Southern Railway Station - gray concrete road near green trees during daytime
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Southern Railway Station

4.6
·491k reviews·Knoxville, United States

Ride a historic steam locomotive, Southern Railway 154, on scenic excursions along the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

More frequent train departures

CrowdMedium
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Southern Railway Station - gray concrete road near green trees during daytime

Southern Railway Station

Best Time

Weekends

More frequent train departures

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a historic steam locomotive, Southern Railway 154, on scenic excursions along the Tennessee River in Knoxville.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience the power and charm of a 134-year-old steam engine echoing through downtown Knoxville!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚂 Book Tickets Early

Popular excursions, especially holiday ones, sell out fast. Secure your spot in advance!

📸 Prime Photo Spots

Neyland Drive offers great views of the train leaving downtown. Chase the train for more photo ops!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Southern Railway 154 Steam Locomotive

Southern Railway 154 Steam Locomotive

Three Rivers Rambler Station, Knoxville

Witness the power and charm of a 134-year-old steam engine echoing through downtown Knoxville.

TikTok
Christmas Lantern Express

Christmas Lantern Express

Three Rivers Rambler, Knoxville

Experience the magic of the holidays with a festive ride on a vintage steam train.

TikTok
Tennessee River Views

Tennessee River Views

Three Rivers Rambler route

Enjoy scenic vistas along the Tennessee River from the unique perspective of a historic train.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Experience Knoxville's Historic Steam Engine

Ride a piece of history aboard Southern Railway 154, a beautifully restored steam locomotive. Perfect for train enthusiasts and families seeking a unique Knoxville adventure. Book tickets in advance, especially for special events like the Christmas Lantern Express. TikTok+1

Best Times for Train Spotting

Catch the iconic Southern Railway 154 in action! While specific schedules vary, look for its runs on the Three Rivers Rambler. Early mornings or late afternoons often offer great light for photography and fewer crowds. TikTok+1

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
More frequent train departures
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday Season
Why
Special Christmas Lantern Express
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for photos
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Southern Railway 154 pulling the Christmas Lantern Express in Knoxville, TN. #SouthernRR #steamengine #TRR #ThreeRiversRambler #Christmastrain #FYP #MerryChristmas
@ilg.productions
1.1K likes • 9.4K views

🚂 Book Tickets Early

Popular excursions, especially holiday ones, sell out fast. Secure your spot in advance! Reddit

📸 Prime Photo Spots

Neyland Drive offers great views of the train leaving downtown. Chase the train for more photo ops! TikTok+1

Southern Railway 154 in Knoxville, Tennessee #traintok #railfan #southern154 #southernrailway #steamwhistle #knoxville #threeriversrambler
@mb_rails
1K likes • 24.8K views
📍Tuvvur , Malapuram 🍃 Tuvvur railway station is a minor railway station serving the town of Tuvvur in the Malappuram district of Kerala. It lies in the Shoranur–Nilambur section of the Southern Railways. Trains halting at the station connect the town to prominent cities in India such as Nilambur, Shoranur and Angadipuram. The Nilambur–Shoranur line is a branch line of the Southern Railway zone in...
_kerala_premikal_
140.4K likes • 1M views

🎶 Hear the Whistle

Listen for the iconic steam whistle – it's a signature sound of these historic trains. TikTok+1

👨‍👩‍👧 Toddler-Friendly Fun

A great option for toddlers who love trains, offering a chance to explore a real locomotive. Reddit

Chennai Egmore Railway Station (Southern Railways) . . . . . #chennai #railwaystation #trains #cinematic #cinematicphotography #trainjourney #chennaiegmore #tamilnadu #trainstagram #trending #viralreels #reelsinstagram #tamilian #tamil #chennaisuperkings #csk
trainwayys
1.4K likes • 32.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚂 Book Tickets Early

Popular excursions, especially holiday ones, sell out fast. Secure your spot in advance! Reddit

📸 Prime Photo Spots

Neyland Drive offers great views of the train leaving downtown. Chase the train for more photo ops! TikTok+1

🎶 Hear the Whistle

Listen for the iconic steam whistle – it's a signature sound of these historic trains. TikTok+1

👨‍👩‍👧 Toddler-Friendly Fun

A great option for toddlers who love trains, offering a chance to explore a real locomotive. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the thrilling experience of riding behind the historic Southern Railway 154 steam locomotive. The festive atmosphere of special events like the Christmas Lantern Express is a major draw, though tickets can be pricey and sell out quickly. Some find the train rides a bit short for the cost, but the unique charm of a working steam engine is undeniable.

