steam rail trips 2022

June 14, 2022

American Life

The 7 Best Steam Train Trips in the U.S.

The grandeur of the American steam locomotive lives on. Here’s where you can catch a ride behind a steam-powered passenger train this summer.

Jordan Green

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Black smoke still billows from steam locomotives in southeastern Pennsylvania, just as it has since 1832. The Strasburg Rail Road, said to be “America’s oldest continuously operated railroad,” turned 190 years old June 9.

The Strasburg Rail Road is one of the nation’s top destinations for passengers wishing to catch a ride behind a steam train. It’s given thousands of eager riders the chance to see how American railroads operated during their glory days.

Best of all, it’s not the only place where you can trundle down the tracks on steam power. Several railroad organizations offer steam engine excursions – and they’re waiting for you to climb aboard this summer.

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Abilene & smoky valley.

When railroads started retiring steam locomotives in the mid-20 th century, some wound up in city parks. But decades later, the one in Abilene, Kansas, got back on track. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad operates former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe No. 3415, a 4-6-2 (those numbers representing the wheel arrangement) Pacific-type locomotive that pulls passenger excursions on select weekends throughout the year.

The locomotive was restored to service after sitting in a municipal park for 40 years. It’s worked for the railroad for several years and is about to undergo significant rebuilding, so 2022 will be the last chance to roll down the rails behind this engine – at least for a while. Repair work on the locomotive will coincide with continued track rehabilitation work, ensuring smooth rides for years to come.

No. 3415 operated over Memorial Day weekend and drew a large crowd, says Ross Boelling, the railroad’s president and general manager. “There’s only very few Pacifics left,” Boelling says. “It’s the only steam locomotive within a 500-mile radius of Abilene that’s operating. … She always seems to draw a lot of attention.”

The engine will operate during Fourth of July weekend, Labor Day weekend, and during Abilene’s annual heritage celebration in late September and early October. Round-trips on the line last roughly two hours. Tickets for adults ages 12 and over are $40; children ages 3 to 11 can ride for $20, and children ages 3 and under ride for free. For more information, visit asvrr.org .

Cumbres & Toltec

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is planning to fire up its summer season of steam train rides July 1, railroad officials say. The 64-mile railroad operates between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico, carrying passengers through tunnels, over streams, past wildlife habitats and across a lengthy, vintage trestle bridge. It also climbs to the top of Cumbres Pass. At more than 10,000 feet, it’s the highest point of elevation a steam locomotive has ever reached in North America. The railroad holds the claim to the largest fleet of narrow-gauge steam locomotives in the U.S.

The railroad has introduced new special trains for the summer season, including dinner and brunch trains powered by steam locomotive No. 168. Ticket prices for regular, full steam excursion train trips start at $135 for adults. The railroad offers shorter trips at lower costs, and tickets are selling out quickly. To purchase tickets, visit cumbrestoltec.com .

“If there was ever a year to book early, this is it,” says Scott Gibbs, the railroad’s president. “Our fans are excited to get back to rail adventures and early sales are strong. We’d hate for anyone to be disappointed, so plan ahead.”

Durango & Silverton

Not many registered historical sites move by rail. But the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado, does. Winding through the San Juan National Forest, this railroad has been voted as one of the world’s best train rides, according to the American Travel Writers Association.

The railroad can track its history back to the narrow-gauge Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway in the early 1880s. The line between Durango and Silverton was nearly abandoned in the 1940s, but it found a new life serving as a movie set. It’s been featured in several productions, including Around the World in 80 Days , and it’s been a registered National Historic Landmark since the 1960s, according to the railroad’s website.

The railroad provides year-round passenger service behind its steam engines, which date back to the early 1920s. Tickets for the Durango to Silverton round-trip start at $101 for adults and $65 for children ages 4 to 11. Tickets can be purchased by visiting durangotrain.com .

Grand Canyon Railway

The Grand Canyon Railway offers steam locomotive-powered rides around one of America’s most impressive land formations. The 65-mile trip, billed as a “legendary journey to an extraordinary place,” travels from the depot in Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the canyon. A round-trip lasts more than four hours.

The railroad offers several different classes of service, including Pullman class, coach class, first-class, and luxury parlor class. In luxury parlor class, passengers can “ride like a baron,” according to the railroad; this class offers a private bar, snacks, and an open platform on the rear of the car where riders can stand and “see the landscape from a different and unique perspective.” Along the way are Ponderosa pine, spruce, and fir trees, as well as mountain lions, elk, and bald eagles. The train ride includes live musical entertainment, according to the railroad’s website, and passengers can read the railway’s newspaper, the Territorial Times.

Upcoming steam engine excursion dates are July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Sept. 17 for the railway’s anniversary, and Oct. 1. Tickets for children ages 2 to 15 start at $32, and tickets for adults ages 16 and older start at $67. Children under 2 ride for free. For more information, visit thetrain.com .

Mount Washington Cog

As the world’s first mountain-climbing railway, this Mount Washington, New Hampshire, attraction takes visitors high in the sky behind coal-fired steam locomotives. Riding more than 6,000 feet to the top of the mountain, visitors can see much of the American northeast from the comfort of their seats in the train car – on a clear day, of course.

Robert Arey, the railroad’s director of marketing, says, “Mount Washington is the highest peak in the northeast, so you do get up high in elevation. It’s also home to the world’s worst weather. Some days, you might get to experience being in a cloud … or you might get views of five different states, including Canada, and also the Atlantic Ocean if those conditions are right. It gets you a whole new way to experience the summit of a mountain.”

To climb the mountain, the railroad’s two operating steam locomotives use a rack system, which operates like a bicycle chain, Arey says. The locomotive powers a cog gear that hooks into the rack, pulling the engine and passenger car up the mountain as the wheels glide along the rails.

Round-trips last three hours: two hours for travel up and down the mountain, and one hour for visitors to explore the summit. The railway normally offers a morning trip and evening trip, and this year, it’s added a third trip on Saturdays because of high demand, Arey says. Steam train rides sell out quickly, and tickets cost roughly $100 per person. To purchase tickets and look at train schedules, visit thecog.com.

Nevada Northern Railway

If you’ve ever watched Willie Nelson’s 1988 TV film Once Upon a Texas Train , then you’ve seen the Nevada Northern Railway in action. The Nevada Northern calls itself “the best preserved, most authentic, American short-line railroad in existence.” In Ely, Nevada, about 250 miles north of Las Vegas, this railroad offers 90-minute rides behind steam engines built in the early 1900s. Along the line, passengers can see vintage mining structures, a ghost town,tunnels, and mountain scenery. Some trains may even get “robbed” by the museum’s actors. The railroad even has a mascot: Dirt the Cat, who reached social media celebrity status for his dirty, furry appearance while hanging around the repair shop.

