Nevada Scenic Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: April 12, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Nevada played only a minor role in railroading although it was the location of the Central Pacific's main line, which passed through its northern periphery on its way to meet Union Pacific at Promontory Summit, Utah.
This event marked completion of America's first Transcontinental Railroad and opened the West to greater means of economic prosperity and settlement.
Aside from Union Pacific's Los Angeles main line, which passed through the state's southeastern corner (originally known as the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad, renamed the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad after 1916) and Western Pacific's main line that paralleled CP, Nevada enjoyed only marginal rail service.
It is perhaps best known for several 3-foot, narrow-gauge systems which sprang up during the 1880s' mining boom. Today, a few organizations within the Silver State keep alive its rail history, some of which even offer rides.
The recently restored, and venerable, Virginia & Truckee Railway is the most widely revered; its history dates back to the 19th century hauling vast quantities of silver.
The V&T has only been a tourist operation since the 2000's when a section of its original right-of-way was restored between Carson City and Virginia City.
Similarly, the Nevada Northern Railway, and accompanying museum, preserves the history of a railroad once important to the Ely area.
Please note! The guide information here pertains only to Nevada scenic train rides related to vacation and tourism destinations. If you are interested in intercity/long distance rail travel please visit Amtrak's website.
Virginia & Truckee 2-8-0 #29 climbs the grade near Milepost 13 outside of American Flat, Nevada on August 29, 2009. Drew Jacksich photo.State Rail History
Nevada's rail history begins with the Transcontinental Railroad. This project, in many ways, carried not only great hardship but was also a political firestorm, twisted with greed and selfishness.
The Central Pacific Railroad of California (CP), born on June 28, 1861, was tasked with building the western leg after the Pacific Railroad Act was signed into law by President Abraham Lincoln on July 1, 1862.
However, the man who originally envisioned the CP, engineer Theodore D. Judah, was ultimately pushed out of of the way by those with greater financial means; namely the "Big Four" (Charles Crocker, Collis P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Leland Stanford).
The Central Pacific held a brief groundbreaking ceremony in downtown Sacramento, California on January 8, 1863 with an initial task of bridging the American River a few miles to the west.
On October 26, 1863 the first rails were spiked down and soon, tracks reached nearby 21st Street.
Just a few weeks later, on November 10th, the company's first locomotive, the 46-ton, 4-4-0 Governor Stanford (an 1862 product of the Norris Locomotive Works, this machine is preserved today at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento), made its first run over this stretch, which drew great fanfare.
After considerable effort to carve a right-of-way out of the granite walls that were the Sierra-Nevada Mountains, Central Pacific reached Reno, Nevada on June 18, 1868.
Less than a year later, the railroad held the now iconic meeting with Union Pacific at Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10, 1869.
As previously mentioned, aside from standard-gauge railroads numerous 3-footers were built to serve the state's once lucrative silver mining industry thanks to the famed Comstock Lode of 1859 (the first discovery of silver America).
In his book, "American Narrow Gauge Railroads," Dr. George Hilton notes the following railroads were built:
- Austin City Railway
- Battle Mountain & Lewis Railway
- Bodie & Benton Railway
- Carson & Colorado
- Death Valley Railroad
- Eureka & Palisade
- Nevada-California-Oregon Railway
- Nevada Central Railway
- Nevada Short Line Railway,
- Pioche & Bullionville
- Pioche Pacific Transportation Company
- Ruby Hill Railroad
- Tonopah Railroad
- Virginia & Truckee
Overview
If you are interested in steam, you can catch restored examples at the V&T and the Nevada Northern Railway.
Finally, there is the Nevada Southern which has a nice little operation near Boulder City and very reasonably priced with special events hosted at different times of the year.
Nevada State Railroad Museum
The Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City preserves and showcases the rich history of railroading in Nevada. Established to celebrate the vital role of railroads in the state’s development, the museum features an impressive collection of historic locomotives, rolling stock, and railroad artifacts.
