Nashville Has One Train, and It Runs Way More Trips Than You'd Guess
Everybody talks about Broadway when they plan a Nashville trip. Almost nobody mentions the train.
The Tennessee Central Railway Museum runs the only sightseeing excursions that leave right from Nashville, out of a small depot at 220 Willow Street. It's not a daily ride. It runs on selected Saturdays throughout the year, using restored passenger cars from the 1940s and 1950s.
Here's every excursion left on the 2026 calendar, what it costs, and what you need to know before you buy a ticket.
1. Summer Wine Tasting Excursion, August 1
This is a full day trip east to the small town of Watertown, about 90 miles round trip. DelMonaco Winery staff pour tastings right in your car, and you keep the wine glass. Boarding starts at 9 a.m., the train leaves at 10, and you're back in Nashville around 5 p.m.
Price: Coach $85, Premier Coach $125, Dome $160, plus a convenience fee.
Tip: This is 21 and up only, so bring an ID. Lunch isn't included, so plan to eat in Watertown or buy food on the train.
2. Tennessee Wine Tasting Excursion, September 5
Same Watertown route, but this one adds live music both on the train and around the town square once you arrive. It runs a little longer than the August trip, wrapping up closer to 5:30 p.m.
Price: Coach $80, Premier Coach $120, Dome $160, plus a convenience fee.
Tip: Also 21 and up. If you want a dome seat, book early. There are only 20 of them on the whole train, and they sell out fast.
3. Train Robbery Excursion, September 19
The most fun premise on the list. A group calling themselves the Dead Tree Desperados stages a mock holdup along the route through Wilson County, with some staged action once you reach Watertown. This one is built for the whole family, not just adults.
Price: Kids under 12 $35, Coach or dining car seat $60, Premier Coach (adults only) $100, Dome $120.
Tip: If your child startles easily at loud noises, call the museum ahead and ask how the scene plays out before you book.
4. Fall Mile Long Yard Sale Excursion, October 3
One of the longer days on the schedule. Boarding starts at 8 a.m., departure is 9 sharp, and you won't be back until around 5 p.m. Watertown turns into a sprawling yard sale for the day, with shops and restaurants open around the square too.
Price: Kids under 12 $30, Coach $60, Premier Coach $100, Dome $120.
Tip: The museum specifically warns there's a lot of walking once you get to Watertown, so wear shoes built for it.
5. October Wine Tasting Excursion, October 10
Another Watertown wine trip, following the same general format as the August and September tastings, with staff pouring in your car and time to explore the town square.
Price: Not fully published yet at the time of writing.
Tip: Check the museum's official booking page close to your travel dates for exact pricing and times before you commit.
6. Fall Foliage Excursion, October 17
The train heads east through the Tennessee countryside with a stop in Watertown for lunch. Boarding is at 9 a.m., departure is 10 sharp, and you're back around 5 p.m.
Price: Kids under 12 $40, Coach $80, Premier Wine Tasting Coach $120, Dome $160.
Tip: Nobody can promise peak fall color on a specific weekend since it depends on the weather. Treat this as a good chance at pretty scenery, not a guarantee.
7. Fall Foliage Excursion, October 24
Same route, same schedule, same prices as the October 17 trip. This is simply a second date for anyone who prefers a later fall weekend.
Price: Kids under 12 $40, Coach $80, Premier Wine Tasting Coach $120, Dome $160.
Tip: Since foliage timing shifts year to year, picking between the 17th and the 24th really comes down to which Saturday fits your schedule better, not which one guarantees brighter leaves.
8. Santa Express, November 28
The holiday season brings a completely different kind of trip. This one is short, around an hour and a half, with no stop in Watertown or anywhere else. Santa and his elves ride along for photos.
Price: Not fully published yet at the time of writing.
Tip: Check the museum's site directly for departure times and pricing before you build a day around it.
9. Santa Express, December 5
Same short, no layover format as the other Santa Express dates.
Price: Not fully published yet at the time of writing.
Tip: These dates tend to be popular with young families, so don't wait until December to book if this is the one you want.
10. Santa Express, December 12
Same format as the other Santa Express trips.
Price: Not fully published yet at the time of writing.
Tip: If you're combining this with other downtown Nashville holiday plans, keep in mind this ride is under two hours total, so it pairs easily with a bigger day out.
11. Santa Express, December 19
The final Santa Express date on the 2026 calendar, running the same short format as the rest.
Price: Not fully published yet at the time of writing.
Tip: This is the closest date to Christmas, so it may be the first one to sell out. Book early if this timing works best for your trip.
A Few Things to Know Before You Book Any of These
Every seat is reserved and every sale is final. There are no refunds or exchanges, and trips run rain or shine, so a bad forecast won't get your money back.
You can't bring your own food or drinks on board. The dining car sells burgers, hot dogs, fries, cookies, beer, and wine, and credit cards work fine.
Parking is free, but the train can stretch past 1,000 feet long, so arrive when boarding opens rather than right before departure.
If anyone in your group uses a wheelchair or needs mobility help, contact the museum before buying tickets. Boarding involves about five steps up into each car, and this train predates modern accessibility standards.
Kids under 2 generally ride free on a lap if they don't need their own seat. Anyone 2 and older needs a ticket, and discounted child fares only apply to coach seating, not the dome.
All tickets can be booked here: https://www.tcry.org/train-rides