Passenger trains have been a mainstay in the railroad’s roughly 110-year history, so it’s no surprise that the museum’s steam locomotives have been featured in countless films and other productions. Hands-on events allow train enthusiasts to try their hand at operating the locomotives and other equipment.

Tickets cost $35 for adults, $29 for seniors 65 and older, and $10 for children ages 4 through 12. Children under 4 ride for free, and all children ride free Monday through Thursday each week. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit nnry.com.

Strasburg Rail Road

Though no formal birthday celebrations have taken place, the railroad’s 190th summer promises to steamy and full of fun, says Hope Graby, the railroad’s marketing representative. Ticket prices for regular accommodations onboard trains start at $10 for children ages 2 to 11 and $18 for adults. More ticketing information is available online at strasburgrailroad.com .

The railroad has continued to add new events, including tours of its mechanical shop and opportunities for visitors to run steam locomotives, Graby says. As for the railroad’s next 190 years, it’s full steam ahead.

“The future for Strasburg is really leveraging opportunities to put steam railroading, the importance of it, the impact it has had on our country, in front of new audiences,” Graby says. “Unlike some tourist railroads, we’re a real, working railroad. You don’t have people who are playing parts or actors. You have real conductors, real firemen, real engineers, real mechanics that are doing this day in, day out with extreme love and passion for what they do.”

Featured image: A steam locomotive pulls a passenger train at the Strasburg Rail Road. (Photo courtesy Chris Pollock, via Strasburg Rail Road)

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I’m not familiar with the locations of some trains. However, the article about Strasburg train never gave a state where this train is located. Is it possible to find out its location?

What a great article, from the top picture of the Strasburg Rail Road train, to the bottom feature on it. I love trains for their historical importance, beauty, unique sound and of course the wonderful sight of the steam itself’ especially when its ‘cloud’ white. They’re also a way to experience a little of the 19th century in the 21st.

I was glad to read about the one in Abilene being restored for real service after being in that municipal park for 40 years. I’m sure if it could talk it would say “Thank you for letting me do what I was built to do, once again!” That’s unusual. Once a train like that would be relegated to a park curiosity attraction, the chances of this happening would be slim to none without a lot of serious push for it. The track rehab is equally important as stated.

All of these trains offer unique fun and adventure no other mode of travel offers. I’d love to go on all of them! You’ve done a wonderful job on this feature Jordan, and I appreciate the links too. Thank you!

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During World War II Union Pacific operated some of the most modern and powerful steam locomotives ever built. Among them were the famous "Big Boys," the largest steam locomotives in the world. Working with them were the "800-class" high-speed passenger locomotives, as well as hundreds of older class steam engines. Union Pacific's steam legacy continues today with the preservation and operation of its historic fleet – No. 844 and No. 4014.

Big Boy No. 4014 visited Omaha on the "Home Run Express" in June 2023!

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Steamtown National Historic Site Tickets

Steamtown National Historic Site

Steamtown's seasonal train rides offer a unique National Park experience. Tickets are available for advance purchase online for our long distance excursion train rides. A select number of tickets will be available for advanced purchase for the Short Train Rides on days that our longer excursion train rides are not in operation . All train ride purchases are credit card only . For specific event details, visit our Event Calendar and navigate to the appropriate date.

Located in the center of downtown Scranton, in northeastern Pennsylvania, Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) is an industrial heritage site dedicated to interpreting the history of steam railroading in America. The park is located within the center of the once bustling Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Yard. The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad was a major player in the transportation of the Anthracite coal that once fueled America’s Industrial Revolution. The Steamtown museum complex incorporates the remaining segments of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western roundhouse and locomotive repair shops. 

Steamtown's train rides are offered seasonally in the form of short train rides within the railroad yard, or longer excursion rides to historic stations along both the Pocono and Carbondale lines. Short Train Rides: Throughout the regular operating season, a limited number of Short Train Ride tickets will be released on the 15th of each month, allowing visitors to purchase tickets in advance online at Recreation.gov. As an example, tickets for July short train rides will be released on June 15; tickets for August short train rides will be released on July 15, etc. Tickets may also be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. Excursion Rides: Due to their popularity, advance ticket purchases are highly recommended through this platform for our longer excursion rides.

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Steamtown is located within an active railroad yard. Be vigilant and expect trains to travel along any track, at any time, and in any direction.

Steamtown train rides utilize antique railroad cars from the early 20th century. These cars are not climate controlled.

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There are no food concessions or indoor eating facilities located on site. There is a picnic area within the park and restaurants located nearby.

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Tickets for our 2024 summer excursions (May-Sep) are now available. Tickets for our 2024 autumn excursions (Oct-Nov) will be released July 6, 2024. Throughout the regular operating season, a limited number of Short Train Ride tickets will be released on the 15th of each month, allowing visitors to purchase tickets in advance online at Recreation.gov. As an example, tickets for July short train rides will be released on June 15; tickets for August short train rides will be released on July 15, etc. Tickets may also be purchased on-site at the Information Kiosk, the day of your visit. All ticket sales will be credit card only .

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• 10/26/2024 Gouldsboro - Ghoulsboro Halloween
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• 07/11/2024 - 11/03/2024 Mattes Street Tower by Train
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Railroads & Locomotives Locomotives Rosters 2022 steam locomotive list

2022 steam locomotive list

Jim Wrinn offers up the complete list of operating steam in the U.S. as of the close of 2021

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Here’s our 2022 steam locomotive list. As 2021 may be the best so far in the 21st century to be a steam locomotive enthusiast, 2022 is looking good too!

A Big Boy is running on Union Pacific’s main lines , the last Baldwin steam locomotive built is flexing its articulated muscles on a mountain railroad , and at least six 4-8-4s are in steam from coast to coast with three more under restoration. Newly renovated engines continue to emerge.

According to a Trains magazine survey, about 153 steam locomotives operate in the U.S. in a public venue at least one day each year. These locomotives are at least 2-foot gauge, have a history, or are a replica of historical significance. The figure is a decrease from the first such survey made in 2008, when Trains placed the census at 190 steam locomotives. Here’s the list.

Trains’ 2022 steam locomotive list

Methodology: •Locomotives of 2-foot gauge and up. •Must run in a public venue at least 1 day per year or be capable of doing so. •Must have had some sort of prior life in regular freight or passenger service before preservation or be a replica of national significance.

