Scenic HISTorIC tRAIN RIDES On the Route of the 20th Century Limited
LOCATION
Moynihan Train Hall
Penn Station
New York, New York 10119
50+ Daytrips and Overnight Journeys in 2024!
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In 1948…
The New York Central Railroad unveiled a brand new 20th Century Limited in Grand Central Terminal. Christened into service by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the new train had all of the most modern amenities of the day and catered to the highest of society. Entrepreneurs, business people, celebrities, and even former Presidents knew there was no better way to travel between New York City and Chicago.
Today, the 20th Century Limited caters to you: the traveler, the foodie, the day tripper, the history buff. The Hickory Creek is the last remaining restored passenger car from the 20th Century Limited, and this Spring and Fall it will ride out of New York City just as it did when it was known as “The Most Famous Train in the World.” This time, it will have you on board.
All Aboard!
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The Experience
Our scenic daytrips begin and end at Pennsylvania Station’s Moynihan Train Hall, where you will have first-class access to Amtrak’s brand new “Metropolitan Lounge”. From there, you will step back in time as you step aboard one of our two historic cars—the Hickory Creek and Tavern-Lounge No. 43. On the journey between New York and Albany, lunch and drinks will be served while you enjoy the one-of-a-kind view of the passing Hudson River. After an intermission at Albany-Rensselaer, our train will skate along the Hudson with the setting sun. Our historic rail cars, traveling on the tail end of Amtrak’s Empire Service, will traverse the very tracks that the 20th Century Limited did from the turn of the century to the 1960s.
Departures
– Classes of Service –
[ choose from one of our restored Railroad Cars ]
Tavern-Lounge No. 43
Weekday: $179
wEEKEND/HOLIDAY: $199
Passengers riding this historic lounge car will receive catered sandwiches and sides, served buffet-style. This car is BYOB. Passengers will enjoy the breathtaking view through big picture windows as our train skates along the Hudson River. Professional staff in period attire will be on hand for the whole round trip to serve guests at their seats. The car has both banquette seating and lounge chairs, with plenty of room left for passengers to move about.
The Tavern Lounge No. 43 was built in 1947, and served as a luxury lounge for travelers going in and out of Grand Central Terminal. It was a place for passengers to relax, drink, and enjoy the company of their fellow passengers, just as they do with us today.
Hickory Creek
Weekday: $379
wEEKEND/HOLIDAY: $399
Passengers riding this historic observation car will have included in their ticket a three-course meal cooked by our chef in the Hickory Creek’s on-board kitchen, as well as beer and wine throughout the trip. Passengers will enjoy the breathtaking rear view from the Hickory Creek as our train skates along the Hudson River. Professional staff in period attire will be on hand for the whole round trip to serve guests at their seats.
The Hickory Creek was the rearmost - and most exclusive - car on the 20th Century Limited. It was a signature work of industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss, with its signature “Lookout Lounge” and oversized picture windows meant for the one-of-a-kind view of the Hudson River. Its timeless design serves its purpose as well today as it did in 1948.
— Group Travel —
Hudson River Rail Excursions has full-car reservations available for groups! Book out the Hickory Creek for up to 16, the Tavern Lounge No. 43 for up to 32, or both cars together for up to 60! These will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis as capacity allows. Click the button below to learn more and sign up for our wait list!
Itinerary
10:00
The journey begins in Penn Station’s Moynihan Train Hall. Passengers will have exclusive access to Amtrak’s brand new Metropolitan Lounge.
11:20
The Hudson River Rail Excursion departs New York Penn Station.
12:00
Lunch is served on board the Hickory Creek and 43.
1:50
The train arrives at Amtrak’s Albany-Renssalaer station. All passengers disembark while the train turns around for the return trip.
Passengers are welcome to wait at the station or find transportation into Albany during this layover.
4:30
The excursion departs Albany-Rennsalaer for the return trip to New York City.
7:05
The excursion concludes in New York Penn Station
