Your chance to ride the historic carriages out of New York’s Penn Station along the Hudson River is back in 2023
Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
The Hudson River Rail Tour is back this year. It offers history and train buffs the chance to cruise along the Hudson River in one of two restored carriages from 1948; the cars were once part of the “World’s Most Famous Train.”
Starting in February, visitors can go up Hickory Creek or Tavern-Lounge 43 from Pennsylvania Station’s Moynihan Station in New York City. The train will travel to Albany-Resselaer station as part of the Hudson River Rail Excursions 2023 schedule.
Standard departure tickets for the Hudson River Rail Tour will go on sale at 10 a.m. EST on February 17.
Schedule for 2023: 2 themed rides
In addition to regularly scheduled departures from April through November, the American Railroad Historical Association of New Jersey will be offering two special trains this year, starting in February.
From February 10-14, there will be five departures for the Valentine’s Special train, with a six-course tasting menu accompanied by wine. Passengers will receive first-class service for $399 on Hickory Creek and $299 on Tavern-Lounge 43. Tickets for Valentine’s Special departures will go on sale at 10 a.m. local time. EST on January 20.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of the first Hickory Creek train running in 1948, URHS will recreate the original train for 30 passengers on an all-inclusive, overnight cruise from New York to New York. Chicago for $2,500 per passenger. The commemorative trains will run from September 17 to 21, and ticket sales will be announced later.
Regular ticket
In addition to the themed rides mentioned above, regular trains depart from Penn Station at 11:20 a.m. and arrive at Albany-Resselaer at 13:50; there was a brief pause before it departed at 4:30 p.m. and returned to New York to arrive at 7:05 p.m.
These rides on Hickory Creek cost $349 per person, plus about $20 in taxes and fees; Rates include a full-service meal, appetizers, beer and wine, and a dedicated staff.
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Or you can get more for your money and take the route by car number 43 of Tavern-Lounge. For $143, passengers can expect buffet-style sandwiches, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and the chance to bring your own alcohol.
Tickets will be available for purchase online starting at 10 a.m. ET on April 22, and they’re available to go Friday through Sunday on select dates in April, May, October, and May. Eleven. There are no assigned seats.
Group travel reservations, including car rentals and events, are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.
History of trains
The Hickory Creek car originates from 20th Century Limited, launched nearly 75 years ago in Big Central Station; It carries passengers such as then-Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney.
Today, the Hickory Creek is the only surviving passenger car from the 20th Century Limited collection.
“Built in 1947 by the Budd Company, the number 43 was one of 13 pub cars that the New York Center used to carry passengers long distances during the day,” according to the historic society. “With comfortable couches and cozy pub booths, it offers passengers the comfort of getting out of the coach seat, where they can drink, eat and socialize with other passengers. “
bottom line
In addition to the train ride, the ticket includes access to Amtrak .’s Metropolitan Loungewhere there is a full service bar with alcoholic beverages, La Colombe coffee and food.
Tickets for the Valentine’s Special departures go on sale next week, while sales of the standard ride will begin next month.
More information is available online through Hudson River Rail Cruise.
Read more: Moynihan Train Hall brings modernity to NYC’s Penn Station with lots of skylights
