Frequently Asked Questions

Our Mountaineer is our supremely scenic excursion. This offers a variety of views including vistas of the rocky outcrops around Crawford Notch. By contrast, our Valley trains to Conway and Sawyer River offer heritage rail excursions by employing early 20^th century railcars to recreate the experience of traveling from town to town.

Due to the historic nature of our railcars, Conway Scenic Railroad’s passenger train does not meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards with respect to accessibility. For individuals who use a wheelchair, a mobility device, or have difficulty navigating steps, we do have a mobile lift. (Please note: The mobile lift has a combined weight limitation of 400 pounds). Though we cannot guarantee accessibility, we have a variety of accommodation options available, and we will make reasonable effort to provide each and every guest who wishes to ride the opportunity to do so. If you are concerned about whether you or a member in your traveling party will be able to board the train, we recommend contacting our business office to discuss your particular circumstances. Our First Class and Coach Class trains do have wheelchair accessibility. Our Premium Dome Cars unfortunately do not have wheelchair accessibility.

We recommend our Conway Valley Train for small children. This is our classic heritage rail excursion and offers a step back in time using 1920s build rail passenger cars. The journey takes just under an hour.

Due to the current pandemic, outside food is not allowed on the train. We do have light snacks and beverages that can be purchased in our gift shop and can be brought on board.

Our Mountaineer over Crawford Notch begins operation in mid-June and runs through early November. Days of operation vary seasonally so it is best to check our booking pages for availability in advance of traveling. The Mountaineer boards at 11:30am.

Our Valley trains to Conway and Sawyer River run seven days a week from May through October; weekend service in April starts around Easter, and operate November through February. We occasionally operate on weekdays in the winter including the week before Christmas and last two weeks of February. Normally the railroad is closed for maintenance in March and early April.

As of September 18, 2020, Valley trains to Conway board at: 9:30 and 11:15 am and to Sawyer River at: 12:45 and 3:30 pm.

Ticket holders are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled boarding. Please leave ample time for traffic and parking.

Our train schedules vary from to time and we reserve the right to add, cancel and reschedule trains. Please be aware that Covid-19 mitigation has occasionally required for us to adjust and change train schedules at very short notice.

All of our regularly scheduled trains operate from our North Conway station that is located at 38 Norcross Circle at the center of North Conway village.

Tickets may be purchased:

1. On-line at: conwayscenic.com
2. At the ticket window in the station. (9am and 4pm daily)
3. By phone at 603-356-5251 (9am and 4pm daily May-October, and weekends April, November-February).

On most Conway Scenic trains advance reservations are not required, however our trains tend to sell out, and we strongly recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Conway Scenic uses a variety of different type of railcars and ticket classes vary depending on the specific excursion. See details below:

Our Mountaineer offers three classes for every departure.

Mountaineer Premium is our highest class, this includes our elevated ‘Upper dome’ seating in the Rhonda Lee dining car and Dorthea Mae. These are 1950s-era art deco styled Budd-built Vista dome cars that offer panoramic views and climate-control; also among Premium class tickets is our semi-private Dorthea Mae screening room with luxury seating, ample space and a live forward view via large screen television. Premium class tickets are in high demand and we advise advanced purchase to avoid disappointment.

Mountaineer First Class offers spacious seating in one of several streamlined, comfortable climate-controlled cars including: C.P. Reed and Dorthea Mae; Hattie Evans. Please be advised that dome views are only available with Premium class tickets.

Mountaineer Coach features seats in our 6700 series cars. Some of these cars feature openable windows. There are restrooms available to coach passengers. A selection of lunch options are available for purchase from our on-board concession cart.

Our Sawyer River Valley Train offers three seating options for every departure:

Sawyer River Valley Coach offers seating in our 1920-era steel cars that create the atmosphere of classic train travel. The windows in the cars open. Coach passengers may bring one leashed well-behaved dog per party. Service dogs may travel anywhere on the train

Sawyer River Valley Compartment Car offers enclosed European-style seating for groups up to four; however we recommend that groups of four adults may wish to consider reserving two compartments as single compartments are designed for families with small children. Windows open and a small fan is provided. Guests may safely remove their masks once seated in the compartment with the door closed.

Sawyer River Valley First Class Chocorua is an ornately decorated and air-conditioned car with tables and chairs and curtain partitions between seating areas for groups up to four people.

Conway Valley Train

Conway Valley Coach offers seating in our 1920-era steel cars that create the atmosphere of classic train travel. The windows in the cars open. Coach passengers may bring one leashed well-behaved dog per party. Service dogs may travel anywhere on the train. On select 930am trains our Conway Valley train provides coach seating in our 1950s-era 6700-series coaches.

Conway Valley Compartment Car offers enclosed European-style seating for groups up to four however we recommend that groups of four adults may wish to consider reserving two compartments as single compartments are designed for families with small children. Windows open and a small fan is provided. Guests may safely remove their masks once seated in the compartment with the door closed. The compartment car may not be available for some 930am boardings, at which time other comfortable air-conditioned first class seating will be available, including the C.P. Reed and/or Dorthea Mae

Conway Valley First Class Chocorua is an ornately decorated and air-conditioned car with tables and chairs and curtain partitions between seating areas for groups up to four people

Conway Valley Premium Class seating is available on select 930am departures and many include space in Dorthea Mae’s Upper dome and Screening Room, consult the calendar for specifics.

No, our trains operate to Conway, Sawyer River and over Crawford Notch (to either Crawford or Fabyan stations). To reach Mount Washington by rail consider traveling on The Mount Washington Cog Railway see: https://www.thecog.com/

Conway Scenic Railroad uses railroad routes that were planned and built for intercity transportation in the 19^th century. Except by special arrangement, all of our excursions are based on a round trip fare. This means that our guests board at North Conway travel out to one of several destinations- Sawyer River, Conway or Crawford-and return to our North Conway station via the same route. ‘Round trip’ does not infer a circular journey.

No, we are sorry but at this time, seniors must pay the full adult fare.

You may cancel or change your train reservation up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure with ticket handling charge/cancellation fee ($5 per ticket for Conway/Bartlett train and $10 per ticket for the Mountaineer). 

Within 24 hours of your scheduled departure tickets are non-refundable. However, your excursion may be rescheduled for a later date. In the event of a cancellation and your tickets have been mailed, a credit will be issued once your tickets are returned to Conway Scenic Railroad.

There are no exceptions to this policy. If you are booking multiple trips and decide to cancel one, this policy still applies.

Credit card charges: Charges will appear on your statement as ‘Conway Scenic Rail’.”

No, we do not sell stamps. However, the North Conway Post Office is located one half mile from our station at: 78 Grove Street

Our operable steam locomotive number 7470 is very popular with guests. Unfortunately it is awaiting minor repairs and should be ready for the early 2022 season.

Our iconic Russian Revival style station was built in 1874. It last served as a common carrier passenger station for the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1961. Since 1974, it has been the headquarters and base of operations for the Conway Scenic Railroad.

One small, well behaved dog under 20 pounds is welcome to travel in coach on any train!

No, elephants are not permitted.