Alabama – 0

Alaska – 2 •Alaska Railroad 0-4-0T No. 1 coal narrow 1899 •White Pass & Yukon 2-8-2 No. 73 oil narrow 1947

Arkansas – 0

Arizona – 1 •Grand Canyon Railway 2-8-2 No. 4960 oil standard 1923

California steam locomotive list – 19

•Disneyland Railroad No. 3 2-4-4T (Baldwin 1894) •Disneyland Railroad No. 4 2-4-0 (Baldwin 1925) •Disneyland Railroad No. 5 2-4-4T (Baldwin 1902) •Eastern California Museum’s Southern Pacific 4-6-0 No. 18 oil narrow 1911 •Knott’s Berry Farm 2-8-0 No. 340 oil narrow 1899 •Niles Canyon Railway’s Clover Valley 2-6-6-2T No. 4 oil standard 1924 •Niles Canyon Railway 2-4-4-2 “Skookum” No. 7 oil standard 1909 •Niles Canyon Railway’s Robert Dollar 2-6-2T No. 3 oil standard 1927 •Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad/Stathi Pappas 0-4-0T No. 2 oil standard 1909 •Poway Midland 0-4-0 No. 3 oil standard 1907 •San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s ATSF 4-8-4 No. 3751 oil standard 1927 •Sierra Railway 2-8-0 No. 28 oil standard 1922 oil standard • Roaring Camp & Big Trees 0-4-2T No. 1 oil narrow •Roaring Camp & Big Trees 2-truck Heisler Tuolomie oil narrow •Roaring Camp & Big Trees 2-Truck Shay Dixiana oil narrrow •Roots of Motive Power 2 Truck Heisler No. 1 oil standard •Roots of Motive Power 2-6-2T No. 1 oil standard •Yosemite Sugar Pine three truck Shay No. 10 oil narrow •Yosemite Sugar Pine three truck Shay No. 15 oil narrow

Colorado steam locomotive list – 16

•Cripple Creek & Victor 0-4-4-0 No. 1 coal narrow •Cripple Creek & Victor 0-4-0T No. 2 coal narrow •Cripple Creek & Victor 0-4-0 No. 3 coal narrow •Colorado Railroad Museum’s Rio Grande 2-8-2 No. 491 coal narrow •Colorado Railroad Museum’s Rio Grande 2-8-0 No. 346 coal narrow •Colorado Railroad Museum’s Rio Grande Southern 4-6-0 No. 20 coal narrow •Durango & Silverton 2-8-2s Nos. 473, 476, 480, 481, 486, 493 //// 2 coal 4 oil narrow •Durango Railroad Historical Society’s Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-0 No. 315/425 coal narrow •Georgetown Loop 2-8-0 No. 40 oil narrow •Georgetown Loop 2-8-0 No. 111 oil narrow •South Park Rail Society 2-6-2 No. 4 oil narrow

Connecticut — 3 •Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Hawaii Railway 2-4-2 No. 5 •Valley Railroad 2-8-2s Nos. 40 and 3025 coal standard

Delaware – 1 •Wilmington & Western 0-6-0 No. 58 coal standard

Florida – 1 •U.S. Sugar 4-6-2 No. 148 oil standard 1920s

Georgia – 1 •Georgia Museum of Agriculture 0-4-0T No. 2

Hawaii – 2 •Grove Farm Museum 2-4-0T “Paulo” (Hohenzollern, 1887) and 0-6-2T “Wainiha” (Baldwin, 1915)

Illinois -2 •Illinois Railway Museum’s Frisco 2-10-0 No. 1630 coal standard •Illinois Railway Museum’s J. Neils Lumber 3-truck Shay No. 5 coal standard

Indiana – 5 •Hesston Steam Museum 2-6-0 No. 2 coal standard •Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society’s Nickel Plate Road 2-8-4 No. 765 coal standard 1944 •Gramling Locomotive Works’ Jeddo Coal 0-4-0T No. 85 coal standard •Gramling Locomotive Works’ Lehigh Coal 0-6-0T No. 126 coal standard •Privately-owned Bock Lumber Co. 0-4-4T No. 1 at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum standard

Iowa -3 •Iowa Interstate 2-10-2 No. 6988 •Midwest Central 2-6-0 No. 6 •Midwest Central’s Westside Lumber Co. 3-truck Shay No. 9 oil narrow

Kansas – 1 •Abilene & Smokey Valley Railroad’s Santa Fe 4-6-2 No. 3415 oil standard

Kentucky – 0

Louisiana – 0

Maine – 4 •Boothbay Railway Museum 0-4-0T No. 6 (Henschel 1934) •Wiscassett Waterville & Farmington 0-4-4T No. 9 •Maine Narrow Gauge Museum B&SR No. 7 •Maine Narrow Gauge’s Monson 0-4-4T No. 3

Maryland – 1 •Western Maryland Scenic 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 coal standard 1949

Massachusetts – 1 •Edaville 0-4-0 No. 11

Michigan – 7 •Buckley Old Engine Show’s Army 0-4-0T •Henry Ford’s 0-6-4T No. 3 Torch Lake (oldest operating locomotive in U.S. 1873) •Henry Ford’s Detroit & Lima Northern 4-4-0 No. 7 •Huckleberry Railroad 4-6-0 No. 2 • Pere Marquette 2-8-4 No. 1225 coal standard 1940s •Little River 0-4-0T No. 1 •Little River 4-6-2 No. 110 coal/wood standard 1911

Minnesota – 4 •Lake Region Steam Threshers 0-4-0T No. 2 •Milwaukee Road 4-8-4 No. 261 coal standard 1944 •Western Minnesota Steam Thresher’s Soo Line 0-6-0 No. 353 •Western Minnesota Steam Thresher’s 0-4-0 No. 3

Missouri – 4

•Silver Dollar City 0-4-0T No. 14 •Silver Dollar City 0-4-0T No. 43 •Silver Dollar City 0-4-0T No. 76 •Silver Dollar City 0-4-0 No. 504

Mississippi – 0

Nebraska – 1 •Henry Doorly Zoo’s 30-inch Austrian 0-6-2T

Nevada – 7 •Dan Markoff’s Eureka & Palisade 4-4-0 No. 4 wood narrow •Nevada Northern 2-8-0 No. 81 coal standard 1917 •Nevada Northern 2-8-0 No. 93 coal standard 1909 •Nevada State Railroad Museum 4-6-0 Glenbrook •Nevada State Railroad Museum’s Virginia & Truckee 4-4-0 No. 22 Inyo •Nevada State Railroad Museum’s Virginia & Truckee 4-6-0 No. 25 •Virginia & Truckee 2-8-0 No. 29 oil standard

New Hampshire – 4 •Conway Scenic 0-6-0 No. 7420 coal standard •Mount Washington Cog 0-4-4-0 Nos. 2, 6 & 9

New Jersey – 2 •Black River & Western 2-8-0 No. 60 coal standard •SMS 0-6-0 No. 9 coal standard

New Mexico — 7 •New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society’s ATSF 4-8-4 No. 2926 oil standard 1940s •Cumbres & Toltec Scenic 2-8-2s Nos. 463, 484, 487, 488, 489 //4 coal 1 oil narrow 1920s •Cumbres & Toltec’s Denver & Rio Grande 4-6-0 No. 168 coal narrow

