Reading & Northern Railroad in Port Clinton, Pennsylvania
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesAll-day excursions to Jim Thorpe on posted dates; more November and December 2026 trips listed
The Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad is a privately held regional freight railroad headquartered in Port Clinton that also runs a busy passenger program, carrying families on all-day round trips to the historic town of Jim Thorpe.
- Headquartered in Port Clinton
- Serves 80+ freight customers
- Day trips to historic Jim Thorpe
- Boarding at Reading, Port Clinton, Tamaqua
- Steam trips with T-1 No. 2102
- Free parking at two stations
Reading & Northern Railroad at a glance
- Hours
- Reading departures 9 am, return by about 6:05 pm; office 8:30 am to 5 pm daily
- Admission
- Round trip from $24 (Tamaqua) to $39 (Reading, Port Clinton, Pittston)
- Train rides
- All-day round trips to Jim Thorpe on posted 2026 dates, including November and December
- Seasonal events
- Fall Foliage Excursions, Iron Horse Rambles, Holiday specials
- Plan for
- A full day (about 9 hours from Reading)
- Best for
- Families and rail fans who want a train ride plus a day in Jim Thorpe
- Best ages
- School-age kids for the all-day trip
- Parking
- Free parking at Reading Outer Station and Port Clinton Station
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Contact and directions
- Address3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605(opens in a new tab)
- Phone(610) 562-2102
- Websiterbmnrr-passenger.com/osjt(opens in a new tab)
Follow Reading & Northern Railroad
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Reading & Northern 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 Port Clinton.
Rally Takes the Train
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A freight railroad that still makes room for passengers
Most heritage lines exist only for visitors. The Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, known as the Reading & Northern, is different: it is a privately held freight railroad with corporate headquarters in Port Clinton, serving more than 80 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties, from Berks and Schuylkill up through Carbon, Luzerne, Lackawanna and Bradford. Its trains move freight across the old coal and river country of the region every week.
Alongside that freight work, the railroad's Passenger Department runs one of the more active excursion programs in the state. Its regular trips use Rail Diesel Cars to link Reading Outer Station, Port Clinton and Tamaqua with the mountain town of Jim Thorpe, and a second route runs from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area through Mountain Top and White Haven. The railroad also runs short scenic trains through the Lehigh Gorge from Jim Thorpe, Iron Horse Rambles behind restored steam, fall foliage trips and holiday specials.
Steam is a big part of the draw. Rail travel sites note that fall foliage runs have operated behind T-1 steam locomotive No. 2102, while other specials use F-unit diesels. The railroad posts those trips on a separate schedule from its regular Rail Diesel Car service, so check what is running before you plan around a particular engine.
A day out on the line to Jim Thorpe
On the regular Reading to Jim Thorpe excursion, the train leaves Reading Outer Station at 9 am, picks up at Port Clinton at 9:32 and Tamaqua at 10:10, and arrives in Jim Thorpe by 11 am. Riders get off downtown, a short walk from most shops and restaurants, and have the afternoon to explore on their own before the 4:15 pm departure. The train is back at Port Clinton by about 5:35 and Reading by about 6:05.
The northern route works the same way, starting at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston with stops at Penobscot Station in Mountain Top and White Haven. Equipment on the regular trips is Rail Diesel Cars, self-propelled passenger cars, while steam and F-unit trips are separate specials.
Don’t miss
- T-1 steam locomotive No. 2102The railroad's steam engine has pulled fall foliage excursions to Jim Thorpe; watch the schedule page for steam dates.
- Port Clinton StationThe railroad's hometown station at 1 Railroad Boulevard, with free parking, is the boarding point closest to its headquarters.
- Downtown Jim ThorpeThe trip's destination, reached right in town, with more than four hours to walk around before the ride home.
- Rail Diesel CarsThe self-propelled passenger cars used on regular excursions are a classic piece of mid-century railroading in their own right.
- Lehigh Gorge trainsThe railroad also runs shorter scenic trains through the Lehigh Gorge from Jim Thorpe, a good fit for younger kids.
Tips for a long train day with kids
The all-day Jim Thorpe excursion suits kids who can handle a ride of an hour or two each way plus an afternoon of walking around town. Every rider needs a ticket, including babies, so count everyone when you buy. For toddlers, the shorter Lehigh Gorge trains from Jim Thorpe may be the easier choice.
