Frequently Asked Questions

The supremely scenic Mountaineer is the railroad’s flagship train. This is the famous Crawford Notch excursion for which Conway Scenic is known around the world. The Mountaineer traverses the Mount Washington Valley, following the path of the Saco River, passing through the White Mountain National Forest and ascending the rocky crags of Crawford Notch. The train crosses several famous bridges including the curved Frankenstein Trestle and the towering Willey Brook Bridge. This train runs May through November and carries Coach, First and Premium Class seating. Most popular are the train’s Premium Vista domes, which offer panoramic views, but often sell out weeks in advance. The Mountaineer is most popular during the autumn foliage season, yet offers superb scenery from Spring through Autumn.

Owing to the historic nature of our railcars, Conway Scenic Railroad’s passenger trains do 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 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 efforts to provide mobility-impaired guests the opportunity to travel with us. 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 in advance of traveling to discuss the details of your circumstances. While our First Class and Coach Class trains have limited wheelchair accessibility, unfortunately, our Premium Dome Cars are not wheelchair accessible owing to their antique design.

Spring, Summer and Fall, we recommend our Valley Train to Conway for families with young children. This is our classic heritage rail excursion that we have run since August 4, 1974. It offers a step back in time by providing the opportunities to experience century-old passenger cars in motion. The journey takes just under an hour.

In the Winter, our Santa’s Holiday Express and Snow Train excursions are very popular with young travelers. Other times of the year we host special events such as the Easter Bunny Eggspress, and Pumpkin Patch that designed to delight youngsters of all ages.

We are sorry, outside food and adult beverages must not brought on Conway Scenic trains. Light snacks and beverages may be purchased in our gift shop or purchased on board our trains. Cash or card is accepted.

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 to 4pm daily)
3. By phone at 603-356-5251 (9am to 4pm) daily 

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.

Coach Class is our most economical accommodation.

First Class seating offers greater comfort, more leg room and better ride quality, which lends to a superior travel experience. each of our first class cars has a distinctive heritage, which results in a great variety of different in seating arrangements and interior decor.

Premium Class Dome – CSRR’s most popular accommodation are the glass-topped domed seats in our 1950’s built Budd vista domes. these offer elevated panoramic views with period decor.

No, Conway Scenic excursions reach destinations at Conway, Bartlett, Sawyer River, and Crawford Notch. 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 (There is a $5 charge per ticket for Conway and $10 per ticket for Sawyer River and Mountaineer plus your online booking fee). 

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 103-year old steam locomotive number 7470 is very popular with guests. Unfortunately it is currently undergoing repairs and the date for its return to service hasn’t been announced.

Conway Scenic’s two most famous bridges are the curved Frankenstein trestle and the towering Willey Brook Bridge. Both are located in Crawford Notch and are seasonally used by our Mountaineer on its run over the Notch.

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.

Some First Class and Premium Dome Class cars are climate controlled. Please inquire when booking. Our Coach Class cars do not have air conditioning. The Coach Class cars do have heat and opening windows.

Absolutely not. It is never safe to walk on, along or near railroad tracks. Walking on active railroad lines is considered trespassing, this may result in serious injury and is illegal in the state of New Hampshire. Please, stay off the tracks.

On trains to Conway, Bartlett and Sawyer River, each party may bring one small, well-behaved dog under 20 pounds for travel in coach. Pet dogs are not permitted in First or Premium Class cars or where food is being prepared.

Pet dogs are not permitted on the Mountaineer excursion.

Dogs must be kept on a leash and at your feet at all times. No dogs in laps.

No, elephants are not permitted.