You’ll find many scenic train rides in New Jersey including numerous museums but in this post I’ll be showing you 6 of the most popular ones in the state to check out, specifically with the riding experience in mind. Let’s get started:
Here are the best scenic train rides in NJ:
- Delaware River Railroad Excursions
- Whippany Railway Museum
- Pine Creek Railroad
- Black River & Western Railroad
- Cape May Seashore Lines
- Woodstown Central Railroad
Here’s a detailed description of each one, their duration and things to expect:
Delaware River Railroad Excursions:
This is located in Phillipsburg NJ. This train ride is a short journey alongside the Delaware River with options like winery visits, mine tours, dinosaur-themed rides, and holiday specials. The Delaware River Railroad Excursions attraction lasts a little over 2 hours, has very favorable reviews and is possibly one of the top choices for scenic train rides in NJ.
Whippany Railway Museum:
This is located in Morris County NJ and is a mix of both a museum attraction and scenic train ride. The Whippany Railway Museum showcases New Jersey’s railroading history and offers round-trip excursions that last about 45 minutes, traveling through Whippany, East Hanover, Livingston, and Roseland. The journey features the scenic Whippanong Trail, crossing over the historic bridge above the Passaic River.
Pine Creek Railroad:
Operating within Allaire State Park and part of the New Jersey Museum of Transportation, Pine Creek Railroad provides a nostalgic steam train experience. It offers seasonal rides and unique events such as the Civil War Encampment and Railroaders Weekend.
Black River & Western Railroad:
This railroad offers scenic trips that last around 1 hour and 15 minutes, including a short layover, often with an opportunity to explore a museum car or gift shop. It operates between Flemington and Ringoes, providing a journey through New Jersey’s countryside. The railroad also hosts themed rides for holidays, adding a festive touch to the scenic experience. Overall the Black River and Western Railroad is an excellent train ride to experience in NJ!
Cape May Seashore Lines:
This line takes passengers on a 30-mile journey through the serene pine barrens, offering special events like the Santa Train. Additionally, they provide a unique rail biking experience along the scenic Garrett Family Preserve. This ride is particularly known for its beautiful natural landscapes and offers a distinct way to explore southern New Jersey.
Woodstown Central Railroad:
A new addition offering scenic trips on restored ex-Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines trackage, highlighting the area’s railroading past and natural beauty. The ride is a little under an hour long and as you pass beautiful areas in NJ including a trestle.
Each of these scenic train rides are great, rated pretty high by visitors, great for families and worth checking out in my opinion. If you have been to any one of these, I’d love to hear what your experiences were!