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Railroads & Locomotives Tourist Railroad Profiles Tourist railroads in the Northeastern United States

Tourist railroads in the Northeastern United States

| Last updated on February 13, 2024

Here are our must-visit tourist railroads, museums, and displays when traveling across the region

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Northeast tourist railroads you must visit include premium museums, scenic lines in different gauges, and everything in between. From Trains Magazine’s Tourist Trains Guidebook , here’s our list of tourist railroads, museums, and displays to experience across the region.

Northeast Tourist Railroads and Museums

Connecticut.

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat – 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex Where else can you enjoy a train ride and riverboat cruise all in one package? Departing from the historic seaport village in Essex, steam-powered excursions take passengers on a round trip by rail to Deep River and Haddam. For the full package itself, connections are then made to a replica three-deck, Mississippi-style riverboat for scenic views along the Connecticut River.

Railroad Museum of New England – 242 East Main Street, Thomaston The history of New England railroading is represented at this museum in Thomaston with an extensive collection. Adjacent to the displays is the 1881 brick station, also home to the Naugatuck Railroad that operates excursions along the former New Haven Railroad to Waterville. Scenic highlights include two trestles over the Naugatuck River and the Thomaston Dam.

Wilmington & Western Railroad – 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington The Wilmington & Western is not only one of the oldest tourist railroads in the country but out of all the Northeast tourist railroads, it’s the only one in Delaware. The railroad offers unique excursions to different destinations as trains traverse the scenic Red Clay Valley. Just as unique is the motive power, which usually ranges from a 0-6-0 steam locomotive to an original 1929 Pennsylvania Railroad “doodlebug” railcar.

District of Columbia

Smithsonian National Museum of American History – 1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. U.S. railroading from before 1876 to 2000 is showcased on a premier stage at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s “America on the Move” exhibition. The collection includes Southern Railway 4-6-2 No. 1401, the narrow gauge 4-4-0 Jupiter , and a 19th-century streetcar. However, the centerpiece of the museum is the John Bull , one of the oldest surviving steam locomotives in North America.

Seashore Trolley Museum – 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport Founded in 1939, the Seashore Trolley Museum holds the title of being the first electric railway museum in the world. It’s also considered the largest with more than 250 pieces of equipment, mainly streetcars, with origins reaching an international scale. The 2-mile streetcar rides are included in the admission. Better yet, take the opportunity to operate a trolley as part of the museum’s “Be a Motorman” program.

Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum – 97 Cross Road, Alna Like the narrow-gauged railroads in the Colorado Rockies, the 2-foot gauge can be synonymous with the railroad lore of Maine. Its preservation in the Pine Tree State is as authentic as gets at the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum. Rebuilt on the original right-of-way, 3 miles of track are used for steam-powered excursions from Alna’s Sheepscot Station to Trout Brook.

B&O Railroad Museum – 901 West Pratt Street, Baltimore Baltimore is often celebrated as the birthplace of railroading in the U.S. That story, along with the history of the country’s oldest railroad – the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad – is told at the downtown B&O Railroad Museum. The campus’ dome-covered roundhouse and turntable headlines the overall visit as it exhibits the largest North American collection of steam locomotives from the 19th Century.

See more Maryland tourist railroads you must visit.

Massachusetts

Cape Cod Central Railroad – 252 Main Street, Hyannis Departing from either Hyannis, Buzzards Bay or North Falmouth, diesel-powered excursions operate over the former New Haven Railroad. Scenic highlights include cranberry bogs, sand dunes, forests, and marshes before reaching the famous Cape Cod Canal. A mixture of luncheon, Sunday brunch, and dinner trains are also offered, and can include premium seating in a full-length dome.

New Hampshire

Conway Scenic Railroad – 38 Norcross Cir, North Conway Departing from a restored, 1874 Victorian-style station, tourist excursions range from the 55-minute Conway Valley Train to the 4-hour Mountaineer that traverses the Mount Washington Valley to Crawford Notch. A mixture of streamlined passenger cars and open-window coaches are usually pulled by either vintage diesels or the 0-6-0 steam locomotive No. 7470. Be sure to check the railroad’s website for the updated schedule and accommodations.

Mount Washington Cog Railway – 3168 Base Station Road, Mount Washington The first successful cog — a standard railroad with flanged wheels, but with the addition of a gear engaging a toothed “rack” rail in the center of the tracks — was right in Mount Washington, beginning operations in 1869. What is now known as the Mount Washington Cog Railway continues to climb the highest peak in the Northeast for tourists to take in the famous vistas – weather pending of course. Historic steam and modern, biodiesel locomotives are used for the steep ascent.

Black River & Western Railroad – 80 Stangl Road, Flemington; 101 John Ringo Road, Ringoes Under the nonprofit Black River Railroad Historical Trust, the Black River & Western Railroad operates a section of the former Pennsylvania Railroad’s Flemington Branch between Flemington and Ringoes. Standard summer excursions, along with themed events, make up the overall schedule. Of course, it’s always a special treat when ex-Great Western Railway 2-8-0 No. 60 is leading the train.

Adirondack Railroad – 321 Main Street, Utica The Adirondack Railroad operates 69 miles of the former New York Central through the scenic, namesake mountains to Thendara, Otter Lake, and Big Moose. Extended excursion packages are offered to enhance the experience of the Adirondacks, including transportation by the tourist railroad to canoe, kayak, and railbike. For the full rail adventure, catch the Adirondack Railroad by way of Amtrak as both services share Utica’s 1914 Union Station.

See more New York tourist railroads you must visit.

Pennsylvania

Strasburg Rail Road – 301 Gap Road, Ronks When it comes to Northeast tourist railroads, especially in Pennsylvania, the Strasburg Rail Road is one of the most sought-after on a worldwide level. For good reason, too: It’s the oldest continuously operating rail line in the United States with an authentic steam-era setting. Historic locomotives haul an impressive fleet of wooden passenger cars along the 9-mile, 45-minute round trip through the Amish farmland. Special events also take place year-round with extra offerings.

See more Pennsylvania tourist railroads you must visit.

Rhode Island

Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience – 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth Elegant dinner trains and murder mystery experiences aboard restored 1940s Budd dining cars headline the Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience. Operating on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad, the excursions traverse the scenic shoreline of the Narragansett Bay with spectacular views of the Mount Hope Bridge, and Aquidneck Island. If mother nature is on your side, sunsets enhance the backdrop and help cap off the day while out on the rails.

Vermont Rail System Passenger Services – 1 Railway Lane, Burlington Dinner trains operate out of Burlington from June through October by the Vermont Rail System, a privately held company that operates multiple short lines. The premier excursion is the Vermont Railway’s Champlain Valley Dinner Train to Middlebury, with a three-course meal prepared on board. Vermont Rail System operates additional chartered trains throughout the state for the benefit of organizations and charities. Occasionally, these trips are offered to the public.

Other Northeast railroad sites to consider

During your visit to the Northeast region, consider also visiting these railroad sites:

• Connecticut Antique Machinery Association – Kent
• Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum – Willimantic
• Connecticut Trolley Museum – East Windsor
• Danbury Railway Museum – Danbury
• Shore Line Trolley Museum – East Haven
• SoNo Switch Tower Museum – Norwalk
• Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad – Unity
• Cole Land Transportation Museum – Bangor
• Downeast Scenic Railroad – Hancock
• Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum – Portland
• Railway Village Museum – Boothbay
• Baltimore Streetcar Museum – Baltimore
• National Capital Trolley Museum – Coleville
• Walkersville Southern Railroad – Walkersville
• Western Maryland Scenic Railroad – Cumberland
• Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum – Lenox and Adams
• Chatham Railroad Museum – Chatham
• Edaville Family Theme Park – Carver
• Lowell National Historical Society – Lowell
• Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum – Shelburne Falls
• Ashland Railroad Station Museum – Ashland
• Café Lafayette Dinner Train – North Woodstock
• Gorham Historical Society Museum – Gorham
• Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroads – Lincoln and Meredith
• Potter Place Railroad Station – Andover
• Sandown Depot Museum – Sandown
• White Mountain Central Railroad – Mount Washington
• Cape May Seashore Lines – Tuckahoe
• Delaware River Railroad Excursions – Phillipsburg
• Maywood Station Museum – Maywood
• United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey – Boonton
• Whippany Railway Museum – Whippany
• Arcade & Attica Railroad – Arcade
• Catskill Mountain Railroad – Kingston
• Medina Railroad Museum – Medina
• Colebrookdale Railroad — Boyertown
• East Broad Top Railroad — Rockhill Furnace
• Electric City Trolley Museum — Scranton
• Everett Railroad — Hollidaysburg
• Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark — Altoona
• Lake Shore Railway Historical Society — North East
• Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway — Jim Thorpe
• Middletown & Hummelstown Railroad — Middletown
• New Hope Railroad — New Hope
• Northern Central Railway — New Freedom
• Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad — Titusville
• Pennsylvania Trolley Museum — Washington
• Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania — Strasburg
• Railroaders Memorial Museum — Altoona
• Reading & Northern Passenger Department — Reading
• Rockhill Trolley Museum — Rockhill
• Steamtown National Historic Site — Scranton
• The Stourbridge Line — Honesdale
• Wanamaker Kempton & Southern Railroad — Kempton
• West Chester Railroad — West Chester

Learn more about tourist railroads in North America.

