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Time travel may be impossible, but these train journeys with Hudson River Rail Excursions are the next best thing. You can board a beautifully restored 1940s train for a day trip along the majestic Hudson River as you take in scenic, historic sights.
Here's the catch: If you want to try this bucket list experience, do it now because the excursions are soon going on an indefinite hiatus to accommodate Amtrak construction. Tours are now on sale for dates through March 2—and these will be the only day trips of 2025. Ticket prices range from $179-$399 depending on the date and other selections.
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Back in 1948, the New York Central Railroad unveiled a brand new 20th Century Limited train with the modern amenities and the most talented staff, catering to the highest of society. Entrepreneurs, business people, celebrities, and even former presidents knew there was no better way to travel between New York City and Chicago, giving it the title "The World's Most Famous Train." Now, the United Railroad Historical Society of NJ (URHS) is drawing inspiration from that golden era of train travel with its Hudson River Rail Excursions.
Three vintage trains cars—the Hickory Creek, Swift Stream, and Tavern-Lounge No. 43—are available for for excursions along the Hudson River. Called the Farewell (For Now) Classic Day Trips, these first-class train trips offer a 7.5-hour journey along the Hudson River, beginning and ending at Moynihan Train Hall in Penn Station. You'll begin the journey at the first-class Metropolitan Lounge for a light breakfast and beverages. After that, you'll board a historic railroad car for an epic adventure.
Along the way, lunch and beverages will be served while stewards in period-correct attire buzz about the cabin to assist with your every need. By the way, guests are welcome to dress up in vintage duds, too! Expect light narration along the way as the Hudson River whizzes by outside the window. If you have questions about the route and the historic train cars, staff and volunteers from The United Railroad Historical Society of NJ (URHS) will be on hand to answer.
The northernmost point of the journey is Albany-Rensselaer, where you'll have a 2.5-hour intermission while the train turns around for the return trip. Guests are welcome to take a taxi into town for a quick jaunt to the capital region's historic sites, museums, and cultural attractions. You can also tour the train cars and snap a photo on the train's famed "red carpet" while you wait.
When you purchase tickets, you can pick between the level of service that's best for you, from open-lounge seating to a reserved table for four.
Here are the upcoming excursion dates:
- February 14 (Valentine’s Day)
- February 15
- February 16
- February 17 (President’s Day)
- February 20
- February 21
- February 22
- February 23
- February 27
- February 28
- March 1
- March 2
Trains depart from New York at 11:20am, stop in Albany-Rensselaer between 1:50pm to 4:30pm, and return to New York at 7:05pm.
After the March 2 date, tours will stop for the year as Amtrak works to rehabilitate the East River Tunnels, which connect Penn Station in Manhattan with Queens, Long Island, and the Northeast Corridor to Boston. One at a time, each of the four tubes will be shut down for more than a year get a full upgrade. To compensate for the reduced capacity, Amtrak has made major changes to Empire Service trains.
"This decision is unfortunately beyond our control," The United Railroad Historical Society of NJ said in a press release. "Amtrak’s vital rehabilitation of the East River Tunnels and subsequent changes to the Empire Service have made it impossible to integrate our historic railcars into these trains for the foreseeable future. While this news is heartbreaking for all of us who have dedicated years to building this program, we refuse to see it as the end."
The United Railroad Historical Society of NJ believes there are options that would permit their historic programming to keep running amid the renovations. In addition to buying tickets for an excursion, you can also support The United Railroad Historical Society of NJ by submitting a letter here.
While the Hudson River excursions will pause, the society offers other vintage train journeys, including an overnight journey between New York and Chicago on the 20th Century Limited. The group is also working to develop new excursion experiences beyond New York City.