Conway Scenic Railroad in North Conway, New Hampshire

Written By Kelsey Cecil

North Conway, New Hampshire · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRegular excursions April to November, plus holiday trains

Conway Scenic Railroad runs vintage passenger trains from the restored North Conway station over the old Boston & Maine Conway Branch and the Maine Central Mountain Division, keeping the Mount Washington Valley's railroad story alive since 1974.

  • First excursions August 4, 1974
  • Departs the 1874 North Conway station
  • One-hour Valley Train for families
  • Mountaineer through Crawford Notch
  • Observation dome seating
  • Santa's Holiday Special

Conway Scenic Railroad at a glance

Hours
Excursions run April to November plus holiday trains; departure times vary, check the online schedule
Admission
Valley Train coach: adults $24, ages 4 to 12 $18, 3 and under free (as posted for 2026; prices vary)
Train rides
Valley Train (1 hour, 11 miles), Mountaineer (4 to 4.5 hours, Crawford Notch), plus seasonal specials
Seasonal events
Halloween Express, Santa's Holiday Special, 470 Club Excursion, Off the Rails comedy tour
Plan for
About 1.5 hours for the Valley Train; most of a day for the Mountaineer
Best for
Families with young kids, foliage seekers and rail fans
Best ages
All ages on the Valley Train; age 8 and up for the Mountaineer

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

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Conway Scenic Railroad? 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 North Conway.

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.

From a 1968 snow train to a valley railroad of its own

Trains came to the Mount Washington Valley later than to most of New England. The Portland & Ogdensburg reached North Conway in 1871, a line that later became part of the Maine Central's Mountain Division through Crawford Notch. A second line arrived in 1872 and grew into the Boston & Maine's Conway Branch. For close to a century those rails carried visitors and freight into the valley.

By the early 1960s the automobile had won, regular passenger service to North Conway ended, and the station and yard had faded badly. In 1965 two local businessmen, William Levy and Carroll P. Reed, bought the North Conway railroad property to protect the village's character. Three years later, in February 1968, Dwight A. Smith stepped off a re-created Snow Train, looked around at the old station, the roundhouse, the park and the mountains behind them, and saw what it could become.

Smith partnered with Levy and Reed, and together they redeveloped the station and several miles of the former Conway Branch. Smith led a committed group of volunteers who restored a steam locomotive and brought historic equipment back to life. Public excursions began on August 4, 1974, a date the railroad still marks every year. In those early seasons most trains were pulled by steam locomotive 47 (7470), photographed at the North Conway roundhouse in the early 1970s.

Today the railroad owns the Conway line and leases the Mountain Division, which belongs to the State of New Hampshire. The North Conway station complex has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, and every trip still starts and ends there.

Two very different rides from one Victorian depot

Everything begins at the North Conway station in the village, a restored 1874 Victorian building with the railroad yard and roundhouse beside it. Most families choose the Valley Train, an 11-mile round trip south to Conway along the Boston & Maine branch that takes about an hour. Riders pick a seat class: coach, Comfort Class, the Observation Dome, or, from early September through October, the Gertrude Emma car. Most trips have a snack bar selling hot dogs, nachos, cookies, popcorn and drinks.

The Mountaineer is the big trip: a 4 to 4.5 hour round trip of 50 to 60 miles over the Mountain Division into Crawford Notch, styled after 1950s long distance travel. Its route passes Gateway Cut, a spot once printed on early 20th century postcards. Once a year, the 470 Club Excursion makes an even longer run over the Notch with photo stops beside specially arranged vintage locomotives and cars.

Don’t miss

  1. North Conway stationThe 1874 Victorian station is the heart of the railroad and part of a complex listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
  2. The Mountaineer through Crawford NotchThe railroad calls it its most scenic trip, climbing the old Maine Central Mountain Division past Gateway Cut.
  3. Observation Dome seatsUpgrading to the dome gives you a raised, glass-topped view of the valley and the mountains around it.
  4. The Gertrude Emma carOffered on the Valley Train from September 8 to October 31, a seasonal seating choice during foliage weeks.
  5. The North Conway roundhouseDwight Smith counted the roundhouse among the things that convinced him the railroad could be saved, and it still stands beside the yard.
  6. The 470 Club ExcursionA once-a-year, all-day run over Crawford Notch with photo stops, set for November 7, 2026.

A first train ride sized for small travelers

The railroad built the Valley Train with children and first-time riders in mind: it lasts about an hour, so little ones get the whistle, the rocking cars and the view without getting restless. Children 3 and under ride free in coach when booked with an adult, though every passenger needs a ticket. The snack bar helps if a ride lands near lunch.

Seasonal trains are made for kids too. The Halloween Express is a not-too-spooky party on the rails with costumed characters and treats, and Santa's Holiday Special is a daytime weekend ride where Santa may pay a visit. The Mountaineer runs four hours or more, which suits older children and patient rail fans better than toddlers.

Plan your visit: tips for Conway Scenic Railroad

  • Book online ahead of time, especially for holiday trains and foliage season.
  • Toddlers 3 and under ride free in Valley Train coach but still need a ticket booked with your adult tickets.
  • Pick the Observation Dome for the best views; it costs more than coach.
  • The railroad may change locomotives and cars without notice, so do not count on a specific engine.

The fall and winter calendar is a big part of the year here. The Halloween Express runs on just two days in late October as a gentle costume party on vintage cars, and Santa's Holiday Special brings daylight weekend rides with a chance to meet Santa aboard. For more ideas, see our guides to Halloween train rides in New Hampshire and Christmas train rides in New Hampshire.

Volunteers first, a working railroad now

Conway Scenic began with Dwight Smith and a crew of volunteers who rebuilt equipment by hand, and today it is a working railroad with staff for group sales, events, marketing and the gift shop and snack bars. Riding a train, booking a group trip or shopping in the station gift shop all help keep the line running.

More rail stops around the White Mountains

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is about 18 miles away and makes a classic pairing for a two-train weekend. Across the Maine line, the Bridgton & Saco River Railroad Museum is about 21 miles off, and the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln is about 27 miles west. See all New Hampshire train museums and rides for more.

Every train museum in New Hampshire

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi looking out an arched train window at the ocean and a white bird
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

I love that the Valley Train has an Observation Dome car, with glass overhead and mountains on every side. In our book, Rally presses up to an arched window, sees the ocean and says hello to a white bird. Here it would be pine trees and peaks instead of waves, but I think the feeling is the same. If your little one wants to draw their own window view, our coloring pages are a good start.

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.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

More for train families

Work or volunteer at Conway Scenic Railroad?

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.

Conway Scenic Railroad: 20 questions riders ask

How much are Conway Scenic Railroad tickets?

As of October 2026, Valley Train coach tickets are $24 for adults 13 and up and $18 for children 4 to 12, and toddlers 3 and under ride free in coach. Comfort Class is $31 and $23, and the Observation Dome is $40 and $30. Other trips are priced separately, and the railroad says prices can vary through the year.

Does Conway Scenic Railroad have senior ticket prices?

The posted Valley Train fares list adult, child and toddler prices only, with adults covering everyone 13 and older, so no separate senior fare appears online as of October 2026. Ask about any current offers by calling (603) 356-5251 or emailing info@conwayscenic.com before you book.

Is there a Conway Scenic Railroad discount code or Groupon?

The railroad does not post discount codes or Groupon deals on its own website. The surest way to get a correct price is to book directly at conwayscenic.com. For group rates, contact Jack Duffin, the group sales manager, at (603) 356-5251, extension 21, or ask about any current promotions when you call.

What is the Conway Scenic Railroad schedule?

Regular excursions run from April through November, with holiday trains later in the year. Departure times change by date and by train, so check the booking calendar on conwayscenic.com for the day you plan to ride. The railroad also says it may change locomotives and cars at any time, so the equipment can differ from photos.

What time do Conway Scenic Railroad trains leave today?

Departure times are listed by date on the railroad's online booking calendar, and that is the best place to check today's trains. You can also call the station at (603) 356-5251. All trains leave from the North Conway station in the village, so plan to arrive a little early to park and collect tickets.

What is the Conway Scenic Railroad Valley Train?

The Valley Train is a one-hour, 11-mile round trip from North Conway south to Conway over the historic Boston & Maine Conway Branch. It rides in restored vintage cars behind historic locomotives, and the railroad designed it with kids, parents and first-time riders in mind. Seat choices include coach, Comfort Class, the Observation Dome and the seasonal Gertrude Emma car.

What is the Mountaineer train at Conway Scenic Railroad?

