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New Jersey Beer Tasting Train Rides

Published: September 30, 2025

By: Adam Burns

New Jersey is blessed with two things that pair naturally: a deep bench of craft breweries and several heritage railroads that run scenic excursions through river valleys, farm country, and shore-side pine barrens. Put them together and you get one of the most charming ways to sample local beer: a tasting aboard a vintage train. In New Jersey, dedicated beer tasting trains tend to be special, limited-date events rather than daily offerings, but they do pop up—especially in late summer and fall—and they’re worth watching for. Here’s a practical guide to what to expect, where to look, and how to plan.

The lay of the land

Unlike winery trains, which are reliably scheduled in New Jersey most seasons, beer tasting trains are typically one-off or short-run events hosted by heritage railroads in partnership with nearby breweries. They’re often branded as “Ales on Rails,” “Rails & Ales,” “Brew Trains,” or “Oktoberfest” runs. Because they’re occasional and sell out quickly, your best strategy is to know the operators, track their calendars, and be ready to book when dates drop.

Who runs excursion trains in New Jersey

You’ll find most of the state’s themed rail excursions on these lines:

- Delaware River Railroad Excursions (Phillipsburg): Scenic runs along the Delaware River on vintage equipment, famous for its Warren County Winery Train and seasonal events. Beer-themed events have appeared here in the past, often tied to autumn weekends, and may include tastings hosted on board or at the station before departure.

- Black River & Western Railroad (Ringoes–Flemington): A Hunterdon County staple with a mix of family excursions and adult-focused events. While the railroad regularly promotes wine experiences through regional partners, it has also offered craft beer–forward trips on select dates in prior seasons. When scheduled, expect departures from Flemington or Ringoes, rides of 60–120 minutes, and local brewery tie-ins.

- Cape May Seashore Lines (Tuckahoe–Richland, and historically toward Cape May): Operations vary by year based on track access, but when running, this line has offered themed outings and occasional adult-targeted experiences. Beer-focused rides, when offered, tend to be seasonal and tied to South Jersey breweries.

- Whippany Railway Museum (Whippany): Known for family excursions and special events. Beer tastings are not a regular feature here; check their calendar if you’re holding out hope for a special one-off.

Beer Tasting Excursions

Raise a glass to South Jersey’s craft beer scene aboard the Woodstown Central Railroad’s Brew to Brew excursion hosted as recently as 2024—a relaxed, rail-powered hop between local taprooms linked by historic track.

You’ll board comfortable coaches for an easygoing 11-mile round trip ride through Salem County’s farm country, with wide-open views, small-town charm, and a touch of railroad lore along the way.

During stops at Swedesboro Brewing Co. in Swedesboro and Farmers & Bankers Brewing in Woodstown, patrons enjoyed time to sample fresh pours, talk with the brewers, and savor tasty bites from nearby kitchens or food trucks, before the train whisks you to the next tasting and then comfortably back again—no driving required.

This excursion blends the novelty of classic rail travel with the creativity of independent beer, spotlighting hometown makers and the agricultural roots that shape their recipes. It’s great for date nights, group outings, and anyone who loves discovering new flavors at an unrushed pace. Friendly staff keep things relaxed, while a curated schedule gives you ample time in each taproom without the hassle of parking or traffic.

Seats are limited and departures vary by season, so check the Woodstown Central schedule for current dates, partner breweries, and ticket options. Bring friends, sip responsibly, and enjoy a uniquely local ride between brews. This season. Book early.

What a beer tasting train typically includes

Format varies by operator, but beer trains commonly include:

- A scenic round-trip of 60–150 minutes on restored coaches or open-window cars.
- A curated tasting flight (often 4–6 pours of 3–5 oz each), sometimes served with light bites or a snack box.
- A host or brewery rep sharing tasting notes and stories about the beers.
- A souvenir tasting glass on select events.
- 21+ admission for tasters; non-drinker or designated driver tickets may be offered.
- Music, rail history tidbits, and occasional photo stops depending on the route and crew.

Pricing varies widely by length, inclusions, and demand, but you’ll typically see $45–$95 for a tasting ticket, with lower-cost non-taster options when available.

Seasonal sweet spots

- Late summer and fall: Prime time. “Oktoberfest” and harvest-themed rides are most likely to appear between September and early November.
- Spring shoulder season: Some railroads test adult-focused events in April–May, especially around craft beer weeks or as part of broader tasting series.

How to find and book beer tasting trains in New Jersey

Because these events are occasional, your best bet is to monitor:

- Railroad email lists and social feeds: Subscribe to Delaware River Railroad Excursions and Black River & Western newsletters. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages—beer trains often soft-launch there.
- Event platforms: Watch Eventbrite and local tourism calendars for “Ales on Rails” or “Brew Train” keywords.
- Brewery pages: Local breweries sometimes announce rail collaborations before tickets go live on the railroad’s site.

When tickets drop, act fast. Seating is limited by the length of the train and car capacity, and adult tasting events can sell out in days.

Planning tips and logistics

- Transportation: Many boarding points are in small towns with limited public transit. Consider a rideshare or a designated driver if you’re tasting. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby, but can fill on busy weekends.
- ID and policy: Bring a government-issued ID; 21+ rules are enforced. Outside alcohol is never permitted. Open container laws apply off the train and station premises.
- Food: Some events include bites; others sell snacks on board. If permitted, bring water and a small snack to keep your palate fresh.
- Seating: Trains often have assigned seats. If you’re booking as a group, purchase on one order when possible.
- Weather: Even though you’re inside the car, boarding and photo stops are outdoors. Dress for the day, especially on open-window or open-air coaches.
- Accessibility: Many heritage trains have steps and narrow aisles. If accessibility is a priority, contact the railroad before booking.
- Refunds and changes: Specialty events usually run rain or shine and have stricter refund policies than regular excursions. Review terms before you buy.

What if you don’t see a beer train on the calendar?

Two points to keep in mind:

- Winery trains can be a stand-in: New Jersey’s excursion lines reliably run wine-centered trips in partnership with local vineyards, and they deliver a similar slow-travel, scenic tasting vibe—just with grapes instead of grain. If your goal is the rail experience with a curated tasting, consider these while you wait for a beer date.
- Look nearby across the river: If your heart is set on beer and the NJ calendars are quiet, railroads in neighboring Pennsylvania and New York frequently run beer and mixed-spirit tastings. New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, PA (a quick hop from Lambertville), as well as lines like the Colebrookdale Railroad and select Catskills excursions, are known to host “Ales on Rails”–style events throughout the year. It’s not New Jersey, but it’s still an easy day trip for most NJ residents.

Sample day-out ideas tied to likely operators

- Delaware River day: Start in Phillipsburg with lunch downtown, then board an afternoon river run. If a beer event isn’t scheduled, opt for the standard scenic trip and visit a nearby brewery afterward—there’s a healthy cluster in Warren and Hunterdon counties to extend the theme.

- Hunterdon hop: Pair a Black River & Western ride from Flemington or Ringoes with visits to local taprooms before or after. When a beer train appears on their schedule, make it your centerpiece and build a relaxed farm-country itinerary around it.

- South Jersey sampler: If Cape May Seashore Lines is running and offering an adult-focused evening ride, tack on a pre- or post-train stop at a regional brewery. South Jersey’s beer scene—from the Cape to the Pine Barrens corridor—is vibrant and spread out, so plan your driving carefully.

Responsible enjoyment

- Pace yourself: Tasting flights add up, especially if you’re taking photos, chatting, and enjoying the scenery.
- Hydrate and eat: Bring water and don’t board on an empty stomach.
- Designate a driver: The safest choice if you’re not staying within walking distance of the station.
- Respect the car: Heritage coaches are historic; follow staff guidance on where drinks can be set and how to move through the train with glasses.

Why beer and trains make sense in New Jersey

Part of the magic is contrast. New Jersey’s craft beer culture is hands-on and local, often rooted in light-industrial spaces and small-town main streets. Heritage rail travel is analog and slow in the best way, asking you to trade speed for scenery and conversation. On a beer tasting train, you get both: a guided sip of the local terroir and a moving front-row seat to the state’s rivers, farms, and forests. Because these rides are special-event driven, they feel like pop-up festivals—intimate, limited, and a little bit fleeting.

The bottom line

Beer tasting train rides in New Jersey do exist, but they’re not everyday fixtures. Think of them as seasonal treats that reward a little patience and planning. Identify the excursion lines that fit your geography, get on their mailing lists, and be ready to click “buy” when the words “Ales on Rails” hit your inbox. In the meantime, enjoy the many standard scenic runs these railroads offer—and pair them with a brewery stop of your own making. Either way, you’ll end up with the same thing the best beer trains deliver: a memorable journey that’s as much about the ride as what’s in your glass.