Highlights include the Virginia and Truckee Railroad’s iconic No. 22 "Inyo" and the unique McKeen Motor Car. Visitors can enjoy seasonal train rides, engaging exhibits, and special events.
The museum offers a comprehensive, immersive experience that educates and entertains, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.
Nevada Northern Railway/Nevada State Railroad Museum - Carson City
The Nevada Northern Railway looks to generally preserve the history of the state's once profitable copper industry.
The railroad has been in operation (albeit not continuously) since 1905. Unfortunately, freight operations have not been performed since 1986 when the Kennecott Minerals Company turned over much of the property to the White Pine Historical Railroad.
Today, the railroad is operated as part of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. They offer several different special train rides including BBQ Trains, wine trains, charters, the Chocolate Express, and holiday specials.
Also, between the Nevada Northern and the museum they have nine steam locomotives on-hand, five of which are operational (and two of those are original Nevada Northern locomotives).
Finally, be sure to check out their many pieces of rolling stock and locomotives on display, including several steam locomotives.
Nevada Southern Railway/Nevada State Railroad Museum - Boulder City
The Nevada Southern Railway is based in Boulder City, Nevada in the southern region of the state.
It operates on trackage once owned by a railroad known by the same name, a government-sponsored operation which helped construct the Hoover Dam.
Today the railroad offers a number of special rides and events throughout the year and their coaches are fully climate controlled.
The organization also houses a collection of rolling stock and locomotives, including three steam locomotives (all of which sit on display). These include:
- Eureka-Nevada Railway (Eureka & Palisade) 2-8-0 #12 (a 36-inch gauge steamer built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1896)
- Union Pacific 2-8-0 #6264 (a Class C-2 "Consolidation Type" built by Baldwin in 1907)
- Pacific Lumber Company 2-8-2 #35 (built by Baldwin in 1923)
While on the grounds also be sure and visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum's even more impressive steam collection, which currently includes six examples, three of which are operational.
Virginia & Truckee Railway
The Virginia and Truckee Railway began with its 1869 chartering to provide transportation services to the Reno and Carson City areas.
While the V&T provided a means of moving vast quantities of silver ore it also offered a way to ship in lumber, men, and other materials needed to extract this product.
As mining dried up and with little other traffic available, the railroad ceased to exist by 1950.
It gained a new purpose soon after its closing as a backdrop for countless Hollywood western films, and it was then the railroad earned its popularity.
However, this too played out by the 1960s at which point most of the rails were taken up.
They began to be re-laid by the 1970s although the railroad's true rebirth began during the early 1990s when a major push was undertaken to rebuild the line as a tourist attraction.
Today, about 15 miles are operable although rebuilding of the route is not yet complete along with additional restorations of locomotives and equipment.
Recent Articles
-
NJ Transit Advances Three Station Housing Projects
Nov 08, 26 11:56 AM
NJ Transit on November 5, 2026 advanced station projects in Jersey City, Bound Brook, and Morristown. The three are projected to add more than 1,000 homes. -
River Fox Train Wraps a Locomotive for America 250
Nov 08, 26 11:06 AM
The River Fox Train in West Sacramento wrapped a locomotive with America 250 markings, the American flag, and the Sacramento skyline. The wrap is expected to stay through 2027. -
California Keeps Metrolink Service in the 2027 Budget
Nov 07, 26 11:35 PM
Metrolink says a California State Transportation Agency grant lets the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget keep service at current levels. The board hearing is November 13, 2026. -