New York – 1 •Scott Symans American Viscose 0-4-0T No. 6

North Carolina – 3 •Great Smoky Mountains Railway 2-8-0 No. 1702 oil standard 1940s •Tweetsie 4-6-0 No. 12 coal narrow •Tweetsie 2-8-2 No. 190 coal narrow

North Dakota – 0

Oklahoma – 0

Ohio – 7

•Cedar Point & Lake Erie No. 1 2-4-0 •Cedar Point & Lake Erie No. 4 2-4-0 •Cedar Point & Lake Erie No. 5 2-4-0 •Cedar Point & Lake Erie No. 22 2-4-0 •Hocking Valley 0-6-0 No. 3 coal standard •Age of Steam’s Morehead & North Fork 0-6-0 No. 12 coal standard •Youngstown Steel Heritage 0-4-0T No. 58 coal narrow

•City of Prineville’s Mount Emily 3-truck Shay No. 1 oil standard •Oregon Coast Scenic’s Craig Mountain Lumber 2-truck Heisler No. 3 oil standard •Oregon Coast Scenic’s McCloud River Railway 2-6-2 No. 25 oil standard •Oregon Coast Scenic’s Polson 2-8-2 No. 2 oil standard •Albany & Eastern’s Santa Maria Valley 2-6-2 No. 205 oil standard 1920s •Sumpter Valley 2-8-2 No. 19 oil narrow •Sumpter Valley’s W.H. Eccles 2-truck Heisler No. 3 wood narrow vOregon Railroad Heritage’s Southern Pacific 4-8-4 No. 4449 oil standard 1941

Pennsylvania steam locomotive list – 13

• Bucksgahuda & Western 0-4-0T No. 1 •Strasburg 4-8-0 No. 475, 2-6-0 No. 89, 2-10-0 No. 90 coal standard •New Hope & Ivyland 2-8-0 No. 40 coal standard •Everett 2-6-0 No. 11 coal standard •Pioneer Tunnel 0-4-0T No. 1 •Railway Restoration’s Central of New Jersey 0-6-0 No. 113 coal standard •Reading & Northern 4-6-2 No. 425 coal standard •Star Barn’s 4-4-0 No. 63 oil standard •Steamtown’s Baldwin plant switcher 0-6-0 No. 26 coal standard •Steam into History’s Northern Central 4-4-0 No. 17 York oil standard •Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association’s Pennsylvania Railroad 0-6-0 No. 643 coal standard

South Carolina – 0

South Dakota – 3 •Black Hills Central 2-6-6-2Ts Nos. 108 and 110 oil standard •Prairie Village 0-6-0 No. 29

Tennessee – 4 •Southern 2-8-0 No. 630 coal standard 1904 •Southern 2-8-2 No. 4501 coal standard 1911 •Dollywood 2-8-2s No. 70 and 192

Texas – 3 •Six Flags Texas 2-4-2 No. 2 •Six Flags Texas 2-4-2 No. 2 •Texas State Railroad 2-8-0 No. 30 oil standard

Utah – 2 •U.S. National Park Service replica of Union Pacific 4-4-0 No. 119 coal standard 1970s •U.S. National Park Service replica of Central Pacific 4-4-0 Jupiter wood standard 1970s

Vermont – 0

Virginia – 1 •Virginia Museum of Transportation’s Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 No. 611 coal standard 1950

Washington State – 1 •Northwestern Railway Museum’s Northern Pacific 0-6-0 No. 924

Wisconsin – 2 •Soo Line 2-8-2 No. 1003 coal standard •Rock River Threshers 0-4-0 No. 7

West Virginia – 6 •Cass Scenic Railroad Shays Nos. 2, 4, 5, and 11 coal standard 1905, •Cass Scenic Railroad Climax 9 coal standard 1919 •Cass Scenic Railroad Heisler 6 coal standard

Wyoming – 2 •Union Pacific 4-8-4 No. 844 oil standard 1944 •Union Pacific 4-8-8-4 No. 4014 oil standard 1941

15 thoughts on “ 2022 steam locomotive list ”

Since this list was compiled, two locomotives have come online in Illinois and are running this year:

Monticello Railway Museum’s Southern Ry 401 (2-8-0, Standard, Oil) Silver Creek and Stephenson’s Heisler (2-truck, Standard, Wood)

Hesston Steam Museum at Hesston, Indiana has a 3 truck Shay in Operation

Hi there you forgot one SP 2472 schellville owner Golden Gate Railroad Museum Granite she didn’t become operational till 6 October

Correction: “Louisiana – 1” Southern Pacific 745 has been restored and run. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Pacific_745

Pioneer Tunnel 0-4-0T No. 1 in Ashland PA is coal (anthracite) and narrow gauge (3′ 6″)

Slight correction: A digit got dropped when listing Texas State RR #30 – it’s actually #300.

Looking forward to the days when the East Broad Top steam join this list.

Curious why Disneyland Railroad No. 1 & 2 are not listed, Is this because they were built by the Disney Company itself? As well, Walt Disney World Railroad Nos. 1-4 not listed. The locomotives are fictional and just waiting for tracks repairs to be completed.

Also Valley Railroad No. 97 in Connecticut has also returned to steam this year.

I ask this because the article states that the numbers are lower than 2008 totals, which may be true, but it seems like locomotives that could be counted were left out.

What does the red text locomotives mean – not running?

It’s an internet link. Click on it and it takes you to that engine or RR

any news about UP 3985? Or has it been replaced by 4014?

UP has indicated that it has no plans to restore 3985, so 4014 for now is the showpiece of the railroad.

It should probably be noted that the Cumbers and Toltec locos spend about as much time at the shop on the other end of their tracks in Antonito, CO as they do in Chama, NM. Their normal run between both ends also includes more miles in Colorado than New Mexico.

In Connecticut, Valley Railroad 2-8-0 #97 is back in service as of 11/12/21.

Thanks for including the J&L Narrow Gauge 58 this year! We all hope that it never comes off of this list.

One correction: Hesston’s 2-6-0 is 36″ gauge, and their three truck shay should also be included.

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Bam! That had been a 3-foot-tall drift across the Moose Range Road grade crossing near Sycamore, Ill.

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Our Journeys

Celebrations, 2024 & 2025 steam journeys.

Britain’s most luxurious train, hauled by some of the most famous steam locomotives in the world

Simply Magnificent Locomotives

We are all passionate about steam, imagine Britain’s most luxurious train, hauled by some of the most famous steam locomotives in the world. A magical combination. Explore our line-up here and discover steam journeys we have planned for the year ahead.

