Scenic Railroads in Montana
Routes, seasons, tickets, and trip tips — everything in one place.
Montana offers 2 scenic excursion railroads — a compact but rewarding selection for trip-planners who want to experience the region at a slower pace. The lines here cover narrow gauge steam and diesel, giving even a short visit genuine variety.
The standout ride in Montana is the Central Montana Rail, based in Hanover. A diesel excursion, it takes passengers the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo dinner train crosses tall trestles and a half-mile tunnel across central Montana's open country. The journey lasts approximately 4.5 hours. It operates May through fall (select Saturdays/Sundays). Tickets are $133 adult (dinner included).
All 2 Scenic Railroads in Montana
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🚂Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad›
A 30-inch narrow-gauge line runs a guided 1.5-mile route between the historic gold-rush towns of Virginia City and Nevada City.
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🚂Central Montana Rail›
The Charlie Russell Chew-Choo dinner train crosses tall trestles and a half-mile tunnel across central Montana's open country.
Compare Montana Scenic Railroads
Scroll right on mobile. Click any railroad name for the full route details.
| Railroad | Location | Train type | Typical duration | Price range | Reservations | Dog-friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad | Virginia City | Narrow gauge steam | 15 minutes | $10-$12 adult (weekday/weekend) | Not required | Yes |
| Central Montana Rail | Hanover | Diesel | 4.5 hours | $133 adult (dinner included) | Required | — |