The Three Best Scenic Train Rides Near Lexington, VA

Lexington, Virginia is one of the Commonwealth’s most beloved small cities, rich with Civil War history, outdoor adventure, and Blue Ridge mountain charm. Between touring VMI, shopping downtown, exploring the art scene, and dining on Main Street, there’s no shortage of ways to fill a weekend. But for a truly memorable experience, consider adding a scenic train ride to your itinerary. Train travel in Virginia offers a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the East. Several of the best sightseeing train rides in Virginia are just a short drive from Lexington.

Key Takeaways

• Three outstanding scenic train rides are within easy reach of Lexington, VA, making them perfect additions to any Virginia getaway.
• The Blue Ridge Flyer departs from Staunton (just 35 miles away) and is available year-round, making it the most accessible option for train rides near Lexington, VA.
• The Shenandoah Valley Limited is a rare, fall-only excursion pulled by the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam locomotive making it one of the most spectacular sightseeing train rides in Virginia.
• Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Cardinal routes offer a relaxing and affordable option for Lexington train rides that connect destinations like Charlottesville to Washington D.C., and beyond.
• All three rides offer stunning views of Virginia’s mountains, valleys, and historic landscapes, providing an experience no car window can match.

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Top Reasons to Experience Sightseeing Train Rides in Virginia

1. Unobstructed Views: Train windows frame the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling farmland, and historic rock-cuts in ways no highway can. You’re immersed in the scenery, not rushing past it.
2. Access to Otherwise Hidden Landscapes: Rail lines pass through tunnels, gorges, and river valleys inaccessible by road, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Virginia’s dramatic terrain.
3. Rich Historical Narration: Many scenic excursions feature onboard narration that brings local history to life, from Civil War stories to industrial railroad heritage.
4. A Relaxed, Low-Stress Experience: Leave the driving behind. Train travel lets you sip a glass of Virginia wine, gaze out the window, and simply enjoy the ride.
5. A Sustainable Way to Sightsee: Train travel has a lower carbon footprint than driving, making it a responsible choice for eco-minded travelers.
6. Unique Photo Opportunities: Whether you’re photographing a steam locomotive at full throttle or the misty Blue Ridge at golden hour, train rides deliver endlessly photogenic moments.

1. The Blue Ridge Flyer — Staunton, VA

For travelers seeking year-round train rides near Lexington, VA, the Blue Ridge Flyer is the obvious first choice. Operated by the Virginia Scenic Railway and departing from Staunton (just 35 miles north of Lexington) this three-hour round-trip excursion is one of the most thrilling sightseeing train rides in Virginia.

Best Time of Year to Ride

Available year-round, the Blue Ridge Flyer is a wonderful choice in every season. 

Where to Board

Board at 415 Bridge Street, Staunton, VA 24401. Plan to arrive at the platform at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Highlights of the Trip

• Head east through the communities of Fisherville and Waynesboro before turning around in Ivy.
• Climb roughly 1,000 feet to the mouth of the Blue Ridge Tunnel: a nearly mile-long passage.
• Let the host turn off the interior lights in the dome car to experience the inky darkness of the tunnel.
• Rock-cut bends frame sweeping mountain views.
• Onboard narration shares fascinating local lore.
• Dining class passengers enjoy a plated meal, while other ticket holders can add a boxed meal. Local wine and beer are available for purchase in the dome and dining cars.

2. The Shenandoah Valley Limited — Goshen, VA

If the Blue Ridge Flyer is a great Lexington train ride, the Shenandoah Valley Limited is a bucket-list event. This fall-only excursion is pulled by the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 which is widely regarded as the finest steam locomotive ever built and the sole surviving member of its class. Train travel in Virginia simply does not get more iconic than this.

Best Time of Year to Ride

This excursion runs for only five weekends each fall making it an exclusive and highly anticipated event. The autumn timing is no accident: the route through George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is ablaze with color during peak foliage season, providing a backdrop worthy of the magnificent machine pulling the train. Check the Virginia Scenic Railway website for updated 2026 dates.

Where to Board

Passengers board at Victoria Station in Goshen, VA (just 20 miles northwest of Lexington) making it one of the most conveniently located train rides near Lexington, VA. Goshen is best reached by car.

Highlights of the Trip

• The 611 is a bullet-nosed, streamlined powerhouse completed in 1950 and retired in 1959. It is the official Steam Locomotive of the State of Virginia, a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 
• The 60-mile round-trip journey winds through the stunning national forest.
• Riders often spot “trainiacs” along the route. These devoted fans drive from intersection to intersection to photograph the locomotive at full throttle and line the route, adding a festive, communal energy to the experience.
•  The 611 stops in Staunton to reverse course, but passengers remain on board for the full round-trip.

3. Amtrak Northeast Regional & Cardinal — Charlottesville, VA

For those who want to extend their Lexington adventure beyond the Valley, Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Cardinal routes offer a relaxed and scenic entry point into Virginia train travel. While the boarding station in Charlottesville is about an hour’s drive from Lexington, the journey itself makes the trip more than worthwhile.

Best Time of Year to Ride

Available year-round with multiple daily departures on the Northeast Regional and several weekly Cardinal departures.

Where to Board

Board at the Charlottesville Amtrak station on W. Main Street, conveniently located within walking distance of the University of Virginia’s historic Grounds. Enterprise offers pick-up service from the station for those who want to explore further by car. Rideshare apps are also readily available.

Highlights of the Trip

• Head north from Charlottesville toward Washington, D.C., as the train passes through the Journey through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area.
• Wineries dot the landscape alongside views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon.
• Union Station in D.C. is an architectural destination in itself.
• The Cardinal connects riders as far as New York City and Chicago.