Princess Elizabeth

Affectionately known as "Lizzie" this locomotive was built in 1933 and named after a then young Princess later to become Queen Elizabeth 11. It is one of the two remaining preserved Princess Royal Class Locos. "Lizzie" played a key role on the Diamond Jubilee celebrations - her whistle signalled the start of the Thames Jubilee Pageant and hauled the Royal Train during the Diamond Jubilee Tour.

Built in 1947 at Brighton for the old Southern Railway, Tangmere was a Battle of Britain Class locomotive that regularly hauled celebrated express trains like The Golden Arrow and The Bournemouth Belle from London to the South Coast.

With six 6ft 2ins driving wheels and weighing 86 tons, Tangmere – named after an RAF world war two airfield near Chichester in West Sussex – notched up more than half a million miles before being withdrawn from scheduled service. Now fully restored in all its glory, a sight to behold!

A copy of the LNER’s old Peppercorn A1 Pacific class locomotives but with extra water capacity and the latest safety electronics, Tornado became the first steam engine built in Britain since 1961 when it left the Darlington Works in 2008 at a cost of £3million.

Given the number 60163, the loco was named Tornado in honour of top gun RAF pilots who flew Tornado jets during the first Gulf War in 1990/91 and proudly displays the crests of former RAF bases at Leeming and Marham next to its nameplates.

Flying Scotsman

To mark the 100th anniversary of Flying Scotsman - the most famous steam locomotive of all time hauled the Northern Belle to Edinburgh for a journey of a lifetime on board the Northern Belle.

Flying Scotsman was built in Doncaster, the first locomotive of the newly formed London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). By 1924, when it was selected to appear at the British Empire Exhibition in London, the loco had been renumbered 4472—and given the name 'Flying Scotsman' after the daily 10.00 London to Edinburgh rail service which started in 1862.

A Royal day out that's fit for a Queen

2024 steam journeys.

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Settle & Carlisle Steam Special

A wonderful journey featured on channel 5's "world's most scenic railway journeys"., 2025 steam journeys.

World's Most Scenic Railway Journeys

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Experience the golden age of travel

Find out more

Welcome Aboard Take your seat for a nostalgic journey with Tornado . Steam trains remind us of a time when travel was glamorous and exciting; on board our tours we bring this experience to life as we venture across the country to some superb destinations. Book a tour

Look through our programme of tours to see the great destinations on offer. With many joining stations to choose from, your day out with Tornado may start closer than you think!

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF RAIL TRAVEL STUNNING SCENERY

Sit back and relax as we take the scenic route through rolling hills and lush countryside to reach our destination.

2025 MAIN LINE TOURS

New tours to be announced for trains in 2025 with Tornado.

PREMIER DINING

Enjoy silver service at your table as we present a hearty cooked breakfast and sumptuous four course supper, all freshly cooked by the team of on board chefs.

• About Tornado
• Where to Travel
• About Prince of Wales
• About Highlander
• Dates & Destinations
• The Aberdonian
• Prince of Wales

Darlington Locomotive Works 9 Bonomi Way DARLINGTON DL3 0PY 01325 488215 [email protected]

© Copyright 2024 by A1 Steam Locomotive Trust. Designed and Built by Purple Creative Studio

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60163 TORNADO

2007 PRINCE OF WALES

Important notice.

We are moving to our new works this week and our office will be closed during this time and we will not be available to answer any calls or emails. Online donations and bookings will be unaffected.

Call us on 01553 661 500

UK Day Trips

The Old Stables, Estuary Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 2HL – Phone: 01553 661 500

© 2024 | The Railway Touring Company Limited | Founded by Nigel Dobbing in 1997 | All rights reserved. This work remains the property of The Railway Touring Company Limited and may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, without permission. Website: LucidSynergy Ltd.

• The Jacobite
• The Dalesman
• Scarborough Spa Express
• Lune Rivers Trust

Pendle Dalesman Trips

Lancaster to carlisle, departing: lancaster, preston, blackburn, clitheroe.

The Pendle Dalesman - Steam along the S&C - Running Tuesdays (Steam both outbound and return)

2022 Season has now finished

Departing from Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn and Clitheroe

Running Tuesday's on 18 th and 25 th May, 8 th  and 29 th June, 20 th and 27 th July, 10 th , 17 th and 31 st August and 21 st September 2021

Join us for a great day out to remember aboard our heritage steam hauled train which will take you on a scenic journey along the Settle and Carlisle line.

From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored. These traditional carriages will be hauled by a beautifully restored steam locomotive from your departure points. At Hellifield the line traverses North Yorkshire for an ever-favourite journey on the Settle and Carlisle Railway. Enjoy the stunning Dales scenery as we make our way through Settle and over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Continuing north from Ribblehead we plunge into Blea Moor tunnel, the longest on the line. We then enjoy sweeping views along Dentdale as we pass through the highest station on the line, Dent. The stunning scenery continues as we head north to the more gentle landscape of the Eden Valley, the Eden Gorge and our destination - the border city of Carlisle.

See www.settle-carlisle.co.uk.

CARLISLE:  We anticipate an afternoon arrival time offering a couple of hours or so break. This great border city dominates the borderlands between England and Scotland, sitting within the vale between the Cumbrian Mountains and Scottish Southern Uplands. In Carlisle you’ll find yourself at the centre of a stirring past and a vibrant present. Many of the city’s eateries and licensed premises are just a few minutes’ walk from the station entrance and if you visit www.historic-carlisle.org.uk you will find information to help you plan ahead. And for those who would prefer to use their short break to wander around in the beautiful and historic heart of the city you may choose to visit the castle, cathedral or indeed the Tullie House Museum.

After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, we return along the Settle to Carlisle line behind our vintage steam engine for the final part of our journey to your home stations. 

In the event of fire risk, FBU action or the unlikely failure of steam traction we reserve the right to substitute all or part of the journey with a heritage diesel without any liability being incurred and any reimbursement or vouchers issued.

THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE

First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best.

From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line.

SETTLE STATION

The station first opened in May 1876 and was originally named 'Settle New' to distinguish it from the nearby station on a different route, and has a beautiful large Derby Gothic style station building.

RIBBLEHEAD VIADUCT

The Ribblehead Viaduct is an impressive feat of engineering 28 miles north-west of Skipton in Yorkshire. The Grade II listed structure, designed by engineer John Sydney Crossley. 1.5 million bricks were used in its construction, with some of the blocks weighing 8 tons each.

DENT STATION

The highest mainline railway station in England. In the past steam locomotives were able to pick up water from troughs here whilst still moving.

DENT HEAD & ARTEN GILL VIADUCTS

Two of the most impressive structures on the line, they are are Scheduled Ancient Monuments. Arten Gill Viaduct is constructed from 'Dent marble' - a dark limestone with high fossil content, and has eleven impressive arches.

BLEA MOOR TUNNEL

Located between Ribblehead Viaduct and Dent station, it is the longest tunnel on the line. Rise Hill Tunnel. Built by the Midland Railway, it passes 500 feet below the moor after which it was named.

