New Jersey Valentine's Train Rides
Published: November 22, 2026
By: Adam Burns
The Cape May Seashore Lines (CMSL) offers a story that feels tailor-made for railfans: a former seaside main line built to carry vacationers, later quieted by changing travel patterns, and ultimately revived—piece by piece—as a living excursion line. Today, the CMSL operates as a short line railroad in Cape May and Atlantic counties, blending freight work with passenger experiences that range from classic diesel-hauled rides to themed event trains and even railbiking in Cape May City.
What makes CMSL especially interesting isn’t just the scenery (though the coastal South Jersey atmosphere delivers), but the way the railroad has kept passenger operations alive despite the challenges that come with maintaining lightly used, storm-exposed branch trackage. If you’re looking for a heritage-railroad day trip with genuine regional railroad history behind it, CMSL is one of the Shore’s most distinctive options.
From Shore Resort Rails to Short Line Revival
Rail service into Cape May County traces back to the mid-19th century, when railroads were racing to connect inland cities with the booming resort trade at the Jersey Shore. The route that would eventually become CMSL territory was constructed in the 1860s and later folded into larger systems that marketed fast, frequent service to the coast—most famously under the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines (PRSL) banner, which unified rival Pennsylvania Railroad and Reading operations in the region.
By the late 20th century, however, the tides had turned. Passenger service ended in the early 1980s, and freight service over portions of the line was curtailed soon after. CMSL itself was formed in 1984, stepping in as a new short line operator on track owned by NJ Transit and leased for operation—an arrangement that set the stage for future excursion ambitions.
Passenger operations returned in a meaningful way in the 1990s and 2000s, with CMSL building an excursion identity around the region’s railroad heritage and its classic shore-railroading atmosphere. Along the way, the line also dealt with real-world obstacles that are all too common on low-density branches: storm damage, infrastructure issues, and—most notably—periods of major vandalism and theft that impacted the Cape May Branch.
The Routes
CMSL’s public-facing passenger activities generally fall into two buckets:
1) The Richland–Tuckahoe excursion corridor
CMSL’s core excursion train operation is associated with the Beesley’s Point Secondary, where the railroad offers rides such as a roughly 30-mile round trip between Richland and Tuckahoe (service details can vary by event and season).
This is the classic “heritage railroad” experience—vintage passenger equipment behind diesel power, rolling through piney South Jersey landscapes that feel a world away from the boardwalk.
Two stations anchor this side of the operation:
- Richland Village Station (Buena Vista Township, Atlantic County) — a community once served by multiple famous railroads, with today’s excursion stop reflecting that layered history.
- Tuckahoe Station (Upper Township, Cape May County) — historically a major junction for shore traffic, where Reading/PRSL history is still tangible around the station area.
2) Cape May City activities: railbiking and “shoreline flavor”
While traditional train service into Cape May City has faced interruptions, CMSL has developed a different kind of draw in the city itself through railbiking. In partnership with Revolution Rail, CMSL offers a 4-mile out-and-back railbike trip from behind the Cape May Welcome Center area, with a typical 90-minute experience.
It’s a fun way to “be on the rails” in Cape May even when standard excursion trains aren’t operating into town. CMSL has also been transparent that Rio Grande–Cape May City train service is suspended due to extensive theft and damage along the Cape May Branch, and that solutions are being explored.
General Excursions
CMSL’s excursions tend to lean into what makes a short line passenger experience special: unhurried pacing, relaxed onboard atmosphere, and a sense that you’re riding a piece of regional transportation history—not a theme park ride.
Here’s what many visitors enjoy most:
- Comfortable onboard amenities. CMSL notes its trains are climate controlled, have restrooms, and may include Wi-Fi/internet service and outlets for devices—helpful for longer special events.
- Historic station settings. Tuckahoe in particular has the “railroad town” vibe, tied to its past as the junction for Cape May and Ocean City branches.
- Seasonal/event variety. CMSL regularly promotes themed trips (Valentine’s, Easter-themed, Santa-themed, and more), which makes it easy for families—or couples—to pick an experience that matches the calendar.
- Charters and groups. Beyond public excursions, CMSL actively hosts private and group outings—everything from birthdays and weddings to corporate events and school trips.
In other words: you can show up as a railfan chasing a GP-led consist, or you can show up as a casual visitor who just wants a memorable winter or spring outing—and both groups tend to leave happy.
The Valentine’s Express (2026)
If you’re planning ahead for a standout winter date (or just want a genuinely different way to celebrate Valentine’s season), CMSL’s Valentine’s Express is the headliner. In 2026 it will run on the following dates:
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Sunday, February 8, 2026
What the experience includes
According to CMSL, the trip is a 75+ minute round trip, designed as a “just right” window to enjoy onboard refreshments and atmosphere. Highlights include:Important policies to know before you go
- A selection of first-class hors d’oeuvres (hot and cold), plus desserts and refreshments
- Live musicians, along with chocolate and flowers to lean fully into the Valentine’s theme
- A “pick your vibe” approach to seating in their First Class fleet, emphasizing comfort and a special-occasion feel
CMSL is clear that:Departure point
- The Valentine’s Express is Adults only (21+)
- It is a BYOB event, and CMSL notes that under NJ law this means wine and beer only, with additional guidance about where beverages may be opened/consumed.
CMSL points riders to the Tuckahoe Village Train Station area for the Valentine’s Express, including GPS guidance (they even mention using a specific Mill Road address if your device gets picky). Why it works so well as a “railfan Valentine”
From a railfan perspective, this is one of those rare events that balances true railroad atmosphere with a fully built-out onboard experience. You’re not just riding for the sake of riding—you’re riding with a purpose: music, food, and a winter evening mood that’s hard to replicate in any other setting along the Shore. To learn more about their Valentine's Express please click here to visit the railroad's website.
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
