Niles Canyon Railway in Sunol, California

Written By Kelsey Cecil

Sunol, California · Updated October 19, 2026 · 13 min read

Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRegular trains 2nd and 3rd weekends, March to October; Train of Lights in November and December

Niles Canyon Railway is a working railroad museum where the exhibits move: the Pacific Locomotive Association runs historic steam and diesel trains through Niles Canyon on a stretch of the first transcontinental railroad, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • First transcontinental railroad route
  • Steam and diesel excursions
  • National Register historic district
  • First train ran May 21, 1988
  • Train of Lights each holiday season
  • Free parking at both stations

Niles Canyon Railway at a glance

Hours
Regular trains the 2nd and 3rd Saturday and Sunday of each month, March to October; check the online calendar for departure times
Admission
Fares vary by ride and event; buy online. Education Trains $8 for ages 3 and up
Train rides
Steam and diesel excursions March to October; Train of Lights November and December; weekday Education Trains in spring and summer
Seasonal events
Train of Lights, School and Summer Education Trains, Black Widows Weekend
Plan for
Half a day including arrival time; Train of Lights is a 1.5-hour round trip
Best for
Families, rail fans and history lovers
Best ages
All ages
Parking
Free off-street parking at Sunol and Niles stations
Accessibility
Cars board by steps; a lift can take a small number of mobility-limited passengers per train, but aisles are narrow for most modern wheelchairs. Contact the railway ahead.

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

Look inside the book

Taking the kids to Niles Canyon Railway? 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 Sunol.

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.

The canyon where the transcontinental railroad reached the Bay

The tracks through Niles Canyon are some of the oldest in California. In 1866 the first Western Pacific Railroad, using about 500 Chinese laborers, built 20 miles of line from San Jose into what was then called Alameda Cañon, and ran its first passenger excursion into the canyon on October 2 of that year before construction stalled. The Central Pacific took over and finished the line in 1869, building timber truss bridges, stone culverts and retaining walls. On September 6, 1869, four months after the golden spike at Promontory Summit, the first train from Sacramento rolled through the canyon to a cheering crowd at the Alameda Terminal on San Francisco Bay.

The route lost traffic to shorter lines in later years, then came back to life in the early 1900s under Southern Pacific, when Niles became a busy junction for Peninsula freight and Santa Clara Valley produce. Southern Pacific finally left the canyon in 1984 and deeded the land to Alameda County. Much of the original 1860s stonework built by Chinese crews still stands along the line.

That is where the Pacific Locomotive Association comes in. The 501(c)(3) volunteer group leased the right of way from the county and began rebuilding track in 1987, ran its first passenger train from Sunol on May 21, 1988, and reconnected Sunol and Niles by rail on April 9, 2006. On October 13, 2010 the railway and its structures were listed on the National Register as the Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District. The association aims to preserve Pacific Coast railroading from 1910 to 1960 and plans to extend service to Pleasanton one day.

Rail fans may also know Sunol as a past home of the Golden Gate Railroad Museum, which began in 1975 as Project 2472 to restore a Southern Pacific Pacific-type steam engine and moved its collection to Sunol from Hunters Point. That museum now bases its operations in Sonoma.

Two stations, one canyon and a long roster of equipment

Trains board at Sunol Station on Kilkare Road or Niles Station on Mission Boulevard in Fremont. Cars range from fully enclosed coaches to open-air cars, all with roofs, and a snack bar car on each train sells hot dogs, snacks and drinks and has two restrooms, one with an infant changing table. Along the way the train follows Alameda Creek past the canyon's old stone abutments and bridges.

The association's collection is large: steam locomotives such as Southern Pacific #1269, #1744 and #2479, Sierra Railway #30 and several logging engines; diesels including the Southern Pacific Black Widow units #5472 and #5623; motorcars; dozens of passenger cars; eight cabooses; freight cars and a yard full of maintenance-of-way machines. Motive power changes by day and month. At the Sunol Depot, railroad artifacts and interpretive exhibits add context, and the freight room has recently displayed painted banners of the railway made by local artisans.

