New Jersey Valentine's Train Rides

Published: November 22, 2026

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.

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