The 7 Best Train Rides In Texas For A Unique Lone Star Excursion

From a scenic route through the Hill Country to a romantic wine ride in small-town Texas.

Hopping aboard a train evokes nostalgia for simpler times, when enjoying the view was preferred over tuning out with technology. Train travel is still all around us if you know where to look, and people are beginning to head back to the railroad tracks. Of all the historic and seasonal train rides in the South, Texas perhaps boasts the most. Between the many diverse regions and cities, you’ll find plenty of train excursions in the Lone Star State to sit back and enjoy the scenery, whether on a train tour of the Hill Country, a wine train in North Texas, or a historic small-town train that takes you a step back in time.

These are the best train rides in Texas that offer a unique glimpse of the Lone Star State.

Austin Steam Train

Perhaps one of the most interesting ways to see the gorgeous scenery of the Texas Hill Country, Austin Steam Train offers a 6-hour, 66-mile round trip, known as the Hill Country Flyer, from Cedar Park, north of Austin, and just east of Lake Travis, to Burnet—with a brief layover there for lunch and shopping. Look into themed excursions such as a wine tasting train or its holiday-themed train, the North Pole Flyer. The Hill Country route operates most Saturdays.

Texas State Railroad

Known as the "Official State Railroad of Texas," this four-hour ride takes you through an adventure through the Piney Woods in East Texas. The Texas State Railroad passes between towns Palestine, which has more buildings in the National Register of Historic Places than any Texas city except Galveston, and Rusk on a 50-mile round trip journey, and you’re able to enjoy comfortable seating, food and beverage service, and historic narration that teaches you about the region.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Hop on board this North Texas train, and you’ll instantly be swept back in time. Cozy up in authentic 1920s Victorian coaches while enjoying modern amenities. Grapevine, Texas, is known as a wine destination, and you can even attend special events on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, such as a sweetheart wine train night in honor of Valentine’s Day each year and Christmas wine train rides every holiday season.

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

This short-and-sweet ride is perfect for those with little ones who want the experience without having to commit to an hours-long outing. The five-mile journey through Fort Worth’s Trinity Park lasts around 40 minutes, crossing over six bridges along the way. The Forest Park Miniature Railroad dates back to the 1950s and offers rides year-round.

Texas Eagle Train

While this route goes beyond Texas with stops as far as Chicago and Los Angeles, the Texas leg of the journey allows you to see and experience an impressive range of the Lone Star State. On the Texas Eagle Train, you could hop off in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or anywhere along the line. The train runs a daily service, so you’re able to coordinate your trip as you go, making it a multi-night affair!

Trinity Railway Express

Those wishing to fit both Dallas and Fort Worth into one trip will love this commuter ride, the Trinity Railway Express, that quickly and easily takes you between both cities without having to fight through highway traffic in a car. Fort Worth is home to the historic (and recently revamped) Stockyards, where you can experience remnants of a bygone era  like weekly rodeos, music-filled honky-tonks, and a working herd of hometown cattle that meander down the main street twice daily.

Historic Jefferson Railway

Jefferson is known as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of East Texas,” which makes it the perfect place to spend a weekend and hop aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway. The ride runs along Cypress Bayou and includes seeing historic remains from the 19th century, looking out at native wildlife, and hearing more about the small town's rich history. The railway hosts themed events throughout the year, with themed rides during October for Halloween and during December for Christmas.

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