Virginia Museum of Transportation
Explore planes, trains, cars, and ships at this Roanoke gem. Interactive exhibits and iconic locomotives await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore planes, trains, cars, and ships at this Roanoke gem. Interactive exhibits and iconic locomotives await!
"A truly underrated museum for transportation nerds, offering an immersive and reasonably priced experience."
🎯 Ride the Star Line Trolley
Take the free trolley to the museum for an extra transportation adventure! 🚌
📸 Cab Tours are a Must
Book a behind-the-scenes tour to get inside the N&W 611 cab! :camerawithflash:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 1,836 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
vmt.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Norfolk & Western Class J 611 Locomotive
Outdoor Rail Yard
Marvel at the iconic N&W 611, a beautifully restored steam locomotive that still runs excursions. A true icon of rail history!
Interactive Exhibits
Main Museum Building
Engage with hands-on displays covering cars, planes, ships, and buses. Fun for all ages, especially kids who love to pretend!
N&W 1218 Locomotive
Outdoor Rail Yard
Explore the N&W 1218, another significant steam locomotive and a favorite for many visitors. A national historic landmark!
Model Train Displays
Upper Level
Admire intricate model train setups, including a captivating circus-themed display. A delight for train enthusiasts!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Virginia Museum of Transportation
Tickets and Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride the Star Line Trolley
Take the free trolley to the museum for an extra transportation adventure! 🚌
📸 Cab Tours are a Must
Book a behind-the-scenes tour to get inside the N&W 611 cab! :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, especially in the outdoor rail yard. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Great for All Ages
Kids love pretending to drive buses and trains! Interactive exhibits keep everyone engaged. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride the Star Line Trolley
Take the free trolley to the museum for an extra transportation adventure! 🚌
📸 Cab Tours are a Must
Book a behind-the-scenes tour to get inside the N&W 611 cab! :camerawithflash:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of exploring, especially in the outdoor rail yard. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Great for All Ages
Kids love pretending to drive buses and trains! Interactive exhibits keep everyone engaged. :child:
🎁 Support Local Creators
The gift shop offers reasonably priced, locally made souvenirs. 🎁
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Virginia Museum of Transportation, calling it an 'underrated museum for transportation nerds' with immersive and reasonably priced exhibits. Highlights include the impressive train yard, especially the N&W 611 and 1218, and the interactive displays that engage all ages. While some wish for more rotating exhibits, the overall experience is highly recommended for families and enthusiasts alike.
"A truly underrated museum for transportation nerds. They featured sections for buses, cars, trains, planes, and ships.
The museum is very immersive and reasonably priced as well. I really loved the train yard the most! They include a variety of exhibits as well as ones that feature underrepresented groups in the field which I really appreciated (women and African American individuals.)
My only critique would be that I love to see some more updated or rotating exhibits to keep things fresh."
Abigail Alvarez
"Definitely would recommend! The trains did need some work, car selection was great, same go’s for the train section. N&W 611 was getting worked on but we didn’t mind since it keeps her running. I was very happy to see N&W 1218 since he is my favorite part of the museum. Although the lady behind the ticket booth wasn’t very pleasant, we were going to do the behind the scenes work of 611. She didn’t know where we were supposed to go, so we had to figure it out ourselves but we eventually got there. Behind the scenes part was very cool, and we a demonstration on the restoration of N&W 611 and also got to get inside the cab of the 611. Would give more than a five stars if I could!"
Dougie The Chicken
"My two sons, 8 and 2, and I spent a very fun afternoon here.
You can take the free Star Line Trolly to get there, to add to the transportation experience!
From the model sets to the giant real deal engines out back, everyone found something interesting. They especially loved climbing aboard the old caboose and seeing the Harry Potter-esque engines in person.
Normally we aren’t gift shop people but it was so reasonably priced that I couldn’t help but support the museum. The older son had a wonderful time building his Lego steam engine later that night and the younger enjoyed playing with it after. We also got them matching tie dye screen-printed shirts that were made in Roanoke. Fun to be able to support local creators with a souvenir they can wear.
Highly recommend this museum!"
Lindsay Quinn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located in downtown Roanoke's historic freight station. Many visitors recommend taking the free Star Line Trolley to reach the museum, adding to the transportation theme of your visit. 🚌
Yes, parking is generally available near the museum. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current parking information and any associated fees.
Absolutely! The museum is easily accessible via public transportation, including the free Star Line Trolley, making it a convenient destination for visitors. 🚌
Roanoke is accessible by car, and the museum is centrally located. For those flying in, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is the closest airport.
Yes, the famous N&W 611 locomotive is based at the Virginia Museum of Transportation and is a major highlight. You can often see it in the rail yard, and sometimes even take special excursions. 🚂 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered reasonable. It's best to check the official Virginia Museum of Transportation website for the most up-to-date ticket costs and any potential discounts. 🎟️
Occasionally, the museum offers free admission days, such as 'Celebrate Transportation Day in Virginia.' Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements. :moneywithwings:
While not always explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often a good idea, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to save time. 💻
Operating hours can vary, so it's crucial to check the Virginia Museum of Transportation's official website before your visit to confirm their current opening and closing times. :clock1:
For special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours of the N&W 611, advance booking is highly recommended as these are popular and may have limited availability. 📅
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection including trains, cars, buses, planes, and ships. Interactive exhibits cater to all ages, making it an engaging experience for everyone. :world_map:
Yes, it's a fantastic place for families with young children. They can enjoy pretending to drive buses, sit in airplanes, and explore train cars. :child:
Visitors can often climb aboard and explore some of the historic train cars, including cabooses and even the iconic N&W 611 locomotive during special tours. :train2:
The museum highlights underrepresented groups in transportation history, offering unique perspectives. They also feature intricate model train displays, including a special circus setup. 💎
The museum provides demonstrations and insights into the restoration of the N&W 611, offering a fascinating look at the engineering and dedication involved. 🔧
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may have limited food options. It's a good idea to check their website or call ahead. Many visitors opt to dine at nearby restaurants in downtown Roanoke. 🍴
Typically, museums allow visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks, but it's best to consume them in designated areas. Check the museum's policy for specifics. :apple:
Downtown Roanoke offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, many within walking distance of the museum. 🍽️
Information on an internal cafe or snack bar is not consistently available. It's recommended to plan for dining outside the museum or bringing your own refreshments. ☕
While not explicitly mentioned, some outdoor areas might be suitable for a picnic. Confirm with the museum staff upon arrival for the best spots. :picnic_table:
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. :camerawithflash:
The outdoor rail yard with the massive locomotives, especially the N&W 611, offers incredible photo opportunities. The vintage cars and planes inside are also great subjects. 📷
Drone usage is typically prohibited inside museums and on their grounds for safety and privacy reasons. Always check the museum's specific drone policy. :drone:
Commercial photography or videography usually requires prior permission from the museum. Contact them directly to inquire about rates and guidelines. 💼
Morning light can be excellent for outdoor shots of the locomotives. For indoor exhibits, aim for times with fewer crowds to get unobstructed shots. 🌅
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit