Are you looking for the best fall foliage train rides near Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered!
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Philadelphia area. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and the weather is almost always perfect.
Taking one of Pennsylvania’s many scenic train rides is a perfect way to enjoy the season! We love that there are options for everyone, including traditional fall foliage rides, fun train rides to a pumpkin patch, and even spooky Halloween rides.
Every train ride offers something fun and unique. We especially love the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe.
The guide below shares everything you need to know about the fall foliage train rides near Philadelphia, including some fun and scary Halloween-themed train rides. So, let’s start planning some fall family fun!
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Fall Foliage Train Rides Near Philadelphia
1. Fall Excursion by New Hope Railroad
Take a beautiful train ride on the New Hope Railroad through Bucks County to see some of the area’s fantastic fall foliage.
The two-hour Fall Excursion train ride is guided by stories and historical facts about the area. Guests can book seats in coach, open-air, or first-class cars.
The Fall Excursion train ride runs on weekends from September 28th through November 3rd. Prices start at $72 for coach class.
After riding your fall foliage train, take the time to explore all of the other fun things to do in New Hope, like climbing Bowman’s Hill Tower to see the colorful trees from up high.
2. Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage by Colebrookdale Railroad
Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, PA, offers several scenic train rides in the fall.
At 90 minutes long, the traditional Fall Foliage Tour train ride will give you plenty of time to take in the area’s beauty.
Prices for their Fall Foliage Tour rides start at $35 for adults. Dates and times vary from the end of September through November.
3. Autumn Splendor Cider and Donut Express by Colebrookdale Railroad
Nothing goes together like apple cider and fall foliage! That’s why the Autumn Splendor Cider and Donut Express is a perfect fall foliage train ride.
Guests will enjoy cider and donuts on the 60-minute excursion while enjoying the beautiful fall colors as you travel through Secret Valley.
Prices start at $25 for coach. This express fall foliage train ride has limited dates available, so if this interests you, book it soon!
4. Autumn Splendor (With Optional Meal) by Colebrookdale Railroad
If you’d like to enjoy a fall foliage train ride while indulging in a delicious meal, the Autumn Splendor train is the perfect option!
Colebrookdale Railroad offers two-hour brunch, lunch, or dinner train rides on select days from the end of September through Thanksgiving.
Of course, you can also enjoy the ride without a meal, and choose a seat in the coach car. Prices start at $25 for adults (no meal service) or $60 for adults with meal service.
5. Autumn Leaf Train by Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, PA, runs throughout the year, but autumn is one of the best times to ride!
The train follows along the Lehigh River, giving guests a beautiful view of the fall foliage.
Although train rides usually last 70 minutes, from October 1st through November 3rd, they are shortened to 45 minutes to allow for more train rides during this popular time.
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway boasts several different car types, from open-air to the Vista-Class dome, with panoramic views. Prices start at $24 per person (adult), and trains depart every day.
Visitor Tip: Tickets are first-come first-served. Plan on arriving at least one hour ahead of the departure time, especially on weekends, as this is a VERY popular train ride during the fall.
For more fall foliage, try one of the beautiful hikes in the area, like Hawk Falls or Shades of Death, at Hickory Run State Park.
6. Fall Foliage Excursions by Reading & Northern Railroad
The Reading & Northern Railroad Company offers three different fall foliage train rides to Jim Thorpe, PA, depending on where you depart from.
These are full-day excursions, giving you a nice layover in Jim Thorpe to enjoy what the town has to offer. Trains leave from the Reading Outer Station, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station, and the Pottsville Union Station.
Prices and times depend on departure date, location, and class fare. They all offer dates in October and some in September and November. Visit their website to determine the best options for you!
7. Pumpkin Train by Black River & Western Railroad
The Black River & Western Railroad in Flemington, NJ, runs its Pumpkin Train every weekend from September 28th through October 27th.
This fall train ride near Philadelphia takes guests to the Pumpkin Junction at Everitt Farm, where they can participate in fun fall activities like a corn maze and wagon rides. Pick your own pumpkins are available for an additional fee.
Prices start at $23 per person and include the corn box activity, wagon ride, music, games, and train ride to the farm.
After your ride, you can continue the train-themed fun with a visit to Northlandz Miniature Wonderland, a HUGE model train display in Flemington, NJ.
8. The Great Pumpkin Train by Delaware River Railroad Excursion
The Delaware River Railroad Excursion in Phillipsburg, NJ, is one of the most affordable fall foliage train rides on this list. And in October, their River and Steam Ride train turns into the Great Pumpkin Train!
This fun fall foliage train stops at a pumpkin patch on the old Carpentersville Lime Kilns. Every child gets a pumpkin with their ticket.
For additional fun, you can add the Corn Maze and the Susquehanna Mining Company tour to your train ride. You’ll have two hours to enjoy both attractions before getting back on the train and stopping at the pumpkin patch. The Corn Maze is $5, and the Mine Tour is $8.
Prices start at $20 per adult (corn maze and mine tour are an additional fee). Rides are offered every Saturday and Sunday from September 30th through October 29th.
Extend your fun day by adding the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA (right across the Delaware River) to your itinerary.
9. Autumn Leaf Special by Wilmington & Western Railroad
The Wilmington & Western Railroad in Wilmington, DE, offers two different trains for leaf-peeping near Philadelphia.
Their Autumn Leaf Special train rides last 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on your destination. If you choose their shorter ride, you’ll end up at the Mt Cuba Picnic Grove, where you’ll enjoy a half-hour layover along the Red Clay Creek.
