Shenandoah Valley Limited

Experience the thrill and majesty of riding behind the famed Norfolk & Western J-Class No. 611 on a spectacular fall foliage excursion through the Shenandoah Valley, departing from Goshen in Rockbridge County.

For a limited time only, train enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to see the Shenandoah Valley’s fall color show by rail, pulled behind the legendary 611 — the sole surviving Class J steam locomotive built by Norfolk & Western Railway.

The 611 excursion is owned and operated by the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation, Inc. (VMT) and the Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) are excited to jointly announce that the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 steam passenger locomotive is returning to service in the Shenandoah Valley this fall on a series of specially scheduled passenger excursions.

The 1950 Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611 is exclusively owned and operated by Virginia Museum of Transportation as a traveling exhibit. The Virginia Scenic Railway is delighted to host these 611 excursions in partnership with the museum; the 611 will run twice daily as the Shenandoah Valley Limited this fall.

Trips start and end at the Victoria Station in Goshen, Virginia. Upon boarding the train in Goshen, Virginia, guests will travel under steam eastward through the fall foliage of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, into the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley all the way to the historic city of Staunton where the train will pause without disembarking, to be joined by a pair of diesel locomotives for the return trip back to Goshen.

The sleek and powerful Class J locomotives, designed and built in Roanoke by the Norfolk & Western Railway, were widely hailed as the finest steam passenger locomotives in the world.

Seating options will include Coach, Premium Coach, First Class, and Dome Classes, ranging from $99.00 to $249.00 per seat.

611’s Excursion Schedule

The Shenandoah Valley Limited will depart at 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM on the following weekends:

  • October 6 – 8, 2023
  • October 13 – 15, 2023
  • October 20 – 22, 2023
  • October 27–29, 2023
  • November 3 – 5, 2023

Scroll down for Frequently Asked Questions about Shenandoah Valley Limited.

Shenandoah Valley Limited
$99.00-$249.00/person

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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve got answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Shenandoah Valley Limited:

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 Goshen prior to boarding.

Is smoking allowed?

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

How long is the ride?

The excursion experience is scheduled to last approximately 3.5 – 4 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 October 6, 2023 through November 5, 2023. 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 four classes of seating – Standard Coach, Coach Plus, Premium Seating and Dome.

What if I need to cancel my reservations?

Any changes or cancellations must be made a minimum of seven (7) business days prior to the date of your departure.

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?

Food and beverage will be available for purchase from vendors at the station. Premium service passengers will receive a light food item and drink enroute. Snacks will also be available for purchase in the dining car.

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 refund 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 and or concessions. 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, passenger cars have narrow hallways, aisles, doorways, and small restrooms. Boarding and detraining 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 are traveling in a wheelchair or such other device, you are responsible for providing any person(s) necessary to assist in loading, unloading, or onboard mobility. If you or someone in your group is concerned about boarding the train, please contact us at 434-391-9772 for additional information. An ADA-compliant temporary restroom is located at the boarding location.

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.

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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.

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