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4 great scenic train rides across the US

Want to truly immerse yourself in the vastness of the USA? There's no better way than to take a scenic cross-country train trip.

During these long-distance train rides, the journey is just as exciting as the destination itself. Relaxing in your seat as you watch the U.S. landscape out your train car window slowly change from cities to farmlands or from wide-open plains to towering mountains is an experience that's worth the extra transit time.

Amtrak offers many overnight and multiday scenic train rides across the U.S. from the East Coast, the West Coast and everywhere in between. Route names like the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr are enough to inspire wanderlust for any traveler.

Whether you're new to train travel or an avid rider of the rails, here are four bucket list-worthy U.S. train rides to take for stunning scenery, plus some tips on how best to book and enjoy them.

Tips for cross-country train travel

While taking a cross-country train trip can be a rewarding experience, as it offers days to leisurely sit back and enjoy scenic landscapes, many people have worries about how best to book such a long trip and what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements. TPG has a few tips to help you get on board with the concept and easily plan your journey.

Browse routes by region

A good first step to take when looking for a route that's right for you is to search Amtrak's "Browse by Region" menu. You can pick a large area of the country from which to start or finish your trip.

Once you click on an area, Amtrak will provide lists of highlighted long-distance routes, as well as shorter point-to-point trips. You can then select a route like the Capitol Corridor in California before being directed to ticket purchase menus.

Explore Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak offers curated vacation packages to rail travelers via its Amtrak Vacations website. These tours can include side trips (via bus) to national parks , sightseeing tours in cities and hotel lodging on stopovers along the route. You can search for packages around vacation themes like "Fall Foliage" and "Multiple National Parks."

Amtrak's set of "Most Scenic Journeys" vacation packages include trips lasting up to two weeks that combine rail travel and additional tours. Think of these trips like cruises with shore excursions . Some of the scenic journey-designated options focus on national parks, while others are big-city oriented.

You can click on each option's details to find itineraries, dates and prices. Then, all that's left to do is book your rail vacation.

Consider famous routes

A shortcut to finding scenic cross-country rail routes on Amtrak is to visit its Amtrak Vacations website and click on "Famous Rail Routes." This set of approximately 20 different overnight train routes gives you a great set of suggestions for your own potential cross-country journeys.

For more details on the fixed routes, click on any of the tabs. Once you've chosen a route, you can either book a package tour with Amtrak Vacations or go to the regular Amtrak website and book a point-to-point trip.

Weigh your accommodation options

Taking an overnight or a multiday train trip means you'll need to sleep aboard the train. All of Amtrak's long-distance train trips provide a variety of seating and room arrangments.

The cheapest way to travel is to simply book a seat on the route. While Amtrak's seating is comfortable, with more legroom than you'll find in an airline's business class, it may not be the way you want to travel for many hours. You can get up, walk the train and stop in the cafe car, but this can still be a tough way to travel during a multiday journey.

Fortunately, Amtrak provides several classes of accommodations on cross-country trips, ranging from shared roomettes with fold-out bunks to bedrooms, larger family bedrooms and suites complete with private bathrooms and showers. Should you book one of these rooms on a cross-country itinerary, you'll enjoy access to a separate dining car.

Prices for the various ticket classes vary widely between routes and dates, so check potential itineraries to find the best option for you.

4 scenic train trips to take in the US

Now that you know the basics when it comes to picking a long-distance train route, you'll want to narrow down your options. Although there are many scenic routes in the U.S., here are our four favorites.

California Zephyr: San Francisco to Chicago

Amtrak's California Zephyr route travels between San Francisco and Chicago on a three-day journey. The 51-hour trip (on the west-to-east path) begins in nearby Emeryville, California, then travels through central California farmlands up into the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Along this part of the route, you'll enjoy spectacular panoramas from glassed-in viewing cars.

The train continues through Reno and the Nevada deserts into Salt Lake City before traveling up into the Rocky Mountains to reach Denver . You'll descend into the wide-open plains of Nebraska and eventually wind your way into the Windy City.

This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in the American West, as you'll get a true feeling of the vastness of the region and the variety of terrain that makes up the country.

One-way prices start at $141 per person for a seat in coach and $688 for a room.

Empire Builder: Seattle to Chicago

The Empire Builder train route connects Chicago and Seattle on a 46-hour journey connecting the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. The train loosely follows the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the route the explorers took to map out the region acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark would have appreciated sitting back in the train's viewing cars to enjoy eyefuls of Montana 's Big Sky Country, Glacier National Park , the Cascade Range and the vast plains of North Dakota. Additionally, the explorers would have marveled at the metalwork of North Dakota's towering Gassman Coulee Trestle bridge.

Should you wish to depart or arrive in Portland, Oregon, instead of Seattle, know that there's an alternate route of the Empire Builder from this Pacific Northwest city, so you can plan your itinerary based on your preferences.

One-way train fares from Chicago to Seattle begin at $150 per person, while rooms cost at least $651.

Southwest Chief: Los Angeles to Chicago

Traverse the American Southwest on a southern route between Los Angeles and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route departs daily and takes roughly 40 hours to cross eight states.

For some of the journey, the train follows the classic American road trip thoroughfare of historic Route 66 . However, unlike its car-friendly neighbor, the train route offers views you won't find while driving the highway, as it winds on twisting tracks that travel through narrow red-rock canyon passages before offering wide-open vistas of mountains and deserts.

The train's main stops include Kansas City, Missouri; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Flagstaff, Arizona. You can also take advantage of excursions from the train when you purchase one of Amtrak's vacation packages. For example, you can visit the Grand Canyon (by train or bus) while the train is stopped in Williams, Arizona.

Even if you never leave the train, the views along the way are enough to create lasting memories.

Expect to pay at least $146 per person for a coach seat on this one-way route or a minimum of $899 for a room.

Crescent: New York City to New Orleans

See the American South on this 30-hour journey between New York City and New Orleans . Departing the urban landscape of the Big Apple, this route will take you through the Northeastern cityscapes of Philadelphia , Baltimore and Washington, D.C. , among other destinations.

Once it exits the urban corridor, the train winds through the countryside of Virginia and the Carolinas, offering stops in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Then, it continues through the Deep South states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi before reaching its final stop in New Orleans.

Tickets for this one-way route start at $139 for a seat in coach and $580 for a room.

Bottom line

Traveling by train across the U.S. gives you a unique perspective of the scale and scope of the American landscape. While it may be slower than flying across the country, rail travel gives you the opportunity to sit back and savor the journey, appreciating the changing views as the hours roll by.

The four scenic cross-country train trips highlighted here are only some of Amtrak's many long-distance journeys available to book. By exploring Amtrak's website, you can find many different rail journeys in nearly every part of the U.S. Best of all, most offer an array of seating options, so you can choose the ticket that best suits your travel preferences and budget.

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Scenic Train Ride Locations (USA) : A Complete Guide

Last revised: October 10, 2023

By:  Adam Burns

Scenic train rides are one of the great pastimes and can be found scattered throughout the country, from Florida to California.  Presented here is information on how to find a tourist railroad near you.

While Amtrak still offers the chance to travel from city-to-city and commuter services fulfill an essential need within large metropolitan areas, neither provides the nostalgia of railroading's "Golden Age."   

More than a half-century ago one could board a flagship service like Pennsylvania Railroad's legendary  Broadway Limited  at New York's illustrious Pennsylvania Station and enjoy a lap of luxury during a 16-hour journey to Chicago. 

The mighty PRR spared no expense in stocking its top service with every amenity imaginable, from freshly prepared five-star meals to full bedrooms. 

The train's other noteworthy perks included air-conditioning and a fully-staffed crew provided by the iconic Pullman Company.  But the PRR was not alone, many other railroads, such as the New York Central, Santa Fe, and Union Pacific, offered their own level of opulence.  

Tailoring to a traveler's every needs some of these trains provided a secretary, nurse, domes for maximum viewing, and even a barber.  

Such indulgences cannot be found on Amtrak.  However, a few, like dome cars and full-course meals, have made their way to the scenic train ride industry.  Within this section you can learn more about a few of these organizations and where they are located.

The scenic train ride concept is not new although it has certainly gained popularity over the last few decades.  The oldest organization dedicated to preserving rail history is the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society, Inc. founded in 1921.  

The R&LHS remains an active group and you can visit their website by clicking here .  Before modern scenic railroads were born enthusiasts sponsored these trips directly on the railroads.  

Many companies were happy to host such events before rising insurance premiums and the fear of ligation largely ended the practice.  

