After 18 months since its last excursion, V&T Railway and the historic Engine No. 18 return to the tracks for exciting and memorable roundtrip rides from Carson City to Virginia City starting Saturday, Aug. 28, departing at 10 a.m. The abbreviated season returns with ceremony and festivities at Eastgate Depot in Carson City, Nev., launching regular Saturday and Sunday trips through October 31, followed by the return of Polar Express this holiday season. Tickets are now on sale for regular season trains only at vtrailway.com.

“The entire team has been working tirelessly to prepare both the V&T track as well as the Depot to provide a safe and memorable experience for our riders,” said David Peterson, V&T Commission Chair. “We’re very fortunate that our loyal supporters have been patient and persistent in supporting us through this last season. We can’t wait to get going again.”

The inaugural ride welcomes both riders and fans of the V&T to come enjoy food, beverage, music and other festivities. Celebration begins at 9 a.m., with boarding at 9:30 a.m. and departure at 10 a.m. Non-riders are asked to RSVP to admin@vtrailway.com.

Upon departure from Eastgate Depot, passengers expect to see scenic views of the Virginia Mountain range, abandoned mine shafts, old mill sites and even a possible glimpse at the region’s wild mustangs while meandering through two historic tunnels. Once in Virginia City, guests can enjoy sightseeing, historic tours, dining and shopping before departing back to Carson City. Throughout the train ride, passengers listen to historical facts and anecdotes of the once infamous railway.

Round Trip Ticket Pricing

Adults (Ages 16-64): $55

Children (Ages 2-15): $35
Infants 24 months and under ride free when sitting on parent’s lap.

Seniors (Ages 65+): $52

Veterans (Must show ID upon arrival): $52

All riders are required to adhere to current State of Nevada and Carson City guidelines to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. This includes wearing masks while aboard the train and inside Eastgate Depot. Regulations are subject to change based on government mandates.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit vtrailway.com or call 833-RAILSNV. For the latest updates on V&T Railway, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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V&T Railway, located in Carson City, Nev., is a state funded, historical railroad that invites guests of any age to enjoy a journey into rich Nevada history while traveling through Nevada’s “wild west” Virginia Mountain Range. With reconstruction efforts beginning in the early 1990’s, the state set up a commission to rebuild the line, operating today as the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway. Since inception, the Commission has restored 16-miles of track from Gold Hill into the Carson River Canyon, giving the railway the opportunity for more diverse trains. The rail continues to operate its regular season from May through mid-October, with fully narrated roundtrip train rides from Carson City to Virginia City offering scenic routes and historic sites. The train also features various special events including Toast of the Canyon wine trains and the wildly popular Polar Express. For more information, visit online, connect through Facebook and Instagram or call 833-RAILSNV.

Kelsey is a fourth-generation Nevadan, investigative journalist and college professor working in the Sierras. She is an advocate of high desert agriculture, rescue dogs, and analog education.