WM's 4-6-6-4 Locomotives (M-2): Specs, Roster, History
Nov 07, 26 04:37 PM
Western Maryland class M-2, twelve Baldwin 4-6-6-4s numbered 1201-1212, built in 1940 and 1941 for Hagerstown-Connellsville fast freight. Roster, specifications, and retirement in 1952-1953. -
Missouri Pacific Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Nov 07, 26 04:26 PM
Missouri Pacific diesel roster with builder serials, order numbers, subsidiary lettering, and renumberings. Alco, Baldwin, Electro-Motive, and General Electric. Texas and Pacific locomotives are on th… -
Missouri Pacific Steam Roster (Built Since 1900)
Nov 07, 26 04:21 PM
Missouri Pacific steam locomotives built since 1900. Drury quantity column 1,439. Sedalia rebuilds counted once, 1,407 frames. Last steam was 0-6-0 9301 in November 1955. -
Missouri Pacific Railroad: Map, Locomotives, Logo, History
Nov 07, 26 04:19 PM
The Missouri Pacific was a large Midwestern that carried a long history of financial difficulty until later years. -
LIRR Service Changes Start on November 9
Nov 07, 26 03:15 PM
New Long Island Rail Road schedules start on every branch on Monday, November 9, 2026. Midday and weekend times change. Rush hour does not. Babylon service returns in stages. -
Draft EA Reviews Norfolk Southern Track in London, Ohio
Nov 07, 26 11:35 AM
The Surface Transportation Board environmental office issued a draft assessment on November 6, 2026, for about 0.96 miles of Norfolk Southern track in London, Ohio. Comments are due November 20. -
Metrolink Lines Will Not Run on Three Routes November 7
Nov 07, 26 10:53 AM
Metrolink will not run the Ventura County, Orange County, or Inland Empire-Orange County lines on November 7 and 8, 2026. The advisory says no substitute transportation will be provided. -
Hartford Line Adds a Weekday Round Trip on November 16
Nov 07, 26 10:48 AM
Connecticut said the Hartford Line adds a weekday New Haven-Hartford round trip on November 16, starts a morning train in Springfield, and extends weekend stops to Windsor and Windsor Locks. -
Board Issues a Policy Statement on Rail Preemption
Nov 07, 26 10:44 AM
The Surface Transportation Board placed a policy statement on public inspection for the November 9 Federal Register. It reviews existing preemption precedent and says it makes no binding determination… -
NJ Transit Restores Lines After the Newark Drawbridge Stop
Nov 07, 26 10:37 AM
NJ Transit said Morris and Essex service between Hackettstown and Dover, and Montclair-Boonton service between Hackettstown and Montclair State University, resumed after the Newark Drawbridge stop. -
EMD "SD35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:35 PM
EMD SD35, 2,500 horsepower, 16-cylinder 567D3A, built June 1964 through January 1966. 360 locomotives. Specifications and the production roster by owner, serial, and order. -
EMD "SDP35" Locomotives: Data Sheet, Specs, Roster
Nov 06, 26 10:32 PM
EMD SDP35, the steam-generator SD35. 35 locomotives, July 1964 through September 1965. Seaboard Air Line 1100-1119, Atlantic Coast Line 550, Louisville and Nashville 1700-1703, Union Pacific 1400-1409… -
RJ Corman Will Be Replaced on Part of the Luzerne Lines
Nov 06, 26 01:34 PM
A November 6, 2026 notice says Wilkes-Barre Terminal Railway would acquire about 59.65 miles in Luzerne County and replace R.J. Corman as operator on part of the line. The earliest date is November 22… -
NS Names a Student Hub at the University of Georgia
Nov 06, 26 12:03 PM
Norfolk Southern said a 100,000 dollar gift named a student-organization hub in Driftmier Engineering Center. The University of Georgia marked the naming on October 26. The space is for 23 clubs. -
Union Pacific Filed Its Vena Recording Certification
Nov 06, 26 11:56 AM
Union Pacific filed a November 5, 2026 verified statement that the confidential label is off the March 17 Vena recording and that parties of record received a copy at 3:30 p.m. Eastern. -
OmniTRAX Adds Tenants at Its Blue Island Hub
Nov 06, 26 10:26 AM
OmniTRAX has signed new construction-company leases at its 90-acre Blue Island, Illinois, hub and is planning a second phase. -
Veterans and Active-Duty Members Exceed 16 Percent of Norfolk Southern
