Aaaah, the open rails! It hearkens back to the days when train travel was the primary mode of transportation before the automobile took over and road trips became more common. These days you can experience an amazing train ride in Northern California by embarking on the Niles Canyon Railway. The company offers an array of exciting scenic adventures for the whole family!

Niles Canyon is located just east of downtown Fremont, CA off highways 84 and 238. The area is the site of the first transcontinental railroad in the mid-1800s. The lines played an integral role in ferrying passengers between San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area, and Sacramento.

Niles Canyon Railway Website The train and the town established here are named after a former railroad attorney and prominent judge - Addison C. Niles.

Although passenger railroad voyages severely decreased, and in some places ceased altogether over the years, the operation began again here in 1988.

Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page Today, train rides are offered between Niles, CA on the western end, and Sunol, CA (approximately six miles) to the east year-round.

The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc., which operates the Niles Canyon Railway, possesses an eclectic collection of trains including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, motorcars passenger cars, and cabooses.

Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page Each train has been carefully and lovingly restored to its previous grandeur. The roundtrip excursions take about an hour and 20 minutes, each one offering picturesque views of the canyon and surrounding countryside.

The trains are more than just transportation modes. They are considered to be part of a living history museum.

Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page Passengers here will learn a great deal about the history, significance, and enjoyment of railway travel during its heyday in small-town America, particularly in the western part of the country. At the Sunol Depot, they can also explore several displays and exhibits with railroad artifacts and other memorabilia.

Depending on the day and time of the excursion, passengers may embark upon open window enclosed coaches or completely open-air cars.

Paul Gillespie/Google Maps The rides aboard the historic diesel and steam locomotives are great for families, small groups, reunions, themed excursions, and so forth.

Niles Canyon Railway also operates several self-propelled railcars.

Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page It’s hard to describe the feeling of ambling along aboard these majestic, restored trains!

During the holiday season, Niles Canyon Railway offers special Train of Lights rides.

Kenneth Stone/Google Maps The trains are decorated in beautiful colors and strung with miles of lights for the journey through the nighttime landscape. They even provide hot cocoa every night to help make it a special occasion!

Another welcome aspect is that the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with scores of enthusiastic volunteers who spend countless hours in all aspects of its operation. Historic rides, on classic vehicles, with a philanthropic heart – what more do you need?

Niles Canyon Railway Website

The train and the town established here are named after a former railroad attorney and prominent judge - Addison C. Niles.

Niles Canyon Railway Facebook Page

Today, train rides are offered between Niles, CA on the western end, and Sunol, CA (approximately six miles) to the east year-round.

Each train has been carefully and lovingly restored to its previous grandeur. The roundtrip excursions take about an hour and 20 minutes, each one offering picturesque views of the canyon and surrounding countryside.

Passengers here will learn a great deal about the history, significance, and enjoyment of railway travel during its heyday in small-town America, particularly in the western part of the country. At the Sunol Depot, they can also explore several displays and exhibits with railroad artifacts and other memorabilia.

Paul Gillespie/Google Maps

The rides aboard the historic diesel and steam locomotives are great for families, small groups, reunions, themed excursions, and so forth.

It’s hard to describe the feeling of ambling along aboard these majestic, restored trains!

Kenneth Stone/Google Maps

The trains are decorated in beautiful colors and strung with miles of lights for the journey through the nighttime landscape. They even provide hot cocoa every night to help make it a special occasion!

Have you embarked upon a journey along the Niles Canyon Railway? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also find out about their rides and special events on their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for other railway-themed adventures, be sure to check out the River Fox Train Company Railbikes.

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Address: Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd, Sunol, CA 94586, USA