New Hampshire Dinner Train Rides: A Complete Guide

Published: March 8, 2025

New Hampshire, with its rolling hills, lush landscapes, and historic charm, offers a unique way to experience its breathtaking scenery: scenic dinner train rides. These excursions combine gourmet dining with panoramic views of the state’s beautiful landscapes, all aboard vintage railway cars. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a dinner train ride promises an unforgettable journey. Below, we explore some of the best scenic dinner train rides available in New Hampshire.

Café Lafayette Dinner Train

Located in North Woodstock, the Café Lafayette Dinner Train offers one of the most luxurious dining train experiences in New Hampshire. This two-hour journey through the forests and along the Pemi River ensures a scenic backdrop for your dining pleasure.

This organization operates only dinner trains, which run on select dates from May through October. They also leave their depot open from December through April as a restaurant where the public can enjoy a dinner and available wine bar.

Their popular dinner train trips feature a 2-hour ride during which time guests enjoy a five-course meal within restored, streamlined passenger cars from the 1950s. This also includes a dome car, something which the Boston & Maine never offered in this region!

The train's route begins at the depot in North Woodstock, travels south through Woodstock and the Jack O'Lantern Golf Course & Resort before reaching Thornton and returning northward. Along the way the train follows the Pemigewasset River and crosses three different railroad trestles.

Conway Scenic Railroad

The Conway Scenic Railroad, based in North Conway, New Hampshire is one of New England's most popular scenic train rides, offering first-class dining services through beautiful New England.

The attraction's first train departed on August 4, 1974 when Bill Levy and Carroll Reed acquired a 7-mile segment of Boston & Maine's Conway Branch from Conway to Intervale.

The operation was extended through Crawford Notch in late 1994 following Maine Central's abandonment of its fabled Mountain Division in 1984. This trackage is currently owned by the state of New Hampshire.

The Mountain Division was once a major component of the Maine Central system, running from Portland, Maine to St. Johnsbury, Vermont via Fabyans and Whitefield, New Hampshire. There has long been talk of reopening this entire corridor although it has remained closed as a through route since 1984.

Beginning in June, 2021, the Conway Scenic began offering dinner trains within their Rhonda Lee and Leslie Anne dome car. It is part of the railroad's longest excursion, the Mountaineer (formerly the Notch Train), which runs about 5 1/2 hours (50-60 miles in length).

Hobo Railroad

Despite its name the Hobo Railroad, based in Lincoln, offers first-class accommodations aboard their trains, which include notable events like the Fall Foliage Special, hosted to coincide with the spectacular colors of autumn in New England.

Once you reach your destination at Common Man Inn & Spa, located in Plymouth, guests are served dinner. Also be sure to check out their First Class and Presidential Class accommodations which include light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.

Their season opens in May with trips hosted through October and the fall foliage specials. There are also events hosted for the holidays, such as Santa Express Trains.

The Hobo Railroad pays tribute to the former railroad which operated this trackage, the Boston & Maine, as its equipment is painted in maroon and gold with a similar logo to that of the B&M.

Additional Tips for Scenic Train Dining

Timing: New Hampshire’s dinner trains often align their schedules with seasonal changes and events. Fall is particularly popular due to the vibrant foliage.

Attire: While train rides are generally casual, dinner trains may suggest smart-casual attire to complement the dining experience.

Special Events: Look out for themed rides or special event dinners, such as wine tastings or holiday dinners, which add a festive element to the journey.

Conclusion

Scenic dinner train rides in New Hampshire offer a perfect blend of stunning natural scenery, rich history, and gourmet dining experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a unique culinary adventure, these train rides promise a memorable experience nestled within the picturesque landscapes of New Hampshire. Plan ahead, book your tickets early, and prepare to be whisked away on a journey of taste and scenery that only the New Hampshire railways can offer.