Most Scenic Train Rides In Maryland, USA

1. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

If you are one who loves something unique, a trip on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is ideal for you. The train runs daily and has different types of excursions to choose from! For instance, if you want to get a hands-on experience, they’ll let you operate an actual diesel locomotive under the guidance of a seasoned engineer. If you want something more exciting, there’s a performance in the form of a murder mystery, where you get to join in improvising comedy and the fun of interactive murder mystery. There’s even an option available for romantic couples, where the train travels from Alleghany Mountains to the mountain city of Frostburg. There are activities such as a visit to the Thrasher Carriage Museum, playing the train’s version of the Newlywed Game inside the depot, or walking downtown. The prices of the train ticket can vary based on the kind of excursion chosen.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Website: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

2. Walkersville Southern Railroad

This railroad makes round trips two to three times a day on weekends in May, June, September, and October; and on Saturdays in July and August. The train runs through Walkersville Community Park and will pass the Fountain Rock and continue south through the woods out into the beautiful farm county, going past Barricks Farm. When the sky is clear, you can see the Catoctin Mountains. Before returning to Walkerville Station, you will come across the shimmering Monocacy River on the railroad bridge that had been rebuilt recently. The leisure ride runs at speeds limited to 10 miles (16km) per hour and can be ridden on the open-air excursion car, caboose or revamped passenger coaches. Special events are also during the year, such as bunny-themed trains during springtime or Santa-themed trains in late November and early December.

Walkersville Southern Railroad

Website: Walkersville Scenic Railroad

3. Amtrak

If you are one of those who prefer to travel out of state on the train, then a trip to Amtrak is perfect for you, as it provides long-distance intercity service around the United States, and even to nine cities in Canada. There are multiple trains you could take from Amtrak station in Baltimore, to various state cities. These trains include Acela Express, Capitol Limited, Crescent and Silver Star. The prices of the train ticket can vary based on the kind of services you have chosen. For example, first-class would have more seating space, at-seat services, boarding priorities, and complimentary meals and beverage but coach service would not be as classy or comfortable. There are even sleeping accommodations if you’re going to be on the train overnight.

Amtrak

Website: Amtrak

Other train rides

4. Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

You will enjoy the experience of the relaxing 20-minute train ride around the railroad tracks that belonged to America’s oldest railroad station and its birthplace. During the train ride, there will be the behind-the-scenes tour relating to how the rolling stock collection and the locomotive are being restored and maintained. You’re also allowed to choose between the standard and first-class tickets. The second option gives you snacks, drinks and also the option for a scenic view from the back of the train for you to see everything around you clearly. Visitors can also purchase food from the TraxSide Snax concession/vending area, but they cannot bring food from their homes.

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

Website: Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

5. Baltimore Streetcar Museum

Welcome to Baltimore Streetcar Museum, where you can enjoy streetcar rides along the Falls Road. But that’s not all, Baltimore Streetcar Museum is a place that has more than just streetcars, offering an entire collection of video and photographic shows, exhibits, tours, displays and archive materials. With their extensive collection of railway vehicles and artifacts to represent America’s method of transport from the past such as an electric bus, 1859 horse car and a crane car, the museum makes visitors feel like they have traveled back in time to experience the way people of that time traveled around. There are even services such as providing spaces for private parties and the availability of a library collection for those who are avid readers.

Baltimore Streetcar Museum

Website: Baltimore Streetcar Museum

6. National Capital Trolley Museum

Get ready to enjoy a round trip ride that travels through a forested area, where you can see whitetail deer along the way. The entire journey takes only 20 minutes, but it’s more than enough to give you a glimpse of how the land was like 130 years ago. While it is more of an attraction, the volunteers do their best to help their passengers get a feel for what it was like when it was in operation, for instance, the conductor coming to check your tickets, using the bell when the train slows down, speeds up or stops, and letting children pull the cord to ring the train’s bell. Besides the ride, they also have a car barn with old trolleys from multiple countries, interactive models, and movies to watch.

National Capital Trolley Museum

Website: National Capital Trolley Museum

Board a train and see Maryland

Maryland is definitely a state that offers a lot. No matter whether you want a short quick ride around an attraction or a train ride that would take you through the cities, either would be a great way to enjoy what Maryland has to offer. These trains definitely add to the adventure you’re seeking and the scenery on the way is soothing to the heart as well. Consider going on board of any of the trains listed above. You won’t regret it.