Kids who love big engines should watch for the steam and F-unit specials, which are listed apart from the regular Rail Diesel Car trips.
Plan your visit: tips for Reading & Northern Railroad
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for parking, check-in and boarding.
- Bring your email confirmation: Reading riders trade it for paper tickets, while other stations get tickets from the conductor.
- All riders of any age need a ticket.
- The railroad may swap locomotives or equipment without notice if an issue comes up.
- The Houser's Crossing stop is only for overnight guests of The Village at Houser's Crossing.
Beyond its regular trips, the Reading & Northern runs fall foliage excursions, Iron Horse Rambles behind restored steam and holiday specials, and its 2026 schedule keeps Jim Thorpe trains running on many November and December weekends. Steam and special trips go on a separate schedule page, so check there for dates. For more seasonal ideas, see our list of Christmas train rides in Pennsylvania.
Who runs the trains
The Reading & Northern is a privately held company, and its Passenger Department handles excursion tickets and questions every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The best way to support the passenger program is simply to ride, and to follow the railroad on Facebook and Instagram for new trip announcements.
Rail stops near Port Clinton
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg is about 11 miles away and tells the story of the Reading Railroad itself. The Colebrookdale Railroad is about 16 miles off, and the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern Railroad about 17 miles. Find more on our page of Pennsylvania train museums and rides.
- Reading Railroad Heritage MuseumHamburg, PA · about 11 mi
- Colebrookdale RailroadBoyertown, PA · about 16 mi
- Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern RailroadKempton, PA · about 17 mi
- Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical SocietyPennsylvania collections, PA · about 24 mi
- Pennsylvania Live SteamersCollegeville, PA · about 28 mi
- National Toy Train MuseumStrasburg, PA · about 30 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Rail Diesel Cars like the ones on these Jim Thorpe trips sit high above the platform, and that first step up is a big one. In our book, Rally's short corgi legs cannot manage the train stairs on his own, so Dad gives him a boost. Little kids need that same lift sometimes, and it is one of my favorite pages because it is so true to life. Our favorite train books for toddlers have more moments like it.
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 Pennsylvania: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Pennsylvania
- Halloween train rides in Pennsylvania
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Reading & Northern 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
- Reading & Northern Railroad official website(opens in a new tab)
- Reading & Northern Railroad on Facebook(opens in a new tab)
- Reading & Northern Railroad on Instagram(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.
Reading & Northern Railroad: 20 questions riders ask
What is the Reading & Northern Railroad schedule?
As of October 2026, Reading to Jim Thorpe trips are listed through September 25 and on November 6, 13, 20 to 22 and 27 to 29, and December 4 to 6, 11 to 13, 18 to 20, 27 and 28. Steam, F-unit and fall foliage trips appear separately on the railroad's Train Schedule page.
How much are Reading & Northern Railroad tickets?
As of October 2026, round trip fares to Jim Thorpe are $39 from Reading Outer Station or Port Clinton, $24 from Tamaqua, $39 from Pittston, $36 from Penobscot Station and $29 from White Haven. Every rider needs a ticket regardless of age. Buy online through rbmnrr-passenger.com or call (610) 562-2102.
Where is the Reading & Northern Railroad station?
The railroad boards at several stations. Reading Outer Station is at 3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605; Port Clinton Station is at 1 Railroad Boulevard, Port Clinton, PA 19549; and Tamaqua Station is at 18 N Railroad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. The northern route boards at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston.
Where is the Reading & Northern Railroad based?
The Reading & Northern's corporate headquarters are in Port Clinton, Pennsylvania. The railroad serves freight customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties: Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Wyoming. Its passenger trips run to the historic town of Jim Thorpe.
Who owns the Reading & Northern Railroad?
The Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad is a privately held railroad company headquartered in Port Clinton. Its passenger website does not name individual owners. For company questions, call the Passenger Department at (610) 562-2102 or use the contact form on rbmnrr-passenger.com.
Does the Reading & Northern Railroad have jobs?
