Activity Overview
Enjoy a vintage train ride through the Texas country side! Take a seat in the passenger car, which is styled after its original 19th century counterparts, and enjoy the view, the wine, or the murder mystery ride. Austin Steam Train Association offers 4 different rides seasonally throughout the year on one of their two train cars: the Southern Pacific Steam locomotive or the Alco, which runs on diesel.
The Austin Steam Train Association operates seasonally, open only on the weekends aside from a few seasonal events and summer tours that are open during the week, so be sure and plan your ride accordingly.
Things to Do
- Hill Country Flyer Ride - A 66 mile, round trip tour that stops at the historical Burnet Depot where you and your family can enjoy lunch and a wild west gunfight! This is the most popular ride.
- Day Out with Thomas - For the younger ones, this ride will take them out with Thomas the Tank Engine straight to the Imagination Station where they can enjoy a magic show, live music, and even meet Sir Topham Hatt.
- Murder Mystery - Go a little steampunk for this tour, which offers dinner and a live, role-playing clue game. Look out for the Halloween Themed Murder Mystery every October!
- Wine Tasting - For the parents, this three-hour tour will take you to the classic Bertram Depot and back again. During the ride, you'll sip on the fruits from local wineries and enjoy a few snacks. Complementary wine glass included.
Austin Steam Train Insider Tips
- Seats sell out quickly, so reservations are recommended but not required. Any available seats will go on sale at the ticket window at both the Burnet Depot and the Bertram Depot 90 minutes before the train's departure.
- During late November into December, Austin Steam Train Association offers a special North Pole Flyer ride where the young ones can meet Santa Claus while he prepares for Christmas Eve. Mrs. Claus will be there with cookies, and everyone enjoys a complementary cup of hot cocoa.
