Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Add a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway to your next vacation in Northern Georgia. You can enjoy the rise of spring, the peak of fall foliage, or the early snow-covered winter among the rolling rails.

The train offers you a chance to view the beautiful North Georgia mountain landscape while indulging in the historic town of Blue Ridge along the Toccoa River to McCaysville near the Tennessee border.

The Train Depot In Historic Blue Ridge

Begin your journey at the 100-year-old historic depot located in downtown Blue Ridge. Arrive at the station early to pick up tickets and board the train. You may want to arrive early and explore the small train town among the Chattahoochee National Forest either for a short hike or some quick shopping at an antique shop.

The train always departs on time, so be ready to board 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.

The train depot is located at 241 Depot St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Blue Ridge Railway Tickets & Seating Options

When purchasing your tickets either online or at the ticket office, you can choose from a vintage-style coach with enclosed sides or an open air rail car, or upgrade to premier, adult-only seating with AC.

Premier class also includes comfy reclining seats, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, and a free souvenir from the railway. Seat choice is on a first-come-first-served basis, so arrive early to get your seat.

There is a concession car on the train, so you’ll be able to purchase snacks, drink, and candy during the ride through the Appalachian Mountains.

Pricing will vary depending on the month, peak times, and special events. Group rates and season passes are also available as well as discounts for service professionals.

Operating Schedule

The railway operates from March to December and has varying schedules based on the time of year. On normal operating days, there is only one train leaving at 11 a.m.

On holidays and during fall foliage season, there are two or more departures since it’s one of the best ways to see the fall colors.

Check the updated schedule online at the BRSR's website here. Remember that the fall foliage season is a popular timeframe for the railway, so secure your tickets well in advance.

The round trip, including the two-hour layover, takes a total of 4 hours. 2 of those hours you'll spend on the train and the other 2 will be spent exploring McCaysville.

Train Ride Route

After departing from the Blue Ridge Station, your destination will continue north toward the copper town of McCaysville while basking in the views of the beautiful Toccoa River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. In one hour you will reach McCaysville. You’ll be given two hours of free time to explore and grab a bite to eat.

If you plan your trip accordingly, you can rent a kayak, go tubing, or try white-water rafting down the Ocoee River that crosses the state line into Tennessee. The center of the town divides the border of Georgia and Tennessee, so you can literally be in two states at once when standing in the middle of the road.

After the 2 hour layover in McCaysville, you’ll board the train for the return trip back to Blue Ridge.

Special Train Rides

An extraordinary time to take the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is during one of their exclusive events.

The firecracker special is held around the 4th of July and offers a unique nighttime train journey. Beginning at 7 p.m., the train stops at Copper Basin to view the fireworks. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for perfect fireworks viewing right outside the train.

For the best views of autumn leaves, take advantage of a train ride through the forests starting in the last week of September to the last weekend of October. Due to its popularity, the railway offers a morning and afternoon train ride during this time.

Make your holiday season more magical with the Blue Ridge Santa Express trip during Thanksgiving weekend, December weekends, and the entire week before Christmas. Santa and other holiday favorites will ride along with you and visit each child. while singing Christmas carols. Every child will receive an activity book and candy cane as a gift.

For adults only, ring in the new year with the New Year's Eve Excursion. The train departs at 10 p.m. and returns at 12:30 a.m. It includes wine tasting, light hors d'oeuvres, and at midnight, dessert and champagne.

All Aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

The railway carries over 65,000 passengers a year, offering an exciting opportunity to travel back to the beginning of the 20th century while experiencing views of the great Blue Ridge Mountains. This activity is fun for the whole family.

Easily accessible from your Blue Ridge cabin rental, be sure to take time out of your visit to Northern Georgia to book a unique experience and explore all of what Blue Ridge has to offer.