Texas's Halloween Train Rides

Published: October 15, 2025

Haunted rails and pumpkins on the platform: every October, railroads across Texas transform into rolling celebrations of spooky season. From steam-era excursions to streetcars with ghost stories, these Halloween-themed train rides are a festive way to make memories without the jump-scare overload. Here’s a guide to the standout options across the state, plus tips to help you pick the perfect ride for your crew.

Locations

Texas State Railroad

The Texas State Railroad is a bucket-list ride any time of year, and its Pumpkin Patch Train adds extra fall magic. On select October dates, vintage trains depart from the historic depots in Rusk or Palestine for a short journey to a lively pumpkin patch stopover. Expect classic harvest fun: photo ops, games, hay bales, and a chance for each child to pick out a pumpkin before reboarding.

The vibe is decidedly family-friendly and skewed toward younger kids, especially ages 2–10. Costumes are encouraged (practical shoes are too), and the event is more “festive fall” than “fright night,” so sensitive little ones can enjoy without fear.

Total time, including the layover at the patch, typically runs a couple of hours. Because this is one of the state’s most popular seasonal rides, tickets often sell out—book early and watch the railroad’s official site for the year’s specific schedule and which depot your trip departs from.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Grapevine embraces holidays in a big way, and its Vintage Railroad rolls out multiple Halloween options:

Trick-or-Treat Trains: Short, festive rides perfect for families with small children. Costumed crew members pass out candy, and kids are invited to wear costumes. The trip is typically a brief excursion departing from Grapevine’s Cotton Belt Depot, making it easy to pair with downtown trick-or-treating or a stroll through Main Street’s seasonal decorations. It’s more cute than creepy, and it’s manageable for toddlers.

Witches Brew Train (21+): For grown-ups who want a Halloween night out, this evening excursion pairs the railroad’s historic coaches with seasonal drinks, light bites, and a playful, costumed atmosphere. It’s more “spirits and selfies” than “screams,” and seats sell fast for prime October dates. Check the railroad’s policies about costume masks and props, which may be restricted onboard for safety.

Texas Transportation Museum

San Antonio’s Texas Transportation Museum hosts one of the most charming family Halloween events in the state. Spook-Track-ula transforms the museum grounds into a safe trick-or-treat zone with model train displays, decorated scenes, and a steady cadence of short train rides on the museum’s Longhorn and Western Railroad. Kids can meet friendly costumed characters, fill their treat bags at candy stations, and ride again and again.

This is an excellent choice for parents of younger children, neurodiverse kids who benefit from predictable, repeatable activities, and anyone who appreciates trains large and small. Because it’s a museum event, you also get the bonus of indoor exhibits and places to catch your breath if little monsters need a break.

El Paso Streetcar Ghost Tours

If you prefer lore over jump scares, the restored El Paso Streetcar often hosts ghost-story rides in October in partnership with local historians and storytellers. These guided trips glide through downtown and nearby neighborhoods while you hear tales of the city’s most enduring mysteries and supposed hauntings.

It’s an easy, accessible outing—no long walks or late, treacherous woods—making it ideal for older kids, date nights, and history buffs who like their Halloween with a side of fact and folklore. Seating is limited and these rides can be free or low-cost, but they require advance reservations when offered.

How to choose the right Halloween train

Toddlers and preschoolers: Aim for daytime, low-scare rides like the Texas State Railroad Pumpkin Patch Train, Grapevine’s Trick-or-Treat Trains, Cedar Rock Railroad, or Spook-Track-ula in San Antonio. These emphasize treats, costumes, and photos over frights.

School-age kids: Add a little edge with the Runaway Fright Train in Jefferson, which provides spooky ambiance without gore, or stick with patch-and-candy rides if they’re scare-sensitive.

Teens and adults: Consider atmospheric or themed evenings like Grapevine’s Witches Brew Train (only 21+) or El Paso’s ghost-story streetcars. For groups, these make great prelude events to dinner or haunted houses nearby.

Railfans: The Texas State Railroad is the top pick for heritage equipment and scenery; combine a pumpkin run with time exploring the depots.

The Bottom Line

Texas does Halloween by the mile—and the rail mile adds nostalgia, scenery, and just the right dose of whimsy or woe, depending on your taste.

Whether you’re picking pumpkins off a historic railroad, sipping a “witches brew” as vintage coaches sway, or rolling past bayou ghosts in the Piney Woods, a Halloween train ride is an easy seasonal tradition to start. Check the official websites for current dates and ticketing, suit up in your comfiest costume, and all aboard for boo-tiful fall fun.