New Hampshire is nestled in the heart of New England. The state’s landscape is diverse, featuring majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Washington, part of the White Mountains range, stands as the tallest peak in the Northeast, offering breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails. New Hampshire captivates visitors with its scenic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and exploration. There are a few interesting tourist trains in New Hampshire. The state has no commuter railroads.
Long-distance trains in New Hampshire
There are four Amtrak stations in New Hampshire:
Claremont (CLA)
Dover (DOV)
Durham (DHM)
Exeter (EXR)
The Downeaster and Vermonter trains operated by Amtrak pass through the state of New Hampshire.
Downeaster trains connect Boston and Brunswick multiple times each day. These train stop in Dover Durham and Exeter. It is the best way to travel from New Hampshire to Massachusetts and Maine.
The Vermonter train run between Washington D.C. and Saint Albans, Vermont daily. The train stops in Claremont.
Tourist trains in New Hampshire
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train – all inclusive dining train operates weekends mid May to October trains from North Woodstock to Lyfords Siding (16 km) along the Pemi River Valley. The train travels through a picturesque route on the slopes of the White Mountains, offering passengers stunning views. A two hour train ride with a 5 course dinner aboard 1950’s restored vintage passenger carriages. Prices are very high.
Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train – official website
Conway Scenic Railroad – one of the most popular American tourist railways. Trains run on the following routes:
North Conway – Conway (9 km) (steam locomotive)
North Conway – Bartlett (17 km) (diesel locomotive)
North Conway – Crawford (70 km) or Fabyan (85 km) (diesel locomotive)
Trains usually operate on selected days from June to October. There are several classes available, and snacks and lunch can be purchased on trains to Crawford and Fabyan. The round trip to Conway takes 55 minutes, to Bartlett takes about 100 minutes, while trips to Crawford or Fabyan and back take 5-6 hours. Ticket prices are relatively high.
Conway Scenic Railroad – official website
Hobo Railroad – a popular tourist railways in New Hampshire. 80-minute round-trip train rides along the winding Pemigewasset River from Lincoln to Woodstock (about 11 km). Trains are comprised of a diesel locomotive and vintage cars.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad – train trips along a scenic route by the lake from Meredith to Lakeport (11 km), Trains are composed of a diesel locomotive and vintage cars. Train rides can be combined with a ferry cruise. Operates weekends late May to mid October, daily in July and August. Operating on a rail system that was once home to the famous Boston, Concord & Montreal line that dates back to 1848. All train rides departing from Meredith Station are 2-hours round-trip.
Hobo Railroad, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and some special trains are operated by Granite State Scenic Railway
Granite State Scenic Railway – official website
White Mountain Central Railroad – a two-kilometer long standard-gauge tourist railway in Clark’s Trading Post amusement park, near Lincoln. Diesel or steam hauled trains, sometimes historic railbuses – the train is normally powered by one of only three wood-burning steam Climax Locomotives still running in America. In May, June, September, and October, it operates on weekends, while in July and August, it operates daily. Train ride across the scenic Pemigewasset River and through rustic woods lasts 30 minutes. The train ride goes through Howe Truss Covered Wooden bridge. It was built originally in 1904 on the Barre & Chelsea R.R. in east Montpelier, Vt.
White Mountain Central Railroad – official website
Rack railways in New Hampshire
Mount Washington Cog Railway – one of the most beautiful railway lines in the world. A cog railway operating on the 4 kilometers long route with a rise of 3588 ft (1094 m). The railway is famous for its breathtaking views. The one-way trip takes an hour, passengers spend an hour at the summit before returning to lower station. There are no toilets on the trains. The Mount Washington Cog Railway is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world. With an average grade of 25% (some sections approach nearly 38%), it’s also the second steepest in the world. Trains are hauled by biodiesel locomotives or steam locomotive.
Mount Washington Cog Railway – official website
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