The Scotland/England border city, the Romans established a settlement here to service the forts of Hadrian's Wall. Carlisle castle has watched over the city for over 9 centuries, and has witnessed many important moments in British history.

Premier Dining: On the outward journey passengers will be served a full English breakfast with complimentary Buck´s Fizz. Champagne and canapés followed by a delicious four course dinner accompanied by a quarter bottle of wine, will be served on the return journey. A complimentary service of tea or coffee on both journeys. We kindly ask that passengers do not consume their own alcoholic drinks in Premier Dining Class.

We are able to offer a vegetarian menu with 7 days advance notification but regretfully we are unable to offer any other special dietary requirements (i.e. nut allergy, vegan, gluten free diets etc).

Premier First Class: Passengers will be served a breakfast roll on the outward leg and freshly made sandwiches, a scone, jam and butter will be served on the return journey. To accompany this, there will be a complimentary service of tea and coffee on both journeys.

Standard & First Class: First Class passengers will have access to the buffet carriage for the purchase of light refreshments. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments or indeed a tasty picnic to enjoy as the countryside passes by!

A child ticket is for a child aged 16 or under.

Supplement for a private table for two in first class and dining £25.00 per passenger. Fares are subject to a £3.75 booking fee.

For children in Premier Dining the wine will be substituted for soft drinks.

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Steam Locomotives On The UK Mainline

On this page, you can choose from upcoming tours or previous tours. You can also search for tours passing through your local or favourite station. You can also find out how to include diesel railtours and ECS movements in the list. Finally, you can get information on how to set up notifications when tour timetables are added.

Upcoming Railtours

Please note: tours are subject to change/cancellation at short notice..

2024 thu 26 sep 08:48 thu 19:48 The Jacobite Fort William – Mallaig Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco (One Of), 44871, 45212, 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier

2024 thu 26 sep 09:52 thu 14:52 Light Engine Movement Tyseley Steam Trust – St Philips Marsh HSTD Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, 7029 Clun Castle

2024 thu 26 sep 10:35 thu 16:00 Belmond: The Golden Age of Travel by Steam London Victoria – Dover Priory Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 35028 Clan Line

2024 fri 27 sep 07:00 fri 22:40 The Mayflower Birmingham New Street – Plymouth Timings? Yes Traction Diesel, Steam Loco 20142, 20189, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, 7029 Clun Castle

2024 fri 27 sep 08:48 fri 19:48 The Jacobite Fort William – Mallaig Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco (One Of), 44871, 45212, 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier

2024 fri 27 sep (sep 27) 09:52 sat 28 (sep 28) 01:52 Light Engine Movement Bristol Temple Meads – Tyseley Steam Trust Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, 7029 Clun Castle

2024 fri 27 sep (sep 27) 20:55 sat 28 (sep 28) 04:55 Light Engine Movement Tom Na Faire Depot – Carlisle Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 45212

2024 sat 28 sep 02:15 sat 07:15 ECS Movement Carnforth Steamtown – Manchester Piccadilly Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 44871

2024 sat 28 sep 07:15 sat 22:30 Postponed The Atlantic Coast Express London Waterloo – Exeter St. David's Moved to 12th October Timings? No Traction Steam Loco 35028 Clan Line

2024 sat 28 sep 08:00 sat 22:15 Cancelled Steam Dreams: London to Exeter London Paddington – Exeter St Davids Timings? No Traction Diesel, Steam Loco 61306 Mayflower, TBC

2024 sat 28 sep 09:00 sat 21:00 Updated . The Lune Rivers Trust Special Carnforth – Carlisle Timings? Yes Traction Diesel, Steam Loco 45212, Class 47, Class 57

2024 sat 28 sep 08:48 sat 19:48 The Jacobite Fort William – Mallaig Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco (One Of), 44871, 45212, 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier

2024 sat 28 sep 10:30 sat 21:45 Updated . The Mancunian Manchester Piccadilly – Bridgnorth Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 44871, 45596 Bahamas, Class 47, Class 57

2024 sat 28 sep 21:15 sat 23:15 ECS Movement Manchester Victoria – Carnforth Steamtown Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco 44871

2024 sun 29 sep 08:48 sun 19:48 The Jacobite Fort William – Mallaig Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco (One Of), 44871, 45212, 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier

2024 mon 30 sep 08:48 mon 19:48 The Jacobite Fort William – Mallaig Timings? Yes Traction Steam Loco (One Of), 44871, 45212, 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier

Previous Tours

Click the arrows below to choose a month, click a tour for details on fares / timings.

Find Tours Through Your Station

You can find out if any railtours are passing through your local station (or any station on the national rail network)

All you need to do is visit our dedicated Find Tours Through Your Station page by clicking here .

Diesel Tours & ECS Movements

The list of tours above only includes steam tours, if you would like to see diesel and electric tours as well as ECS movements, please see our dedicated page by clicking here .

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2024 thu 26 sep All Day Talyllyn Railway - The Slate Trail

2024 fri 27 sep All Day Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway - Fish and Chip Train

2024 sat 28 sep All Day Ffestiniog Railway: Trailfest Timings? No Traction Steam

2024 sat 28 sep All Day sun 29 Talyllyn Railway - Heritage Weekend

2024 sun 29 sep All Day Keighley and Worth Valley Railway - Afternoon Tea

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• Trans-Siberian Express

Our 8 Best Trans-Siberian Rail Tours of 2022

Come with us on truly... The Journey of a Lifetime along the world’s longest railway. See how the landscape and culture changes as you head West to East. See Moscow, Siberia, China and more. Our Trans-Siberian Railway tours are all customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular packages are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Trans Siberian rail tours using the form on the page. Feel free to also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists. Many travelers have found this to be the best way to together, create an unforgettable customized tour for you.

Trans-Siberian by Imperial Russia Train

Besides the below tours, we also offer a luxurious tour by a private train

Trans-Siberian 3 in 1

This is our shortest version of our Trans Siberian railroad tours but it covers some of the most interesting cities. The trip begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia, then continues on to Yekaterinburg, located in the Ural Mountains and at the edge of Siberia. The tour ends on the shores of Lake Baikal.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any day
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk
• Languages English-speaking guide is guaranteed. Other languages are on request.
• Accommodation The following hotel options are available: 3 stars
• PRIVATE TOUR This is a private tour, there won't be other people in your group

Great Russia by Train

This tour will take you along the full route of the Trans-Siberian railway to 3 of Russia's most interesting cities - Moscow with stunning Red Square, the Kremlin and Cathedrals, Irkutsk located in the heart of Siberia and home to the great Lake Baikal and Vladivostok - the King of the East with its harbor of the Golden Horn and Amursky Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Trans-Sib - four cities

On this great Eurasian journey from West to East you will cover the entire route of the Trans-Siberian Railway, visiting four major cities along the way: Russia's capital Moscow, Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk including incredible Lake Baikal, and finally Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean, at the very edge of Russia.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Vladivostok

Highlights on the Trans-Sib

This tour is a great choice for seeing the highlights of Russia, Mongolia and China. From Golden-Domed Moscow you will continue on to Irkutsk and visit beautiful Lake Baikal. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert. Finally, you will reach China and visit the magnificent Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Forbidden city.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Monday
• Route Moscow - Irkutsk - Ulan Bator - Beijing

The Great Journey - East to West

This trip lasts for 2 weeks and passes through 6 fascinating cities. Starting in Vladivostok with its harbour of the Golden Horn and passing through the Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude, then to Irkutsk - home of magnificent Lake Baikal and onto Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg - very dynamic Siberian cities, and finally ending in golden-domed Moscow.

• Route Vladivostok - Ulan-Ude - Irkutsk - Novosibirsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

5 stars - East to West

This tour covers the highlights of the Trans-Siberian Railway - including all 5 major cities along its route. You will admire cultural masterpieces in Beijing, learn about nomadic life in Mongolia, see amazing Lake Baikal in Irkutsk, learn about the fate of the Last Tsar in Yekaterinburg, and visit Russia's energetic capital Moscow.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Thursday.
• Route Beijing - Ulaanbaatar - Irkutsk - Yekaterinburg - Moscow

Trans-Sib through Russia - Mongolia - China

This exciting Trans-Siberian tour takes you to three countries - Russia, Mongolia and China. From Moscow you will proceed to the Siberian cities of Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk, close to Lake Baikal. Then you will cross Mongolia with its endless steppes and the Goby Desert, and finally arrive in China with the Great Wall and more.

• Schedule Tour can be started on any Saturday
• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Novosibirsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

Journey of a Lifetime

The tour is a great opportunity to visit three countries on one trip. You will be delighted with the capital of Russia, see the border of Europe and Asia in Yekaterinburg, admire beautiful nature in Krasnoyarsk, see the world's largest lake Baikal, steppes of Mongolia and China's cultural heritage.

• Route Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Krasnoyarsk - Irkutsk - Ulaanbaatar - Beijing

My wife & I have just completed the Journey of a Lifetime 16 day 15 night Trip as organised by Express to Russia. We also had a tour of St Petersburg & Moscow as well. The planning & execution of both trips was well above our expectations. The guides we had in all of our destinations were exceptional & the meet & greet & return to the stations went as smooth as clockwork. We had one minor hitch but that was through no fault of Express to Russia..a quick email from our Ipad had the problem resolved immediately We did have some misgivings at the start about doing the booking online ourselves but Elena was wonderful & answered all of our questions promptly & to our satisfaction. We felt comfortable with the whole process.The train trip is wonderful with Mongolia being a "special " place for us! We highly recommend Elena & her company. I am happy to answer any questions any body may wish to ask.

Thank you so very much for organizing our trip. Everything went wonderfully, and we really enjoyed our time in Russia. Moscow was beautiful, Lake Baikal was very cold, yet very fun to swim in, and the DPR Koreans that I met and made friends with in Vladivostok was beyond priceless. The guides you got for us did an exceptional job, and the drivers helped us out a lot as well. The hotels you got for us were great, and the room you got for us in the Vladivostok really made the long stay comfortable. The trains were also very enjoyable as was the Russian hospitality, although we really weren´t expecting people to be so generous or helpful. Overall, the trip was wonderful, and you arranged it magnificently. You really went out of your way to accommodate my schedule and help me with my schoolwork, so I really appreciate it; I couldn´t have done it without you. So once again, thank you for all of your efforts, and hopefully in the future you will be able to help us out again. Take care, and thank you for everything.

The Trans-Siberian Express is the longest train journey in the world. The route takes you from ancient Russian cities through deep forests and breathtaking mountains to Siberian outposts and into Asia. You will visit Buddhist temples , Lake Baikal , the Ural Mountains , Vladivostok or Beijing . Express to Russia is a specialist in travel for individuals and small groups along the route. We will make sure that you have an unforgettable journey on this incredible adventure. Choose basic packages below or contact us to arrange your own custom travel.

Our Russian tours are offered as land only where you arrange your own airfare and we meet you at the airport and handle everything else. You can easily book the discount tickets yourself through our own discount internet ticket office . Please browse our discount air tickets section to learn more.

Trans-Siberian Train

The main route of the Trans-Siberian Railway begins in Moscow and heads east to Vladivostok passing through Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Ulan Ude, Chita, Blagoveshchensk and Khabarovsk. The length of the route is 9259 km or 5753 miles. The train travels through 7 time zones and takes 8 days to complete without making overnight stops. The Trans-Siberian splits off into a few other fascinating directions as well:

Trans-Mongolian Train

The Trans-Mongolian Line was built from 1940 to 1956 between Ulan-Ude at Lake Baikal’s eastern shore and the Chinese capital Beijing. From Ulan-Ude the tracks go south towards Mongolia, crossing the great Gobi Desert and finally ending up in Beijing. This route is a mere 7867 kilometers long (Moscow - Beijing).

Trans-Manchurian Train

The Trans-Manchurian Line runs on the same route as the Trans-Siberian as far as Tarskaya, which is a few hundred miles east of Baikal. From Tarskaya, the line runs southeast into China near Zabaikalsk and makes its way down to Beijing. This route is a 9001 kilometres long (Moscow - Beijing).

Click to learn more about the history of the Trans-Siberian Railway .

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

Where does the trans-siberian railway start and where does it end.

The Trans-Siberian Railway starts in Moscow and extends all the way to Vladivostok on the Pacific Ocean. This route connects the European part of Russia, the Ural region, Siberia and the Russian Far East.

Are Beijing and Ulan Bator stops along the Trans-Siberian railway?

Beijing and Ulan Bator are parts of Trans-Mongolian railway - an offshoot of the main Trans-Siberian Railway. There are many options to arrange your travel: to visit Ulan Bator and or follow the Trans-Siberian railway to or from Vladivostok. 

Can I use the hop-on hop-off principle when traveling by Trans-Siberian train?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Train tickets in Russia are not open, so you will need a separate ticket with a particular date for each leg of your trip - for example, you may go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok, but you will only be able to leave the train for short stops at the railway stations. In case if you would like to explore different cities on the way, you will need separate tickets, for example Moscow – Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg – Irkutsk, Irkutsk - Vladivostok. We offer carefully planned private tours that will allow you to visit several cities on your way.

Are there showers aboard Trans-Siberian trains?

Most of the Trans-Siberian trains do not have showers, and there are two WCs per each carriage. Please consider it while planning your trip. We recommend to choose shorter distances (that is, to plan more overnight stops in the cities along the way) to avoid the inconvenience of not showering. Another option is to choose the trip on board a more luxurious train which has all the on-board amenities that one might need.

Are meals included on the board of Trans-Siberian express train?

When traveling with RZD regular trains meals are not included. You can easily buy your meals in the restaurant car.  Another option is to buy local specialties from “babushkas” (grandmothers, or simply Russian old ladies) on the short train stops along the way. This is a very authentic way of getting your meals.

What is the most comfortable way to travel on the Trans-Siberian railroad?

There are luxurious trains on the Trans-Siberian railway that are quite different from regular RZD trains and can be described as 5* hotels on wheels. We offer this type of accommodation on the Imperial Russia train where you can enjoy a full board menu, a shower and a comfortable compartment.

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

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Steam Train Trips, Tours and Rides

Day Trips Including A Steam Engine

Picture: Paul Nicholson

Steam Train Trips, Tours and Rides 2024/2025

While we do not run or book any steam train trips or rides, we try and identify in the below list the majority of steam train day trips and tours operating on the rail network for 2024 and 2025. Note that parts of the journey may be intentionally pulled by a diesel or electric locomotive.

Please check / confirm on the promoters website for cancellations and steam traction / other changes to these trips, particularly with the upcoming strikes.

The Pick Up Area section indicates the rough area of pick ups. See promoters website for exact details

During hot dry periods it is possible steam engines may be replaced by diesel or electric locomotives

While we do not run or book any steam train trips or rides, we try and identify in the below list the majority of steam train day trips and tours operating on the rail network for 2023. Note that parts of the journey may be intentionally pulled by a diesel or electric locomotive.

"All Trips" selected - click other options to filter

The Golden Age of Travel by Steam Event

The golden age of travel by steam, thu 26th september 2024, pick ups between :, london victoria.

Engines Involved: Steam

The Jacobite Event

The jacobite, fort william out mallaig return, fri 27th september 2024, the mayflower event, the mayflower, vintage trains, birmingham new street & bristol temple meads.

Engines Involved: Steam / Diesel

The Atlantic Coast Express Event

The atlantic coast express, sat 28th september 2024, rail touring company, london waterloo & basingstoke, the mancunian event, the mancunian, manchester piccadily & stockport, lune rivers trust event, lune rivers trust, london to exeter event, london to exeter, steam dreams, london paddington & swindon, sun 29th september 2024, mon 30th september 2024, tue 1st october 2024, wed 2nd october 2024, the golden arrow event, the golden arrow, saphos trains, peterborough & potters bar.

Engines Involved: Steam / Diesel or Electric

Thu 3rd October 2024

The dalesman event, the dalesman, york & skipton.

Engines Involved: Steam / Other

Fri 4th October 2024

The cumbrian mountain express event, the cumbrian mountain express, sat 5th october 2024, london euston & preston.

Engines Involved: Steam / Electric

Norwich & Shenfield

Sun 6th october 2024, mon 7th october 2024, tue 8th october 2024, wed 9th october 2024, the golden hind event, the golden hind, worcester shrub hill & bristol temple meads, thu 10th october 2024, fri 11th october 2024, the hadrian event, the hadrian, sat 12th october 2024, derby & chesterfield, the cathedrals expresss to lincoln event, the cathedrals expresss to lincoln, birmingham new street & nottingham, sun 13th october 2024, mon 14th october 2024, tue 15th october 2024, wed 16th october 2024, thu 17th october 2024, fri 18th october 2024, sat 19th october 2024, settle & carlisle steam special event, settle & carlisle steam special, northern belle, coventry & chester, the pembroke coast express event, the pembroke coast express, sun 20th october 2024, bristol temple meads & cardiff, mon 21st october 2024, tue 22nd october 2024, wed 23rd october 2024, thu 24th october 2024, fri 25th october 2024, sat 26th october 2024, nottingham & sheffield, the peaks express event, the peaks express, sun 27th october 2024, preston & manchester piccadily, the shakesphere express event, the shakesphere express, thu 7th november 2024, the armistice steam express event, the armistice steam express, mon 11th november 2024, thu 14th november 2024, the christmas white rose event, the christmas white rose, sat 16th november 2024, london kings cross & peterborough, st albans & peterborough, telford & chester, the christmas sussex belle event, the christmas sussex belle, wed 20th november 2024, rugby & crewe, the christmas cheshireman event, the christmas cheshireman, sat 23rd november 2024, london euston & nuneaton, the edinburgh christmas market event, the edinburgh christmas market, york & newcastle, barrow in furness & manchester victoria, the polar express event, the polar express, birmingham moor street, sun 24th november 2024, the cardiff christmas express event, the cardiff christmas express, wed 27th november 2024, london victoria & didcot, the christmas white rose to york christmas market event, the christmas white rose to york christmas market, coleshill parkway & east midlands parkway, london to york christmas market event, london to york christmas market, thu 28th november 2024, the chester christmas express event, the chester christmas express, sat 30th november 2024, scarborough & manchester victoria, the bath & bristol christmas express event, the bath & bristol christmas express, london paddington & newbury, london to bath christmas market event, london to bath christmas market, london victoria & petersfield, sun 1st december 2024, the bath chrismas market express event, the bath chrismas market express, mon 2nd december 2024, northampton & maidenhead, the sherbourne christmas carol event, the sherbourne christmas carol, wed 4th december 2024, london victoria & basingstoke, dorridge & gerrards cross, birmingham new street & derby, southend to bath christmas market event, southend to bath christmas market, fri 6th december 2024, southend central & barking, sat 7th december 2024, the lincoln christmas express event, the lincoln christmas express, sun 8th december 2024, mon 9th december 2024, three bridges & chichester, the york yuletide express event, the york yuletide express, wed 11th december 2024, norwich & peterborough.

Engines Involved: Steam /Diesel

Staines & Havant

East anglia to chester christmas market event, east anglia to chester christmas market, fri 13th december 2024, colchester & ely, sat 14th december 2024, three bridges & worthing, sun 15th december 2024, wed 18th december 2024, cambridge & peterborough, fri 20th december 2024, sat 21st december 2024, sun 22nd december 2024, mon 23rd december 2024, thu 20th february 2025, thu 6th march 2025, sat 29th march 2025, manchester victoria & preston, sat 5th april 2025, york & wakefield, thu 10th april 2025, sat 12th april 2025, liverpool lime street & newton le willows, sat 19th april 2025, thu 24th april 2025, sat 26th april 2025, coventry & crewe, fri 9th may 2025, sat 24th may 2025, darlington & newcastle, sat 7th june 2025, sat 14th june 2025, leeds & manchester victoria, sat 26th july 2025, sat 9th august 2025, sat 16th august 2025, lincoln & wakefield kirkgate.

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