Experiences
In 1948…
The New York Central Railroad unveiled a brand new 20th Century Limited in Grand Central Terminal. Christened into service by Dwight D. Eisenhower, the new train had the most modern amenities, the most talented staff, and catered 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—thus giving it the title “The World’s Most Famous Train.”
TODAY…
This long-lost train is the inspiration for Hudson River Rail Excursions. Our three vintage New York Central cars—the Hickory Creek, Swift Stream, and Tavern-Lounge No. 43—help us recreate the golden age of rail travel down to the finest detail. Whether you are a traveler, a foodie, a day tripper, or a history buff, we will transport you back in time as we transport you along the majestic Hudson River. The New York Central is long gone, but its spirit lives on with Hudson River Rail Excursions.
View our available experiences below
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Classic Day Trips
Our most frequent and most popular outing
Our Classic Day Trip takes you on a 7.5-hour journey along the Hudson River, beginning and ending in New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station. Your journey begins in Amtrak’s first-class Metropolitan Lounge, where passengers will enjoy free light breakfast and beverages. From there, you will step back in time as you step aboard one of our three historic railroad cars.
En route, lunch and beverages will be served while you enjoy the one-of-a-kind view of the passing Hudson River. Stewards in period-correct attire will be on hand to serve guests at their seats throughout. This trip is lightly narrated, and staff and volunteers are happy to answer any questions you may have about the route and train cars themselves. A mobile app is available which can provide information about all of the sights along the way.
The northbound trip terminates at Albany-Rensselaer, at which there is a 2.5 hour intermission while the train is turned for the return trip. During this time, guests are welcome and encouraged to taxi into town to enjoy a quick visit to one of the Capital Region’s historic sites and museums. Before departure, passengers are welcome to tour the three train cars, and will have a great opportunity to take a photo on the train’s famed "red carpet.” The train will skate along the Hudson again on the return trip, and in the fall, provides a beautiful view of the sunset. Our historic rail cars travel on the tail end of regularly-scheduled Amtrak Empire Service trains, which traverse the original New York Central Main Line.
Pricing, dining, and beverage options vary by date and the level of service chosen. Visit our Seating & Pricing page for more information about our options!
Levels of Service Offered:
Observation (Hickory Creek) SOLD OUT!
First Class (Tavern-Lounge No. 43) SOLD OUT!
Reserved Table (Swift Stream) On-Sale August 27
Private Suite (Swift Stream) On-Sale August 27
When:
Thursday through Sunday in April, May, October, and November
Departure from New York: 11:20am
Layover in Albany-Rensselaer: 1:50pm to 4:30pm
Return to New York: 7:05pm
Where:
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
New York, NY
Hudson Valley
History Tour
Our classic day trip along with National Park Service volunteer guide
The Hudson Valley History Tour includes all of the amenities of our Classic Day Trips, with the same ticket prices and itinerary. We are proud to partner with the National Park Service’s Trails & Rails program to provide an even deeper dive into local history on select dates in May, October, and November. Telling the history of “The Water Level Route” was a long-held tradition of the New York Central Railroad. Handouts called “The Magic Window Story” were given out by the railroad to educate and entertain passengers as they travelled. From the settlement of native peoples to the Revolutionary War to the coming of the railroads, the history of the Hudson Valley is rich and varied. On these special trips, volunteer guides and Park Rangers from the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites will regale passengers with the many stories the valley has to tell as they take in the unparalleled scenery.
Levels of Service Offered:
Observation (Hickory Creek) SOLD OUT!
First Class (Tavern-Lounge No. 43) SOLD OUT!
Reserved Table (Swift Stream) On-Sale August 27
When:
October 31, November 1, 2, 3
Departure from New York: 11:20am
Layover in Albany-Rensselaer: 1:50pm to 4:30pm
Return to New York: 7:05pm
Where:
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
New York, NY
20th Century Limited Experience
overnight journeys between new york and chicago
Aboard only six special excursions, the Hickory Creek, from the real 20th Century Limited, will host 16 guests on an earthbound cruise between America’s most important cities. On board, passengers will be treated to the amenities that made classic rail travel so special—first class dining, beverages served in the “Lookout Lounge,” comfortable Pullman bedrooms, attentive service by stewards in period attire, and much more. The trip will be replete with additional gestures to help transport you back in time, and relive what the New York Central called Your Overnight Vacation!
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Levels of Service Offered:
first class pullman bedroom SOLD OUT
When:
Concluded for 2024! Sign up for updates for 2025
Where:
Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
New York, NY (one-way and round trip)Chicago Union Station (One-Way Only)
