Ah, the open rails! It harks back to the days when train travel was the primary mode of transportation before the automobile took over and road trips became more common. These days one can experience an amazing open air train ride in Northern California by embarking on the Niles Canyon Railway. The company offers an array of exciting scenic adventures for the whole family. So, if you love adventure as much as I do, read on and get ready to hear “All aboard!”.

Niles Canyon is located just east of downtown Fremont, CA off highways 84 and 238. The area is the site of the first transcontinental railroad in the mid-1800s. The lines played an integral role in ferrying passengers between San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area, and Sacramento.
Niles Canyon Railway Website
The train and the town established here are named after a former railroad attorney and prominent judge - Addison C. Niles.
Although passenger railroad voyages severely decreased, and in some places ceased altogether over the years, scenic train rides in California started up again in 1988.
Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page
Today, open air train rides are offered between Niles, California, on the western end, and Sunol, California, (approximately six miles) to the east year-round.
The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc., which operates the Niles Canyon Railway, possesses an eclectic collection of trains including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, motorcars passenger cars, and cabooses.
Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page
Each train has been carefully and lovingly restored to its previous grandeur. The round trip excursions on these open air train rides in California take about an hour and 20 minutes, each one offering picturesque views of the canyon and surrounding countryside.

Related Stories

Journey Through The Redwoods To A Secluded Pumpkin Patch On The Pumpkin Express Train In Northern California 

Journey Through The Redwoods To A Secluded Pumpkin Patch On The Pumpkin Express Train In Northern California 

Paid Content Skunk Train
The One-Of-A-Kind Children's Fairyland In Northern California Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth

The One-Of-A-Kind Children's Fairyland In Northern California Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth

 11 Epic Train Rides In Northern California For That Wonderful Scenic Experience You Need

11 Epic Train Rides In Northern California For That Wonderful Scenic Experience You Need
The trains are more than just transportation modes. They are considered part of a living history museum.
Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page
Passengers here will learn a great deal about the history, significance, and enjoyment of rail travel during its heyday in small-town America, particularly in the western part of the country, when taking one of the most scenic train rides in California. At the Sunol Depot, they can also explore several displays and exhibits with railroad artifacts and other memorabilia.
Depending on the day and time of the excursion, passengers may embark upon open-window enclosed coaches or completely open-air cars.
Paul Gillespie/Google Maps
These train rides in Northern California, aboard historic diesel and steam locomotives, are great for families, small groups, reunions, themed excursions, and so forth.
Niles Canyon Railway also operates several self-propelled railcars.
Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page
It’s hard to describe the feeling of ambling along aboard these majestic, restored trains!
During the holiday season, Niles Canyon Railway offers special Train of Lights rides.
Kenneth Stone/Google Maps
The trains are decorated in beautiful colors and strung with lights for the journey through the nighttime landscape. The line even provides hot cocoa each night to help make it a special occasion! Hence, another reason why they're one of the best scenic train rides in California.

Another welcome aspect is that the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with scores of enthusiastic volunteers who spend countless hours in all aspects of its operation. Historic train rides in Northern California, on classic vehicles, with a philanthropic heart – that’s a double win!

Have you embarked upon a journey along the Niles Canyon Railway? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also find out about its rides and special events on the railway’s Facebook page. We also suggest that book this fun-filled experience through Tripadvisor.

For other railway-themed adventures in California, be sure to check out the River Fox Train Company Railbikes as well.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Open Air Train Ride

Marla S. | July 28, 2023

What are some of the most scenic train rides in California? 

In addition to the open air train ride with Niles Canyon Railway, here are some of the most scenic train rides in Northern California:

  • Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad: During the 4-mile route, you'll chug through stunning scenery on a route used by logging companies.
  • Napa Valley Wine Train: I've taken this trip myself and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a novel way to sip some wine while soaking in some of the prettiest views in Northern California.
  • Sacramento River Train: There are several options available to tour this part of Northern California from the comfort of your train seat.
  • Roaring Camp Railroads: It'll be worth the trip to experience riding on an authentic 1880s steam locomotive located near Santa Cruz.

 

What are some of the best train rides in Northern California that you can take from San Francisco?

Here are some of the best train rides in Northern California that you can take from San Francisco:

  • Coast Starlight on Amtrak: Once getting on this train in Emeryville, take advantage of the lounge car known as the "Pacific Parlour Car".
  • Altamont Corridor Express: This train route goes from Stockton to San Jose. We think it's a good option if you want to take a break from being behind the wheel.
  • California Zephyr on Amtrak: While riding along this train route, be prepared to enjoy the stunning scenery from the comfort of your seat.

 

 

 

 

 

Related Articles

Explore Northern California

Featured Addresses
Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd, Sunol, CA 94586, USA