FAQ

WHERE DOES THE TRAIN RUN TO AND FROM?

We are located in the beautiful Catskill Mountains and historic Hudson Valley of New York State, just 100 miles north of New York City. All trains are round trip departing from our station in the historic city of Kingston at Westbrook Lane. Our train rides currently run up to Hurley Mountain and return. Plenty of free parking is available.

HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?

Pre-paid reservations are available online until the day before the excursion or by calling our office and speaking with a representative. Tickets may also be purchased at our station on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the excursion until they are sold out.

DO WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

We accepts a variety of payment card types. The ticket agents at Kingston accept credit cards when tickets are available on the day of excursion.

IS THERE A SPECIAL PRICE FOR CHILDREN?

Children under two can ride on a lap for free. Youth aged two-twelve qualify for a discounted child’s fare, youth 13 and over qualify for the adult fare.

Please note that if you are using a car seat, or another child seating device, for your toddler, that takes up a passenger seat, you will need to pre-book an additional child’s ticket.

MAY I USE MY TICKETS FOR ANY TRAIN RIDE?

Your purchased reservations are only good for the specific excursion on your chosen date and time.

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE CHARTERS?

Private charters are available. Please note that group charters may not be available for our specialty excursions. We invite you to visit our Group Charter page for much more information.

DO TRAINS OPERATE IN BAD WEATHER?

Our trains run regardless of the weather, except in the rare case when a state of emergency is declared that prohibits travel. Our website and social media outlets will serve as a primary means of communicating weather-related cancellations. In the unlikely event that a train ride is cancelled due to weather, exchanges for future rides will be given.

See Cancellation and Refund Policy

WHAT IS OPEN SEATING, CAN I MOVE AROUND THE TRAIN?

During most of our Spring, Summer and Fall excursions, we do not have reserved seating. Feel free to move about the train but we ask that an adult accompany youngsters, and we try not to linger between coaches and avoid standing on the yellow-marked part of the floor between the cars as they shift when we make turns. We will be crossing a few roads along our journey and may need to stop and wait our turn with folks traveling in cars, so please take special care to be safe and prepare to brace yourself when we approach stops and starts. Also, please be considerate of your fellow passengers and keep an ear our for any announcements or updates from your Conductor.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS?

We encourage passengers to dress for the excursion but it is not mandatory. For example: for Polar, we recommend people wear their pajamas to get more into the spirit of Christmas.

It should be noted that we offer both indoor and outdoor seating on most trains. You should dress according to the weather forecast, but be prepared for slightly lower temperatures in the mountains and valleys. In the summer, a light sweater may be needed. On cooler days, a jacket, windbreaker, or blanket may be warranted. For your safety and comfort, we suggest closed-toe shoes should be worn at all times.

WHAT SEATING CHOICES ARE AVAILABLE?

All seats are first come-first served with the Exception of Polar Express (for those tickets, please check the Polar Express FAQ page) . We will make every effort to seat your group together as long as you board the train together at the same time. Tickets for most trains are sold as General Admission.

ARE YOUR TRAINS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?

Our trains are wheelchair accessible and may be boarded by ramp. Some of our vintage passenger equipment is not accessible without some assistance. Please let our ticket agent or a member of our crew know of any special needs. It would be our pleasure to assist you.

DOG POLICY

The CMRR welcomes only service dogs onboard our train. Due to the safety of our passengers, non service dogs are not allowed to ride the train, except in carriers or crates.

ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON THE TRAIN?

Portable restrooms are available at our station. There are no bathrooms on the trains, so please plan accordingly.

ARE REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE?

For most of our summer excursions, including peace train and great train robbery, we will have refresments available for purchase. You may also bring your own small snacks and beverages to be enjoyed in the outdoor open cars. All refuse must be carried out when you leave. No food or drink allowed in our passenger coaches. We do not allow coolers or alcoholic beverages to be brought on board. There are many great restaurants in and around our Kingston terminal, we are always happy to suggest our favorites, just ask!

WHAT COLOR ARE THE LEAVES?

Usually they are green. In late summer and early autumn, the foliage throughout the Esopus Valley explodes with vibrant colors. With changing weather patterns it is difficult for us to predict what colors the leaves will be during your excursion. For foliage conditions please visit The Foliage Report.