What People Like

Authentic steam engine experience
Festive holiday rides
Scenic river views

What People Dislike

Ticket prices can be high
Excursions sometimes short

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Three Rivers Rambler, which operates the Southern Railway 154, departs from its station in downtown Knoxville, TN. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is usually available nearby. TikTok+1

While specific bus routes can vary, downtown Knoxville is generally well-served by public transit. Check with local Knoxville transit authorities for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Yes, you can often see the Southern Railway 154 at the station or as it departs. Neyland Drive is a popular spot for viewing and photographing the train. TikTok+1

TikTok users have explored an abandoned train tunnel known locally as 'The Hanging Tunnel' near Knoxville, though this is separate from the active Three Rivers Rambler experience. TikTok

Many photographers recommend chasing the train along its route for dynamic shots. Early morning or late afternoon light is often preferred. TikTok+2

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for the Three Rivers Rambler excursions, featuring Southern Railway 154, are typically purchased online through their official website or at the station. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary depending on the excursion and time of year. Special events like the Christmas Lantern Express may have higher pricing. Check the Three Rivers Rambler website for current rates. Reddit

The Three Rivers Rambler operates on a seasonal schedule with specific departure times for its excursions. It's best to check their official schedule for the most accurate operating hours. TikTok

Yes, toddlers are welcome! The Three Rivers Rambler is a great option for young children fascinated by trains, offering a chance to explore a real locomotive. Reddit

Information on group or family discounts is best found directly on the Three Rivers Rambler's website or by contacting them directly. Reddit

🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience

Riding the Southern Railway 154 on the Three Rivers Rambler offers a nostalgic journey with the sights, sounds, and smells of a working steam engine. It's a unique way to see Knoxville. TikTok+1

Excursion lengths can vary. Some rides might be shorter trips around the city, while others could be longer journeys along the Tennessee River. Check the specific excursion details when booking. TikTok

While you can often see the locomotive up close at the station, access inside the engine itself is usually restricted to crew. Passengers can explore the passenger cars. Reddit

The route often follows the Tennessee River, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding landscapes. TikTok+1

Accessibility information for the Three Rivers Rambler should be confirmed directly with the operator. Some historic trains may have limitations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, provide beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but offers clear views of the engine. TikTok+1

Neyland Drive in Knoxville is a popular spot for departure shots. Chasing the train along its route offers dynamic perspectives. TikTok+1

At the station, you can often get quite close to the locomotive for detailed shots. Always be mindful of safety and operational areas. TikTok+1

A telephoto lens is useful for capturing details from a distance, while a wide-angle lens can capture the train in its environment. A tripod can help with low-light shots. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check with the operator if unsure. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Southern Railway 154, operated by the Three Rivers Rambler, is an absolute hit with young children who are fascinated by trains. It provides a safe and exciting environment for toddlers to explore a real steam locomotive, a much more accessible option than some other train experiences. Reddit

Consider booking tickets for special events like the Christmas Lantern Express for an extra magical experience. Remember to book well in advance, as these popular excursions sell out quickly. The scenic rides along the Tennessee River offer beautiful views for everyone. TikTok+1

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Southern Railway 154 offers incredible opportunities. The classic steam engine is a photogenic subject, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok

Popular spots include Neyland Drive for departure shots, and chasing the train along its route provides dynamic action shots. Experiment with different lenses to capture both the grandeur of the locomotive and its scenic surroundings. TikTok+1

🚂 Railfans & History Buffs

Railfans will appreciate the chance to see and hear the meticulously restored Southern Railway 154, a G-class 2-8-0 consolidation locomotive built in 1890. Its operational status is a testament to preservation efforts. TikTok

Learn about its history with the Southern Railway and its restoration by the G&O's Knoxville and Holston River Railroad. The Three Rivers Rambler excursions offer a tangible connection to a bygone era of rail travel. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Southern Railway 154

Southern Railway 154 is a G-class 2-8-0 consolidation steam locomotive with a rich history. Built in 1890 by an ALCo predecessor, it served the Southern Railway for decades before being retired in 1953. After years of dormancy, it was meticulously restored to operation in 2010 by the G&O's Knoxville and Holston River Railroad. TikTok

This historic engine has become a beloved icon in Knoxville, Tennessee, its home for its entire service life. It's known for its powerful presence and the distinctive sound of its steam whistle, making it a favorite among railfans and the general public alike. TikTok+1

The locomotive is now a star attraction for the Three Rivers Rambler, offering passengers a chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel. Its operation is a testament to the dedication of preservationists and the enduring appeal of steam power. TikTok+1

Experiencing the Three Rivers Rambler

The Three Rivers Rambler offers excursions out of Knoxville, Tennessee, utilizing trackage owned by the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad. These scenic rides provide a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings, often traveling along the banks of the Tennessee River. TikTok

Passengers can expect a journey filled with the authentic sights, sounds, and even smells of a working steam locomotive. The experience is designed to be immersive, allowing riders to feel the rumble of the engine and hear its whistle echo. TikTok+1

Beyond regular excursions, the Three Rivers Rambler hosts special themed events, most notably the popular Christmas Lantern Express during the holiday season. These events draw significant crowds and offer a festive, memorable experience for all ages. TikTok+1

Beyond the Rails: Knoxville's Train Heritage

Knoxville, Tennessee, has a deep connection to railway history, with the Southern Railway playing a significant role. The presence of the restored Southern Railway 154 is a living link to this past. TikTok

While the Three Rivers Rambler offers a direct experience with a historic locomotive, the area also holds remnants of its railway heritage. For instance, TikTok users have explored an abandoned train tunnel known as 'The Hanging Tunnel,' hinting at the extensive network of tracks that once crisscrossed the region. TikTok

This blend of active heritage railways and historical sites offers a comprehensive look at Knoxville's railway legacy, appealing to history buffs and casual explorers alike. TikTok+1

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