Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad in Portsmouth and Newport, Rhode Island
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesExcursions listed May through November; confirm dates on the railroad's Facebook page
The Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad is a heritage railroad on Aquidneck Island, running vintage passenger cars along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay on the old Newport Secondary between Portsmouth and Newport.
- Formed in 2014 to 2015
- Rides along Narragansett Bay
- Vintage Pullman-style cars
- Station at 2 Alexander Road, Portsmouth
Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad at a glance
- Hours
- Seasonal excursions, roughly May to November; check Facebook for the current schedule
- Admission
- Fares vary by trip; check the railroad's current listings
- Train rides
- Vintage-car excursions along Narragansett Bay from Portsmouth, seasonal
- Seasonal events
- Day Tripper excursions
- Plan for
- Under 2 hours for a ride
- Best for
- Families and visitors to Newport
- Best ages
- Ages 3 and up
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
Follow Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Newport & Narragansett Bay 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 Portsmouth and Newport.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
That's 8 of 25 pages
See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
See the full bookPage 1 of 8
Like it so far? See the full book
25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $13.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.
Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.
Two island railroads become one
Trains have followed the western shore of Aquidneck Island for well over a century, and the Newport Secondary still carries passengers today. In 2014 and 2015 two operators on the line merged: the for-profit Newport Dinner Train and the nonprofit Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway. The combined railroad took the name Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad, and its Facebook page still carries the Old Colony and Newport Railway name.
The railroad runs diesel-powered excursions in vintage cars appointed in turn-of-the-century style, with views of Narragansett Bay, rocky beaches and shore wildlife along the way. Special trips have included Day Tripper trains from the station at Melville in Portsmouth down to Newport for events such as the Broadway Street Fair. Schedules change from year to year, so the railroad's Facebook page is the place to confirm what is running.
The bay from a vintage coach
This is a ride rather than an exhibit hall. Passengers board vintage passenger cars and roll along Aquidneck Island's shoreline, with panoramic views across Narragansett Bay and toward the Sakonnet River side of the island. Trips are described as taking under two hours. The railroad does not post a list of its locomotives and cars online, so ask the crew about the equipment on your train.
Don’t miss
- The shoreline viewsThe track hugs the bay, so window seats on the water side give the best views of beaches and wildlife.
- The vintage carsCoaches are fitted out in turn-of-the-century style, a big part of the trip's charm.
- Day Tripper trainsSpecial runs from Portsmouth to Newport have timed arrivals for downtown events.
A short ride with water views
A ride of under two hours with boats, beaches and birds out the window suits most young children. The railroad does not post details on strollers, restrooms or seating for families, so message it on Facebook with questions before booking.
Plan your visit: tips for Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad
- Trains depart from the station at 2 Alexander Road in Portsmouth (Melville).
- Confirm the schedule on the railroad's Facebook page before you drive over.
- Sit on the bay side for the best water views.
Who runs the line
The Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad brought together a for-profit dinner train operator and the nonprofit Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway. Riding is the most direct way to support it, and the railroad's Facebook page is the place to ask about volunteering or private trips.
Rail museums a short drive from Aquidneck Island
The Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum is about 9 miles away in Massachusetts. The Rhode Island Railroad Museum is about 18 miles off, and Slater Mill in Pawtucket is about 20 miles. See all Rhode Island train museums.
- Old Colony & Fall River Railroad MuseumFall River, MA · about 9 mi
- Rhode Island Railroad MuseumWoonsocket area, RI · about 18 mi
- Slater Mill / Blackstone Valley railway-history exhibitsPawtucket, RI · about 20 mi
- Edaville Family Theme Park historic railroad collectionCarver, MA · about 30 mi
- Woonsocket Depot historic railway siteWoonsocket, RI · about 31 mi
- Cape Cod Central RailroadHyannis, MA · about 50 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
A train that runs right along Narragansett Bay feels like it came out of our book. Rally rides with his nose near an arched window, watching the ocean go by, and he greets a white bird outside. My kids always wave at that page. I imagine plenty of little ones on this line doing the same thing at the gulls. There's a coloring page of that window if you want one for the car ride.
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 Rhode Island: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Rhode Island
- Halloween train rides in Rhode Island
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Newport & Narragansett Bay 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.
Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad: 20 rider questions
What is the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
The Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad is a heritage railroad on Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island, operating on the Newport Secondary line. It runs vintage-car excursions along Narragansett Bay. It was formed in 2014 to 2015 by merging the Newport Dinner Train with the nonprofit Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway.
Where does the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad leave from?
Recent excursions have departed from the railroad's station at 2 Alexander Road in the Melville area of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and some trips run south to Newport. Departure points can vary by event, so check the railroad's Facebook page for where your train boards before you go.
Is the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad running this year?
The railroad posts its excursions on its Facebook page, Old Colony and Newport Railway, rather than on a standalone website. Travel listings describe service from about May through November. Check the Facebook page for the current schedule before planning a trip, since dates change from year to year.