Nov 06, 26 10:14 AM
Norfolk Southern said on November 5, 2026, that more than 3,000 veterans and active-duty service members are more than 16 percent of its workforce. This year grants are $100,000 and $50,000. -
BNSF: Merger Would Put Half of U.S. Rail Shipments Under One Railroad
Nov 06, 26 10:00 AM
BNSF chief marketing officer Tom G. Williams told customers on November 3, 2026, that a Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger would put about half of U.S. rail shipments under one railroad. Nothing is… -
Amtrak Opens a Winter Fare Sale
Nov 06, 26 09:28 AM
Amtrak opened a Winter Wanderlust sale on November 5, 2026. Book by November 12 for travel from December 1, 2026, through March 14, 2027. Blackout dates apply. Coach and Acela Business only. -
CN and CPKC Report October Grain Records
Nov 06, 26 08:50 AM
CPKC reported October 2026 grain records in Canada and the United States. CN reported 3.54 million metric tonnes across Canada. The releases do not print a combined total. -
New Brunswick Transload Gets CN Rail Service
Nov 06, 26 08:49 AM
CN said on November 4, 2026, that it has started serving AD Gagnon Transload Services near Grand Falls, New Brunswick. The site is three kilometres from the Trans-Canada Highway and lists room for 106… -
Together, Freight and Passenger Rail Can Grow, Union Pacific Says
Nov 06, 26 08:47 AM
Union Pacific said on November 5, 2026, that passenger obligations would remain if it combines with Norfolk Southern. The capacity claim is a Union Pacific analysis, not a Surface Transportation Board… -
FM "C-Liner" Locomotives: Specs, Roster, Photos
Nov 05, 26 11:19 PM
Fairbanks-Morse Consolidation Line cab units, the C-Liners. 165 locomotives, Beloit and Kingston, March 1950 through February 1955. Models, specs, and production rosters. -
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast Railroad: Map, History, Roster
Nov 05, 26 12:03 PM
Atlanta, Birmingham & Coast, from Brunswick and Waycross to Atlanta and Birmingham. Atlantic Coast Line control at the close of 1926. Merged in January 1946 as the Western Division. Steam roster of th… -
El Paso & Southwestern Railroad: Map, History, Logo
Nov 05, 26 12:00 PM
The El Paso & Southwestern, the Phelps Dodge copper railroad from Tucson to the Rock Island at Tucumcari. Southern Pacific control on October 31, 1924. -
Brightline Says Orlando Service Has Resumed
Nov 05, 26 11:55 AM
Brightline said on November 5, 2026, that trains to and from Orlando have resumed after weather suspensions in Brevard County. Later that morning the departures page still showed the Orlando segment s… -
Metra Customers Must Sign Up Again
Nov 05, 26 11:43 AM
Metra says customers who want service alerts must sign up again at metratracker.com. The November 2 story says the new system has launched and the old email list is shut down. A notice on the same pag… -
Norfolk Southern Packs Six Projects Into One Window
Nov 05, 26 11:38 AM
Norfolk Southern used one 26-hour window on the W Line for six projects in Indiana and Kentucky, including three bridge replacements. The October 27 account does not give the calendar day of the work. -
CSX: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 11:29 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a CSX petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant the waive… -
Brightline Expects Orlando Service on Thursday
Nov 05, 26 09:21 AM
Brightline said on November 4, 2026, that it expects trains to and from Orlando to resume on Thursday, November 5. South Florida stations kept running. The departures page still showed the Orlando seg… -
Union Pacific: More Time to Comment on an Inspection Waiver
Nov 05, 26 09:15 AM
The Federal Railroad Administration extended comments on a Union Pacific petition for relief from some qualified mechanical inspector rules until December 2, 2026. The November 2 notice does not grant… -
Wisconsin Opens Comments on the 2027 Freight Plan
Nov 05, 26 09:03 AM
WisDOT opened the draft 2027 State Freight Plan for comment through December 1, 2026. The plan covers freight rail with highways, harbors, aviation, and intermodal links. Completion is expected in sum… -
