Dollywood Express in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee · Updated October 19, 2026 · 11 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRuns during Dollywood theme park's operating season; included with park admission

The Dollywood Express is a real coal-fired, narrow gauge steam train inside Dollywood theme park, one of Pigeon Forge's oldest attractions, carrying riders on a five-mile loop through the Smoky Mountain foothills.

  • Genuine 110-ton steam locomotive
  • Five-mile, 20-minute loop
  • Three-foot narrow gauge
  • Former White Pass & Yukon engines
  • Included with Dollywood admission
  • Departs from The Village

Dollywood Express at a glance

Hours
Follows Dollywood park hours; departure times are limited and posted daily
Admission
Included with Dollywood theme park admission; no separate train ticket
Train rides
20-minute, five-mile steam train loop through the Smoky Mountain foothills
Seasonal events
Smoky Mountain Christmas, Harvest Festival, I Will Always Love You Festival, Flower & Food Festival, Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration
Plan for
About 45 minutes including the wait to board
Best for
Families and anyone visiting Dollywood
Best ages
All ages
Accessibility
Walk to ride or transfer from a wheelchair; ECV and motorized wheelchair users transfer to a park wheelchair or bench seat. Accessibility entrance is to the right of the depot.

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

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Dollywood Express? 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 Pigeon Forge.

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.

A mountain steam train in the middle of a theme park

Long before Pigeon Forge was known for its theme parks, travel in and out of these mountains depended on trains, and the Dollywood Express keeps that memory moving. Dollywood calls the train one of Pigeon Forge's oldest attractions, and it remains a park classic that families come back to on every visit.

The railroad is built to a 3-foot narrow gauge, the kind once common on mountain lines where tight curves and steep grades ruled out standard track. Rail fan guides say its operating power comes from two Baldwin 2-8-2 steam locomotives that once worked on the White Pass & Yukon Route, a famous northern narrow gauge line. Dollywood describes its engine as a genuine 110-ton steam locomotive, and other guides note that it burns coal, which is why riders may notice cinders and smoke drifting back along the train.

Keeping a coal-fired steam engine running daily for theme park crowds takes skilled crews, from the engineer who sounds the whistle to the Train Hosts who load the cars and help riders who need assistance. Their work lets visitors who have never seen a working steam locomotive hear, smell and feel one up close.

Whistle, steam and the Smoky Mountain foothills

Trains leave from the Dollywood Express Train Depot in The Village area of the park. Once you board, the engineer sounds the whistle and the train sets out on a 20-minute, five-mile trip through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, with farm scenery and wide mountain views along the way. Seats are first come, first served, and the cars have no seat restraints.

Because this is a working steam locomotive, residual particles from the engine can blow back toward the cars, and Dollywood recommends protecting your eyes during the ride. Departures are limited, and the train can close for maintenance or bad weather, including lightning, so it is worth checking the park app or asking a host about the day's times when you arrive.

Don’t miss

  1. The steam locomotiveA genuine 110-ton steam engine, and for many children the first real steam train they will ever ride behind.
  2. The Train Depot in The VillageThe boarding point, where you can watch the train arrive and the crew prepare for the next departure.
  3. The whistle at departureThe engineer's whistle signals the start of each trip and carries across the park.
  4. Smoky Mountain foothill viewsThe five-mile loop runs through pastoral scenery that gives a sense of what mountain rail travel felt like.

A real steam train for every age in the family

Dollywood lists the Express as a family attraction, and because there are no seat restraints, riders of all ages can share a bench. Kids get the full steam experience: the whistle, the chuff of the engine and smoke drifting past. Bring sunglasses or other eye protection for small children, since cinders from the locomotive can blow back into the cars.

Plan to be at the depot at least 20 minutes before departure, which is a long wait for toddlers, so a snack helps. The Village area around the depot has other family rides, such as the smaller attractions Dollywood lists for young children.

Plan your visit: tips for Dollywood Express

  • Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure; seating is first come, first served.
  • Protect your eyes, since cinders and particles from the steam engine can drift into the cars.
  • The train may close for maintenance or lightning, so check the day's schedule.
  • Companions may need to sit separately if you use the accessibility section.
  • Groups of 15 or more can get advance group rates by emailing GroupSales@Dollywood.com.

Dollywood's festivals change the feel of the whole park, including the ride out to the station. Smoky Mountain Christmas runs November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027 with more than 6 million lights, and the fall Harvest Festival, through October 31, 2026, brings Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Compare other options on our lists of Christmas train rides in Tennessee and Halloween train rides in Tennessee.

Engineers and Train Hosts

The Dollywood Express is operated by Dollywood's own crews, from the engineer at the throttle to the Train Hosts who board guests and help riders with disabilities. Visitors support the train by visiting the park, and families who plan to ride often can look at Dollywood season passes.

More steam and rail near Pigeon Forge

Across the mountains, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City is about 24 miles away as the crow flies. The Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville is about 26 miles away, and the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum about 49 miles. See every train museum in Tennessee for more.

Every train museum in Tennessee

Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive

Watercolor of Rally the corgi dreaming about his toy turtle, green bone and yellow ball
From Rally Takes the Train, watercolor by Leslie Dunn.

A day at a theme park means packing smart, and I always think of Rally's little bag in our book. He packs his turtle toy, his green bone and his yellow ball before setting off with Mom and Dad, and he is sure that is everything a corgi needs. For the Dollywood Express, I would tuck a pair of sunglasses in there too. Our coloring pages fit nicely in a park bag for the wait in line.

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 Dollywood Express?

