Strasburg Rail Road

Address:	301 Gap Rd, Ronks, PA 17572, USA
Phone:	+1 866-725-9666
Site:	strasburgrailroad.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–3PM 10AM–2PM 10AM–2PM 10AM–3PM 10AM–2PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Jimmy Son

Regarding the location: Assured fun for train lovers, especially kids. Regarding the mystery dinner train ride: So, first I should say that this isnt really what I was expecting, and that may be affecting my review. What was expected: A play, with occasional audience participation. what we actually got: A scenario, with in character actors periodically providing clues to solve the scenario. No actual play. What to expect: If youre going as a group, buy your tickets under one transaction. We had a group of five. The website doesnt really mention how seating is handled. One of Strasburgs managers creates a seating chart. If you didnt buy under one transaction they have no way of knowing you want to be seated together. To be fair, we discovered this after getting up to Strasburg, and the manager was very accomodating, and arranged seating so we could be together. However, if you have a group of more than four, be aware that tables on the train dont seat more than four. I was seated at a table next to my friends, so it wasnt horrible, but not preferable. Nothing they could have done about that though. We were served a three course meal through the ride: soup or salad, entree, then dessert. Soup/Salad were served just as the train began moving, along with presentation of the scenario and our first clue. The train ride isnt all that long. It goes out for a time, then reverses course to return. We were just finishing our entrees when we returned back to the station, a roughly 45 minute ride. Certainly not as long wed hoped. We were served dessert while stationary, and as the scenario was resolved. From the time we boarded, to the end was roughly an hour and a half, so the train was only in motion for half that time. The food is not bad, but I was expecting more for the price paid. I had enough to eat, but portions werent large. On the bright side, the staff/actors are all friendly

Matt G

I enjoyed stopping at this attraction however it was not as nice I was expecting and would not go back. The museum has some historic trains and nice exhibits describing the major changes the railroad industry underwent over the past 150 years. Outside of the museum Strasburg Rail Road is a standard tourist trap type attraction. This attraction is heavily marketed and nearly each thing requires a separate purchase. The focus is definitely not on the tourists experience but how much can be sold to them while they are there. The train charges for the ticket, $9 for the cheapest snack in the dining car, charges, they charge for photos, and there are 3 large gift shop. The staff if very rushed and the only interaction with them is when they try to sell you things (often aggressively). There is far more effort put into the sales than anything else here. The second issue, which is made worse by the tourist trap feel is that the marking is fairly deceptive. The website touts a "45-minute, round-trop ride" as the main attraction. We went to enjoy the train ride, but the ride itself is only about 15-20 minutes long. The ride itself is a very short distance and the train stops frequently. If everything goes well (ie no issues at rail road crossings) the train comes to a complete and extended stop 3 times. Once to hear the train whistle, once to switch the engine to the other side to go back, and once at a picnic stop. This left us fairly disappointed as the train was moving for less than half the advertised time and only covers a fairly short distance. If you have young children who havent been on a train, or you are a train enthusiast you will probably really enjoy this attraction. If you are going here for a scenic train ride, this probably isnt what you are looking for.

Jennifer Bo

This would have been a 5 star review had it not been for the poor service, food and atmosphere in the trackside cafe on premise. There are so many things to do not only at the station, but on the train, and along the route too. Our toddler had a great time at the playground area, which was just the right size for the space. There are also "cranky cars," a souvenir shop, a cafe and an old time photo station. They had several ticket options for the train ride itself, and each staff member on the train was dressed in character with a smile on their face. There were some great little facts, and stories we learned on the ride & they also had someone come around to take pictures which were very cute. I did not know this before hand, but you can actually get off the train at a picnic area and only a few hundred yards away there is a little adventure farm which looked like a lot of fun. You can catch another train on the way back and make a whole day of it. The only tip I would give you is somewhere around the first and last 10 minutes of the ride, there is a pretty terrible smell most likely from a mix of cows & the turkey farm. That being said it was a still really fun, and just the right amount of time. I would definitely return & take advantage of even more activities the next time around.

A Private User

The Strasburg Railroad is a great place to visit, even if youre not a huge fan of trains. The scenery is beautiful, and the experience was very worthwhile. I rode the train in an open air coach with my boyfriend (hes 23 and Im 19). The passengers were mainly older people and children, though there were a few young couples, so the railroad truly is for people of all ages to enjoy. The train moved at a slower speed and I was able to take some great photos during the trip. The railroad also has a few shops and a cafe. Across the street is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and I bought a combo ticket that included admission to the museum, which I highly recommend doing. I also purchased discount tickets for the Choo Choo Barn at the ticket window. The Choo Choo Barn is located just down the street from the railroad station, and it features a large room with a gigantic model train layout (very awesome to see, too).

Jared Schipper

Its ALWAYS an amazing experience at the Strasburg Railroad. Ive never had a less-than-perfect time here and this typically goes for the kids as well. The staff is very friendly, personable, and play the old-time-role that the railroad has to offer very well. Each train car and engine have been miraculously restored with every detail in mind and no expense spared. Depending on which train car you decide to ride, the trip can turn to pricey pretty quick if you are paying for the entire family. The coach cars are the cheapest to ride (I believe) but are still a great choice for a spontaneous and inexpensive day trip. The railroad changes with the season and offers themed events like a few different Santa trains in the winter months, a feast train ride, and even a "Day Out with Thomas" event where a life-sized Thomas & Percy are alive and operable.

frankthreex I

Took the Thomas the train ride with the combo ticket to ride another steam train the same day. Got there early and still had to take a school bus shuttle. Was very orderly though. Thomas ride was about 25 minutes all together, went a few miles then reversed and went back to the station. The other steam train was about 40 minutes. Went a little further and the engine switched sides and brought us back to the station. Bathrooms were blue portapottys that were plentiful with handwashing stations throughout. Bought some lunch at the restaurant which was nothing to brag about.My 4 year old loved it and we will most likely go back when we stop in lancaster. The train museum across the street closed at 5 so we were unable to check that out. Maybe next time.