PA Historic Places

Riding the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County

A collage of four photos showcasing the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, including: the historic Witch's Hat train station with a maroon locomotive beside it under a blue sky; the train winding through a lush forested area; passengers seated inside an open-air observation car with wooden benches; and a bright red "Welcome to the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad" sign at the station entrance, inviting visitors to "ride the rails back in time."

If you’re looking for information about riding the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, you’re in the right place!

A vibrant scene at the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring a vintage train engine pulling into the historic 1891 Witch's Hat train station under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, capturing the nostalgic charm of this popular tourist destination.

The New Hope Railroad offers enchanting sightseeing journeys through Bucks County aboard meticulously restored historic trains, blending scenic beauty with a rich heritage of rail travel.

Passengers on the New Hope Railroad enjoy a scenic ride as the vintage train crosses a wooden trestle bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful blooming flowers, offering a tranquil and picturesque view of the Bucks County landscape.

This historic railroad, with a legacy that stretches back to 1891, invites travelers to step into a world where the golden age of rail travel comes alive.

A view of the New Hope Railroad's wooden platform and boarding area, with a vintage maroon passenger car on the left and the historic Freight House gift shop and ticket office on the right, set against a backdrop of dramatic clouds, capturing the inviting and nostalgic atmosphere of this Bucks County train station.

Directions | Hours | Ticket Prices

The New Hope Railroad’s station in New Hope is located at 32 West Bridge Street, New Hope, PA 18938.

The railroad runs sightseeing excursions Friday-Sunday from late spring through the end of December, with some additional weekday excursions for fall foliage and Christmas-themed events.

A scenic view of the New Hope Railroad train winding through a lush, green forest in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as it approaches a curve in the track, highlighting the vibrant colors of the vintage train cars and the serene natural surroundings.

Ticket prices are based upon they type of car you want to ride in as well as the length/theme of the excursion – checking the New Hope Railroad’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE is the best way to see what your options are.

A view of the New Hope Railroad's platform area featuring the Freight House gift shop and ticket office, with a vintage train parked beside the wooden boardwalk, under a sky filled with dramatic clouds, creating a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

What It’s Like to Ride the New Hope Railroad

Each journey on the New Hope Railroad begins in the charming town of New Hope, a place known for its lively arts scene, unique boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.

A picturesque street scene in New Hope, Pennsylvania, showcasing charming historic buildings with vibrant flower displays, ornate wrought iron details, and an American flag, capturing the quaint and inviting atmosphere of this Bucks County town near the New Hope Railroad.

As the train departs from the iconic Witch’s Hat station, a sense of anticipation fills the air, transporting passengers back to a time when railroads were the lifeblood of communities.

A New Hope & Ivyland Railroad locomotive is parked beside the historic Witch's Hat train station in New Hope, Pennsylvania, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, with the station's distinctive architecture and vintage charm contrasting against modern buildings in the background.

The route takes you through the rolling hills and scenic valleys of Bucks County, offering stunning views of serene streams, lush farmlands, and historic landmarks that have stood for generations.

A tranquil view of the Bucks County countryside captured from the New Hope Railroad, featuring a charming white house surrounded by lush greenery, tall trees, and a gently flowing stream, highlighting the serene and picturesque landscape that passengers experience during their journey.

The tracks you travel on were once part of the vast Reading Company system, a crucial link connecting rural communities to the bustling city of Philadelphia and beyond.

A New Hope Railroad train winds along the curved tracks through a lush, wooded area in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with vintage passenger cars offering passengers scenic views of the surrounding greenery and natural landscape.

This journey is not just about the sights, though; it’s about the stories.

A view from the observation car on the New Hope Railroad, looking down the train tracks as they curve into a dense, green forest in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a small crossing and railroad signals visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Onboard narrators bring the history of the railroad and the surrounding towns to life, sharing tales of the past that deepen your appreciation for the region’s rich heritage.

Passengers on the New Hope Railroad observe the quaint stone and wood buildings as the vintage train returns to New Hope, Pennsylvania, passing through a charming small-town scene with well-maintained homes and vibrant flower displays, reflecting the area's historic and scenic character.

