are highly recommended. Gift cards for train rides are also available for purchase online and by phone.