Austin Steam Train Association in Cedar Park, Texas

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Cedar Park, Texas · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesTrains run year round; office and museum open Wednesday to Friday

The Austin Steam Train Association is a volunteer-led nonprofit that keeps vintage passenger railroading alive in Central Texas, running restored railcars over former Southern Pacific track between Cedar Park, Bertram and Burnet, including the Hill Country Flyer it has operated since 1992.

  • Hill Country Flyer since 1992
  • 66-mile round trip to Burnet
  • Restored vintage railcars
  • Locomotive cab rides for ages 16+
  • Volunteer-led nonprofit
  • North Pole Flyer each December

Austin Steam Train Association at a glance

Hours
Office and museum: Wednesday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm (closed noon to 1 pm), plus one hour before each departure. Hill Country Flyer: Saturday mornings, 9 am to about 3:30 pm
Admission
Fares vary by trip and car class; tickets are sold online through Etix or by phone
Train rides
Hill Country Flyer (Cedar Park to Burnet, 6.5 hours), Bertram Flyer themed rides, North Pole Flyer; cab rides $250 for ages 16+
Seasonal events
North Pole Flyer, Princess Flyer, Book Fair Flyer, Atomic Express, Wedding Oak Wine Flyer
Plan for
About 6.5 hours for the Hill Country Flyer
Best for
Families, grandparents and day trippers from Austin
Best ages
All ages; shorter themed rides suit toddlers best
Accessibility
The association welcomes passengers with disabilities but notes that historic equipment has limits; call before booking.

Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Austin Steam Train Association? Bring Rally along.

In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Cedar Park.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

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Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Volunteers keeping the Hill Country excursion alive

The Austin Steam Train Association, known as ASTA and also as the Austin & Texas Central Railroad, is a heritage railroad based in Cedar Park. Its mission is to preserve, interpret and re-create the first-hand experience of historic steam-era railroading for today's families and the generations to come. It runs passenger excursions over former Southern Pacific track between Cedar Park and Burnet, with stops and departures in Bertram along the way.

The heart of the operation is people. ASTA describes itself as a volunteer-led nonprofit, with about 100 volunteers working beside a small staff. Volunteers serve as onboard car attendants, train crew and maintenance help, and every holiday season a seasonal team turns out for the North Pole Flyer. The association says that ticket sales keep the equipment running and the track safe, but donors and volunteers are what keep the tradition alive.

Since 1992, the Hill Country Flyer has been the association's signature ride, a full-day trip that has become a habit for Central Texas families. The fleet of restored cars carries names such as Silver Pine, Buckeye Lake, Buckeye Trail, New Braunfels, Maurice Beckham, Club 41 and Nambe, and travelers describe the cars as ranging in age from 1937 to 1955.

Today the train is pulled by EMD GP40-3 No. 3118, a blue diesel that first ran for ASTA in 2017 on lease from Horizon Rail and was bought outright in 2024. Horizon's shop in Euclid, Ohio rebuilt it after an alternator fire, adding modern controls and an updated cab. Its current fundraising effort, the Restoration Roundup, supports the day-to-day maintenance, operations and restoration work.

A day on the Hill Country Flyer

The Hill Country Flyer boards at the Cedar Park Depot between 8:15 and 8:45 am and departs at 9 am. Over the 66-mile round trip, the train crosses the trestle over the South San Gabriel River and winds through Short Creek Canyon. Riders are welcome to walk through the train, look over the restored cars and visit the concession car for snacks and souvenirs. A docent often shares commentary along the way.

At about 10:45 am the train reaches Burnet for a two-hour layover. Most passengers head to the historic courthouse square for lunch, shopping, the Burnet Gunfighters or Wedding Oak Winery in the 1888 Badger Building. The train is back in Cedar Park around 3:30 pm, about six and a half hours after it left.

Beyond the Flyer, ASTA runs themed rides all year on its Bertram Flyer route, from the Book Fair Flyer to the Atomic Express. The office and museum in Cedar Park are open on weekday hours and an hour before each departure.

Don’t miss

  1. Locomotive No. 3118A rebuilt 3,000-horsepower EMD GP40-3 in blue paint, featured on the cover of the association's North Pole Flyer book.
  2. South San Gabriel River trestleThe bridge crossing is one of the scenic moments of the Hill Country Flyer route.
  3. Short Creek CanyonThe train winds through this canyon on the way to Burnet.
  4. The concession carThe place to pick up snacks, drinks and souvenirs as you walk the length of the train.
  5. Locomotive cab rideOn most Hill Country Flyer trips, one rider age 16 or older can sit beside the engineer for the two-hour run to Burnet.
  6. Burnet layoverTwo hours on a historic Texas courthouse square, part of the ride's charm.