My adventure on the New Hope Railroad was part of the Lahaska Limited excursion, a journey that spans roughly 10 miles round-trip through the beautiful landscapes of Bucks County.

A close-up view of the rear of a New Hope & Ivyland Railroad locomotive as it travels along a track surrounded by dense bamboo and lush greenery in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offering a unique perspective of the train moving through the scenic and wooded landscape.

I opted to ride in the open-air observation car for my excursion.

Passengers relax on wooden benches inside an open-air observation car on the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with large open windows offering views of the passing landscape, creating a nostalgic and leisurely atmosphere for enjoying the scenic journey.

One of the interesting aspects of this excursion occurs midway through the ride, where the locomotive decouples from the train, then moves to the opposite end to lead the way back to New Hope.

A New Hope & Ivyland Railroad locomotive, painted in maroon and black, decouples from the train cars on a wooded stretch of track in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with a crew member standing on the front of the engine, preparing for the maneuver to switch ends for the return journey.

The entire trip is a captivating blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and the timeless charm of rail travel.

A New Hope & Ivyland Railroad train approaches the Witch's Hat train station in New Hope, Pennsylvania, with the locomotive leading a line of vintage passenger cars along the red brick platform, surrounded by greenery and historic architecture, under a clear blue sky.

The New Hope Railroad caters to a variety of interests, offering something special for every type of traveler.

A wide view of the New Hope Railroad station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring the historic Witch's Hat train station building and an open-air observation car in the foreground, with the entire scene exuding vintage charm and a nostalgic atmosphere as the train sits ready for departure.

The railroad provides an array of experiences, from themed rides and seasonal events to educational programs and private charters.

A New Hope & Ivyland Railroad locomotive pulls up to the wooden platform at the New Hope station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with the maroon and black engine leading a line of vintage passenger cars, set against a backdrop of modern buildings and lush greenery under a bright, sunny sky.

The meticulous restoration of the trains, combined with the friendliness of the staff, certainly made my journey aboard the New Hope Railroad an enjoyable experience.

A welcoming sign at the entrance of the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, features vibrant red colors and an illustration of a vintage steam locomotive, inviting visitors to "ride the rails back in time," with the historic Witch’s Hat train station visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Final Thoughts

This is more than just a train ride; it’s an immersive voyage through time.

A vintage train on the New Hope Railroad pulls into the charming Witch's Hat train station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, featuring the station's distinctive pointed roof, warm yellow and black trim, and a red brick platform, creating a nostalgic and inviting scene for arriving passengers.

The New Hope Railroad’s commitment to preserving the legacy of rail travel means that future generations will also have the opportunity to experience the elegance and adventure of this bygone era.

A rear view of an open-air observation car on the New Hope Railroad, parked at the station in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with the wooden platform and historic Freight House gift shop visible in the background, capturing the vintage charm and welcoming atmosphere of the train station.

As you sit back and take in the breathtaking views, you’ll find yourself captivated by the timeless allure of rail travel.

Passengers aboard the New Hope Railroad enjoy a scenic ride through a lush, wooded area in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as the vintage train curves along the tracks, providing a peaceful and immersive experience of the region's natural beauty.

If you consider yourself a “railfan”, a trip aboard the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County is a must!

A bright red caboose and a line of vintage passenger cars sit on the tracks at the New Hope Railroad in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing the historic charm and well-preserved details of the railroad's rolling stock.

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, PA is consistently ranked as one of the best sightseeing trains in the northeastern United States.

A collage of 4 photos taken at the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Carbon County PA.

The Northern Central Railway offers sightseeing excursions through the picturesque landscape of southern York County, using both a replica 1860s steam locomotive and a 1959 GP9 diesel engine to pull the trains.

Collage of four photos taken at the Northern Central Railway of York. Top left: Two steam locomotives, Number 17 and Number 85, are on display in front of the New Freedom Station, with steam billowing into the blue sky. Top right: Number 85 steam locomotive pulls a yellow passenger car and red caboose along the tracks, surrounded by green trees. Bottom left: View from the locomotive showing the train tracks and the adjacent trail, with smoke trailing behind. Bottom right: People standing on the gondola car platform near the E.K. Krebs building, a historic red and white building, as they enjoy the scenic ride.

The Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County offers scenic sightseeing excursion trains pulled by majestic steam locomotives through the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

A collage of 5 photos showing scenes from the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster County, PA.

The East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County offers steam-powered passenger excursions, shop tours, and visits to the “roundhouse.”

A collage of four photos showcasing the East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The first image captures a steam locomotive with billowing smoke at sunset. The second shows a conductor aboard the locomotive. The third depicts the train amidst a winter landscape with white smoke against the hills. The last image is of an open passenger car traveling through a lush green forest.

The Everett Railroad in Blair County has been offering captivating steam train excursions from its nostalgic station in Hollidaysburg.

This collage features four images from a steam train excursion on the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a steam locomotive emitting plumes of smoke at the station, with the "HOLLIDAYSBURG" sign visible. The top right image displays a bright red caboose with "EVERETT RAILROAD 91517" on the side. The bottom left picture captures a line of passenger cars at the station, decorated with Christmas greenery and a festive tree in the foreground. The bottom right photo shows the train passing under a bridge, with steam enveloping the cars, creating a dynamic scene of movement and activity.

PA’s Top Railroad-Themed Attractions is a guide to Pennsylvania’s best railroad museums, model railroad displays, historic railroad sites, and railroad-themed lodging, based upon my own personal experiences visiting each one location.

A collage showing 4 of the best railroad-themed attractions in Pennsylvania, including the East Broad Top Railroad, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, and the Horseshoe Curve.

Nearby Attractions

The Mercer Museum in Doylestown is a six-story concrete castle housing over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools and artifacts, offering a comprehensive portrait of early American life.

A collage of four photos showcasing various aspects of the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the museum's interior, highlighting suspended artifacts such as boats and carriages within the concrete structure. The top right photo features a collection of vintage woodworking tools arranged on workbenches and walls, reflecting early American craftsmanship. The bottom left image captures the exterior view of the Mercer Museum, with its distinctive six-story reinforced concrete castle-like architecture amidst greenery. The bottom right photo offers another perspective of the museum's interior, showcasing more suspended artifacts and the intricate design of the museum space. This collage collectively illustrates the museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing pre-Industrial American material culture through its extensive collection of tools and artifacts.

Fonthill Castle, Henry Mercer’s home in Doylestown, is a sprawling 19,000-square-foot structure with European-inspired design that now operates as a museum, attracting visitors from across the globe.

A collage of four images showcasing different aspects of Fonthill Castle in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays the castle's striking exterior, highlighting its unique architecture under a clear blue sky. The top right image captures the detailed interior of a room with a grand fireplace, surrounded by bookshelves and intricate tile work. The bottom left image shows a hallway with a wooden door, vaulted ceilings, and ornate tiles adorning the walls. The bottom right image presents a cozy bedroom, complete with a single bed, antique furniture, and framed artwork on the walls, showcasing the historical and artistic ambiance of the castle.

The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is a historic, working museum in Doylestown, where handcrafted decorative tiles are still made using traditional methods established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

A collage of four photos taken at the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works in Bucks County, Pennsylvania: the top-left image shows the historic building's exterior with a sign detailing its status as a National Historic Landmark; the top-right image features an artisan pressing a design into a clay tile; the bottom-left image displays a handcrafted tile with the word "PEACE" and two figures shaking hands; and the bottom-right image showcases shelves filled with a variety of handcrafted tiles for sale, all highlighting the traditional craftsmanship established by Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century.

The Vampire and Paranormal Museum (VAMPA) in Bucks County is a must-see destination for those fascinated by the supernatural and mythical.

A collage of four photos from the Vampire and Paranormal Museum in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows an elegant room with chandeliers, religious artifacts, and glass display cases. The top-right image features a skeleton-themed chair and various medieval artifacts. The bottom-left image displays a richly decorated room with an ornate fireplace, statues, and a large painting. The bottom-right image highlights an intricately carved vampire hunting trunk filled with wooden stakes, crucifixes, and other tools.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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