Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Scenic Train

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers scenic train excursions through the North Carolina mountains along Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, across valleys and through tunnels. All of the train rides depart from the depot in downtown Bryson City (near Cherokee). Their variety of trips and special event trains (like THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride - read more) are ideal for a memorable experience! Ride in vintage open-air cars, climate-controlled cars, or first-class dining options. It's best to book the specialty trains asap to ensure your seats!

Tuckaseegee River Excursion
January through March 31, 2026
This four-hour scenic train ride starts in Bryson City, runs along the Tuckasegee River, and includes a 80-minute layover in Dillsboro for dining, shopping, and sight-seeing. Five levels of service, from the open-air gondola and coach class to premium open-air gondola and climate-controlled first class seating. The gondola seating options are best for taking photos of the river and forest. Boarding begins half an hour before depature. Offered on at noon Saturdays in January, Fridays and Saturdays in February, and most days in March. 

Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train
April 3-5, 2026
Families can celebrate Easter aboard the Bunny Hopper Express. This 4.5-hour round-trip through the Smoky Mountains includes Easter egg hunts with prizes, activity bags, treats, and photos with train-hopping bunnies at the layover. Departs at noon. Prices start at $73 for adults, $56 for children 2-12, and from no charge up to $21 for infants (0-23 months). 

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
April 3 through October 31, 2026
Ride along the rushing Nantahala River. This 4.5-hour excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back. The historic Trellis Bridge takes you across Fontana Lake. Arrive at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for a one-hour layover on the river. Also, check out rafting combo packages - ride the train up the river, then raft down!

Uncorked Wine Train
March 7 & May 9, 2026
Adults 21+ enjoy wine samples paired with cheese, surf and turf, and seasonal dessert aboard first-class cars on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. Guided narration shares wine knowledge throughout the journey. Includes souvenir wine glass. Tickets from $171.72. 

Spirits on the Rail Bourbon Train
March 14 & June 20, 2026
Adults 21+ savor three bourbon drinks paired with a chef-prepared four-course meal aboard climate-controlled first-class cars. Enjoy Western North Carolina scenery through large picture windows. Includes souvenir travel mug with free beverage refills. Limited bar service available. $160.92 per person. 

Great Smoky Mountains Music Train
June
Experience live American, Appalachian, folk, country, and bluegrass music aboard a historic steam-powered train. Six performances featuring two full bands plus solo and duo artists fill vintage railcars as you travel alongside the Nantahala River and Fontana Lake. Wander between coaches and open-air gondolas. Beer, wine, and food available for purchase. TIckets on sale now for the trainrides on June 5-6, 2026.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ 
November 6-December 31, 2026
This ride is a favorite area holiday tradition for kids of all ages. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad says that more than 90,000 passengers ride each year! Expect a visit from Santa, hot cocoa, and more treats. Offering several different ticket and seating options. Tickets become available in the Spring. Book early!

Past Excursions Include

Two Days of Valentine's Day Celebration with Evening Excursions
February 13 and 14, 2026
Enjoy a three-course dinner, champagne, and roses aboard Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Reservations required for this scenic ride along the Tuckasegee River.

Click here to visit their website for current ticket pricing, packages, and specials.

Weekly excursion dates and times may vary, see their website for specifics.

Train Seating Options & Tips

• Most excursions have a full-service concession car with snacks, lunch items, and beverages (including alcoholic drinks) for purchase. Or you can pick up snacks or lunch at their cafe in the Depot before your ride. First-class includes a meal.
• Standard Seating (Coach Class) is in restored vintage coaches that feature windows that open for fresh-air viewing, ceiling fans, and heat for cooler days.
• Open Air Gondolas are created from retired baggage and flatbed cars, with long padded outward-facing seats for the panoramic views.
• In Crown Class, relax in restored coaches dating from 1925, with larger windows for better viewing and climate control. Get a souvenir tumbler to fill with a fountain soda.
• The First-Class riding experience is one-of-a-kind! Travel in comfort and style in a 1940s-era bar, lounge, and dinner cars. Have lunch served by the car’s private attendant, and receive a souvenir tumbler. First-class cars are climate-controlled and full bar service is available.
• For passengers who need special assistance for wheelchair accessibility, there is one car with a hydraulic lift and golf cart for transportation from the parking area. Be sure to call well in advance to make arrangements at 800-872-4681. Once arriving at the depot, be sure the ticket office is aware of your need for assisted boarding.
• Arrive early and stay late to enjoy Bryson City's charming downtown.
• The parking lot is located at 45 Mitchell Street. 

Click here to visit their website for current pricing, packages and specials.

 THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Great Smoky Train Excursions & Events 2025

• March 1 - July 26, 2025: Uncorked (Select Dates) - All-Adult First Class ride with a private attendant and wine tastings. (21+)
• April 18-20, 2025: Bunny Hopper Express - This 4.5-hour round trip special event train departs at 10:30 AM and travels along the Nantahala Gorge River to a picturesque layover destination with Egg Hunt. Train activity bag and Easter treat included. Passengers should be on the lookout for those train-hopping bunnies who have snuck on to take a free ride!
• May 16- October 29, 2025: Moonshine Experience (Select Dates) - Hop on board the all-adult first-class Moonshine Car serving handcrafted, triple-distilled shine. This excursion operates on the Nantahala Gorge excursion. (21+)
• November 6-December 31, 2025: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride - Journey through the quiet wilderness to the North Pole. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, enjoy hot chocolate and a treat while listening to the magical story. It's very popular, so get advance tickets. See pics & read much more!
• For more special trips, visit their website for current pricing, packages, and specials.

Train Ride Add-Ons

• Boxed Lunches: Pre-purchased boxed lunches for Crown and Coach class passengers, packaged picnic-style. Enjoy on the train or during the layover.
• Rafting Add-On: Includes a one-way trip to Nantahala Outdoor Center with a guided whitewater rafting trip back. 

Train Museum
Be sure to see their Smoky Mountain Trains Museum (included with your ticket) with its collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories and its impressive operating layout.

Watch Our Video!

Directions: Located in downtown Bryson City (45 Mitchell Street), about 65 miles west of Asheville. From Asheville, drive I-40 West to exit 27. Take US 74 for 40 miles to Exit 67 for Bryson City. At the end of the exit ramp, bear right. At the first light, turn right onto Main Street, then left onto Everett Street. At the first traffic light on Everett, turn left onto Mitchell Street for the railroad parking. The street address for GPS: use 45 Mitchell St, Bryson City, NC, for the parking area.