The trips were not limited to big-name roads like the Southern Pacific, Santa Fe, Burlington, New Haven, Nickel Plate Road, or Baltimore & Ohio.  Several small carriers also operated such excursions, names like the Western Maryland, Virginian, and Reading.

It all began in 1934 when the first "fan trip" was hosted by the Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts, Inc. along the Hoosac Tunnel & Wilmington Railroad (this system was abandoned long ago but the MBRE still exists). 

In his article from the September, 1969 issue of Trains Magazine entitled  "Are These People Embalmers Or Enthusiasts? ," noted editor David P. Morgan described the term "railfan" quite poignantly.

It carries a range of subcategories, from photography to model trains, but general refers those who simply enjoy the subject of railroads.  

Various clubs/organizations sprang up throughout the 1930s, '40s, and '50s.  These groups rose in number as many railroads disappeared after the 1970's.

There were 65 such groups in 1934 and 96 by 1959 as noted by the " The Railfan, Inc. " (edited by Rosemary Entringer) featured in the June, 1959 issue of  Trains Magazine .  The next important organization was the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS), formed in 1935.  

The NRHS acted as a franchising operation with various chapters formed across the country, many of which are still around today.  

But again, the modern movement of museums and scenic train rides sprang up in postwar times as nostalgia took hold when diesels replaced steam and railroads disappeared through merger.  

The popular "fan trips" peaked after World War II when, as Mr. Morgan points out, some clubs tried to sponsor as many as five excursions at a time, all with different railroads. 

One of the last great adventures at this time were the popular "Iron Horse Rambles" hosted by coal-hauler Reading between October 25, 1959 and October 17, 1964. 

The trips were pulled by one of their powerful 4-8-4's, listed Class T-1.  Three of these steamers participated in the events (#2100, #2102 and #2124) during a total of fifty "Rambles" operated over a five-year period.  

In another article from Mr. Morgan entitled, " Reading's Rambles: How And Why Would A Railroad Partially De-dieselize? " presented in the April, 1961 issue of  Trains Magazine , he detailed the program during its height. 

In an era when such things truly mattered, then-president Joseph A. Fisher wanted to boost the company's public image. 

He felt steam-powered excursions offered the best chance of success, an assessment which proved correct!  There were problems with the logistics, however. 

The Reading had retired its last steam locomotive in early 1957 and two years later contained only two extant coaling towers (one at Reading and the other in Rutherford, Pennsylvania). 

The railroad did have a few of its large and powerful 4-8-4's still on the property although the T-1's were too large to fit within Reading Terminal (Philadelphia). 

Nevertheless, Fisher pushed forward with the "Iron Horse Rambles" concept.  The first returned to service was #2124.  As Mr. Morgan notes, Reading had to look outside the train enthusiast hobby to fill a 975-seat train, hoping that it could at least break-even on the trips.

To do this the excursions were heavily marketed on radio and television, as well as promoted at  Trains Magazine . In addition, the railroad offered themed rides to further increase ridership. 

Some of these included holiday specials (during warmer months), a fall foliage run, traveling to the historic Gettysburg battlefields, and even a "Touch Of Old Dutch Day" trip to Schwenksville, Pennsylvania (abandoned today).  While not every run was a success, particularly during the holidays, trains were typically filled with over 900 passengers. 

The all-time record was a Philadelphia-West Milton "Ramble" held on October 15, 1960.  On that day the consist was double-headed by #2124 and #2100 and the pair pulled 22 cars containing 1,321 patrons!   

The 1960's signaled the last great period of fan trips as railroads focused attention in other areas, particularly discontinuing passenger services, the merger movement, and simply survival.  

Over the next few decades a handful of memorable excursions were run, ranging from the  American Freedom Train  and  Chessie Steam Special  to Southern Railway's steam program, maintained into the Norfolk Southern era until 1994 (renewed again between 2011-2015 albeit without NS-owned locomotives).  

What To Expect

Before embarking on your trip you might want to learn more about the scenic railroads in which you are interested.  If you are simply interested in a train ride, you are sure to enjoy any of them!  However, if you are looking for a little more there many options to choose from. 

Are you interested primarily in a trip with spectacular scenery or one in which a fine meal is served? 

For instance, California's Napa Valley Wine Train offers some of the best on-board dining anywhere in the country while West Virginia's tiny Durbin & Greenbrier Valley "Rocket" operates predominately with open-air cars to allow for maximum viewing. 

You can also catch murder mystery specials at other locations while themed rides during the holidays are also a big hit, particularly during the Christmas season. 

Finally, there is a reason why names like the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge, Strasburg, and White Pass & Yukon Route draw the biggest crowds as their rides are first-class operations providing incredible views with numerous amenities available.

The truth is that while enthusiasts are sometimes looked down upon by society, without them there would be no Strasburg Railroad (one of America's most popular excursions located in Pennsylvania's Amish community), Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge in Colorado, or the White Pass & Yukon Route in Alaska.  

These folks, many working as volunteers, do it all for love of the hobby.  The Strasburg was originally built as a short-line freight carrier but shutdown in 1957.  

In 1959 a group of railfans purchased the defunct short line and began operating excursions. Today, the railroad is a mostly all-steam with authenticity a key to its success.  

In recent years it began hauling freight once more and also performs car and locomotive repairs.  Scenic train rides operated today carry many similarities to those hosted decades ago. 

Tourist companies have been successful at exploiting niches, like dinner train themes, trips for Christmas ("The Polar Express" rides have proven especially popular since Warner Brothers' 2004 acclaimed movie, based from Chris Van Allsburg's 1985 children's book), and the always-popular fall foliage excursions.  There are some areas, however, heritage railroads simply cannot simulate.

Because most organizations are only a few miles in length trips last only an hour or less. 

As a result, ridership is hampered.  As an entertainment venue, folks want to be pampered and indulged.  If a train ride is very short with few amenities it feels cheap and not worth the price. 

The most successful railroads host trips lasting anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, sometimes longer!  In the case of Reading's " Iron Horse Rambles " these operated anywhere from 100 to 175 miles with trains clipping along at track-speed (usually above 25-35 mph). 

There was a full crew of 23, which included a boiler-maker, master mechanic, and road foreman to ensure trips went off without hitch and the locomotives were functioning properly.  So many qualified personnel on a train is nearly unheard of today, simply due to cost. 

Technologies, particularly the Internet and social media, have greatly enhanced marketing in the modern age but Reading's fully-staffed public relations department worked wonders at spreading the word. 

They even went to incredible lengths into identifying the best photographic locations for railfans  No Class I railroad would ever bother doing such things today! 

Trips By State

Connecticut

Massachusetts

Mississippi

New Hampshire

North Carolina

North Dakota

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

West Virginia

Individual  Excursions

Adirondack Scenic

Belfast & Moosehead Lake

Cass Scenic Railroad

Downeast Scenic Railroad

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley

The "Essex Steam Train "

Green Mountain Railroad

Mount Washington Cog

Naugatuck Railroad

Potomac Eagle Scenic

Stewartstown Railroad

Western Maryland Scenic

Wilmington & Western Railroad

Arkansas & Missouri

Blue Ridge Scenic

Great Smoky Mountains

The My Old Kentucky Dinner Train - RJ Corman

Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad

Seminole Gulf Railway

Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

Branson Scenic Railway

Hocking Valley Scenic

Huckleberry Railroad

Midwest Central Railroad

Whitewater Valley Railroad

Wisconsin Great Northern

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic

California Western Railroad, The Skunk Train

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic

Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Grand Canyon Railway

Fillmore & Western Railway

Sugar Cane Train

Leadville, Colorado & Southern

Manitou & Pike's Peak

Nevada Northern

Niles Canyon Railway

Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad

Rio Grande Scenic

Royal Gorge Route

Verde Canyon

Virginia & Truckee

Black Hills Central

Mount Hood Railroad

Mt. Rainier Scenic

Napa Valley Wine Train

White Pass & Yukon Route

Defunct Lines

Santa Cruz & Monterey Bay Railway

Premier Experiences

There are many great scenic railroads to experience but if you are truly interested in riding the best-of-best, there is a reason why names like the Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge, Strasburg Railroad, Grand Canyon Railway, Verde Canyon Railway, and White Pass & Yukon are so popular. 

Trips on these railroads are usually more expensive but well worth the money! 

They host long rides in very-well maintained equipment (usually climate-controlled), provide a range of special events throughout the year, operate through absolutely spectacular scenery, offer some type of dining/cuisine/beverages, and furnish trips lasting hours. 

The Grand Canyon Railway stands out, in particular.  The company operates the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe's 64-mile Grand Canyon Branch from the main line at Williams, Arizona to the canyon's South Rim. 

There, travelers can stay at the Santa Fe's historic El Tovar Hotel (among other accommodations) or simply enjoy the incredible views. 

During your trip the train provides many levels of service, from standard to coach to dome-car settings.  If you have the means, this railroad is very much worth a visit!

Individual Excursions

SteamLocomotive.com

Wes Barris's SteamLocomotive.com is simply the best web resource on the study of steam locomotives. 

It is difficult to truly articulate just how much material can be found at this website. 

It is quite staggering and a must visit!

© Copyright 2007-2024 American-Rails.com. All written content, photos, and videos copyright American-Rails.com (unless otherwise noted).

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A Comprehensive Guide to Amtrak’s Northeast Regional Train Stops

By far the busiest — and the most profitable — of Amtrak’s national trains are the ones that ply the Northeast Corridor: the New England to Mid-Atlantic stretch that goes from Boston to Washington, D.C. and sometimes slightly beyond. With reasonable prices and upgrade options, plus relative speed and reliability and the unmatched convenience of traveling directly from one city center to another, hundreds of thousands of people use the corridor every day for work or personal travel — three times as many as fly throughout the region.

New York City

Philadelphia, washington d.c., the acela express.

Aside from the convenience for business and commuting ( and the views ), the Northeast Regional system (and its high-speed sister, Acela ) is perfect for taking easy, car-free vacations for a weekend, overnight, or even just a day. The Northeast Regional’s destinations include some of the best-appointed and most conveniently-located train stations in the United States.

At the top of the line is Boston’s South Station , which consists of a large single-room triangular waiting hall with one wall opening onto the tracks and platforms. The main building has a couple of bars, newsstands, and some fast-food stalls for passengers, but nothing fancier than a Pret-a-Manger. The station has bus and local rail connections and connects to the Red Line of the MBTA, offering easy transport around the city to the colleges, the museums, and Fenway Park. What’s more, the station is a relatively short walk (and even shorter taxi ride) to Boston Common, where you can sign up for a historical walking or bus tour.

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The Providence station is a small two-track concrete brutalist affair designed in a circular form with a skylight in the center like the Pantheon in Rome. While the station might not be much to boast about, it is conveniently located near the historic center of town, and just a short trip from Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.

The demolition of New York’s majestic old Penn Station and the erection of the grubby structure that stands in its place is widely acknowledged as one of the great architectural crimes of the modernist era. One glance at the difference between Grand Central and Penn should be enough to show you what’s been lost. However, Penn is efficiently-run and reasonably well-stocked with bars, fast-food restaurants, and places to buy beer or wine for cheaper than Amtrak’s onboard Cafe Car sells it.

Madison Square Garden is directly upstairs if you’re in town for a game or a show, but the neighborhood — essentially the Southeast corner of the garment district — isn’t New York’s most exciting. For shopping, Macy’s is nearby, but for food, your best bet is to head east a few blocks to Koreatown. The Empire State building is nearby (along with J.J., the famous hat shop) and the Morgan Library and Museum isn’t a far walk.

Like many things in Newark, the train station (also named Penn, like several others, because they used to be owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad) is a testament to the city’s tonier days. The big beaux-arts building has gone slightly to seed but like so much else in Newark, it’s beginning to see signs of revitalization. Newark’s best feature is, perhaps, the ease with which you can connect to the PATH train to visit the increasingly-popular Hoboken and Jersey City, as well as the New Jersey Transit , which you can take all over the beautiful Garden State, including to famous Jersey Shore hotspots like Asbury Park.

Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is a majestic building with a Neoclassical exterior featuring a corinthian-colonnaded portico which hides the secret of its grand art-deco interior waiting hall. Even better, one approach to the city via Amtrak affords a traveler (on the correct side of the train) with a beautiful view of the Art Museum of Philadelphia sitting like the Acropolis on its hill. Apart from the museums, most of the delights of downtown Philadelphia are a short trip across the Schuylkill River from the station.

I don’t have much to say about Wilmington, Delaware’s Amtrak station other than that it’s named after native son, former vice president, and rail-travel enthusiast Joseph “Amtrak Joe” Robinette Biden, Jr.

Baltimore boasts the third Penn Station on the route. While it is a pretty station, with a bar/cafe, a shoe shine stand, and connections to Maryland’s regional MARC commuter rail , it isn’t in the middle of the city’s tourist-y hotspot by the inner harbor (and its forecourt is marred by a hideous glowing monstrosity of “public art.”)

However, the surrounding neighborhood, which takes its name, Station North, from the station, is one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of Baltimore, close as it is to the MICA art school. There are three art-house cinemas within walking distance of the station, as well as several fantastic restaurants, a slew of live music venues (including Metro Gallery, The Wind-Up Space, Joe Squared, and The Crown,) and John Waters’ favorite kitschy dive bar, the iconic Club Charles.

D.C.’s colossal Union Station is the grand dame of Eastern train stations, comparing favorably — along with fellow stations named after the Union railroad in Chicago and Los Angeles — with some of the grand old rail stations of Europe and New York’s Grand Central. Union Station boasts not only a gorgeous exterior, but a reasonably well-organized split-level interior that makes excellent use of its space for shopping, bars, restaurants,and a large subterranean food court,along with access to the D.C. Metro, hop-on-hop-off tour buses departing from the station’s entrance, and amenities like passenger lounges and left luggage services that one expects from a civilized travel station. The lamentably-underrated postal museum across the street is the nearest tourist attraction, but the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill, the White House, and many national monuments are a short hike away.

The great secret of the Northeast Regional train is Roanoke, Virginia. Thanks to subsidies from the State of Virginia, last year, certain runs of the train were extended to terminate at Roanoke for the first time in more than 15 years. A weekend trip to Roanoke from any one of the Northeast Regional’s destinations is a perfect, easy, careless getaway. Roanoke, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, is a jewel of a small city, historically built around the railroad, which brought coal from West Virginia to the Eastern Seaboard. Proof of this grandeur is seen at the majestic Hotel Roanoke, which is a short walk from the station itself, as is the city’s easily walkable downtown, replete with fine dining and drinking options. The town also boasts a world-class art museum and some of the best hiking trails in the Northeast, including the highest point of the Appalachian Trail. Roanoke is the hidden pot of gold at the end of the Amtrak rainbow.

One question a traveler on the Northeast Regional will inevitably face is whether to take the regular train or the Acela Express . The Acela is America’s only high-speed rail, although when compared to other high-speed trains the world over it isn’t all that fast and will usually only shave an hour at most off your total trip. So if you’re looking for a big speed upgrade, the Acela might not be worth the sometimes significant price hike compared to the typical Northeast Regional train.

The Acela is undoubtedly fancier, with cleaner, newer cars , and a feeling of the kind of civilized rail travel people in Europe are accustomed to. However, if there is an emphasis on luxury it is of the all-too-American productivity-worshipping variety — not only will you get to your destination (presumed to be an office) faster, but all the advertising is telling you how much work you can get done before you get there: room for your laptops, Wi-Fi, outlets, even little private cubicles for phone calls and video chats. Sadly, the leisurely luxury of unhurried rail travel is lost on the Acela. In fact, the train itself is unnervingly designed to look and feel more and more like an airplane, which can defeat the very reason some people prefer to take a train. The luggage is stored in locking overhead bins like on an airplane, the cabin (rather than car or carriage) is lit like an airplane, and the Cafe Car (where you’ll notice they serve basically the same food and drink for an additional dollar markup than the regular Northeast Regional,) has eschewed chairs and tables for uncomfy high stools and bar counters as if to say, “Don’t get too comfortable! You have work to do!”

On the other hand, the Acela is quite possibly where Amtrak is at its most luxurious: in the First Class car. This mood-lit, lounge-like area can cost you a couple of hundred bucks each way for a capacious seat and a delicious hot meal (better than airplane food, guaranteed) served to you along with complimentary booze. It may be the closest Amtrak can bring you to the golden age of rail travel. Its only a pity the experience didn’t last a bit longer.

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If you're planning on traveling to an international destination, getting a passport is one of the first things on your to-do list. A U.S. passport is required to enter any other country, including Mexico and Canada. However, the U.S. Department of State also offers a passport card -- a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport. While it might seem intriguing to opt for a passport card over a standard passport book, the smaller price comes with some limitations to consider. Below, we'll break down the differences between a passport card vs. book and how to determine which option is best for you. Passport card vs. book A standard passport book is required to enter any country by air travel. This means if you're planning on heading to the airport, you'll need to get a passport book regardless of your final destination. A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport that allows entry only into Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. A passport card cannot be used for air travel and is only valid for land or sea travel. For this reason, the passport card is a great option if you're planning on driving into Mexico or Canada. Many people who live in states that border these countries opt for a passport card so they can easily enter bordering countries.

A passport card is also a good option for those who want to get a valid form of ID to travel domestically. If you don't have a driver's license (REAL ID), a passport card can be used instead for domestic air travel.

Traveling to Canada from the United States is relatively straightforward, but the documentation required can vary depending on your mode of transportation and citizenship status. While a passport is the most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, alternative options are available for U.S. citizens entering Canada by land or sea.

What you need to know about traveling to Canada So, what exactly do you need to cross into Canada? It really depends on how you're getting there. What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border by car? If you're a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you have a few options for acceptable documentation:

It's time to get new luggage. Maybe you already have a trip planned, or you're getting ready to book a vacation, but in either case, you'll need a travel bag to stow your gear. Two of the hottest, upscale, and modern luggage brands on the market, which you've likely encountered at some point, are Monos and Away. As competitors, a head-to-head of Monos vs Away makes a lot of sense, albeit the comparison is not as simple as you might think. There are a lot of similarities but a lot of differences, too, especially depending on what you're expecting out of these high-end luggage offerings. Let's discuss. Monos vs Away luggage: Who wins?

If you're not interested in the full comparison and just want to know which brand you should purchase, the answer is Monos. While offering better designs, premium materials, and higher build quality, Monos luggage still manages to be priced more competitively. That said, you can't go wrong with luggage from either brand, so you wouldn't be making a poor choice if you decide to purchase luggage from Away.

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Railways announces 15-day special tourist train to north-east states: here is itinerary, tourist spots, facilities, etc.

​​Over the course of 15 days, the North East Discovery train will cover various destinations in the North East states, including Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Kaziranga in Assam, Unakoti, Agartala, and Udaipur in Tripura, Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland, as well as Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. The train will start its journey from Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station on November 16.

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Five of the best scenic train rides to take in the beauty of North East England

We have some beautiful scenery in our part of the world - and we can take it all in from a train carriage window

• 16:00, 8 JAN 2022

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The North East is a fantastic place to explore by train.

As well as the beautiful countryside, it also happens to be the birthplace of the inventor of the railroad locomotive.

From high speed lines zipping through the Northumberland countryside, to classic steam engines chugging along restored heritage lines, there are some truly stunning railway journeys in our region.

Here are five of the best.

Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around the North East

East Coast Main Line

The East Coast Main Line runs all the way from London to Edinburgh but the stretch between Newcastle and Berwick upon Tweed is arguably the most picturesque part of that journey.

Trains on this route are high speed, so a lot of the views will only be fleeting, but that makes capturing one much sweeter.

Heading north from Newcastle Central Station , bag a seat on the right on the train to look out for the coastal village of Alnmouth and its distinctive church spire. Later on, you'll get awesome views of seafront castles at Holy Island and Bamburgh before arriving into Berwick across the Royal Border Bridge.

South of Newcastle, coming into Durham and looking out at the Cathedral is pretty spectacular too.

The Tyne Valley Line

Connecting Newcastle city centre with Carlisle, the Tyne Valley Line was the first coast to coast passenger railway line and originally opened in 1838.

Leaving from Newcastle, you'll pass the Metrocentre and Blaydon before getting into the Northumberland countryside. One of the earliest stops is the riverside village of Wylam - the birthplace of George Stephenson, also known as the 'Father of Railways'.

The leisurely meander along the banks of the River Tyne also takes in Corbridge , Hexham , Haydon Bridge, Bardon Mill, and Haltwhistle before crossing into Cumbria .

Tanfield Railway

Just a short one at six miles in length, but impressive nonetheless, Tanfield Railway is the 'World's Oldest Railway'.

A steam locomotive and Victorian carriages run through rolling countryside and valleys from the Marley Hill Engine Shed in Gateshead , taking riders back in time.

The line follows a former horse-drawn colliery waggonway and crosses the Causey Arch Bridge, said to be the world's oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge.

Weardale Railway

Another North East heritage line, the Weardale Railway connects Bishop Auckland with, unsurprisingly, Weardale.

At present, 16 miles of the line has been restored for passenger and freight use, with visitors able to travel from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope, when it's open.

They can alight at stations along the way including Wolsingham and Witton-le-Wear - where Low Barns Nature Reserve is located.

In October 2021, a feasibility study to examine the reopening of the line to commuters was given the go-ahead.

Aln Valley Railway

When the Aln Valley Railway opens again in April this year, it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Constructed and run by volunteers, the railway is aiming towards re-opening the line which used to connect the East Coast Mainline at Alnmouth with the market town of Alnwick .

Alnwick's station now houses the second-hand bookshop Barter Books, and the construction of the A1 bypass has made it prohibitively expensive to re-open the line was it was before its closure in the 1960s, but there is a new station at Lionheart Enterprise Park on the outskirts of the town.

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Northeast India News, Assam News, Breaking News of Northeast | Latest News Live | EastMojo

Railways to launch ‘Bharat Gaurav’ tourist train to North East

Guwahati: Travel in style to discover the northeast.

Two fine dining restaurants, a contemporary kitchen, shower cubicles in coaches, sensor-based washroom functions, foot massager, and a mini library. The fully air-conditioned train provides two types of accommodation viz. AC I and AC II.

The train has enhanced security features like CCTV cameras, electronic safes and dedicated security guards appointed for each coach.

All this for more than a lakh per person.

The Indian Railways has decided to operate “ North East Discovery: Beyond Guwahati ”, a specially designed tour to cover the northeastern states of India by Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist train.

The train tour will start from Delhi Safdarjung railway station on March 21  and will cover Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Kaziranga in Assam; Unakoti, Agartala and Udaipur in Tripura; Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland and Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya in 15 days tour.

Spanning over 14 nights and 15 days, the first stop of this train is Guwahati where tourists will visit Kamakhya Temple followed by Umananda Temple and a sunset cruise on the Brahmaputra.

This train will further depart on an overnight journey for Naharlagun Railway Station, which is 30 km from the next destination Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh.

The next city to follow is Sivasagar – the old capital of the Ahom Kingdom in the eastern part of Assam. The famous Shiva temple at Sivasagar, Sivadol, is a part of the itinerary besides other heritage sites.

Further, the tea gardens at Jorhat and an overnight stay at Kaziranga followed by an early morning jungle safari at Kaziranga National Park will be experienced by the tourists.

The deluxe AC tourist train will next depart from the Furkating Railway Station for Tripura for sightseeing at the famous heritage sites of Unakoti and Agartala including the famous Ujjayanta Palace.

On the next day, the Neermahal palace and Tripura Sundari mandir at Udaipur will be covered in the itinerary.

Post Tripura, the train will depart for Dimapur for visiting the state of Nagaland. The scenic train journey between Badarpur station to Lumding Junction can be witnessed by the tourists in the early hours of the morning from their seats.

From Dimapur station, tourists shall be taken to Kohima by bus for visiting the local sites including a tour of the Khonoma village to experience the Naga way of life.

The next halt for the tourist train will be Guwahati and tourists will be taken to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya by road with a pit stop at the majestic Umiam Lake en route.

The next day starts with an excursion to Cherrapunji nestled in the East Khasi Hills.

Shillong Peak, Elephant Falls, Nawkhalikai falls and Mawsmai caves are a part of the day’s sightseeing. From Cherrapunji the tourists travel back to Guwahati station to board the train for the return train journey to Delhi.

Guests will be travelling roughly 5,800 km in this entire tour by train.

The Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train to be launched is in line with the Government of India initiatives “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and “Dekho Apna Desh” to promote domestic tourism.

At a price range starting from Rs 1,06,990 per person in AC 2 tier, Rs 1,31,990 per person for AC 1 (Cabin) and Rs 1,49,290 per person for AC 1 (Coupe), the IRCTC tourist train will be a 15 days all-inclusive tour package and the price will cover train journey in respective class, night stay at AC hotels, all meals (veg only), all transfer and sight-seeing in buses, travel insurance and services of guide etc.

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All necessary health precautionary measures will be taken care of and IRCTC will make efforts to provide a safe and memorable experience to the guests.

In order to make this package more attractive and affordable to a large population, IRCTC has tied up with Paytm and Razorpay payment gateways for providing EMI payment options for breaking the total payment into small amount EMIs.

Also Read | Guwahati to get Vande Bharat train service after Howrah-NJP success

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Regional Expertise, Exceptional Value, Unparalleled Service

Northeast Unlimited Tours is one of the Northeast’s most reputable and reliable Receptive Tour Operators. With over a century of combined experience in the tourism industry, our regional expertise, creativity, strong buying power, and unparalleled customer service, we consistently meet and exceed our client’s expectations time and time again. Always serving as your silent partner, one call to us will have your customers thanking you and most importantly, re-booking with you.

“In today’s world it is very rewarding to work with a company that really knows what customer satisfaction is and delivers a product that is far greater than expected. Thanks to Northeast Unlimited Tours for doing so.”

“Our tour groups are always satisfied with the itinerary planning, hotel selection, meals and entertainment we’ve purchased from Northeast Unlimited Tours through the years. Their local knowledge and willingness to customize our itineraries ensures we get the tour package we need to remain competitive in our market. Our group leaders always comment favorably about the personalized step-on guide service we get throughout New England with Northeast Unlimited.”

