Red-rock formations rise beyond the Verde River as the train follows its green corridor through the canyon. From an open-air viewing car, there is no window between you and the scenery.
That outdoor access comes with the standard Verde Canyon Railroad ticket. An upholstered seat in a climate-controlled carriage is yours, too.
The train travels from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back, covering 40 miles in approximately 3½ to 4 hours. Passengers remain aboard throughout, including at the turnaround.
For travelers who want canyon scenery without a sustained walk, that is the attraction. The listed November and December 2026 base fare is $139 per person, making the cost and time commitment worth understanding before booking.
An Old Railroad Route Through the Canyon
The train travels 20 miles to Perkinsville, then returns along the same tracks.
A curved tunnel briefly replaces the open views with darkness and changing train noise.
The rails were laid in 1911. The first scenic excursion departed on November 23, 1990, turning an older railroad line into a way to see the canyon at a slower pace.
Today, attendants explain the landscape from the outdoor cars. Wintering raptors, including bald eagles, are a possible highlight, though sightings are never guaranteed.
The Standard Ticket Already Gets You Outside
Standard passenger cars have upholstered seating, climate control and restrooms. They connect to shared open-air viewing cars with shaded canopies.
You can spend time outdoors taking photographs, then return inside for a seat or a break from the weather. The canopy provides shade, but outdoor viewing still means exposure to heat, cold and wind.
The private caboose has a listed base fare of $1,200 for up to six passengers, with the rate page specifying ages 13 and older.
It adds a valet, swivel chairs, cupola seating and two private outdoor platforms. Choose it for the private space and amenities.
What Couples and Families Will Pay
The listed November and December 2026 scenic base fare is $139 for passengers age one and older. Infants younger than one ride free on an adult’s lap without an assigned seat.
At those base fares, two standard tickets total $278. Four total $556.
Six standard base fares come to $834. At $1,200, the caboose costs $366 more—or $61 extra per person with six paying riders.
Check the final booking total for taxes and additional mandatory charges.
Each passenger receives a charcuterie tray. The included small bottle of sparkling wine or cider serves two. Additional snacks and drinks cost extra.
Families should weigh the fare against their children’s comfort with nearly four hours aboard. Strollers and car seats are prohibited.
For a closer-to-home comparison, our guide to Tennessee train rides ranked by price can help you compare options.
Plan a Meal Around the Ride
The included appetizers are not intended as a meal.
The depot’s Copper Spike Café advertises a $19 advance voucher covering an entrée, fountain drink and side. Choices include burgers, chicken, pulled pork, wraps and salads.
You can eat at the depot or take café food aboard.
Outside food and drinks are prohibited, except water and food purchased at the Copper Spike Café. Contact reservations about dietary accommodations.
Onboard purchases are credit-card only.
Choose Daylight or an Evening Ride
For a first visit centered on the canyon landscape, choose a daytime departure.
Starlight Adventures focus on changing light, sunset and darkness. They suit travelers who value the evening atmosphere, with less time for continuous daylight views. Cloud cover can affect the stars.
Check the calendar for your actual date. Departure times and operating days vary.
The Magical Christmas Journey is a separate, approximately one-hour holiday experience. Its lower ticket prices do not cover the full canyon excursion.
If a holiday outing is what you have in mind, our guide to Christmas trains in Tennessee offers options closer to home.
Allow Five to Five-and-a-Half Hours for the Visit
The depot is at 300 N. Broadway in Clarkdale, rather than Sedona. Parking is free.
The railroad recommends arriving 90 minutes before departure for a standard visit. Combined with the ride, that puts the outing at roughly 5 to 5½ hours, plus driving time.
For a booked 1 p.m. departure, plan to arrive around 11:30 a.m. and return approximately 4:30–5 p.m. Leave room before any onward reservation.
The depot has a café, shaded dining pavilion, gift store, John Bell Museum and railroad storyboards. Early arrival gives you time to eat and explore without rushing boarding.
Mike McBey, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Confirm Wheelchair Arrangements Before Booking
Wheelchair passengers should call 800-293-7245 before buying tickets.
The railroad’s boarding requirements permit manual wheelchairs only. Motorized chairs and scooters are prohibited because of lift limits, and personal chairs must be no wider than 24.5 inches.
The lift platform has a stated 400-pound maximum. Confirm how combined passenger and chair weight is assessed. Free loan manual chairs have a 250-pound capacity.
Not every onboard restroom accommodates wheelchairs. Ask about the assigned car, accessible restroom and passage into the outdoor viewing area. The private caboose cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
Plan to arrive two hours before departure if you need wheelchair boarding, and confirm arrangements with reservations.
Know the Deadline Before You Pay
The published cancellation policy allows a 90% ticket-price refund more than 48 hours before departure. The $2 preservation fee is nonrefundable.
Within 48 hours, tickets are nonrefundable. Rescheduling costs $5 per ticket, subject to availability and the 48-hour deadline.
Pack layers, sun protection and a water bottle. Bags are limited to one non-wheeled, backpack-size item within 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Check-in must be completed at least 15 minutes before departure.
