Cape May Seashore Lines in Cape May County, New Jersey
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesExcursion dates vary; check the Seashore Lines passenger page before you go
Cape May Seashore Lines is a working short line railroad in southern New Jersey that carries freight for local industry and runs passenger excursions meant to recall the old pleasure of taking the train to the shore.
- Freight and excursion short line
- Excursions in Atlantic and Cape May counties
- Richland to Tuckahoe round trip
- Budd car M-407 on the roster
Cape May Seashore Lines at a glance
- Hours
- Excursion dates vary; check the Seashore Lines passenger page
- Admission
- Fares not posted on the main pages; check when booking
- Train rides
- Diesel excursions in Atlantic and Cape May counties, recently between Richland and Tuckahoe
- Best for
- Shore vacationers and rail fans
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- WhereCape May County, New Jersey(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(609) 602-1264
- Emailconductor@seashorelines.org
- Alsoacmacrie@seashorelines.org
- Websiteseashorelines.org(opens in a new tab)
Follow Cape May Seashore Lines
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Cape May Seashore Lines? 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 Cape May County.
Rally Takes the Train
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A shore railroad that still carries freight
Cape May Seashore Lines, reporting mark CMSL, is a short line railroad in southern New Jersey that runs both freight trains and passenger excursions. On the freight side it moves products, materials and goods for businesses between New Jersey and wider markets. On the passenger side it offers excursions through Atlantic and Cape May counties, built around the idea of a comfortable, historic trip like the shore trains families once took.
Routes have changed over the years. An older rail fan page described trains over 13 miles between Cape May Court House and Cape May City, with hopes of extending north. More recent listings describe a 30-mile round trip between Richland and Tuckahoe on the Beesley's Point Secondary, and an excursion corridor around Richland, Tuckahoe and Woodbine on the former Reading Company route, using diesel power. Because of those changes, always confirm the current route and boarding point before you go. The railroad's crews and equipment have also been used for film work along its line.
What to expect on board
Excursions use diesel power and vintage equipment, including Budd Rail Diesel Car No. M-407 on the roster. The ride passes through the farm and pine country of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The railroad does not post a full roster, station list or ride length on the pages that are easy to find, so check its passenger page for current trips.
Don’t miss
- Budd car M-407A self-propelled Budd Rail Diesel Car pictured as part of the Seashore Lines fleet.
- The Richland to Tuckahoe lineThe roughly 30-mile round trip route described in recent listings for the railroad's excursions.
A train trip near the beach
A ride through South Jersey can be a fun break during a shore vacation, especially for young train fans. The railroad does not post age guidance, restroom or stroller details online, so ask when you book, and bring water and sun protection on summer trips.
Plan your visit: tips for Cape May Seashore Lines
- Confirm the boarding station before you drive; routes have changed over the years.
- Check the Facebook page for the latest trip announcements.
- Ask for the boarding location and parking details when you book.
People often search for a Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express. The railroad does not post holiday details on its main pages, so watch its passenger page and Facebook page in the fall, and see our roundup of Christmas train rides in New Jersey for other options.
Crews on a working short line
Cape May Seashore Lines is a working railroad with its own train crews, serving freight customers and passengers in South Jersey. Riding an excursion and following the railroad on Facebook are the best ways to support its passenger service.
Rail history across the Delaware Bay
The closest rail sites on our list are in Delaware: the Historic Georgetown Train Station is about 30 miles away as the crow flies, and the Harrington Railroad Museum about 35 miles. For more in this state, see train museums and rides in New Jersey.
- Historic Georgetown Train StationGeorgetown, DE · about 30 mi
- Harrington Railroad MuseumHarrington, DE · about 35 mi
- Laurel Heritage Museum / railroad-history collectionLaurel, DE · about 44 mi
- Wilmington & Western RailroadWilmington, DE · about 67 mi
- Erie Lackawanna Historical SocietyPennsylvania, PA · about 72 mi
- Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn HeightsYorklyn, DE · about 73 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
A train ride near the Jersey Shore makes me think of our Pacific Surfliner, rolling along the ocean out of San Diego. In our book, Rally peeks out an arched window at the sea and says hello to a white bird. My mom loved that coastline, and she would have loved a shore train on the other side of the country too. Color Rally's ocean view on our coloring pages.
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
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.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
- Train museums in New Jersey: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in New Jersey
- Halloween train rides in New Jersey
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Cape May Seashore Lines?
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
- Cape May Seashore Lines official website(opens in a new tab)
- Cape May Seashore Lines on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Cape May Seashore Lines: 20 rider questions
What is the Cape May Seashore Lines railroad?
Cape May Seashore Lines, reporting mark CMSL, is a short line railroad in southern New Jersey that runs both freight trains and passenger excursions. It serves businesses shipping goods and offers excursions through Atlantic and Cape May counties in the spirit of the old shore trains.