“Michelle Pino and Northeast Unlimited Tours have been planning tours to the East Coast for my company for the last twelve years. I feel very comfortable turning over all details of the tour to them, knowing they will do an outstanding job planning all aspects of the tour. The tour managers provided are professional and personable, handling all details of the tour very efficiently. Northeast Unlimited Tours is an outstanding receptive company and I highly recommend them to any company considering working with them.”

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Enchanting Islands of New England

This amazing 7 night tour will take you from Boston to Plymouth & Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Newport RI, and Block Island! Start with a visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, followed by a guided tour along Boston’s famous Freedom Trail!  Then we depart for the sandy shores of Cape Cod!

Cape & Islands Escape

Tour Itinerary 5 days / 4  nights  Day One – Welcome to Cape Cod Breathe the salt sea air and feel the coastal breezes as we arrive to our central Cape Cod hotel for the next four evenings. Upon arrival, we’ll receive a warm greeting from our local step on guide along with a festive welcome …

Magical Maritimes

Tour Itinerary 12 days / 11  nights  Day One – Begin our Magical Maritimes Adventure! This afternoon, arrive to the southern coast of Maine where we begin our Canadian Maritimes adventure!  Upon check in, we’ll receive a warm greeting from our professional Tour Director Take some time to relax and freshen up before enjoying a delicious …

Taste of New England

Tour Itinerary 8 days / 7  nights  Day One – Welcome to New England! Welcome to New England where autumn is radiant and beaming with beautiful colors or red orange and gold! Arrive to our Boston area hotel for the evening and receive a warm welcome by our Professional Tour Director. Take some time to freshen …

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• North East Trip: Explore The Seven Sisters, One Brother, And A Neighbor In 2024

26 Mar 2023

Encompassing the best of dense forests, ancient monasteries, snow-capped mountains, pristine valleys, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls, every bit of North East India feels like magic. Taking you one step closer to heaven, every person who’s a traveler by heart, must go on a North East trip at least once in their lifetime to unravel the secrets of North East India! Make sure to check out our guide to know more about these awesome destinations.

Feel at home at the cleanest villages in Asia, trek on the oldest root bridges, chill in the most beautiful hill stations, encounter the one-horned rhinoceros, explore the numerous monasteries, enjoy boating in one of the river islands, and much more. Whatever your reason may be, the fact remains intact that a major part of North East India still remains unexplored. It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, family, or your better half, a North East vacation is an experience which should definitely be included in every traveler’s bucket list.

If you’re expecting a safe North East trip during coronavirus, then the below discussed destinations will come in handy. Even during this time of pandemic, they are getting quite frequent visitors.

Table Of Content

•  States In North East India

Best Time To Visit North East India

North east india trip: places to visit, total states in north east india.

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Ever asked that question to yourself? We did too and it turns out, that the North East India comprises of seven sister states, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and one brother state of Sikkim. Not just that, you’ll discover on your trip to North East India that the region also comprises of the North Eastern area of West Bengal which happens to be the famous Darjeeling.

Owing much to its stunning location wherein North-East India shares its borders with the neighbouring countries of Tibet, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, the whole region is dominated by hills and mountains to a large extent. Due to this, the climate in North East India generally remains cool while winters do get extremely cold.

Having said that, it is advised that travelling to North-East regions should be avoided in the rainy season from May to September-end. Hence, the best time to visit North East India is from the months of November to April, which also happens to be the peak season for travellers. The weather is at its best at this time, which also makes it perfect for heading out and witnessing the true charm of the states.

Must Read: 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India

The famous northeast tourist attractions are a mix of nature, adventure, and romantic getaways. With picturesque views of the snow-bound mountains, these attractions are sought mostly by families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts as a holiday in Northeast India are sure to be a hit:

1. Darjeeling – Get Lost Amidst Stunning Mountains

Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is the quaint, little, yet one of the famous hill stations in India . Much famed to have served as the summer getaway during the times of the British Raj, Darjeeling is known for its aromatic tea plantations, the famous toy train, and offers breathtaking views with Mount Kanchenjunga in the backdrop. If you’re a nature lover who loves a quaint vibe during a holiday, then is the place to be!

Must Experience: Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or the toy train Places To See:  Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and more. Things To Do: Cycling in Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary , Trek to the Tiger Hills, explore the Rock Garden, boating in Mirik, Tenzing Rock climbing, and more. Key Attractions:  Rock garden, Observatory hill viewpoint Famous Food:  Aloo dum, Thukpa, Momos, Churpee Best Time To Visit:  April to June

Sikkim-Gangtok-Darjeeling Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Visit Sikkim and explore Yumthang valley, Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok, Nathula Pass, and Pelling. Experience peace and tranquility while exploring Buddhist monasteries, snow-capped mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries. Book packages inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing, and meals.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

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2. Sikkim – Fall In Love With The Mountains

Popularly known as the brother state in the North East states , travelers find it very easy to fall in love with the great mountainous kingdom of Sikkim . Home to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and the highest motorable roads of Nathula Pass, Sikkim serves as a peaceful getaway for every traveler alike. No matter how long or short your trip is, this is one place that ought to be a part of your North East trip itinerary.

Must Experience: A bike trip via Nathula Pass – the highest motorable road at a height of 4,310 metres Capital City: Gangtok Places To See: Lake Tsomgo, Rumtek Monastery , Gurudongmar Lake, Zemu Glacier, Pemayangtse Monastery, and more. Things To Do: Backpacking through the Yumthang Valley of Flowers, explore the Singalila National Park, camping at Goecha La Pass, and more. Key Attractions:   Zuluch, Tsongmo Lake, Gangtok Famous Food:  Sikkim tea, Gundruk, Sael Roti Best Time To Visit:  Between October and mid-December

Suggested Read: 48 Places To Visit In Sikkim

Soul-Stirring Seven Sisters

Apart from the above, there are a total of seven sisters in the northeast that oozes eternal charm and beauty. Take a look below to know all about them and plan a magical North East India tour amidst nature with your loved ones:

3. Arunachal Pradesh – Mystic Views

Literally translating into the “land of dawn-lit mountains”, Arunachal Pradesh is the lesser known North East states which is yet to be explored to the fullest on an epic 5 days trip to North East India . Located in the North Eastern-most extreme of India, Arunachal Pradesh also happens to be the largest state of all seven sisters which is truly blessed naturally. While it may not be as famous as the other sisters, it is definitely worth a visit at least once in your life.

Must Experience: Explore the natural beauty of Tawang – the largest monastery in India, second to the world-largest Lhasa Monastery in Tibet, and the birthplace of Dalai Lama. Capital City: Itanagar Places To See: Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdapha National Park, Dirang, Parasuram Kund, Daporijo, and more. Things To Do: Trek to Ziro, trek to Sella Pass, indulge in Ziro music festival, and more. Key Attractions:  Nuranang falls, Bhalukpong Famous Food:  Pika Pika, Chura Sabzi, Marua Best Time To Visit:  October to March

Suggested Read: 16 Beautiful Places To Visit In Mizoram

4. Assam – Treat Your Taste Buds

Rich in flora and fauna alike, Assam is one of the most famous North East states that is all about positive vibes and good feels. Famous for its vast tea plantations, and archeological sites, Assam is also home to one of the greatest UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kaziranga National Park which is one of the best places to visit when traveling to North East . Be it pampering the wildlife lover in you or treating your taste buds to a soothing cup of chai, Assam will amaze you.

Must Experience: Encounter one-horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park, and enjoy boating in Dawki River near the Indo-Bangladesh border. Capital City: Guwahati Places To See: Kamakhya Temple, Manas National Park, Assam State Zoo & Botanical Garden, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. Things To Do: Brahmaputra river cruise, Wildlife safari at Manas National Park, experience the ecotourism of Majuli, shopping in Jorhat, and more. Key Attractions:  Majuli Island, Guwahati Planetarium Famous Food:  Duck Meat Curry, Aloo Pitika, Ou Tenga Best Time To Visit:  October to March

5. Manipur – Explore Natural Marvels In Abundance

Famous for being a multicultural society and offering natural marvels in abundance, Manipur is a little jewel in the heart of North East India. Popularly known as the land of festivals, Manipur is also eminent for its majestic hills, indigenous games, rich culture, handicrafts and handlooms, and martial arts. If you’re looking for a budget trip to North East India , this is one place you can definitely consider exploring.

Must Experience: Taste Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) – world’s hottest pepper, and shop at Khwairamband Bazaar – a local market with a matriarchal setting and run wholly and only by women Capital City: Imphal Places To See: War cemetery, Shri Govindajee Temple, Sendra Island, Keibul Lamjao National Park, and more. Things To Do: Boating in Loktak Lake, watch a great performance in the theatre, explore the ancient Andro village, chariot ride in Moreh near the border, and more. Key Attractions:  INA session, Kangla Fort, Loktak Lake Famous Food:  Paaknam, Chak Hao Kheer, Morok Metpa Best Time To Visit:  Between September to April

Suggested Read: 20 Perfect Reasons To Visit India

6. Meghalaya – Home To The Cleanest Village

True to its name, Meghalaya is indeed an abode of clouds, which gained much fame for being home to the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong. Considered to be the Scotland of the East ever since the times of British Rule, Meghalaya is filled with natural attractions like that of living root bridge , cascading waterfalls, and some of the longest caves in Asia. Visiting this place is undoubtedly a must, especially with a kick-ass camera. Meghalaya is a must-visit place and should be included in your North East trip plan.

