Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Ride a beautifully restored 1920s train through Texas, with themed excursions and trips to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More frequent departures
Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Best Time
More frequent departures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a beautifully restored 1920s train through Texas, with themed excursions and trips to the Fort Worth Stockyards.
"A fun and nostalgic ride with a Wild West twist!"
Book Holiday Trains Early
Christmas and special event trains sell out fast! Book tickets online well in advance.
Choose Your Class Wisely
First Class offers more comfort, while Touring and Economy are budget-friendly options.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ride to the Fort Worth Stockyards
Grapevine to Fort Worth Stockyards
Experience a 1920s train journey to the historic Stockyards, perfect for seeing the cattle drive.

Themed Excursions
Grapevine, TX
Enjoy magical Christmas rides, spooky Halloween trains, or wizard-themed adventures.

Vintage Train Cars
Onboard the train
Step back in time aboard beautifully restored 1920s coaches with charming interiors.

Bear Creek Excursion
Grapevine, TX
A short, sweet, and simple fun ride perfect for kids, offered weekly.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Special Events in Advance
Consider Your Destination
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Holiday Trains Early
Christmas and special event trains sell out fast! Book tickets online well in advance.
Choose Your Class Wisely
First Class offers more comfort, while Touring and Economy are budget-friendly options.
Legroom Can Be Tight
If you're tall, consider booking extra seats or be prepared for close quarters.
Bring Snacks for Kids
While some refreshments are available, snacks can keep little ones happy on longer rides.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Holiday Trains Early
Christmas and special event trains sell out fast! Book tickets online well in advance.
Choose Your Class Wisely
First Class offers more comfort, while Touring and Economy are budget-friendly options.
Legroom Can Be Tight
If you're tall, consider booking extra seats or be prepared for close quarters.
Bring Snacks for Kids
While some refreshments are available, snacks can keep little ones happy on longer rides.
Check Departure Times
Trains can sometimes have late departures, but staff often offer refreshments.
Consider One-Way Trip
Take the train one way and Uber back if it suits your schedule better.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for its beautifully restored 1920s cars and engaging onboard entertainment, making it a memorable experience for families and couples. While the scenery isn't the main draw, the themed events and the journey to the Fort Worth Stockyards are highly praised. Some minor issues like occasional delays or tight legroom are noted but generally don't detract from the overall positive experience.
"Wowza!😯
This is great fun! It might be the best of the train rides I've had so far. 🙌🏻
The cars are beautifully it restored.👨🏻🔧 There is entertainment on board.🎭
Also food and drinks, and a bar!
It's a long train ride! Unlike some of the smaller scenic railroads I've been on this train shares tracks with the commuter and freight trains.
The price is reasonable, the food and drink on board is reasonably priced too. This is nice because when you get to the yesteryear of the stockades,🤠 reasonable pricing is the thing of the past....🤑😣🫢"
Michael Scott
"I’ve done two different ride experiences with them, and both were cute. This is an activity that allows you to experience vintage trains, do something different, and enjoy the ride. They ride on tracks used by other working trains, so you may have to stop and wait sometimes - that’s not a big deal, though, because you’re still on the train! 🙂 I recommend the 45 minute ride for families with small children - it’s just enough time for the fun experience without becoming monotonous for them. If you want an activity that’s going to last about half a day, get the ride from Grapevine that drops you off at the Stockyards for a couple of hours. In general, it’s a cute thing to do with visiting family and friends."
John T
"A great value for the money. 6 hours of entertainment for under $30. The train and cars are fantastic! Vintage (100 years old) but in great shape. During the summer months choose an air conditioned car. Not much more money. The view along the way isn’t much to brag about, but they have a team of entertainers who do a fantastic job making the time pass. You spend 2 hours at the Ft. Worth Stockyards (the perfect amount of time). The timing works out for you to see the longhorns parade through the street. This train ride is the real deal! You should go."
Lane C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main departure point is in Grapevine, TX. For rides to the Fort Worth Stockyards, the departure address is often listed as 140 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164, though the primary boarding is in Grapevine.
Yes, parking is generally available near the departure stations. It's advisable to check the specific station you're departing from for the most accurate parking information.
Absolutely! This is a popular option, offering a scenic journey to the historic Stockyards. The ride typically takes about an hour.
Ride durations vary. The excursion to the Stockyards is about 45 minutes to an hour, while shorter themed rides can be around 45 minutes as well.
Accessibility can vary by car. It's recommended to contact the railroad directly to inquire about specific accessibility features for your chosen train car and departure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are best purchased online through the official Grapevine Vintage Railroad website. Special event tickets, like for the North Pole Express, often go on sale on specific dates and sell out quickly.
Ticket prices vary by class and excursion. Economy Class can be around $10-$11, Touring Class slightly more, and First Class can be around $14 or higher for standard rides. Special event tickets are priced higher.
Classes typically include Economy, Touring, and First Class, with Ambassador Class sometimes available for premium experiences. First Class generally offers more comfort.
While official coupons are not always advertised, keep an eye on their website or local tourism sites for potential promotions, especially during off-peak seasons.
It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular themed rides, as they often sell out. Day-of availability is not guaranteed.
🎫 🚂 Onboard Experience
Rides are on beautifully restored 1920s coaches, offering a nostalgic experience. Some rides include entertainment, food, and drinks. The pace is generally slow.
Yes, many rides feature onboard entertainers, including actors performing skits like 'train robberies' or interacting with passengers, adding to the fun.
Yes, food and drinks, including beer and wine, are often available for purchase onboard. Prices are generally considered reasonable.
The scenery is not the main attraction; the focus is on the vintage train experience and onboard entertainment. Some sections offer pleasant views, but it's not a dramatic landscape tour.
Consider bringing snacks and entertainment for young children, especially on longer rides. Comfortable shoes are always a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the vintage train cars themselves are very photogenic, both inside and out. The themed events also provide unique backdrops for photos.
During boarding and departure, and when entertainers are interacting with passengers, offer great photo moments. Also, consider the views when the train is stopped.
Absolutely! The restored interiors are a highlight, and passengers are encouraged to capture the vintage charm.
Yes, the Stockyards themselves offer numerous photo opportunities, especially around the cattle pens, historic buildings, and during the cattle drive.
Given the potentially dim lighting inside the cars and varying light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a good night mode is recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples & Dates
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Themed Excursions
These themed rides often include special entertainment, costumed characters, and sometimes even themed refreshments, making them a standout attraction. Booking for these popular events is crucial, as they frequently sell out months in advance. Checking the official Grapevine Vintage Railroad website for their event calendar and ticket release dates is essential for securing a spot on these magical journeys.
Journey to the Fort Worth Stockyards
Upon arrival at the Stockyards, passengers are typically given a couple of hours to explore the area. This timing is often coordinated to allow visitors to witness the famous cattle drive, a quintessential Stockyards experience. The train ride back provides a relaxing end to the day. For those looking for a full day of activity, this round trip offers a fantastic combination of vintage travel and Western heritage exploration.
Understanding the Train Cars and Classes
Economy Class typically offers the most basic seating, while Touring Class provides a step up in comfort. First Class usually offers more spacious seating and potentially better views, though legroom can still be a consideration for taller passengers. Some premium experiences might even include an 'Ambassador Class.' It's worth noting that during warmer months, opting for an air-conditioned car is highly recommended for a more comfortable ride.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit