Have you been searching for “weekend train trips near me” in Connecticut? With its quaint towns and coastal beauty, there are plenty of places in the state that you can plan a great day trip around. But there’s a certain novelty to these Connecticut railroad excursions. Many of the state’s trains are no longer active, and while we have a number of museums, they don’t always include a ride in a locomotive. But that doesn’t mean the classic train ride has come to an end. Connecticut still has some unique train excursions, complete with stunning views and in some cases, picture-perfect pit stops. See for yourself:

1. MTA Metro-North Railroad
The West End/Flickr
Metro-North Commuter Railroad, 50 Union Ave # 3, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
absolutetrashmag/Flickr
With its status as a popular commuter train, it's easy to forget that this track has some scenic stretches and tons of great stops, including New Haven, where you can visit the storied Yale campus and enjoy some great pizza. Enjoy views of the Sound and stop at shopping destinations for a day well spent. Taking this train can be one of the most scenic day trips in Connecticut you can take.
2. Essex Steam Train
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat/Facebook
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, 1 Railroad Ave, Essex, CT 06426, USA
Essex Steam Train & Riverboat Facebook Page
Located in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley, this is a premiere destination for scenic train rides in Connecticut. The fall foliage tour, the holiday express, and the dinner train are just the beginning of what this train offers. Along the way, you'll pass through the likes of Deep River and Chester, all with an unparalleled view of the river.

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3. Amtrak
Adam Moss/Flickr
New London, CT, USA
Morgan W. Brown/Flickr
The Northeast Regional train follows the beautiful Atlantic coastline of Connecticut and is a big hit during the fall foliage season when the colors are changing. They even have quiet cars where cell phones are prohibited, perfect for people seeking a traditional quiet train ride with lovely views. With stops in New London and Mystic, you definitely have to try it! Or hop aboard the Vermonter and head all the way to the nation's capital for an extended trip. It will certainly be one of the most picture-perfect train rides in Connecticut you can take!
4. Railroad Museum of New England, Thomaston
Railroad Museum of New England/Facebook
Railroad Museum of New England, 242 E Main St, Thomaston, CT 06787, USA
Railroad Museum of New England/Facebook
Home to the Naugatuck Railroad, this scenic 75-minute ride departs from the historic 1881 Thomaston Station. The restored train is approximately one hundred years old, and the experience is complete with authentically uniformed conductors who come through to punch your ticket. The absolutely coolest part is traveling through the interior of Mattatuck Forest, which is inaccessible by car. So the sights are truly unique!

If you’ve been searching online for great trips in Connecticut, you’ll love these train excursions.

Have you ever been on any of these train rides? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best train trips in CT? If not, which train ride would you like to take? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

You may also want to check out Connecticut’s magical three-mile trolley ride.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nutmeg State adventures, take a look at this video:

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Day Trips Near Me In Connecticut

Melissa M. | July 25, 2021

What are some other incredible day trips in Connecticut?

  • Downtown Stanford offers a wealth of activities including shopping, dining, and trolley rides around the city.
  • Sheffield Island in Norwalk has a lighthouse museum, hiking trails, a beach, and is home to the McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.
  • The Mystic Aquarium in Stonington offers an up-close-and-personal experience of the sea life within the area via interactive activities and great exhibits.

Read on to learn about some of the many other options for fun day trips in Connecticut.

What are some scenic drives in Connecticut?

  • Route 169 has been named a National Scenic Byway as it traverses 38 miles of road through Connecticut and into Massachusetts.
  • S. Route 1 cuts right through the central area of Mystic and overall extends about 117 miles total while running parallel to Interstate 95.
  • The Litchfield Hills Scenic Drive passes by Kent Falls, the White Memorial Conservation Center, and many more of the state's best attractions.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful scenic drives in Connecticut.

Are there any train museums in Connecticut?

  • The Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic has a replica of a Columbia Roundhouse, several vintage trains, and more.
  • The Danbury Railway Museum in Danbury is located at the former Union Station and features diesel cars, cranes, and locomotives.
  • The SoNo Switch Tower Museum in South Norwalk is located in the fully restored 1896-built Switch Tower originally constructed in 1896.

Read on to learn about some of the many other fascinating train museums in Connecticut.

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