The longer train ride brings you to Hockessin, where guests have a 30-minute layover to grab a bite to eat or shop.
Both trips are offered on select Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting October 5th. Prices start at $20 for adults.
10. Pumpkin Train by Allentown & Auburn Railroad
Another fun fall foliage train ride near Philadelphia is the Pumpkin Train by Allentown & Auburn Railroad.
The 1.5-hour train ride takes you through the Kutztown countryside to a fun pumpkin grove where each passenger can pick out a pumpkin to take home. There is also a special treat for each child.
The Pumpkin Train operates on select weekends in October. Tickets start at $18.
11. Pumpkins in Paradise by Strasburg Railroad
For one day only, the Strasburg Railroad offers Pumpkins in Paradise, a short train ride to Groff’s Picnic Grove. There, passengers will disembark and have 40 minutes to enjoy live music, games, and pumpkin decorating.
This one-day event takes place on September 28th in 2024, and lasts for about 90 minutes. Prices start at $34 for adults.
12. Fall Foliage Express by West Chester Railroad
Ride along the Chester Creek Valley on the 90-minute Fall Foliage Express by the West Chester Railroad. You’ll pass the gorgeous landscape in Chester and Delaware Counties along the route to Glen Mills. Afterward, take the time to shop along Market Street in West Chester.
The Fall Foliage Express runs select Saturdays and Sundays from September 29th until November 10th. Tickets start at $30 for adults.
Halloween Train Rides Near Philadelphia
13. Trick or Treat Train by New Hope Railroad
For a family-friendly Halloween train ride near Philadelphia, the New Hope Railroad Trick or Treat train is what you are looking for.
This 45-minute train ride is filled with songs and stories and ends with trick-or-treating around the station. Guests are encouraged to come in costume to add to the festive atmosphere.
Trick or Treat Train rides run on select days from October 5th through October 31st. Prices start at $49 for adults.
While you’re in New Hope, explore some of the other family-friendly things to do, like the Bucks County Children’s Museum, which is right next to the train station.
14. No Hope After Dark by New Hope Railroad
Try No Hope After Dark for a frightful experience on the New Hope Railroad. In 2024, the train offers a ride into the dark, where you’ll encounter a haunted maze. Food trucks and live music will lighten up the mood a bit!
This 90-minute train ride is offered on various nights from October 4th through October 31st. Fares start at $57 per person. Due to the scary nature of the train ride, it is recommended passengers be 13 or older.
15. Halloween Express by Wilmington & Western Railroad
The Halloween Express by the Wilmington & Western Railroad in Wilmington, DE, allows guests to dress up in costume and meet with a friendly railroad witch.
This ride lasts 1.5 hours and includes a 30-minute layover at the Mt Cuba Picnic Grove. Picnic lunches are encouraged!
The Halloween Express tickets start at $20 but are only $10 if you come in costume! The Halloween Express is a one-day-only experience and is offered on Sunday October 27th for 2024.
16. Hayride Express by Wilmington & Western Railroad
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on a hayride on a train? The Hayride Express is what you’ve been looking for! Ride on an open-air flat car that was converted for a hayride.
This hour-long train ride is offered in the evenings, making it perfect for stargazing and spooky storytelling.
The Hayride Express runs on Friday evenings in October. Prices start at $18 for adults.
17. Haunted Rails and Tails by Strasburg Railroad
Get spooky on the Strasburg Railroad with this special train ride through Lancaster County. Author and storyteller Matt Lake will share spooky stories about the Lancaster area as you chug along on the tracks on the Haunted Rails and Tails train ride.
This one-hour train ride is offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from October 4th through November 2nd. There is also an option to enjoy dinner during the ride. Prices start at $50.
After your ride, take the time to enjoy more fun in the Lancaster area as it is one of the best small towns in Pennsylvania.
18. Halloween Special by West Chester Railroad
The Fall Foliage Express turns into the Halloween Special the weekend before Halloween. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costume for the 90-minute train ride through Chester and Delaware Counties. They’ll even receive a goody bag on the ride.
Halloween Special by West Chester Railroad runs October 26th and 27th. Tickets start at $30 for adults.
Common Questions About Pennsylvania Scenic Train Rides
When is the Best Time to Take a Fall Foliage Train Ride in Pennsylvania?
The best time to take a fall foliage train ride is during peak fall foliage season, which is usually mid to late October in southeastern Pennsylvania.
We enjoyed the start of the fall color in mid-October on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, but the best color happened a week or so later.
As you get closer to Philadelphia, you’ll have better peak color towards the end of October.
Do Any Scenic Train Rides in Pennsylvania Offer Dinner?
The Colebrookdale Railroad offers fall foliage train rides with a meal on select train rides.
First-class passengers will receive hors d’oeuvres, a dessert plate, and a complimentary beverage. For a full dinner, you need to book the dining class car. The meal includes a choice of chicken parmesan, penne alfredo, or a vegan/vegetarian option.
Preparing for Your Fall Train Ride Near Philadelphia
Before you embark on your journey, there are a few things to do so you’re prepared.
- Purchase your tickets ahead of time (if available). The fall foliage train rides will sell out, especially on weekends.
- Double-check your departure time. Trains wait for no one, so you don’t want to be left on the platform while others enjoy their fall foliage train ride. Follow the recommended arrival time by each train operator.
- Pack lunch. Some of these fall train rides near Philadelphia include stops at picnic groves or farms. Bring a picnic or some fun snacks to eat during your layover.
- Wear layers. Fall in Philadelphia can feel like winter in the morning and summer in the afternoon. Also, many train cars are temperature-controlled.
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