The Mountaineer is the railroad's most scenic trip, a 4 to 4.5 hour round trip of 50 to 60 miles through Crawford Notch on the former Maine Central Mountain Division. It is styled after 1950s long distance train travel. Because of its length, it suits older kids and adults best. Book through conwayscenic.com.

What route does the Conway Scenic Railroad take?

The railroad uses two historic lines. The Valley Train runs south from North Conway to Conway on the old Boston & Maine Conway Branch, which Conway Scenic owns. The Mountaineer heads west over the Mountain Division, owned by the State of New Hampshire and leased by the railroad, up through Crawford Notch and past Gateway Cut.

Does Conway Scenic Railroad run a Christmas train?

Yes. Santa's Holiday Special is an annual daytime weekend trip to Conway on the railroad's heritage cars, lasting about 60 to 80 minutes, and Santa may make an appearance for young riders. As of October 2026 fares start at $27. Holiday dates sell quickly, so book early on conwayscenic.com.

Is there a Halloween train at Conway Scenic Railroad?

Yes. The Halloween Express is a kid-friendly, not-too-spooky ride of just under an hour on vintage railcars, with Halloween characters and treats, and costumes are encouraged. In 2026 it runs on October 24 and 25 only, with fares from $30. Check the railroad's website for availability.

Does Conway Scenic Railroad have a dinner train?

The current excursion list on conwayscenic.com does not include a dinner train. Most trips have an onboard snack bar selling hot dogs, nachos, cookies, gourmet popcorn, packaged snacks and drinks, subject to availability. If you are looking for a meal service, call (603) 356-5251 to ask what is planned for the season.

Where do you park for the Conway Scenic Railroad?

Trains leave from the North Conway station at 38 Norcross Circle in North Conway Village. The railroad does not post detailed parking instructions online, so call (603) 356-5251 before a busy foliage or holiday weekend to ask where to park and how early to arrive.

Where is the Conway Scenic Railroad station?

The station is at 38 Norcross Circle in North Conway, New Hampshire, in the historic village center of the Mount Washington Valley. The restored building dates to 1874, and the station complex has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. The mailing address is PO Box 1947, North Conway, NH 03860.

Is the Conway Scenic Railroad good for toddlers?

Yes, the Valley Train is a good fit. It lasts about an hour, and the railroad describes it as designed for children and first-time riders. Toddlers 3 and under ride free in coach, though they still need a ticket booked alongside an adult's. Comfort Class and dome seats charge a small toddler fare.

Should I ride Conway Scenic Railroad or the Cog Railway?

They are very different trips about 18 miles apart. Conway Scenic offers heritage passenger trains through the valley and Crawford Notch, from a one-hour family ride to a four-hour scenic run. The Mount Washington Cog Railway climbs the mountain itself. Many families do both, with the short Valley Train working well for young kids.

When did the Conway Scenic Railroad start?

The railroad ran its first public excursion on August 4, 1974, and it celebrates that anniversary every year. It was founded by Dwight A. Smith with businessmen Carroll P. Reed and William Levy, who had bought the North Conway railroad property in 1965. Volunteers led by Smith restored a steam locomotive and other equipment to get it started.

What locomotives are on the Conway Scenic Railroad roster?

The railroad uses steam and diesel power over its history, and in its early years most trains were hauled by steam locomotive 47 (7470). It does not post a full current roster on its main pages and notes that it may switch locomotives and cars at any time. The yearly 470 Club Excursion features specially arranged vintage equipment.

Is there a gift shop at the Conway Scenic Railroad?

Yes. The railroad runs a gift shop as well as snack bars, both overseen by its gift shop and snack bar manager. Contact information for the shop is on the railroad's contact page, or you can call (603) 356-5251 and ask for extension 13.

Are there jobs at the Conway Scenic Railroad?

The railroad has staff in group sales, business development, marketing and events, and the gift shop and snack bars, among other roles. It does not list openings on the pages shown here, so check conwayscenic.com or call (603) 356-5251 to ask about current jobs or seasonal work.

What other train attractions are near Conway Scenic Railroad?

The Mount Washington Cog Railway is about 18 miles away, and the Bridgton & Saco River Railroad Museum in Maine is about 21 miles away. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Hobo Railroad and Clark's Bears with its White Mountain Central Railroad are all within about 28 miles, so the area works well for a train-themed weekend.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
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