Since 1966, the New Hope Railroad (formerly the New Hope & Ivyland) has offered steam and diesel-powered excursions along a quaint former Reading Company branch line in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County.
Choices
Coach, open air and first-class parlor cars are featured on each train on the New Hope Railroad. Most excursions make a 45-minute round trip from New Hope to the village of Lahaska while longer trips are offered during the fall foliage season. Evening wine-tasting excursions also are offered on most weekends. From renting out a single caboose to an entire train, charters are offered for private events such as birthdays and weddings.
When to go
The railroad operates steam and diesel-powered trains year-round with Friday-to-Sunday departures during the spring and summer months, while expanding to seven-day operations during the Christmas Season. Easter trains are operated in the spring, with Halloween trains each fall and Santa’s Steam Special running during the holiday season.
Good to know
Steam Locomotive No. 40, a 1925 Baldwin 2-8-0, is scheduled to operate on select dates during the summer, Fall Foliage, and Christmas seasons. Guests are encouraged to check the railroad’s online schedule, which lists the anticipated motive power for each departure.
Worth doing
The resort villages of New Hope and Lambertville, N.J., are across the Delaware River from one another. A bridge with pedestrian walkways connects the two towns. Shopping, dining, and attractions are plentiful in both.
Don’t miss
New Hope’s 1891 Victorian passenger station has been restored and houses the railroad’s Christmas Shop.
Getting there
New Hope is 45 miles northeast of Philadelphia. From Philadelphia, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike east to the Willow Grove exit. Then take Route 611 to Route 202. Turn north on Route 202 and go 10 miles to Route 179, which leads you into New Hope.
Location: 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA
Phone: 215-862-2332
Website: newhoperailroad.com
E-mail: Form on website
