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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 events are typically one-off or short-run excursions hosted by heritage railroads in partnership with nearby breweries.  There is currently only one location offering this unique trip in the state, the Woodstown Central Railroad.

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.

Woodstown Central Railroad (Woodstown):  The Woodstown Central is a heritage tourist railroad based in Salem County, southern New Jersey.  It operates excursions over the historic Salem Branch line, offering themed and scenic train rides through farmland, forests, and small towns. Launched as a division of SMS Rail Lines in November 2022, the railroad resurrects vintage rail travel using restored 1930s-era passenger cars and classic locomotives. Its steam locomotive No. 9 (an ALCO 0-6-0) currently is sidelined, with a classic ex-Reading diesel (FP7 No. 902) stepping in for excursions.

Beer Tasting Excursions

Raise a glass to South Jersey’s only craft beer scene by rail aboard the Woodstown Central’s "Brew to Brew Train"—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.

In 2024 the train made stops at Swedesboro Brewing Co. in Swedesboro and Farmers & Bankers Brewing in Woodstown, allowing patrons time to sample fresh pours, talk with the brewers, and savor tasty bites from nearby kitchens or food trucks.

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. 

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.

Final Thoughts

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.