Must Experience: Explore Mawlynnong – the cleanest village in Asia and let the charm of living root bridge cast a magical spell on you. Capital City: Shillong Places To See: Laitlum Canyon, Double Decker Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee, Balpakram National Park, Umiam Lake, and more. Things To Do: Trekking on David Scott trail, rafting in Barapani Lake, kayaking on Kynshi River, camp on Khasi hills, and more. Key Attractions:  Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Famous Food:  Bamboo shoots, Jadoh, Jaintia Best Time To Visit:  April to June,

7. Mizoram  – Place Of Hilly People

Renowned to be the “land of the hill people”, Mizoram is not only a destination but a whole experience in itself. Featuring mighty mountains that are nestled in north-south ways and numerous narrow rivers, Mizoram offers countless opportunities for adventure enthusiasts to quench their wanderlust. Make sure you include this place in your North East trip itinerary for a mesmerizing holiday experience with your loved ones.

Must Experience: In case you visit Mizoram during the spring season, do take part in the Chapchar Kut Spring Festival which happens to be the oldest festival of the state Capital City: Aizawl Places To See: Murlen National Park, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Phawngpui Hills, Vantawng Falls, Luangmual Handicrafts Centre, and more. Things To Do: Visit the Palak Lake, enjoy mountain biking in the Hmuifang Hills, trekking in the Blue Mountain National Park, and more. Key Attractions:  Mizoram State Museum, Solomon Temple, Rih Dil Famous Food:  Chhum Han, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Misa Mach Poora Best Time To Visit:  November to March

Suggested Read: 31 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Northeast India

8. Nagaland – Witness The Vibrant Views

Encompassing striking beauty, lush greenery, massive mountains, and quixotic valleys, Nagaland is one North Eastern state that never fails to bedazzle everyone. Housing some of the aboriginal Naga tribes, Nagaland also is famous for the most lively, vibrant, and colorful festivals of India , that celebrate the diverse culture and traditions of its tribes. Perfect for a good long 10 days trip to North East India along with its sister gems, this place would surely leave you in awe.

Must Experience: Usually held in December, it is a must for everyone to witness the joys, and colors of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland Capital City: Kohima Places To See: The war cemetery, Kohima Museum, Tuphema Village, Kachari Ruins, Triple Falls, Veda Peak, and more. Things To Do: Trekking in Dzoukou valley, enjoy birdwatching in Khonoma, wildlife safari at Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary, hike the Japfu Peak, and more. Key Attractions:  Dimapur, Khonoma Village, view at Dzoukou valley Famous Food:  Zutho, Smoked Pork, Akini Chokibo,  Fish Best Time To Visit:  July to October

9. Tripura – Beautiful Haven For Art

A lesser-known paradise in the heart of North East, Tripura is yet to receive the attention that it deserves for housing some of the most artistic, and royal palaces, and enchanting temples. Having said that, Tripura is indeed a haven for art, architecture, and history buffs, and also a great place to visit on a trip to North-East India if you love exploring the lesser-known gems. With beauty that you may have never seen before, Tripura will surely take you by surprise.

Must Experience: Every traveler must visit the royal Ujjayanta Palace which takes one back into the historical past of Tripura Capital City: Agartala Places To See  Neermahal, Unakoti, Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary, Jagannath Bari, Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura Government Museum, and more. Things To Do: Explore the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, trek to Jampui Hills, shop the famous bamboo and cane artefacts, boating in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, and more. Key Attractions:  Tripurasundari Temple, Jampui Hill, Unakoti Famous Food:  Apong, Mui Borok Best Time To Visit:  April to July

Further, Read: Travel To These Buddhist Monasteries In India

Did you know of all these amazing places to visit and incredible things to do on a North-East trip? If your answer is a no, then you’re not alone in this. And as it is believed that it’s never too late, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey to discover a paradisical place by planning a trip to North East side of India. The trip will feel like nothing less than pure magic!

Frequently Asked Questions About North East Trip

What is the best time to visit North East India?

For a better experience, it is recommended to travel to North East India during the months from late October to March. The temperature is cooler and sunny which is quite favourable compared to the summer season.

Which is the most beautiful state in North East?

The most beautiful state in North East is Meghalaya. It is one of the popular tourist attractions and is best known for its food, sites, and festivals. If you are planning an unforgettable North East tour, then adding Meghalaya to your itinerary is a must.

How to plan a trip to northeast India?

While planning a trip to the northeast might seem like a task, it is not if you follow this handy guide. The first step to begin planning is checking the best time to visit the northeast and picking your holiday dates. Keeping the duration of your trip in mind, you can choose the places you wish to visit during your trip and prepare an itinerary for the same. With all that done, a pocket-friendly northeast package is all you have to book and you’re then set to head out!

Which is the best place for family travel in North East India?

There are two best places to visit in North East India with family, Gangtok and Darjeeling. You will witness the gorgeous views of the Himalayas, meadows, tea plantations, etc. If you are seeking a natural landscape and panoramic vistas on your family trip to North East India then these destinations are for you.

Which part of Sikkim is best to visit in December?

Yumthang Valley, nestled 3,600 meters above sea level and popularly known as the Valley of Flowers is among the best places to visit in Sikkim in December. On your trip to North East in December, you can plan a visit to discover the splendours of Sikkim with your group.

How many days are sufficient to visit Northeast India?

Depending upon your itinerary, if you are planning to explore states one by one then you will need 5 to 7 days to cover the destination and its major attractions but if you are planning a 1 week trip to North East India, then you can only discover the highlights rather then a proper excursion. An overall North East tour will take around 15 days or 2 weeks.

Is December a good time to visit North-East India?

Having a North East trip in December in India is the best option to pick. The major cities like Assam, Tripura, and Mizoram in the North East side, these cities are chill and comfy during the winter season.

What gift to buy from Darjeeling?

You can buy souvenirs like woolen carpets, jackets, and shawls from the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre. It is the best place to shop the quality stuff in Darjeeling.

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East Coast Ski Resorts Accessible by Train

W hen most people think about taking a ski trip in North America, they likely think of flying to their ski destination or taking a road trip. However, there are a number of ski resorts, especially on the East Coast, where skiers and riders can travel to by train. In some cases, ski resort shuttles offer pick-up and drop-off at train stations, while some ski areas are a little further away, and require a short ride via taxi, rideshare, or rental car. It makes for an accessible, affordable option, and in some cases, can be quicker then driving when factors like inclement weather and rush-hour traffic comes into play.

Skiers and snowboarders who live in Boston, New York, and many other East Coast cities will find train routes that get them close to some of the best ski areas in New England and beyond. The following guide shows you how to travel to a number of East Coast ski resorts by train.

Travel To These East Coast Ski Resorts By Train 

Wachusett mountain , massachusetts.

Wachusett Mountain is one of the closest New England ski resorts for those who live in the Greater Boston area. While it’s a short drive to the mountains from Boston, it’s also a short ride on the MBTA Commuter Rail . On the Fitchburg Line, travelers can start at North Station, right in the heart of downtown Boston, and take the train to the Wachusett stop, which takes just over an hour. From there, shuttle buses run every 30 minutes to the mountain. Ski Magazine has labeled it the most accessible ski area in the Eastern U.S. Wachusett has a 1,000-foot vertical drop with day and night skiing on 27 varied trails.

Killington and other Vermont resorts on the Ethan Allen Express line

Amtrak has multiple lines designed to help travelers on their way to popular outdoor recreation areas on the East Coast like Killington. The Ethan Allen Express provides daily service between New York City and Burlington, Vermont, passing through Albany, New York. On this route, passengers enjoy picturesque views of Lake Champlain, the Hudson River Valley, and Vermont’s famed Green Mountains on the way to Burlington. Those looking to ride at the famous Beast of the East can get off at the Rutland, Vermont stop and hop on a half-hour shuttle straight to Killington Resort. The same goes for skiing Killington’s sister mountain, Pico . 

Stay on the Ethan Allen Express for one more stop and get off in Middlebury, Vermont for quick access to Middlebury Snowbowl. Additionally, Mad River Glen is a 40-minute drive from this stop and will introduce you to Mad River Glen’s unique ski experience. Die-hard New Englanders know Mad River for its famous “Ski it if you can” motto, as Mad River is home to some difficult and often ungroomed terrain. However, Mad River Glen is just for skiers and not snowboarders.