U.S. Rail Traffic Rose 3.5 Percent in the Week Ending October 31
Nov 05, 26 08:52 AM
U.S. railroads moved 514,080 carloads and intermodal units in the week ending October 31, 2026, up 3.5 percent from a year earlier, the Association of American Railroads said on November 4. -
Muni and Bay Area Transit Measures Pass
Nov 05, 26 08:49 AM
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said on November 4, 2026 that Proposition H and a regional transit measure passed. Proposition H is about 160 million dollars a year for Muni. The regiona… -
Ground Rules Set for Responsive Applications
Nov 05, 26 08:47 AM
Decision No. 46, served November 4, 2026, denies a request to add Walsenburg to the Union Pacific interchange list and sets what CPKC and CN must include in responsive applications. Four CPKC proposal… -
Video of the Vena Address Must Be Released
Nov 05, 26 08:42 AM
The Surface Transportation Board on November 4, 2026 denied the Union Pacific appeal and ordered the March 17 shipper-conference recording released to the parties by 5:00 p.m. Eastern on November 5. C… -
Chicago & North Western Iron Ore C628s
Nov 04, 26 11:47 PM
Chicago and North Western C628s 6701-6730, the ex-Norfolk and Western high-hoods, in Upper Peninsula iron-ore service from the mid-1970s until December 21, 1986, and what happened to each unit. -
Warrenton Railroad: Serving Warrenton, NC (1884-1985)
Nov 04, 26 10:33 PM
The three-mile Warrenton Railroad, from Warren Plains to the North Carolina county seat. Chartered January 28, 1871. First train November 8, 1884. Closed in 1985. -
Rio Grande Steam Locomotives (Since 1900)
Nov 04, 26 11:40 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western steam locomotives built since 1900. Standard gauge quantity 435 and narrow gauge 48. Challengers, 2-8-8-2s, Mountains, Northerns, and the K-27, K-28, K-36, and K-37. -
Rio Grande Diesel Locomotives (All-Time)
Nov 04, 26 11:39 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western diesel locomotives, each frame once. 554 units, from the 1941 NW2 through the 1990 GP60s. FT, F3, F7, and F9 sets are not counted again under their 1950 numbers. -
Rio Grande Railroad: Map, Logo, History, Rosters
Nov 04, 26 11:34 AM
Denver & Rio Grande Western history, from William Jackson Palmer and the October 27, 1870 charter through the Royal Gorge, the Moffat route, the California Zephyr, and Union Pacific common control… -
Lindblom Gift Expands the Fort Wayne Restoration Shop
Nov 04, 26 11:14 AM
Art Lindblom gave the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society more than $1.4 million, its largest single gift, to expand the New Haven shop. The addition is planned for late 2026 and early 2027. A sepa… -
Design Contract Awarded for the Forest Park Branch
Nov 04, 26 11:09 AM
The Chicago Transit Board approved a design contract for about 13 miles of Blue Line track from the Illinois Medical District to the I-290 Bridge. The release summary calls it a $17 million contract… -
Kanawha River Railroad: The Norfolk Southern Lease Is Renewed
Nov 04, 26 10:51 AM
Kanawha River Railroad filed to keep leasing 309.45 miles from Norfolk Southern in West Virginia and Ohio. The second amendment is dated August 17, 2026. The Board has not set the date the exemption t… -
Short Line Center Awarded a $5.625 Million Grant
Nov 04, 26 10:35 AM
The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association received a $5.625 million CRISI grant on October 20, 2026, for the Short Line Training Center. A 25 percent match brings the project to $7.5 m… -
Palestine and Rusk Track Rebuild Finishes Its First Phase
Nov 04, 26 09:13 AM
The Texas & Eastern Railroad has finished the first phase of a roughly $30 million track project between Palestine and Rusk. Phase I used a $13.4 million CRISI grant. Phase II, at $8.54 million, adds… -
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx Get Subway Power Design
Nov 04, 26 09:12 AM
STV said on November 2, 2026, that MTA Construction and Development selected the firm to manage design of 10 subway substations and 12 circuit breaker houses in four New York boroughs. No contract pri…
