All aboard!
Harborside Express Caboose Rides typically run late spring through the summer, most weekends, weather permitting. Black out dates apply for special events and November 1 thru January 1. Tickets are required, and are in addition to museum admission passes. Visitors are urged to check schedules in advance for availability and times.
Harborside Express FAQ’s
Where does the Harborside Express go?
The Harborside Express travels from the Museum west for one mile (appx. 26th Street to 35th Street). The caboose and engine then return to the Galveston Railroad Museum.
How long is the train ride?
The train ride is approximately 15 minutes.
What is the capacity of the train?
The capacity of the train is 30 riders per trip, with three trips per hour. However, the ride is currently operating at 75% capacity, per state regulations for Covid-19.
How often does the train depart?
The first train ride departs at 11:00 am on Saturdays and 1:00 pm Sundays, and then every 20 minutes. The Train Crew will occasionally take a 30-minute lunch break.
How often does the train depart?
The first train ride departs at 11:00 am on Saturdays and 1:00 pm Sundays, and then every 20 minutes. The Train Crew will occasionally take a 30-minute lunch break.
What is seating like on the train?
The Harborside Express is an authentic working caboose, made prior to ADA regulations. It has only two chairs on board the caboose. Boarding for the Harborside Express is first come, first serve. We cannot guarantee that a guest will have a seat for the ride. We would like everyone to enjoy the museum. Please call (409)765-5700 and ask for the Marketing Director. We will try our best to make accommodations for all our guests!
What can you see on the Harborside Express?
Great views of the Port of Galveston, Cruise Ship Terminal, grain elevators, and the old Falstaff Brewery (currently called The Tasting Room).
What do you mean by "Weather Permitting"?
The train is an open-air ride, so it is weather dependent. The museum makes every effort to provide train rides. In the event of rain, lightning, or cold weather, we will cancel the Harborside Express. We monitor weather using weather.com and the zip code of 77550.
What are the important times for the Harborside Express?
11:00 am Saturday/ 1:40 Sunday – The train departs for the first ride
Noon lunch hour Saturday – Train Crew breaks for a 30-minute lunch
1:30 pm Saturday/2:40 pm Sunday – The last ticket for the Harborside Express is sold at 1:30 Saturday & 2:30 Sunday. On most Saturdays, the last train ride pulls away from the museum at 1:40 pm sharp, 2:40 pm Sundays. You must have already purchased admission and train tickets and be in the train line no later than 1:35 pm Saturday or 2:35 pm Sunday, for the museum to be able to guarantee a train ride. On Holiday weekends or other busy times at the museums, we usually sell out of tickets early in the day.
What are the important times for the Harborside Express?
11:00 am Saturday/ 1:40 Sunday – The train departs for the first ride
Noon lunch hour Saturday – Train Crew breaks for a 30-minute lunch
1:30 pm Saturday/2:40 pm Sunday – The last ticket for the Harborside Express is sold at 1:30 Saturday & 2:30 Sunday. On most Saturdays, the last train ride pulls away from the museum at 1:40 pm sharp, 2:40 pm Sundays. You must have already purchased admission and train tickets and be in the train line no later than 1:35 pm Saturday or 2:35 pm Sunday, for the museum to be able to guarantee a train ride. On Holiday weekends or other busy times at the museums, we usually sell out of tickets early in the day.