Princesses, Santa and a long day out

ASTA runs family events throughout the year, including the Princess Flyer and the North Pole Flyer, which the association calls Central Texas's favorite holiday tradition. Themed rides on the shorter Bertram Flyer route are often a better fit for younger kids than the six and a half hour Hill Country Flyer, though the Flyer is a family favorite too.

On board, children under 14 must have an adult with them when moving between cars, shoes are required when not seated, and running is not allowed. Families can bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on the Hill Country Flyer, and a picnic on the grassy courthouse lawn in Burnet is an easy way to spend the layover with kids.

Plan your visit: tips for Austin Steam Train Association

  • Check your ticket for the departure depot: Cedar Park, Bertram or Burnet.
  • Reserve lunch in Burnet ahead of time if you plan to eat at a popular spot on the square.
  • Pack a picnic; your own food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on board.
  • The train and rail yard are not open for public tours or photography outside ride times.
  • For evening or weekend ticket help, call the Etix line at (512) 402-3830.

The North Pole Flyer is ASTA's big holiday event, running weekends from late November into mid-December (November 28 to December 13 in 2026), with check-in at the Bertram Depot and volunteer car attendants leading onboard activities. Fall brings themed rides like the Atomic Express on the Bertram Flyer route. See more holiday options in our guide to Christmas train rides in Texas, or browse fall and Halloween train rides in Texas.

Run by about 100 volunteers

ASTA is a volunteer-led nonprofit with a small staff. Volunteers 16 and older can help as onboard attendants, train crew or on the seasonal North Pole Flyer team after a background check and short online training, and every 20 volunteer hours earns a free ride voucher. You can also give to the Restoration Roundup campaign. Write to volunteers@austinsteamtrain.org to get started.

Central Texas rail stops within a drive

The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is about 50 miles north of Cedar Park. Head south about 76 miles for the Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio, or east about 77 miles to the Hearne Depot Museum. Our guide to Texas train museums has the rest.

Every train museum in Texas

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor view from inside a dark tunnel looking out at a sunny beach and cliffs
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

The North Pole Flyer crews work shifts that run late into the evening, so I imagine plenty of trains rolling home after dark with every window glowing. That picture makes me think of the tunnel in our book: dark for a moment, then a big bright light and a car full of cheering. My mom dreamed up that moment before she died in 2021, and I hope families riding through the Hill Country feel that same lift.

Free for train families

Print the Rally coloring pages before you go

Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.

Get the free coloring pages
Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.

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More for train families

Work or volunteer at Austin Steam Train Association?

We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.

Sources

Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.

Austin Steam Train Association: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Austin Steam Train Association in Cedar Park?

The association's office and museum are at 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Suite C-100, Cedar Park, Texas 78613, and most rides leave from its Cedar Park Depot. Some trains depart from the Bertram Depot at 170 S. Gabriel St. in Bertram or from Burnet, so always check your ticket for the departure location.

Does the Austin Steam Train Association have a museum?

Yes. ASTA keeps an office and museum in Cedar Park, open to the public Wednesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, closed for lunch from noon to 1 pm, as of October 2026. It also opens an hour before each train departure. The association calls its restored train a moving museum.

What are the Austin Steam Train Association museum hours?

As of October 2026, the office and museum are open Wednesday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm, with a lunch closure from noon to 1 pm, plus one hour before each departure. They close for the holidays from December 16 to December 29, 2026. Call (512) 915-2340 and leave a voicemail if no one answers.

How much are Austin Steam Train tickets?

Fares depend on the ride and the car or class you choose, and the association does not post one flat price. Tickets are sold online through Etix from austinsteamtrain.org. During business hours call (512) 915-2340, and for evening or weekend ticket purchases call the Etix line at (512) 402-3830.

What is the Hill Country Flyer schedule?

As of October 2026, the Hill Country Flyer runs on Saturday mornings from the Cedar Park Depot. Doors open at 8 am, boarding is 8:15 to 8:45 am, and the train departs at 9 am. It reaches Burnet around 10:45 am for a two-hour layover and returns to Cedar Park about 3:30 pm.

How long is the Hill Country Flyer ride?

The Hill Country Flyer takes about six and a half hours from start to finish, including a two-hour layover in Burnet. The 66-mile round trip crosses the trestle over the South San Gabriel River and winds through Short Creek Canyon before reaching the Burnet town square.

What can you do in Burnet during the Hill Country Flyer layover?

Most riders explore Burnet's historic courthouse square, shop, catch the Burnet Gunfighters or visit Wedding Oak Winery in the 1888 Badger Building. Lunch spots on the square fill quickly with train passengers, so the association recommends reserving ahead, or packing a picnic for the grassy lawn by the courthouse.

Can you bring food on the Austin Steam Train?

Yes, on the Hill Country Flyer your own food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome on board. A concession car also sells refreshments and souvenirs. Alcohol is allowed only when it is served by ASTA staff or caterers or bought during a special event such as the Wedding Oak Wine Flyer.

What is the Austin Steam Train North Pole Flyer?

The North Pole Flyer is ASTA's holiday ride and, by the association's description, Central Texas's favorite holiday tradition. In 2026 it runs weekends from November 28 to December 13, with check-in at the Bertram Depot. Volunteer car attendants lead onboard activities and keep the cars festive between trips.

Does the Austin Steam Train still run steam locomotives?

The Hill Country Flyer is currently pulled by a diesel, EMD GP40-3 No. 3118, and the association notes that a specific engine cannot be guaranteed. ASTA's name and mission come from preserving the experience of steam-era railroading. Check the website or call (512) 915-2340 for news about the fleet.

Can I ride in the locomotive on the Austin Steam Train?

Yes. Cab rides are offered on most Hill Country Flyer departures for one rider age 16 or older. As of October 2026, the price is $250, which includes the two-hour ride to Burnet beside the engineer, a souvenir and a companion ticket. Book at least 10 days ahead by emailing reservations@austinsteamtrain.org.

Can I tour the Austin Steam Train rail yard or take photos?

No. For safety reasons, the train and rail yard are not open for public tours or photography outside of rides. The best way to see the cars up close is to buy a ticket, since passengers can walk through the train during the trip and visit the concession car.

What do Austin Steam Train reviews say?

Reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp often mention the restored vintage cars, the knowledgeable docent commentary and the Burnet layover, and one reviewer noted their air-conditioned coach was very comfortable. Some say parts of the route are less scenic than expected. In 2025, Austin Chronicle readers voted the rides a Best of Austin winner.

Is the Austin Steam Train good for kids?

Yes, and many families ride. The association runs kid-focused events like the North Pole Flyer and Princess Flyer. On board, children under 14 must be with an adult when moving through the train. For young children, a shorter themed ride may suit better than the six and a half hour Hill Country Flyer.

Is the Austin Steam Train wheelchair accessible?

ASTA says it welcomes all passengers and tries to accommodate riders with disabilities, but because the equipment is historic, some features can be limited. Call (512) 915-2340 or email reservations@austinsteamtrain.org before booking to discuss your needs and the best car for your group.

What does ASTA stand for?

ASTA stands for the Austin Steam Train Association. It also operates as the Austin & Texas Central Railroad, with the reporting mark ATCX, and runs passenger excursions over former Southern Pacific track between Cedar Park and Burnet. It is a volunteer-led nonprofit based in Cedar Park, Texas.

What other themed rides does the Austin Steam Train run?

ASTA runs year round, with special trips such as the Book Fair Flyer with local booksellers on the platform, the Atomic Express costume ride, the Princess Flyer and the Wedding Oak Wine Flyer. Many themed rides use the Bertram Flyer route. The special events page lists current dates.

How can I volunteer with the Austin Steam Train Association?

Fill out the prospective volunteer form on the association's website or email volunteers@austinsteamtrain.org. Roles include onboard services, operations and maintenance crew, and the seasonal North Pole Flyer team. Volunteers must be at least 16, pass a background check and complete a short online training.

How can I donate to the Austin Steam Train Association?

ASTA's current campaign, the Restoration Roundup, supports maintenance, operations, restoration and the people who keep the train running. Donate through the website, or email fundraising@austinsteamtrain.org with questions. The association says ticket sales cover a lot, but donors keep history on track.

What train museums are near the Austin Steam Train?

The Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum is about 50 miles away. The Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio is about 76 miles, the Hearne Depot Museum about 77 miles, and both the Railroad Heritage Museum in Brownwood and the San Antonio Railroad Heritage Museum are roughly 92 miles away.

Keep exploring

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Kelsey Cecil
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