Is Cape May Seashore Lines Inc a freight railroad?
Yes. Cape May Seashore Lines provides freight rail service for businesses that need to move products, materials and goods between New Jersey and wider markets. Its freight website, cmsl.seashorelines.org, focuses on that business, while passenger trips appear on the Seashore Lines passenger page.
What is the Cape May Seashore Lines schedule?
The railroad does not post a standing timetable on its main pages; excursions run on scheduled dates. Check the passenger page at seashorelines.org or the Cape May Seashore Lines Facebook page for current trip dates and times before you plan a visit.
How do I buy Cape May Seashore Lines tickets?
Tickets and fares are listed with each excursion on the Seashore Lines passenger page when trips are scheduled. If you cannot find what you need, call (609) 602-1264 or email conductor@seashorelines.org to ask about upcoming rides and how to book.
Does Cape May Seashore Lines run a Santa Express?
Many families search for a Cape May Seashore Lines Santa Express, but the railroad does not post holiday trip details on its main pages. Watch the passenger page and Facebook page in the fall for any Santa trains and ticket links, and book quickly if one is announced.
Where does the Cape May Seashore Lines train go?
Recent listings describe a 30-mile round trip between Richland and Tuckahoe on the Beesley's Point Secondary, with an excursion corridor that also reaches Woodbine on the former Reading Company route. Earlier trains ran between Cape May Court House and Cape May City, so confirm the current route.
Is there a Cape May Seashore Lines map?
The railroad does not post a detailed route map on its main pages. Its excursions run through Atlantic and Cape May counties, recently between Richland, Tuckahoe and Woodbine. Ask the railroad for the boarding location when you book so you head to the right station.
What is on the Cape May Seashore Lines roster?
The railroad's excursions use diesel power, and its fleet includes Budd Rail Diesel Car No. M-407. A complete equipment roster is not posted on its main pages, so check the railroad's Facebook page, where it shares photos of its trains.
Does Cape May Seashore Lines still run trains to Cape May City?
Older rail fan pages describe trains over 13 miles between Cape May Court House and Cape May City. More recent listings center excursions on Richland, Tuckahoe and Woodbine. Check the passenger page or call (609) 602-1264 for where trains board today.
Where can I see Cape May Seashore Lines photos?
The railroad's Facebook page is the best place to see current photos of its trains and crews. The Seashore Lines website also shares news, including a 2025 film project that used its crews, equipment and locations along the line in Atlantic and Cape May counties.
What do reviews say about Cape May Seashore Lines?
Reviews of the excursions appear on the railroad's Facebook page and travel sites. The railroad itself describes its trips as a comfortable, relaxing ride that recalls when taking the train to the shore was exciting. Read recent reviews to see what current riders say about the route.
Are there Cape May Seashore Lines jobs?
The railroad does not post job openings on its main pages. Since it runs both freight and passenger trains with its own crews, ask about employment by contacting the railroad through its contact page or calling (609) 602-1264.
Is Cape May Seashore Lines good for kids?
A short train ride through South Jersey can be a fun outing for young train fans during a shore vacation. The railroad does not post age guidance, restroom or stroller details online, so ask when you book and bring sun protection and water on summer trips.
Is Cape May Seashore Lines a steam train?
No. Current listings describe Cape May Seashore Lines excursions as diesel powered. Its fleet also includes a Budd Rail Diesel Car, a self-propelled passenger car. If you are hoping for steam, check other New Jersey heritage railroads.
Is there parking for Cape May Seashore Lines excursions?
The railroad does not post parking details online. Because boarding locations have changed over the years, ask about the boarding station and parking when you book, or call (609) 602-1264 before you leave for the ride.
Is Cape May Seashore Lines wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility details are not posted on the railroad's main pages. Vintage rail cars can have steps at the doors, so call (609) 602-1264 or email conductor@seashorelines.org before booking to ask what help is available for wheelchairs, walkers or strollers on your trip.
Can I charter a Cape May Seashore Lines train?
The railroad has made its crews, equipment and locations available for a 2025 film production, but it does not post charter details online. Contact it through the contact page at cmsl.seashorelines.org to ask about private trips or filming.
How do I contact Cape May Seashore Lines?
Call (609) 602-1264 or email conductor@seashorelines.org for passenger questions. The railroad also has a contact page on its freight website, cmsl.seashorelines.org, and a Facebook page where it posts trip announcements, photos and updates about upcoming excursions.
Is Cape May Seashore Lines open year round?
Freight service runs as needed, but passenger excursions run only on scheduled dates. The railroad does not post a year-round passenger schedule, so check its passenger page and Facebook page for the current season's trips.
What train museums are near Cape May Seashore Lines?
The closest rail sites on our list are across the Delaware Bay: the Historic Georgetown Train Station is about 30 miles away as the crow flies, the Harrington Railroad Museum about 35 miles, and the Laurel Heritage Museum about 44 miles.
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