Don’t miss

  1. Train of LightsA 1.5-hour evening round trip through the canyon in cars decorated with holiday lights inside and out, with music and refreshments. It sells out early.
  2. The 1860s stoneworkCut-stone bridge abutments, culverts and retaining walls built by Chinese laborers in the late 1860s are still visible from the train.
  3. Southern Pacific Black Widow dieselsSD-9 #5472 and GP-9 #5623 wear the Southern Pacific Black Widow paint scheme and pull trains on special weekends.
  4. Sunol Depot exhibitsRailroad artifacts and interpretive displays at the Sunol station tell the canyon's story before or after your ride.
  5. Open-air carsRoofed but open at the sides, they give the best view of the canyon walls and Alameda Creek.

Big engines, open cars and a snack bar on wheels

Kids get the full experience of a real train: a steam or diesel engine up front, open-air cars for watching the canyon, and a snack bar car with hot dogs. Families can bring their own snacks too. Weekday School and Summer Education Trains, open to families as well as schools, add a docent talk about the transcontinental railroad, and teachers can earn free child passes by having students complete Operation Lifesaver safety activities.

Trains run rain or shine, so bring layers, hats and sunscreen. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended, and the crew asks that children never climb or sit on railings.

Plan your visit: tips for Niles Canyon Railway

  • Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure; seats are first come, first served.
  • Check which station your train boards from, Sunol or Niles.
  • Dress for weather: trains run rain or shine.
  • Pets are not allowed, though service animals are.
  • Join the mailing list to hear when Train of Lights tickets go on sale.

The season ends with the Train of Lights each November and December, a 1.5-hour night ride through Niles Canyon aboard antique coaches and open cars strung with holiday lights, with music and refreshments on board. As of October 2026, every Train of Lights ticket for the year has already sold out, so join the railway's mailing list to catch next year's on-sale date. For other options, see our roundup of Christmas train rides in California.

The Pacific Locomotive Association volunteers

Niles Canyon Railway is run by the Pacific Locomotive Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rebuilt the track and restores and operates the equipment using standard railroad practices. The association is always looking for volunteers at every skill level, and visitors can also support it by becoming members, donating, or buying a ticket for a ride or special event.

Other Bay Area rail outings

The Redwood Valley Railway in Berkeley is about 16 miles away, and the Santa Clara Depot museum is about 17 miles south. The History San José Trolley Barn is about 19 miles away. For more, see all the train museums in California.

Every train museum in California

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 Train of Lights rolls through a dark canyon glowing with holiday lights, and I can only imagine the cheers when the first decorated car comes around the bend. It reminds me of the tunnel in our book: everything goes dark for Rally, and then there's a big bright light and happy cheers from everyone on board. Kids who love that page can find it 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
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 Niles Canyon Railway?

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.

Niles Canyon Railway: 20 questions riders ask

Where is the Niles Canyon Railway?

The Niles Canyon Railway runs through Niles Canyon in the East Bay, between Sunol and the Niles district of Fremont. Trains board at Sunol Station, 6 Kilkare Road, Sunol, CA 94586, or Niles Station, 37029 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. The mailing address is P.O. Box 515, Sunol, CA 94586.

Does the Niles Canyon Railway board in Sunol or Fremont?

Both. The railway has two boarding locations: Sunol Station on Kilkare Road in Sunol and Niles Station on Mission Boulevard in Fremont. Different trips and events board at different stations, so check your ticket or the event page to see where your train leaves from before you drive out.

What is the Niles Canyon Railway schedule?

As of October 2026, regular passenger rides run on the second and third weekends, Saturday and Sunday, of each month from March through October, with steam or diesel power varying by date. The season ends with the Train of Lights in November and December. Check the online calendar for exact departure times on any day.

What are the Niles Canyon Railway hours?

The railway runs on scheduled days rather than daily hours. Business listings show weekend hours of about 9:30 am to 3:30 pm on operating days, but the railway's own calendar is the source to trust. Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your train's posted departure time.

Is the Niles Canyon Railway running today?

Only on scheduled operating days: the second and third weekends from March through October, plus special events and the November and December Train of Lights. On other days there are no public trains. Check the calendar on ncry.org, or call (510) 996-8420, before you head out.

How much are Niles Canyon Railway tickets?