How much are Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad tickets?
Fares are not posted on an official website. Travel listings describe scenic ride fares starting at roughly $15 to $20, but prices vary by trip and season. Check the railroad's Facebook page or its current ticket listings for exact fares before you go.
How long is the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad ride?
Rides are described as taking under two hours, following the shoreline of Aquidneck Island along Narragansett Bay. Special event trains, such as the Day Tripper run from Portsmouth to Newport, have their own timings. Check the specific excursion listing for exact departure and return times.
What will I see on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
The route follows Aquidneck Island's shoreline, with views of Narragansett Bay, natural rocky beaches and shoreline wildlife, and passengers ride in vintage cars styled after the turn of the century. Sitting on the bay side of the train gives the best view of the water.
What was the Newport Dinner Train?
The Newport Dinner Train was a for-profit train operation on the same Aquidneck Island line. In 2014 and 2015 it merged with the nonprofit Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway to form the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad, which carries on passenger service on the Newport Secondary.
What was the Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway?
The Old Colony and Newport Scenic Railway was a nonprofit heritage railroad on Aquidneck Island. It merged with the Newport Dinner Train in 2014 to 2015 to form the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad. The railroad's Facebook page still uses the Old Colony and Newport Railway name.
What is the Day Tripper train in Newport?
The Day Tripper is a special excursion from the Melville station in Portsmouth to Newport. One recent run left 2 Alexander Road at 11:15 am and arrived in Newport at 12:15 pm, timed for the start of the Broadway Street Fair. Watch the railroad's Facebook page for future Day Tripper dates.
Is the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad good for kids?
A ride of under two hours with water views out the window is a good fit for many families with young children. The railroad does not post details about car seats, strollers or restrooms on board. Message the railroad on Facebook before you book if those matter for your family.
Does the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad run a Christmas train?
The railroad does not have a holiday train listed in a place that is easy to check online. Holiday excursions, if offered, would be announced on its Facebook page. Watch that page in the fall, and if nothing is scheduled, look at other Rhode Island and Massachusetts rail attractions for Santa trains.
Is the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad wheelchair accessible?
The railroad does not post accessibility information online. Vintage passenger cars often have steps at the doors. Send a message through the railroad's Facebook page before booking to ask about boarding help and space for wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Where do I park for the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
Parking details are not posted online. For trains boarding at 2 Alexander Road in Portsmouth, ask about parking when you buy tickets or message the railroad on Facebook, and arrive early on event days when Newport traffic is heavier.
What kind of train is the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
Travel listings describe diesel-powered excursions pulling vintage passenger cars, including Pullman-style cars decorated in turn-of-the-century style. The railroad does not post a full equipment list online, so ask the crew on board if you want to know about the locomotive and cars on your train.
How old is the railroad line on Aquidneck Island?
Descriptions of the line vary. One local tourism listing says the railway has run along the shore since 1864, while travel companies describe the tracks as dating from the 1870s. Either way, the route has carried trains along Narragansett Bay for well over a century.
Can I book a private trip on the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
The railroad does not post private charter or group packages online. Send a message through its Facebook page, Old Colony and Newport Railway, to ask about private cars, group bookings or special occasions on the Aquidneck Island line.
How do I contact the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
The railroad's main online presence is its Facebook page, listed as Old Colony and Newport Railway, Newport RI. It does not publish a phone number or email address on a standalone website. Message the page for schedule, ticket and group questions.
Is the Newport train ride worth it for visitors to Newport?
For families and visitors who want to see the bay without driving, it offers a relaxed view of Aquidneck Island's shoreline from a vintage car in under two hours. It pairs easily with a day in Newport, and special Day Tripper trains have been timed for downtown events.
Can I volunteer with the Newport & Narragansett Bay Railroad?
The railroad grew partly out of a nonprofit scenic railway, but it does not post a volunteer program online. Message the railroad through its Facebook page to ask whether it takes volunteers and how to help keep the Aquidneck Island line running.
What train museums are near Newport, Rhode Island?
The Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum in Massachusetts is about 9 miles from the railroad. The Rhode Island Railroad Museum is about 18 miles away, and Slater Mill in Pawtucket is about 20 miles. Edaville in Carver, Massachusetts, is about 30 miles away.
Keep exploring
More family train guides from Rally
- DirectoryRailway Museum Directory650 train museums in all 50 states, with hours, tickets and train rides.
- HolidayChristmas Train RidesSanta trains and holiday light rides, sorted by state and town.
- OctoberHalloween Train RidesPumpkin trains and not-too-spooky rides for little ones, by state.
- NovemberThanksgiving Train RidesHoliday weekend train trips the whole family can share.
- AmtrakAmtrak With KidsWhich Amtrak routes work best with babies, toddlers and big kids.
- Plan a tripTrain Trips With KidsEvery Amtrak route, stop by stop, planned for families.