5 Trains to Ride in York County
All aboard!! Take a step back in history and ride the rails along the beautiful York County countryside.
The south central Pennsylvania area is a haven for train lovers and novices alike. Whether it is the machine that piques your interest or the experience, here are four local train rides in York County to check out!
Ma & Pa Railroad
Travel back to 1915 when the Ma & Pa Railroad was at the center of village life. Costumed interpreters welcome you to the A.M. Grove General Store, mill, and grain elevator. Motorcar trains offer a five-mile trip through the scenic Muddy Creek Valley on the famous Ma & Pa Railroad. A wide variety of themed rides are scheduled throughout the year; check our online calendar of events for details.
Stewartstown Railroad Company
Home to the venerable "Mighty-Mo," a vintage 1943 Plymouth switcher locomotive, Stewartstown Railroad Company offers train rides in some of the most pastoral scenery in the northeastern United States. Along the meandering hills and wistful forests of the Deer Creek valley, passengers enjoy a remarkable journey to a historic place and time thought long forgotten. Check our online calendar of events for details on special rides throughout the year.
Northern Central Railway of York
Northern Central Railway of York chronicles historical events on the line of the same name. A wide variety of themed rides feature musicians, magicians, holiday and seasonal trains, superhero and princess tea parties, cowboy robberies, and historical reenactments. Visit our online calendar of events for dates and times, and then reserve your seats. All Aboard!!!
Strasburg Rail Road
Just east of York County, Strasburg Rail Road offers a 45-minute steam train ride through scenic Lancaster County farmland. Stop for a picnic, try railroad station activities, tour the restored shop, relish a ride aboard First Class, or enjoy seasonal special events!
Plus: York Train Fair
If you'd rather collect trains than ride them, the York Train Fair is worth circling on your calendar. Hosted by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association, it comes to the York Expo Center twice a year, in spring and fall.
It's one of the biggest gatherings of its kind, filling six halls in the building with model trains, operating layouts, and dealers from across the country. A few things make it easy for visitors to drop in:
- A free pre-show that's open to the general public, so you can get a taste before committing
- An all-new Day Pass that gets you into all six halls of trains and displays
- A family-friendly setup that works for longtime collectors and first-timers alike
Whether you're hunting for a rare piece or just want to see what the hobby is all about, it's a fun stop. Check our calendar of events for the next dates.
Start Planning Your Next Getaway to York County, PA
With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, York County, PA, is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you're exploring the charming streets of downtown York City or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the countryside, you'll find something to captivate your senses at every turn.
Request a York County Travel Guide to start planning your getaway today. For additional travel inspiration delivered to your inbox twice a month, sign up for Explore York's Getaway Guide emails, where there is also a chance to win a prize in every issue. We hope you’ll visit soon!
Frequently Asked Questions About Train Rides in York County
Where can I take a train ride in York County, PA?
York County has a few heritage railways to choose from. The Ma & Pa Railroad Heritage Village runs motorcar trips through Muddy Creek Valley, Stewartstown Railroad offers short rides through the Deer Creek Valley, and Northern Central Railway of York departs from its New Freedom train station on a route tied to Civil War history. Strasburg Rail Road sits just east of Lancaster County. If you're searching for train rides near York, PA, any of these is an easy day out, though each one keeps its own schedule, so it helps to check ahead.
Are York County train rides good for families with kids?
Yes, these train rides in PA tend to be a hit with younger visitors. Northern Central Railway runs themed trips like princess tea parties, superhero days, and holiday trains that kids love. Ma & Pa's living-history village lets children see what a 1915 railroad town looked like up close. The rides are short and relaxed, which works well for shorter attention spans. Themed and seasonal events change through the year, so the calendar of events is the best place to look.
What's the difference between the railways in York County?
Each has its own character. Ma & Pa is a living-history village with open motorcar trains. Stewartstown runs a vintage Plymouth locomotive on a quiet country line. Northern Central Railway uses a replica 1860s steam engine and a diesel, with a strong Civil War story behind it. Strasburg, just over in Lancaster County, is a classic scenic Pennsylvania train ride through Amish farmland. Picking one really comes down to whether you want history, scenery, or a themed outing.
Do I need to book train tickets ahead of time?
For many of these York, PA, train rides, booking ahead is a good idea, since seating can be limited and popular dates fill up. Holiday trains, dinner train rides, and other special excursions in particular tend to sell out. Each railway handles tickets through its own website, and the Explore York calendar of events links out to dates and details. Booking early also gives you more choice in the type of car or experience you want.
Is there a train event for collectors in York County?
Yes. The York Train Fair, run by the Eastern Division of the Train Collectors Association, comes to the York Expo Center twice a year, in spring and fall. It fills several halls with model trains, layouts, and dealers from around the country. There's a free public pre-show, and a Day Pass gives access to the full event. If trains are your thing, it's one of the more fun things to do in York, PA, during those weekends. Check the calendar of events for the next dates.
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