8 Most Scenic Train Rides In Georgia, USA

1. Georgia Coastal Railway

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Georgia’s scenic beauty aboard a vintage train ride. Setting off from vibrant Kingsland, the 1.5-hour journey to picturesque St. Mary’s unveils a tapestry of quaint neighborhoods, lush woodlands, and serene marshlands. Opt for the air-conditioned coaches at $16.50 for adults or $8.50 for kids, or embrace nature in open-air carriages. Infants under 2 ride for free. With special rides on select Saturdays, this journey, steeped in history and nature, offers an authentic and affordable escape from the daily hustle.

Georgia Coastal Railway

Address: 440 S Lee St, Kingsland, GA 31548, United States

Website: Georgia Coastal Railway

Opening hours: On select Saturdays

2. St. Marys Express Train Rides

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

St. Marys Express is working in collaboration with St. Marys Little Theatre and Theatre by the Trax to offer themed sightseeing train rides for tourists. These journeys, typically run by volunteers, take passengers west from St. Mary’s to Kingsland, showcasing gorgeous woodlands and marshlands while immersing them in the late 1800s to early 1900s era. There are special trains like Halloween express that take you to the ghost towns. You can dress up in your special Halloween costume and enjoy this iconic trip. During Christmas, the train takes you to Santa Land, where the kids can meet Santa and receive excellent gifts.

Website: St. Marys Railroad Express

3. Stone Mountain Park Railroad

This luxury train ride in Georgia encircles the beautiful Stone Mountain Park. It offers excellent views of the mountains including the dome monadnock of quartz monzonite, Stone Mountain. The railroad, originally built by Stone Mountain Granite Company in the year 1869, served quarries to the foot of Stone Mountain. Later it offered excursion services to the mountains. In the year 1960, Stone Mountain Scenic Railroad, Inc. was formed to create a scenic mountain railroad for the travelers. The new starts and ends in Marketplace Depot at Crossroads. The entire trip duration is around 25-30 minutes and offers you a chance to admire Stone Mountain from the open-air locomotives.

Website: Stone Mountain Park Railroad

4. Historic SAM Shortline Railroad

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The name SAM signifies Savannah, Americus, and Montgomery Railway, as it is a successor of this famous railway. Today, the train travels through the southwestern part of Georgia. Managed by the State of Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources, 1949 vintage airconditioned trains take you through the quaint towns of Georgia. During the summers, the trains start from Cordele Station or Veterans State Park. The enchanting train rides take you through beautiful towns such as Plains, Leslie, and Americus. There are interesting train stops Like Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear, the childhood home of Jimmy Carter. In the town of Americus, you can visit the historic Windsor Hotel, Rylander Theater, and Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village. Its journey ends at Boyhood Farm of President Carter, which is managed by The National Park Service. Book your SAM Shortline tickets now, and get ready for an incredible experience.

Website: Historic SAM Shortline Railroad

5. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

In the northern part of Georgia, the round-trip journey of Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers an excellent view of the countryside. You travel 26 miles (41 km) starting from the historic depot of downtown Blue Ridge, and then following the former Marietta and North Georgia Railroad along the scenic river Toccoa. This scenic route opened in the year 1998. The train travels through beautiful towns such as McCaysville, Tennessee, and Copperhill.

Website: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

6. Okefenokee Swamp Park Train

Okefenokee Swamp Park Train serves as the main mode of transportation for Okefenokee Swamp Park, located in the region of Waycross. The rail route is almost 1.5 mi (2.4 km) long, passing through many points of attractions. One of the major points is Pioneer Island. The track was built by B.R. Moore Construction Company and got fully functional in the year 1999. The 36-gauge replica steam engine has a total of three coaches powered by a Perkins Turbo Diesel.

Website: Okefenokee Swamp Park Train

7. Vulcan Steam Train at Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village

Vulcan Iron Works Steam Locomotive is the only steam-powered train that operates on a regular basis in this entire region. On this train, you get to visit Georgia Museum of Agriculture & Historic Village. This is an open-air steam-powered locomotive. It offers you an enchanting glimpse of this historic village. This living museum has a late 19th-century traditional farm community and a progressive farmstead. You get a glimpse into the farm activities such as planting, harvesting, cooking, quiltmaking, spinning, etc., through the structures.

Website: Vulcan Steam Train at Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village

8. Pine Mountain Gold Museum & Scenic Railroad

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This scenic train ride, a perfect choice for train rides for Christmas in Georgia, takes you on a charming trip through the only gold museum located in the area. The 19th-century gold stamp mill is the only one in the western part of Georgia. The open-air rail cars take you on a trip through the entire park area. This trip of the Golden Nugget engine is most enjoyable for the children. In this museum, the kids can enjoy gold and gemstone panning, or follow the trails to explore the mines.

Website: Pine Mountain Gold Museum

Embark on interesting train rides in Georgia

A train ride has so much to offer, as the slow pace offers ample time to admire the beauty of the grasslands, woods, or small towns. The scenic train rides of Georgia offer a chance to explore the various aspects of this contradictory state at a leisurely pace. Book your train tickets today to explore a trip through mountains, grasslands, or the small town of Georgia!