100-year-old steam engine leads train during 48th season of Virginia Truckee Railroad

The Virginia Truckee Railroad begins its 48th season on May 27, 2023, with one-hundred-year-old steam engine #29 at the lead. The scenic train ride departs daily from the original Virginia City depot where millionaires and miners departed 150 years ago. The historic 35-minute ride over the original 1869 route departs once an hour starting at 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and runs through October. Adult fares are $16 to $19 and $8 for children ages 5-12. Kids aged four and under ride free. Tickets are available at the depot, or reserve space online at virginiatruckee.com.

Take in beautiful high desert views from our open-air cars and hear the stories of the Comstock Silver and Gold Rush from our knowledgeable conductors as you chug along the original 1869 route. You will see the remnants of silver and gold mines and pass through the 400-foot original Tunnel #4 on your way to Gold Hill, the original 1859 silver discovery site when Nevada was still a territory. You may even spot some bands of wild mustangs or coyotes.

In May, the new Martin Scorsese film, “Killers of the Flower Moon” filmed in Pawhuska, Oklahoma with V&T steam engine #29 and the three-century-old V&T passenger coaches, will debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Also be sure to "See the Reno," a Nevada treasure. The 1872 V&T steam locomotive, the most famous movie locomotive, starred in nearly a hundred films and westerns.

Special event trains are being planned, including new moonlight wine and murder mystery specials and the popular Pumpkin Express, Candy Cane Express, and the Train O’ Lights that sell out each year. Check the website at www.virginiatruckee.com for updated information.

Before or after your train ride stop in our gift shop located inside the original 1870 passenger depot. Cold drinks and ice cream can be purchased.

The depot and train are also available as a unique venue for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, or other special events. Contact their event coordinator, Candy Duncan at (775) 721-6255 for ideas and more information.

Complete your day with a visit to Virginia City, a living ghost town filled with fun shops, good restaurants, and interesting museums.

Other special trains may be added to the schedule, check the website for more information or call (775) 847-0380, or www.virginiatruckeerailroad.com.