Shenandoah Valley Limited

The iconic Norfolk and Western 611 steam locomotive will return to the Shenandoah Valley for limited number of passenger excursions in the fall of 2025.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the thrills, sights, and sounds of a railroading icon in action.

We are proud to announce the return of the legendary Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam locomotive to the Shenandoah Valley this fall.

Back by popular demand, the powerful and beloved 611 will once again lead a limited series of special fall foliage excursions, operating as the Shenandoah Valley Limited.

Due to the large number of carriages anticipated to run in this consist, train rides will begin and end at the custom-built Victoria Station in Goshen, Virginia.

The Shenandoah Valley Limited will operate for five consecutive weekends (on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) starting September 26, 2025.

Tickets are not yet on sale.

We encourage you to subscribe to the e-newsletter in the footer of our website to be among the first to know when tickets become available later this summer.

Operation of the Shenandoah Valley Limited is made possible by a joint venture between the Virginia Scenic Railway, the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the Steam Railroading Institute, the Virginia Mechanical Preservation Society, and the combined efforts of hundreds of volunteers.

The sleek and powerful Class J locomotive, designed and built in Roanoke by the Norfolk & Western Railway, has been widely hailed as the finest steam locomotive in the world. The Norfolk and Western 611 was built in 1950 by N&W engineers at the company’s East End facility in Roanoke, Virginia. It was categorized under the “J” class and was one of only 14 ever built. Today, it is the only surviving member of that class.

The locomotive’s bullet-nosed streamlined design is considered one of the most novel and striking in railroad history. It is the official Steam Locomotive of the State of Virginia, a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The N&W Class J 611 is owned and operated by Virginia Museum of Transportation as a traveling exhibit. When not in excursion service, the locomotive is displayed at a trackside location at the museum in Roanoke.

 

Shenandoah Valley Limited
Fall 2025

Coming Soon

Where do I board the train?

The train will depart from (and return to) Victoria Station, at 340 Victoria Lane in Goshen, VA 24439.

Where do I park?

Free parking is located at the boarding location. The parking lot will close when capacity is reached. A limited number of handicapped spaces are available, however there is no paved parking and the surface of the lot is gravel. Plan to arrive a half-hour before your scheduled excursion.

Are restrooms available on the train?

Yes, there are restrooms on the train. However, due to the limited number of restrooms aboard we encourage usage of the temporary restrooms available at Victoria Station prior to boarding.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

No, we are a non-smoking/vaping property. Smoking/Vaping is prohibited aboard any train and/or on railroad property.

How long is the ride?

The excursion experience is scheduled to last approximately 3.5 hours. Duration of each run may vary slightly as this excursion operates on an active freight line.

When do the trains run?

The Shenandoah Valley Limited will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting September 26th, 2025 through October 26th, 2025. There will be two trains daily; one departs at 9:00 am and one at 2:30 pm.

What kinds of tickets are available?

The Shenandoah Valley Limited will offer six classes of seating – Coach, Premium Coach, Dome Lounge, Booth, Table Car, and Upper Dome.

What if I need to cancel my reservations?

Any ticket modifications or cancellations must be made a minimum of fourteen (14) days before the day of departure to receive a full refund. Ticket purchases are fully refundable up to two weeks before your excursion date. A gift card will be issued if cancellation is received between 2-14 days of departure. No refunds or credits will be given for prior-day cancellations, day-of-ride cancellations, or missed trains. No-shows are not refundable. Our trains operate rain, snow, or shine. The decision to run is based on weather conditions at the railroad. If the train runs, no refunds will be made. If a train is cancelled, a gift card will be issued – no cash refunds will be made.

If you need assistance cancelling your reservation we must receive the request in writing. Please email virginiascenicrailway@buckinghambranch.com.

Will my tickets be mailed to me?

Tickets are delivered electronically. Due to the potential for large crowds, and the rural nature of the area, we encourage you to print your ticket confirmation/QR code in advance to avoid any issues with interruptions to cellular service.

Is there a dress code?

There is no dress code, but please dress in a way that will not make others uncomfortable.

Are the cars heated or air conditioned?

Yes, the passenger cars are climate controlled.

What about refreshments?

All passengers will receive complimentary beverages and small snacks during the ride. Outside food and beverage is not permitted.

Is outside food allowed?

No outside food or beverages, including alcohol, are permitted at the boarding station or on the train.

What if inclement weather is predicted on the day of my trip?

Generally, this excursion will operate in all weather conditions. Railroad management reserves the sole right to cancel any excursion if railroad conditions are deemed such to pose a safety threat. If the excursion runs, no refunds will be made. If an excursion is cancelled, a gift card will be issued, however no cash refunds will be made.

Are bikes, strollers, or car seats allowed?

At this time, no storage is available for these items.

Are guests allowed off the train at any point during the trip?

No one will be allowed to leave the train until the round-trip excursion is complete, when the train is back in Goshen.

How fast does the train go?

The train may reach speeds as high as 40 mph, however most travel will be average speeds of 25-30 mph.

May I move about the car while it is moving?

Yes, you are permitted to move throughout the train to locate restrooms. We ask that you respect various seating classes; you are not permitted to occupy non-purchased seats.

Is the train ADA accessible?

Due to the historic nature of the rail equipment being operated in this special excursion, stairs, narrow hallways, and other limitations make them inaccessible to persons utilizing walkers, wheelchairs, motorized scooters, etc. We apologize for this inconvenience. Boarding and deboarding areas may have uneven footing, with high steps and gravel. We will make every effort to reasonably accommodate guests with limited mobility, but passengers should be aware of these limitations and expect such situations. If you or someone in your group is concerned about boarding the train, please contact us at 866-440-8356 for additional information. An ADA-compliant temporary restroom is located at Victoria Station.

Will there be someone there to help me on the train?

Car hosts will be available to ensure safety and provide limited assistance to passengers in boarding and deboarding the train. Passengers with mobility restrictions are strongly encouraged to travel with a companion that can aid in boarding if necessary.

Where should I stay?

Listed below are helpful travel resources from our tourism partners. Please use these sites to help make your lodging and dining arrangements, and to learn about all the other attractions in the area.

Get Your Ticket To Ride

Aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of Virginia’s prettiest views, including the legendary Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Depending on the excursion you choose, you’ll roar through tunnels, speed over bridges, race past scenic fields and forests, and climb over mountains.

See All Routes