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.

Dollywood Express: 20 questions about the steam train

What is the Dollywood Express?

The Dollywood Express is a narrow gauge steam train ride inside Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A genuine 110-ton steam locomotive pulls riders on a 20-minute, five-mile trip through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Dollywood calls it one of Pigeon Forge's oldest attractions.

Is the Dollywood Express a real steam train?

Yes. Dollywood describes it as a genuine, 110-ton steam locomotive, and visitor guides say it burns coal. Because it is a working steam engine, riders may encounter cinders and particles from the locomotive, and the park recommends protecting your eyes during the ride.

How long is the Dollywood Express train ride?

The ride itself lasts about 20 minutes and covers five miles. Dollywood asks riders to arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to board, so plan about 45 minutes in total, more on busy days when the line is long.

Do you need a separate ticket for the Dollywood Express?

No separate train ticket is published. The Dollywood Express is a ride inside Dollywood theme park, so it is included with park admission or a season pass. Buy your Dollywood ticket or pass through dollywood.com, then board at the Train Depot in The Village.

How much does it cost to ride the Dollywood Express?

The train is included with Dollywood theme park admission. As of October 2026, Dollywood's posted group rate for a one-day theme park ticket, for groups of 15 or more booked in advance, is $68 for ages 10 and up and $58 for ages 4 to 9, plus tax. Check dollywood.com for current individual ticket prices.

Is the Dollywood Express free?

There is no extra charge to ride once you are inside Dollywood, because the train is included with park admission. You do need a valid Dollywood theme park ticket or season pass to get into the park and reach the Train Depot in The Village.

Is the Dollywood Express the same as an express pass?

No. The Dollywood Express is the park's steam train ride, not a skip-the-line product, which is why searches for Dollywood express passes sometimes turn up the train. Dollywood's train page does not mention any line-skipping pass, so check dollywood.com for current ticket and pass add-ons.

What are the Dollywood Express times today?

Dollywood does not publish a fixed train schedule on the ride page. Departure times are limited, follow the park's operating hours, and can change because of maintenance or weather, including lightning. Check the day's schedule in the park or on dollywood.com when you arrive.

Is the Dollywood Express running today?

It depends on the day. The train runs during Dollywood's operating season, but closures can happen for maintenance or bad weather, including lightning. Check the park calendar at dollywood.com before your visit, and ask a Train Host at the depot about the day's departures.

Where is the Dollywood Express train depot?

The Dollywood Express Train Depot is in The Village area of Dollywood theme park, 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. The accessibility entrance is to the right of the depot, where a Train Host can help guests who need assistance boarding.

Is the Dollywood Express narrow gauge?

Yes. The Dollywood Express runs on 3-foot narrow gauge track, narrower than standard railroad track. Narrow gauge was common on mountain railroads, and rail fan guides say the train's locomotives came from the White Pass & Yukon Route, another narrow gauge line.

What locomotives run on the Dollywood Express?

Rail fan guides say the railroad has two operating Baldwin 2-8-2 steam locomotives that once ran on the White Pass & Yukon Route. Dollywood's ride page describes a 110-ton steam engine but does not list engine numbers, so ask the crew at the depot which locomotive is pulling your train that day.

Does the Dollywood Express run at Christmas?

The train runs during Dollywood's operating season, and the park's Smoky Mountain Christmas festival is listed for November 6, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with more than 6 million lights. Dollywood's train page does not describe a separate Christmas train, so check the daily schedule during your visit.

Is there a Polar Express train ride at Dollywood?

Dollywood's train page does not mention a Polar Express event. The Dollywood Express runs as a regular ride during the park's season, including during Smoky Mountain Christmas. For Polar Express style events, look at other heritage railroads in the region and check their holiday schedules.

Is the Dollywood Express wheelchair accessible?

Guests can walk to ride or transfer from a wheelchair. Those using a motorized wheelchair or ECV must transfer to a Dollywood wheelchair or a bench seat. Because the accessibility section has limited seats, companions may need to ride separately. Service animals are welcome, and the accessibility entrance is to the right of the depot.

Is the Dollywood Express good for toddlers?

Yes. Dollywood classifies the train as a family attraction, and it has no seat restraint devices, so little ones can sit with a parent. Bring eye protection, since cinders can blow back, and be ready for the loud whistle. Dollywood lists health advisories for heart, back and neck conditions and pregnancy.

Why does Dollywood say to protect your eyes on the train?

Because the Dollywood Express is a real steam locomotive, residual particles from its operation can drift back toward the passenger cars during the five-mile trip. Dollywood recommends protecting your eyes, so sunglasses or glasses are a good idea for every rider, especially children.

Can groups ride the Dollywood Express?

Yes. Groups of 15 or more can buy Dollywood tickets at posted group rates with advance reservations, which include the train ride. Groups also get perks such as free bus parking. Email GroupSales@Dollywood.com for details, and remember that train seating is still first come, first served.

Are the Dollywood Express reviews good?

One rail travel guide lists the Dollywood Express with a 4.7 star average from about 2,000 Google reviews, and visitor guides describe it as a park classic. Common advice is to arrive early for a seat and to expect some smoke and cinders from the steam engine.

What other train rides are near Dollywood?

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina, is about 24 miles away as the crow flies. The Three Rivers Rambler in Knoxville is about 26 miles away, and the Secret City Scenic Excursion Train and Southern Appalachia Railway Museum in Oak Ridge are about 44 and 49 miles away.

Keep exploring

More family train guides from Rally

Kelsey Cecil
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