The Virginia Scenic Railway Brings Train Travel Back to Virginia

Before the Acela hit 160 miles per hour and turned train travel into a race from one destination to the next, riding the rails was an occasion. Sweeping vistas right outside the window and meals served with silverware made traveling by train an experience—one that a dwindling generation looks back on fondly. 

But the Virginia Scenic Railway is restoring the allure of train travel with its three-hour round trips departing from Staunton. 

Passengers from all walks of life line up, anxiously awaiting that far-off roar of the vintage train making its approach. As soon as it’s heard in the distance, passengers grab their phones, ready for the moment when the 1940s railcar chugs into the station, transporting passersby back in time with its iconic red body and black and yellow stripes. 

The railway runs two main routes, and the Alleghany Special route is particularly scenic. It lurches westward from Staunton through pastoral scenes, past working farms, and toward the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. In the fall, the route comes alive with the fiery colors of Shenandoah Valley foliage.

The crowd aboard the day’s train has a quiet murmur of excitement. Boarded and ready for adventure,
a young man on break from college accompanies his grandfather. He looks over across the table and a pair of freshly poured beers. He eagerly says, “I’m already having fun!”

Other groups have their professional cameras by their sides, hoping to capture shots from the gangway. The savvy among them know the real prize comes from being in just the right spot as the engines switch positions in Goshen. 

As the train passes through small towns, one can imagine some were once bustling stops along the railway. 

Alongside the train, passengers notice a duo with cameras reappearing at each scenic vista. The two seem to be train enthusiasts, hopping in their car to race along rural roads and catch the perfect shot of the
locomotive speeding by.

Runaway Popularity on the Rails

Steve Powell, president of Buckingham Branch Railroad, which owns the Virginia Scenic Railway, expected the railway to be a hit with riders—no one would take on such a huge investment if they didn’t. But he couldn’t have dreamt of the runaway popularity.

The Virginia Scenic Railway launched in August 2022, and, for the first year, tickets were completely sold out. It doubled its capacity the next year, and the passengers kept coming. Young and old alike are fascinated by the experience of zipping through the valley. 

“The older generations like to reminisce about the train rides they made in their early years to visit family or travel to the city. Young children are intrigued by the locomotive and rail cars—it’s the sheer size and sounds of the equipment,” explains Powell. 

A Past and Future Fleet

Part of the experience is getting a peek at what train travel used to be in a time before rider volume was a top priority. That means sourcing historic cars from across the country, which Powell has found to be a lengthy and involved process, particularly when updates and renovations come into play. But it’s the visual appeal and comfort of the railcars that elevates the railway’s trips and keeps passengers coming back. 

“We want our customers to be wowed when they go inside the car and see new carpet, tables, chairs, and modern bathrooms. The process of restoring cars takes many months and sometimes even years, and we are willing to wait until we get the right car ready before adding it to our fleet,” says Powell.

One of the occasional members of that fleet is the “Queen of Steam,” a Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, which is one of the last remaining passenger steam locomotives. For train enthusiasts, that railcar alone is reason enough to plan a trip.

His dreams for the future of the fleet include more cars and a significant investment in terms of route, equipment, and infrastructure. Partnerships with local hotels, restaurants, and businesses are underway, including a current collaboration with the Blackburn Inn in Staunton, and Powell expects the railway to grow as a draw for Staunton. 

He hopes to bring the 611 back again this year and continue to grow the enthusiasm for the nostalgic train experiences. “Seeing all of the crowds on the train as well as the fans along the route is worth all of the time and energy required to make it happen.” 

From Saturday, Nov. 23–Sunday, Dec. 22, Santa’s reindeer are getting a break. Old Saint Nick will take children and children-at-heart on a 40-minute ride—just the right amount of time to bask in the wonder of it all. The ride starts in Staunton’s historic downtown and makes a stop at Santa’s workshop before heading home, cookies and hot chocolate in hand. Festive attire is welcome. Tickets are $65 per person and sell out fast. VirginiaScenicRailway.com

This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue.