Historic Niles Canyon Railway Day Trip – Sunol, California

The Historic Niles Canyon Railway runs from Sunol Station through Niles Canyon and back. Train excursions operate on select weekends from February to October. Diesel and steam-powered trains take turns, with diesel trains running on Saturdays and steam trains on Sundays. The round trip lasts roughly one and a half hours and passes through Niles Canyon. At the station, the Pacific Locomotive Association showcases various railroad equipment.

Special Events

The Niles Canyon Railway holds several special events throughout the year, including Spring and Summer education trains, a Beer Train Special, and the Train of Lights. This educational and enjoyable train excursion takes you back in time, making it an excellent family-friendly activity. Stop by the gift shop at Sunol Station. There are various railroad-themed gifts, such as hats, t-shirts, and coffee mugs.

Niles Canyon Railway History

The Niles Canyon Railway operates along a portion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, constructed in the 1860s. The rail line through Niles Canyon was amongst the earliest to be built in California and provided the first rail connection between San Francisco Bay and the nation. It was the primary route for overland traffic to and from San Francisco Bay when built.

A shorter rail line between Oakland and Sacramento was established via the California Pacific Railroad and Benicia by 1879. As a result, the original line became less used due to its longer route and steep grade over Livermore Pass. The Pacific Locomotive Association leased the right of way from the county and began working to reconstruct the track in 1987. The Niles Canyon Railway ran its first passenger train from Sunol in 1988.

Railway Collection

The Niles Canyon Railway has an extensive collection of trains and train cars. There are ten steam engines, 15 diesel engines, two motor cars, passenger cars, freight cars, cabooses, and matinees cars. A dedicated group of volunteers keep the railway operational for everyone to enjoy. “The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, operates Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation.”

Tickets – General Information

It’s best to order your tickets online to ensure you will get to ride. Many weekends, all seats are filled ahead of time. Both open and closed cars are available. A wheelchair lift is available for those needing it. Yes, the train does have restrooms, and there is also a snack bar onboard. Unfortunately, you can not bring your pet on this trip. Only trained service animals are permitted.

Where is Niles Canyon Railway

The Niles Depot Museum displays model railroads and railroad artifacts nearby. Passengers board trains at the 1884 Sunol depot, the last surviving example of a Southern Pacific standard Combination Depot. Interpretive educational displays can be found at the Sunol Depot. Website. Address: 5550 Niles Canyon Rd, Sunol, California.

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Southern California Railway Museum

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