Further afield, Stowe , Sugarbush , and Smugglers’ Notch are all within an hour’s drive from the Burlington stop and make great vacation spots for those looking for large resorts with a wide variety of terrain. Lastly, Willard Mountain is a small New York resort that’s just 30 minutes south from the Saratoga Springs stop. Willard is home to 16 runs serviced by 5 lifts and has mainly beginner terrain. 

Stowe , Vermont via the Vermonter

Another popular rail line for skiers looking to go carless is the Vermonter . This Amtrak railway connects Washington D.C. to northern Vermont, providing a smooth network of transport for much of the northeast coast. Skiers and riders from Washington, D.C. to New York City to Boston can access the mountains this way with a scenic ride. Get off at the Waterbury-Stowe stop and you are a quick 25-minute drive from Stowe Resort. Explore the quaint town or head into the mountains for an unforgettable experience at one of New England’s most acclaimed mountains.

The Brattleboro stop, a little ways before the Waterbury-Stowe stop, is 40 minutes from Mount Snow . An Epic Pass mountain, Mount Snow is the perfect getaway for families, while also boasting an impressive park scene at Carinthia. Just south of Brattleboro, the Greenfield stop in Massachusetts will put you 30 minutes away from Berkshire East , the no. 1 small ski area in Massachusetts, according to OnTheSnow’s users. And from the Essex Junction stop, Bolton Valley is a 30-minute drive. Bolton Valley, rated the no. 2 small ski area in Vermont by OnTheSnow users, has 71 trails spread across 300 acres.

Travelers can also get to Smugglers’ Notch from the Essex Junction stop. From Essex Junction it’s just a 40-minute rideshare to Smugglers’ Notch. Once there, guests staying at any of their mountainside accommodations have access to the complimentary on-call shuttle that operates within the resort village. It’s perfect for travelers looking to go car-free. At the end of the line is Saint Albans City, where Jay Peak , the snowiest ski resort in New England, is just an hour’s ride away. 

Thunder Ridge , New York

Thunder Ridge Mountain has partnered with the Metro-North Ski Train to provide New York City residents with access to skiing without the hassle of driving. The train leaves from Grand Central Station, and stops at the Patterson train station, which is the closest stop to the resort. On weekends and holidays, a free shuttle is provided for the mile ride to Thunder Ridge. During the week, travelers can call from the train to have the shuttle pick them up at the station. This service is available through the Thunder Ski Package, which provides a discounted train and lift ticket combo to experience its 100 acres of skiable terrain.

New England has some of the finest access to public transportation that will take you from home to the slopes swiftly and safely. Be sure to check what train policies are for traveling with skis and to stow them in the proper car. Read on for more information about resorts and the best places to travel from major metropolitan areas.

Additional Reading

Where to Ski Near Boston

Where to Ski Near New York City

Where to Ski New Philadelphia

Header image: © Sugarbush Resort /Audrey Huffman

The post East Coast Ski Resorts Accessible by Train appeared first on OnTheSnow .

Rail and Tube strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected as Underground and train drivers walk out

One of the Tube strike days also coincides with a planned rail strike. Here's everything you need to know.

Monday 25 March 2024 09:49, UK

Tube services will be disrupted in April and May as drivers stage two 24-hour strikes.

Drivers who are members of ASLEF, the train drivers' union which represents 96% of train drivers in Britain, will walk out from their roles on the London Underground over pay and conditions.

They will strike on:

Monday 8 April

Saturday 4 May

Rail strikes also taking place

Drivers at 16 rail companies are also going to stage a fresh wave of strikes, plus a six-day overtime ban, their union ASLEF announced.

Both strikes are part of a long-running dispute.

The rail strikes will take place on:

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Members will also refuse to work their rest days from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April and from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the London Underground, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

"They want drivers to work longer shifts, spending up to 25% more time in the cab, and to remove all current working agreements in the name of 'flexibility and efficiency'.

"Everyone knows what these management buzz words really mean. It's about getting people to work harder and longer for less.

"Management has also failed to deliver on commitments given to us on making drivers' cabs secure, on police numbers on Night Tube and on training.

"Our members simply don't believe what LU management tells them anymore. ASLEF are, as always, ready to talk, but we want to see real action from management - not easily broken promises."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Transport for London (TfL) said in a statement: "We have been in long-term discussions with our trade union colleagues on how to modernise procedures and processes on London Underground to improve the experience both for staff and customers.

"We have no plans to impose these changes and have committed to no one losing their job as part of these changes, and we have engaged with our unions to demonstrate that no change will be made that compromises our steadfast commitment to safety on the Tube network.

"We urge ASLEF to continue discussions with us so that disruption for Londoners can be averted."

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Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, added on the rail strikes: "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

Related Topics

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Arrival and Departure: Moscow Airports, Train Stations, Buses

Flying to / from moscow.

If you take a domestic flight , it'll be either to / from Sheremetyevo 1 or Domodedovo airports.

The new and renovated Vnukovo airport serves mostly domestic flights (UtAir, Vladivostok Avia, flights to North Caucasus), as well as German Wings flights to/from Germany.

To get from the airports to the center of Moscow you can take Aeroexpress train, which is the fastest and easiest way to get to the city. A train ride takes about 35-40 minutes and costs about 500R (€8) one way. Tickets can be purchased on the spot or using Aeroexpress iPhone app.  You can also get a taxi from the airport . On average a trip to the center of the city takes about 1 hour (can be more during peak times and less in the night and on the weekends), prices start at €20 one way if you order a taxi through Uber or Yandex.Taxi. The problem is that there are many taxis outside and no designated waiting point, so if you don't speak Russian and don't have a Russian phone number it may be hard to coordinate with the driver. You can use one of the taxi desks at the airport (then you pay about €30 to €50 for a ride) or you can also order a transfer from the airport to any address in Moscow online through our site. We pass your orders to a reliable partner: they have English-speaking drivers, 24-hour customer support, and confirm within a few minutes.  

Sheremetyevo SVO Arrivals / Departures

Domodedovo (dme) arrivals and departures, arriving / departing with a train.

Schyolkovsky Bus Terminal, Moscow

That's the main bus station in Moscow located at the east of the city (25 mins by metro from the center). To read more about it, please, see Moscow Bus Stations page. 

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Port of Baltimore suspends ship traffic after bridge collapse: What it means for travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the bridge collapse may mean for upcoming cruises in and out of Baltimore.

“Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice,” the Port of Baltimore posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Live Updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship hits it; construction crew missing

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., whose district includes the bridge and the port, called the collapse an “unthinkable horror” and said he had spoken with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the White House. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

“They are responding with all of the assets at their disposal,” he said in a statement. “Our prayers right now are for the missing individuals and victims of this tragedy. We thank God for the effective service of our first responders.”

Here’s what we know.

Which cruises go to Baltimore?

Several major cruise lines serve Baltimore. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Key Bridge that occurred last night and extend our support and heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” CLIA spokesperson Anne Madison said in an emailed statement. “We join everyone in extending our thanks and appreciation to the first responders and emergency workers in Baltimore, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other professionals who are working with one goal in mind—to save lives. We are closely following this situation.”

Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Carnival’s website shows Carnival Pride and Carnival Legend also have sailings into or out of Baltimore set for April. 

Carnival Legend will temporarily move operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

The ship's current cruise, which left for a planned round-trip sailing from Baltimore on March 24, will end in Norfolk on Sunday. Passengers will then receive free bus rides to Baltimore. The vessel's next cruise will sail round-trip from Norfolk later that day.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride.

Was your cruise itinerary changed?: What to do next

American Cruise Lines has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at the present time our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t appear to have any Baltimore sailings until September on Norwegian Sky . The line will stay in contact with the port and share any changes with passengers and travel partners, according to a spokesperson.

"In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event," they said in an email.

Alternate routes for the Baltimore bridge

Most drivers can take Interstate 95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or Interstate 895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13-feet and 6-inches high or 8-feet wide may not use the 1-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14-feet and 6-inches high or 11-feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

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Is there any direct transport between these two places except via taxi. Maybe shuttle bus or minivan

I am afraid not these two places are far away from each other. You can metro to Paveletsky station and then air train to DME but that's a long and convoluted trip.

ok would taxi be very expensive

Not very. If you use reputed service it'd be in the 1000-2000 r. range. About 20-30 AUD.

Thankyou. Can you recommend name of a reputable taxi service and I may be able to book in advance. I have been told it can take up to 1 1/2hours to get there

Suggestions now:

Rutaxi 1010 rubles

FixTaxi 1092

Maximus 1142

No need to order in advance. Taxi will come in 5 minutes. Use mobile apps.

Rutaxi can be ordered in advance on the site - there is an English version

https://moscow.rutaxi.ru/en/index.html

http://Yandex.Taxi

Minivan - 2200RUB, and come in 9 min

The other thing is this is also WAY more “predictable”...the only variation being whether you arrive at the Aero just as the train leaves for the airport and need to wait 35 minutes for the next one.

I stand corrected it is a straight shot on the metro from Rechnoy direct to Paveletskaya. So not too bad

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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