Southeastern Railway Museum
Step back in time at the Southeastern Railway Museum, exploring over 90 historic trains, trolleys, and buses with immersive walk-through experiences a...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More train rides available
Southeastern Railway Museum
Best Time
More train rides available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Southeastern Railway Museum, exploring over 90 historic trains, trolleys, and buses with immersive walk-through experiences and thrilling rides.
"One of the best train museums I've been to! I love their miniature display and how hands-on all of the exhibits are."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the 30-acre grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ride Schedules
Train ride availability can vary. Confirm times upon arrival to avoid disappointment. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Explore Historic Train Cars
Throughout the museum grounds
Step inside a vast collection of Pullman cars, locomotives, and cabooses. Many are open for exploration, offering a tangible connection to railway history.
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Ride the Rails
Designated train ride areas
Experience the thrill of a train ride, from a smaller train to a larger locomotive. It's a highlight for many visitors, especially younger ones.
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MARTA Subway Car
Collection area
See the unique addition of a former MARTA subway car, a significant piece of Atlanta's public transportation history now preserved.
Cab Ride Experience
Southern Railway speeder
For an extra fee, get an unforgettable experience riding in the cab of a real train, complete with horn blowing!
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Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Train Ride Availability
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the 30-acre grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ride Schedules
Train ride availability can vary. Confirm times upon arrival to avoid disappointment. :train2:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on warm days. Some areas might be far from concessions. :water_wave: :apple:
Explore Inside Cars
Many historic trains are open to enter and explore. It's a hands-on experience! :housewithgarden:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the 30-acre grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ride Schedules
Train ride availability can vary. Confirm times upon arrival to avoid disappointment. :train2:
Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled, especially on warm days. Some areas might be far from concessions. :water_wave: :apple:
Explore Inside Cars
Many historic trains are open to enter and explore. It's a hands-on experience! :housewithgarden:
Preschool Program
Special programs for little ones on the second Thursday of each month. :baby:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Southeastern Railway Museum for its extensive collection of historic trains and the unique opportunity to explore many cars from the inside. The train rides are a significant highlight, especially for families. Some visitors noted the gift shop's early closing time as a minor inconvenience.
"My son loved this visit. He enjoyed learning about the different trains and types of transportation. The smaller train was not available to ride but we were able to ride the large train. It was a great outing."
Melinda Marler
"Great spot to visit for train enthusiasts. I really liked how many cars could be entered and toured, it really sets this place apart from others that are mostly look, very little experience. Big area with lots to see."
Amber Barnes
"Cool experience. My wife brought me there for an early birthday present. Cool history of trains. The only issue was the closing of the gift shop an hour before closing."
Joseph Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Duluth, Georgia. It's about a 25-minute drive from the Morningside area of Atlanta. Parking is available on-site.
While the museum has a MARTA subway car in its collection, direct public transportation to the museum itself might be limited. Driving is the most common method.
The museum spans an impressive 30 acres, offering plenty of room to explore its extensive collection of trains, trolleys, and buses.
Generally, pets are not allowed inside the museum or on the train rides, except for service animals. It's best to check their official policy before visiting. :dog:
Many areas of the museum are accessible, but some historic train cars may have limited accessibility due to their original design. It's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility for train rides. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically $19 for adults and $13 for children when purchased online. Children under 2 are free. Additional train rides may have separate fees.
Yes, tickets can usually be purchased at the museum, but buying online in advance is recommended, especially for special events, to ensure availability.
Keep an eye on their website or social media for potential promotions or discounts. Sometimes, special event tickets might offer early bird pricing. :moneywithwings:
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Southeastern Railway Museum website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. :clock1:
While museum entry might be flexible, popular train rides, like the Southern Railway speeder or open-air train, can have limited spots. It's wise to check if advance booking is recommended or required for specific rides.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
You can explore over 90 historic trains, trolleys, and buses, many of which you can enter. Enjoy train rides, learn about transportation history, and experience a unique hands-on museum.
Yes, the museum offers various train rides, including a smaller train and a larger locomotive. Some special rides, like the Southern Railway speeder, may have an additional cost.
Absolutely! A major draw of the Southeastern Railway Museum is that many of the historic train cars are open for visitors to enter and explore, offering a truly immersive experience.
It's a significant addition to the museum's collection, representing Atlanta's public transit history. It was saved and added to their exhibits, making it a unique point of interest.
Yes, there is a gift shop. However, be aware that it may close an hour before the museum's official closing time, so plan your visit accordingly if you wish to shop.
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse collection of locomotives, vintage cars, and the open-air train rides offer numerous picturesque opportunities. The speeder cab ride also makes for unique shots.
Generally, photography is allowed on the train rides, but be mindful of other passengers and follow any instructions from the ride operators.
While most photography is permitted for personal use, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always check with museum staff if you have specific needs. :camerawithflash:
Outdoor areas will have natural light, which is great for wide shots. Inside train cars, lighting can be dimmer, so a camera with good low-light performance or a flash might be helpful. :flashlight:
Capturing the scale of the locomotives, the details of the vintage interiors, and the action of the train rides are all highly recommended for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking for their special preschool program if you have very young children, as it's tailored for them. Pro-tip: Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover. Bringing snacks and water is also a good idea to keep energy levels up.
🚂 Train Enthusiasts
The opportunity to explore the interiors of various Pullman cars and locomotives offers a deep dive into railway history and engineering. The chance to experience a cab ride on the Southern Railway speeder is an unparalleled opportunity for enthusiasts seeking an authentic, hands-on connection with vintage rail technology.
+1 Don't miss the chance to see the unique MARTA subway car, a significant piece of regional transit history. Day-Trippers from Atlanta
You can immerse yourself in a bygone era, stepping back in time aboard vintage trains and trolleys. Make sure to check the schedule for train rides, as these are often a highlight of the visit and add an extra layer of fun to your day.
Even if you only have a few hours, you can still get a great feel for the museum's collection and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Remember to check the gift shop hours if you plan on picking up a souvenir. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Collection
The collection includes notable pieces like the MARTA CQ310 subway car, a significant addition that preserves a piece of Atlanta's public transit history.
Experiencing the Ride: Train Adventures
For an even more unique thrill, consider the Southern Railway speeder ride, where for a fee, you can actually sit in the cab of a real train and even blow the horn! +1 This hands-on experience is a major draw for many visitors, offering a perspective rarely available. It's important to note that the availability and schedule of these train rides can vary. Some rides, like the open-air train, are particularly enjoyable on pleasant days.
Visitors are advised to check the operating schedules upon arrival to ensure they don't miss out on these exciting excursions. Special events might also feature unique themed rides, adding to the festive atmosphere. Beyond the Rails: Other Exhibits
The museum's 30-acre spread allows for these diverse exhibits to be displayed effectively, creating a rich historical landscape. For younger visitors, the museum offers a special preschool program on the second Thursday of each month, making it an engaging educational outing for toddlers and preschoolers.
This program is designed to introduce young children to the world of trains and transportation in a fun and interactive way. The museum's hands-on approach, with many exhibits being accessible, makes it a great destination for families looking for an educational and entertaining experience. 
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