Fares vary by ride and event, and the railway lists current prices on its Rides and event pages, where you can buy online. As of October 2026, weekday Education Trains cost $8 for everyone age 3 and up. Unsold tickets for regular rides are available at the station ticket window on the day.

How do I buy Train of Lights tickets at Niles Canyon Railway?

Train of Lights tickets are sold online through the event page on ncry.org once the on-sale date is announced. As of October 2026, all tickets for this year have sold out. Join the railway's mailing list to hear when the next season's tickets go on sale, since they go quickly.

What is the Niles Canyon Railway Train of Lights?

It is the railway's holiday train: a 1.5-hour evening round trip through Niles Canyon aboard antique coaches and open cars decorated with lights inside and out, with music and refreshments. It runs in November and December and is a rare chance to ride through the canyon at night.

Is the Train of Lights at Niles Canyon Railway worth it?

For families who love holiday lights and trains, it is one of the railway's most popular events, and tickets sell out every year. The ride lasts about 1.5 hours with music and refreshments. Dress warmly, since some cars are open-air and trains run rain or shine.

Can you ride a steam train at Niles Canyon Railway?

Yes, on some days. Regular trains are pulled by either steam or diesel power, which varies by day and month. The collection includes steam locomotives such as Southern Pacific #1269, #1744 and #2479 and Sierra Railway #30. Check the Rides page to see which locomotive is scheduled for your date.

What is the history of the Niles Canyon Railway?

The line was built from 1866 to 1869 as part of the first transcontinental railroad, completed through the canyon in 1869. Southern Pacific left in 1984. The Pacific Locomotive Association began rebuilding track in 1987, ran its first train from Sunol on May 21, 1988, and reconnected Sunol and Niles in 2006.

Is there a museum at the Niles Canyon Railway?

Yes. The Pacific Locomotive Association runs the railway as a living history museum, where the exhibits are the operating trains. It also displays railroad artifacts and interpretive exhibits at the Sunol Depot, and it publishes an online roster of its large equipment collection.

Is the Golden Gate Railroad Museum at Niles Canyon?

The Golden Gate Railroad Museum, which began in 1975 as Project 2472, once moved its collection to Sunol from Hunters Point. Its own website now lists its operations in Sonoma, where it also runs Russian River Rail Bikes in Cloverdale. It is a separate nonprofit from the Pacific Locomotive Association.

Is there parking at the Niles Canyon Railway?

Yes. Both Sunol Station and Niles Station have ample free off-street parking. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure to park, pick up any will-call tickets and find seats, which are first come, first served.

Is there food on the Niles Canyon Railway?

Yes. A snack bar car sells snacks, hot dogs and drinks, and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board. Carry in, carry out is preferred, though trash and recycling bins are on the train. The snack bar car also has the two onboard restrooms.

Does the Niles Canyon Railway have a gift shop?

The railway does not post gift shop details or hours online. The Sunol Depot has railroad artifacts and exhibits, and the freight room has recently shown painted banners of the railway by local artisans. Ask at the station ticket window, or call (510) 996-8420, about souvenirs.

Is the Niles Canyon Railway wheelchair accessible?

Partly. The historic cars board by steps, but a lift can accommodate a small number of mobility-limited passengers on each train. Aisles in the passenger cars are too narrow for most modern wheelchairs. Contact the railway before your ride so the crew can plan for your needs.

Are dogs allowed on the Niles Canyon Railway?

No. Pets are not allowed on the trains, but genuine service animals are welcome. Plan to leave the family dog at home, and contact the railway ahead of time if you have questions about traveling with a service animal.

Why is Niles Canyon closed, and is it open today?

Road closures in Niles Canyon itself can affect your drive. The railway operates only on its scheduled weekends and special event days, so it can look closed on other days. Check the calendar on ncry.org and local road conditions before you drive out.

What train museums are near the Niles Canyon Railway?

The Redwood Valley Railway in Berkeley is about 16 miles away, and the Santa Clara Depot museum is about 17 miles. In San Jose, about 19 miles away, are the History San José Trolley Barn and the California Trolley and Railroad Corporation. San Francisco's railway museums are about 30 miles away.

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Kelsey Cecil
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