As a working freight railroad serving more than 80 customers plus a passenger program, the Reading & Northern employs train crews and staff, but current openings are not listed on its passenger site. Check the railroad's official website for an employment page, or call (610) 562-2102 to ask where openings are posted.
Can I get Reading & Northern Big Boy tickets?
The Reading & Northern has not posted a Big Boy trip or ticket sale on its passenger site. Special trips, including steam excursions, are posted on the railroad's Train Schedule page apart from regular trips. Check rbmnrr-passenger.com or the railroad's Facebook page for any special event announcements.
How long is the Reading & Northern ride to Jim Thorpe?
From Reading Outer Station, the train leaves at 9 am and arrives in Jim Thorpe by 11 am, so about two hours each way. From Tamaqua it is under an hour. Riders get more than four hours in Jim Thorpe before the 4:15 pm departure, and the train returns to Reading by about 6:05 pm.
What time does the Reading & Northern train leave Port Clinton?
On the regular Reading to Jim Thorpe excursion, the train departs Port Clinton Station at 9:32 am, reaches Jim Thorpe by 11 am, and returns to Port Clinton by about 5:35 pm. Port Clinton riders receive their paper tickets from the conductor when they board.
What kind of train does the Reading & Northern use?
Regular Reading to Jim Thorpe excursions use Rail Diesel Cars, self-propelled passenger cars. Trips behind steam locomotives or F-unit diesels are run as specials and listed separately. The railroad says it may substitute locomotives and equipment without notice if an issue arises.
Does the Reading & Northern run steam trains?
Yes. The railroad runs Iron Horse Rambles behind restored steam, and fall foliage excursions have operated behind T-1 steam locomotive No. 2102. These trips are listed separately from the regular Rail Diesel Car schedule, so check the Train Schedule page on rbmnrr-passenger.com for current steam dates.
Is parking free for the Reading & Northern excursion?
Yes. The railroad offers free parking at both Reading Outer Station and Port Clinton Station, and riding the train means you avoid paying to park in Jim Thorpe. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to leave time for parking, check-in and boarding.
What should I bring on the Reading & Northern train?
Bring your email confirmation. At Reading Outer Station you show it to a crew member to get paper tickets, while Port Clinton, Houser's Crossing and Tamaqua riders receive tickets from the conductor on board. Plan for a full day, since you will spend several hours walking around Jim Thorpe.
Do kids need tickets on the Reading & Northern Railroad?
Yes. The railroad says all riders, regardless of age, must have a ticket, and fares are the same per person. That makes the long Jim Thorpe day trip a bigger commitment for families with babies, so consider whether the shorter Lehigh Gorge trains from Jim Thorpe suit very young children better.
Does the Reading & Northern Railroad run Christmas trains?
The railroad runs holiday specials, and its 2026 schedule lists many Jim Thorpe excursion dates in late November and December. Specific holiday train names and details are not spelled out yet, so check the Train Schedule page or call (610) 562-2102 for this season's offerings.
Does the Reading & Northern run fall foliage trains?
Yes. Fall Foliage Excursions are listed separately from the regular trips on the railroad's Train Schedule page, and some have run behind T-1 steam locomotive No. 2102. These trips are popular, so book early and check the schedule for this year's dates and boarding stations.
What is the Pittston to Jim Thorpe train?
It is the Reading & Northern's northern all-day excursion, leaving from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston with stops at Penobscot Station in Mountain Top and White Haven. As of October 2026, 2026 dates are listed in late November and December, with round trips from $29 to $39.
What is the Houser's Crossing stop on the Reading & Northern?
Houser's Crossing is a stop on the Reading to Jim Thorpe excursion that is exclusive to overnight guests of The Village at Houser's Crossing. Guests book their stay and train tickets together through houserscrossing.com, and the round trip fare from that stop is $24 as of October 2026.
How do I contact the Reading & Northern passenger department?
Call the Passenger Department at (610) 562-2102, open 8:30 am to 5 pm every day, for urgent questions. For general inquiries, use the contact form at rbmnrr-passenger.com, which the railroad aims to answer within one to two business days.
What is near the Reading & Northern Railroad in Port Clinton?
The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Hamburg is about 11 miles away and is a good companion stop. The Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown is about 16 miles away, and the Wanamaker, Kempton and Southern Railroad in Kempton is about 17 miles away.
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