
Southern Railway Museum
Explore historic locomotives and vintage rail cars, with exciting weekend rides and free admission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Train and trolley rides available

Southern Railway Museum
Best Time
Train and trolley rides available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic locomotives and vintage rail cars, with exciting weekend rides and free admission.
"Amaze even non-technical people with a guided tour in cabins of diesel, electric and even steam locomotives."

Free Admission!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy free admission to the museum and outdoor exhibits. Rides may have separate ticket costs.
Guided Tours
:microphone: Ask about guided tours; staff are often happy to share insights and show you inside cabins.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Locomotives
Outdoor Exhibits
Explore full-size diesel, electric, and steam locomotives. Get up close and personal with these giants of the rails.

Vintage Rail Cars
Outdoor Exhibits
Step inside historic rail cars, including an 80-year-old headquarters car, for a glimpse into past travel.

Indoor Memorabilia
Indoor Exhibits
Discover miniature train models and historical railway artifacts from the early 1900s.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Operating Hours
Weekend Train Rides
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy free admission to the museum and outdoor exhibits. Rides may have separate ticket costs.
Guided Tours
:microphone: Ask about guided tours; staff are often happy to share insights and show you inside cabins.
Weekend Rides
:train2: Train and trolley rides are a highlight, but typically only run on weekends. Book tickets in advance!
Kid-Friendly Fun
:child: Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' are a huge hit with families. Check their schedule!
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy free admission to the museum and outdoor exhibits. Rides may have separate ticket costs.
Guided Tours
:microphone: Ask about guided tours; staff are often happy to share insights and show you inside cabins.
Weekend Rides
:train2: Train and trolley rides are a highlight, but typically only run on weekends. Book tickets in advance!
Kid-Friendly Fun
:child: Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' are a huge hit with families. Check their schedule!
Photo Ops
:camera: Capture unique shots in the starship-like triangle corridor inside the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Southern California Railway Museum for its free admission and the exciting opportunity to explore historic locomotives and rail cars. The weekend train rides are a major highlight, especially for families. While some note the museum is on the smaller side, the friendly staff and engaging exhibits make for a charming and educational experience.
"Excellent train museum. On the smaller side, but has plenty of artifacts and the staff were super friendly and willing to give a tour for free even without speaking English. Be aware that they are not open during air raid alerts."
Ethan Shoe
"Amaze even non-technical people with a guided tour in cabins of diesel, electric and even steam locomotives, and an 80-years old headquarters car. Almost everything you'll see you can fidget with. Make a mysterious photo in a starship-looking triangle corridor)"
Roman Temnenko
"When I arrived, the museum was already closed, although according to the sign at the entrance, it still had to work 40 minutes.
There is an interesting thematic railway cafe nearby."
Ge Na
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Southern California Railway Museum is located in Perris, CA. While specific public transport details can be scarce, many visitors arrive by car. Parking is generally available.
Yes, parking is typically available at the Southern California Railway Museum. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends or during special events, to secure a spot.
While the museum is accessible by car, public transportation options might be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules for Perris, CA, or consider ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to the museum and its outdoor exhibits is free! However, train and trolley rides usually require separate ticket purchases.
Ticket prices for train and trolley rides vary. It's best to check the official Southern California Railway Museum website for current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular events.
The museum is generally open daily, but train rides are typically only offered on weekends. It's crucial to verify the exact operating hours on their website before your visit, as they can change.
Tickets for train and trolley rides can usually be purchased on-site, but it's highly recommended to buy them in advance online to guarantee your spot, especially during peak times or special events.
The museum hosts special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' and 'Perris Appreciation Day' which can offer unique experiences and sometimes package deals. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can explore a collection of historic locomotives and rail cars, many of which you can enter. The indoor section features miniature train models and historical railway memorabilia.
Yes, the museum offers mainline and loopline trolley rides, primarily on weekends. These rides provide a fantastic way to experience the historic trains firsthand.
Absolutely! Children often love the train rides and the chance to see and explore the large locomotives. Special events like 'Day Out With Thomas' are specifically geared towards families.
Yes, photography is encouraged! The unique corridors and impressive locomotives offer great photo opportunities.
This refers to a distinctive architectural feature within the museum's indoor exhibits, offering a unique and mysterious backdrop for photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum itself might have limited concessions, there's often a thematic railway cafe nearby that visitors recommend. It's a good idea to check for current dining options.
Information on bringing outside food and drinks can vary. It's best to check the museum's official policy or be prepared to dine at nearby establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
The outdoor exhibits with the full-size locomotives and vintage rail cars offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Don't miss the unique 'starship-looking triangle corridor' indoors.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding restricted areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚂 Rail Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Rides
These rides aren't just about transportation; they're an immersive experience. Imagine the rumble of the engine and the clickety-clack of the tracks as you journey through the museum's historic setting. It's a chance to feel what it was like to travel by train in a bygone era, making it a memorable part of any visit.
A Glimpse into Railway History
Beyond the models, the museum boasts an impressive collection of full-size locomotives and vintage rail cars displayed outdoors. Visitors can explore the cabins of diesel, electric, and even steam engines, gaining a hands-on appreciation for their engineering. An 80-year-old headquarters car is a particular point of interest, offering a unique glimpse into the living quarters of railway personnel from decades past. This combination of indoor detail and outdoor scale makes for a comprehensive understanding of railway heritage.
Family Fun and Special Events
Beyond specific character events, the museum frequently hosts community days and appreciation events, like 'Perris Appreciation Day,' which offer a festive atmosphere with activities for all ages. These occasions provide a great opportunity for families to enjoy the museum's offerings in a lively setting, often with added attractions that make the visit even more engaging and memorable for children.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit