FAQ

**Refund & Cancellation Policy:**
Cash Refunds:

Cancellations made 7 days or more from your scheduled trip will incur a 10% fee.
Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to a scheduled trip will incur a 30% fee.

Cancellations for Dinner Trains that are made less than 72 Hours prior to a scheduled trip will incur a 50% fee.

(We cannot refund online processing fees)

Ride Credits:
Available for any cancellation prior to departure. A Ride Credit will be issued for the full amount of the ticket price and are valid for 1 year from the date they are issued. Ride Credits for Dinner Trains are that are canceled 72 hours or less from the date of departure will only be issued for 50% of the ticket value. Ride Credits are non refundable.

Customers that do not call or show, forfeit their fares.

The Adirondack Railroad is not responsible for reservations that are booked online for the incorrect date.

You assume all risk and danger incidental to the train ride, event, or performance whether occurring prior to, during, or after said trip. You assume all risk and danger of injury and you agree that the management, its agents, and the performers are not responsible or liable for any injuries resulting from such causes.

No alcohol, drugs, or weapons allowed. You hereby consent to the reasonable search for alcoholic beverages, drugs, or weapons. You further consent to the use of your image or likeness incidental to any display, transmission, or reproduction of the event. Management reserves the right to refuse admission or eject any person whose conduct is deemed by management to be disorderly or who fails to comply with the terms and conditions herein.

Tickets are not Transferable. 

• Please call our office at 315-724-0700 for more information or to book a group.

All ticketing is handled by Fareharbor.

Yes. Tickets can be purchased with a customer service representative by calling 1-800-819-2291.

Please see your trip, as many excursions offer different classes of service.

Yes, please make sure select “A member of my needs assistance” when booking or you may book over the phone by calling 1-800-819-2291.

Yes, please make sure select “A member of my party is in a wheelchair” when booking or you may book over the phone by calling 1-800-819-2291 and stating that there will be a person in a wheelchair so that we can get you in a priority boarding area and board the train early. The maximum door opening width is 26 inches wide.

Yes.

Yes, however, please try to book on the same reservation if you have not made it already. If you have made your reservation already please call 1-800-819-2291 and let a ticket agent know that you would like to sit with another party. You can not change where you are seated at the ticket window, any changes to the reservation must be made 48 hours ahead of your departure time, no exceptions. ** Seating Requests cannot be made for the Polar Express.**

Tickets must be picked up in person at the ticket window. Our ticket windows will open 1 hour prior to departure  Tickets cannot be picked up early.  ** For the Polar Express the Ticket window will open 90 minutes prior to departure.**

Departures from Thendara – Tickets are picked up at Thendara Station 2568 NY 28, Thendara, NY.

Departures from Tupper Lake – Tickets are picked up at Tupper Lake Depot 37 Depot Street, Tupper Lake, NY

Departures from Utica – Tickets are picked up at Union Station, 321 Main Street, Utica, NY

Please note, the email you received when you purchased the tickets is not your ticket to the train, you must proceed to the ticket window as you enter the station.

Don’t panic! We can help! 

1. If you have an email confirmation please show the conductor/car attendant/steward the email you received. 
2. If you are not yet out to the platform and have spare time in the station, return to the ticket booth and explain you have lost your tickets, we will gladly get you new ones!

Absolutely! Call 1-800-819-2291 and a customer service representative will be happy to assist!

Walk up purchase service at the station is EXTREMELY  limited on fall and winter trips. Please plan to purchase your tickets online or with a customer service representative.

Please arrive approximately 30 minutes ahead of time for summer trips and one hour ahead of your scheduled departure time for fall and winter excursions.

There are multiple lots around Utica’s Union Station. However, with such a large number of passengers, parking may be limited. Please make sure you are not in a no parking zone.

All you will need to board the train is your tickets, coats, and any other materials needed for small children. All bags will be subject to a bag check prior to boarding the train. Weapons, and alcohol is subject to confiscation.

Service dogs are always welcome on board the train, in our gift shop, and in the station/train.

Service Animal Defined by Title II and Title III of the ADA. A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.

Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA.

No live animals are allowed on any Adirondack Railroad trains except for service animals with their owner or trainer. We strongly encourage our guests to find suitable daytime facilities for your pets and not leave them in a parked car.

No. There is no smoking of any substances in any railcar, platform, bathroom, or any other area onboard the train. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens, and all other devices. Anyone who attempts to smoke any substance above is subject to a fine. Remember, If you can light it, you can smoke it. Don’t try it.

Cancellations made within 7 days of a scheduled trip will incur a 10% fee. Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to a scheduled trip will incur a 30% fee. A Ride Credit can also be issued for canceled trips. Ride Credits will be for the full amount of the ticket price and are valid for 1 year from the date they are issued. Customers that do not call or show, forfeit their fares.

The train averages about 40 miles per hour.

No. Only cash and cards are accepted.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport is located approximately 56 miles away. The shortest route via I-90 will take approximately one hour. Please plan accordingly. ⚠️ This route has tolls.

How long is the train ride?

The train ride is approximately an hour and a half round trip.

Does the train bring me back to the station?

Yes, all trips are round trips, with the exception of the Bike & Rail trip. The Bike & Rail drops you off at a trailhead in Big Moose or at Carter Station where you can bike back to the station.

Does the train have restrooms?

Yes, the train and station both have restrooms. Restrooms on the train may not be handicapped accessible.

Is the train wheelchair-accessible?

Yes. If you are bringing a wheelchair, we request that you come in a standard size wheelchair (not a large scooter) and that you notify us of any special travel needs when you make your reservations. Please arrive earlier than the regularly recommended, half an hour prior to train departure to allow for extra time boarding.

Does the train sell food on board?

Yes, there is a Cafè Car on board.

Do you sell food at the Thendara Station?

No. Although the station sells bottles of water and candy bars, the gift shop primarily carries Adirondack Railroad souvenirs and toys.

Do you still run if it is raining?

Yes, the train does run in the rain and all cars, including the open air car, are covered.

Can I bring alcohol on the train?

No, sorry but we do sell beer and wine our of our Cafè Car.

Do you have an ATM?

No, there is no ATM at the station. Both our gift shop and ticket window are able to accept credit and debit cards.

Is this a round trip?

Yes, this is a round trip.

How long is the train ride?

The train ride is approximately an hour and a half round trip.

Where is Thendara?

Thendara, NY is a small town located a mile south of Old Forge, NY.

Do we get off the train in Otter Lake?

No. There is no safe place to get off of the train at Otter Lake. Passengers stay on the train while the engine is moved to the other end of the train to pull the train back to Thendara. Please note that under certain circumstances, the decision may be made to simply push the train back, rather than to do a run around and pull the train back.

Where is Thendara?

Thendara, NY is a small town located a mile south of Old Forge, NY.

What is there to do in Old Forge?

We recommend a visit to the Old Forge tourism website, www.oldforgeny.com for local attractions. There is plenty to see and do!

Can we ride the train up one day, spend the night, and then come back on the train at a later date?

Absolutely!  We suggest a stay over at either the Water’s Edge Hotel or at the Old Forge Camping Resort. To schedule this, you must book two One Way trips.  First, a Utica to Thendara/Old Forge (One-Way Trip) for the day that you want to start your trip.  Then a Thendara to Utica (One-Way Trip) for the day that you want to return.  Please contact the ticket office with any additional questions: (315) 724-0700.

How do we get to Old Forge?

The Adirondack Scenic Railroad provides a shuttle bus service that will drop passengers off in downtown Old Forge and local attractions. The shuttle bus service is available for the duration of your layover.

The shuttle CANNOT accommodate wheel chairs.

Will the train be hot/cold?

The train is climate controlled, so you should be comfortable. In the summer, there will be an open-air car on the end of the train so you can feel the breeze if the weather is nice!

Is there food on the train?

The café car will be open on the train for food and beverages as you travel to the Thendara Station. Passengers are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages on the train. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with a valid form of ID, in the Café car during the trip, and may not be taken off the train.

Can we switch days?

Please see our cancellation policy by clicking here.

I smoke, is there a dedicated place for me to have a cigarette?

No. There is no smoking of any substances in any railcar, platform, bathroom, or any other area onboard the train. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens, and all other devices. Anyone who attempts to smoke any substance above is subject to a fine. Remember, If you can light it, you can smoke it. Don’t try it.

The Adirondack Railroad allows passengers to bring heavy luggage, bikes, canoes, camping equipment, and backpacks.

We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

Where is Thendara?

Thendara, NY is a small town located a mile south of Old Forge, NY.

Where is Big Moose?

Big Moose is located north of Thendara and Old Forge, south of Inlet. The train stops at the restored Big Moose Station for a relaxing lunch. Visit www.bigmoosestation.com for more details.

Will we have time to stop in Old Forge?

Unfortunately, this trip does not allow time to stop in Old Forge. If you are looking for a train from Utica to Old Forge, we recommend one of our Utica to Thendara trips which offers shuttle service into Old Forge.

Will the train be hot/cold?

The train is climate controlled, so you should be comfortable. In the summer, there will be an open-air car on the end of the train so you can feel the breeze if the weather is nice!

Is there food on the train?

The café car will be open on the train for food and beverages as you travel to the Thendara Station. Passengers are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages on the train. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with a valid form of ID, in the Café car during the trip, and may not be taken off the train.

Can we switch days?

Please see our cancellation policy by clicking here.

I smoke, is there a dedicated place for me to have a cigarette?

No. There is no smoking of any substances in any railcar, platform, bathroom, or any other area onboard the train. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens, and all other devices. Anyone who attempts to smoke any substance above is subject to a fine. Remember, If you can light it, you can smoke it. Don’t try it.

Where is Thendara?

Thendara, NY is a small town located a mile south of Old Forge, NY. Thendara Station is 52 miles north of Utica, NY and is the station that serves the Old Forge area.

What is there to do in Old Forge?

We recommend a visit to the Old Forge tourism website, www.oldforgeny.com for local attractions. There is plenty to see and do!

How do we get into Old Forge?

The Adirondack Railroad provides a shuttle bus service that will drop passengers off in downtown Old Forge and local attractions. The shuttle bus service is available for the duration of your layover. Please take note that the shuttle bus is not handicap accessible. We can accommodate if passengers with mobility concerns can manage a few stairs to board and deboard.

Is the trip wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, with some exceptions. Please take note the restrooms onboard are not handicap accessible. If you are bringing a wheelchair, we request that you please notify us when you make your reservation. The wheelchair must be in a normal standard size. Unfortunately, large scooters or motorized wheelchairs can’t be accommodated as they are too wide for our aisles. Please arrive earlier than the recommended arrival time to allow for extra time for boarding.

When is peak change?

Peak change length lasts for different amounts of time each year. This is reliant on elevation, weather, and temperature change as the season progresses. In years past the best time to see the fall colors in late September into early to late October. We cannot make accurate predictions on when the peak will be for the coming year.

Am I guaranteed to see the fall colors?

Since the color change is dependent on elevation, weather, and temperature change, we cannot guarantee that you will see the full color change. If you have booked a train past the time of peak change or when all the leaves have fallen, there is still plenty to view. Deer frequent the area around the tracks and bears become more active late into October. Also, keep an eye out for geese and other migrating birds as they fly south for the winter.

Can we ride the train up one day, spend the night, and then come back on the train at a later date?

Absolutely!  We suggest a stay over at either the Water’s Edge Hotel or at the Old Forge Camping Resort. To schedule this, you must book two One Way trips.  First, a Utica to Thendara/Old Forge (One-Way Trip) for the day that you want to start your trip.  Then a Thendara to Utica (One-Way Trip) for the day that you want to return.  Please contact the ticket office with any additional questions: (315) 724-0700.

Will the train be hot/cold?

The train is climate controlled, so you should be comfortable. In the summer, there will be an open-air car on the end of the train so you can feel the breeze if the weather is nice!

It’s a long train ride. Is there food available in case we get hungry?

The café car will be open on the train for food and beverages as you travel to the Thendara Station. Passengers are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages on the train. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with a valid form of ID, in the Café car during the trip, and may not be taken off the train.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

New York State law prohibits bringing any carry on alcoholic beverages onboard the train. We reserve the right to check bags before the train to ensure that no outside alcohol is brought on the train. Beer and wine are available for purchase in our Café car with the proper form of ID.

I smoke, is there a dedicated place for me to have a cigarette?

No. There is no smoking of any substances in any railcar, platform, bathroom, or any other area onboard the train. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens, and all other devices. Anyone who attempts to smoke any substance above is subject to a fine. Remember, If you can light it, you can smoke it. Don’t try it.

I can’t make my original departure date; can I switch to a different date?

Please see our cancellation policy by clicking here.

Where is Thendara?

Thendara, NY is a small town located a mile south of Old Forge, NY. Thendara Station is 52 miles north of Utica, NY and is the station that serves the Old Forge area.

Will the train be hot/cold?

The train is climate controlled for you comfort.

When is peak change?

Peak change length lasts for different amounts of time each year. This is reliant on elevation, weather, and temperature change as the season progresses. In years past the best time to see the fall colors in late September into early to late October. We cannot make accurate predictions on when the peak will be for the coming year.

Am I guaranteed to see the fall colors?

Since the color change is dependent on elevation, weather, and temperature change, we cannot guarantee that you will see the full color change. If you have booked a train past the time of peak change or when all the leaves have fallen, there is still plenty to view. Deer frequent the area around the tracks and bears become more active late into October. Also, keep an eye out for geese and other migrating birds as they fly south for the winter.

Can we ride the train up one day, spend the night, and then come back on the train at a later date?

Absolutely!  We suggest a stay over at either the Water’s Edge Hotel or at the Old Forge Camping Resort. To schedule this, you must book two One Way trips.  First, a Utica to Thendara/Old Forge (One-Way Trip) for the day that you want to start your trip.  Then a Thendara to Utica (One-Way Trip) for the day that you want to return.  Please contact the ticket office with any additional questions: (315) 724-0700.

Is the trip wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, with some exceptions. Please take note the restrooms onboard are not handicap accessible. If you are bringing a wheelchair, we request that you please notify us when you make your reservation. The wheelchair must be in a normal standard size. Unfortunately, large scooters or motorized wheelchairs can’t be accommodated as they are too wide for our aisles. Please arrive earlier than the recommended arrival time to allow for extra time for boarding.

It’s a long train ride. Is there food available in case we get hungry?

The café car will be open on the train for food and beverages as you travel to the Thendara Station. Passengers are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages on the train. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with a valid form of ID, in the Café car during the trip, and may not be taken off the train.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

New York State law prohibits bringing any carry on alcoholic beverages onboard the train. We reserve the right to check bags before the train to ensure that no outside alcohol is brought on the train. Beer and wine are available for purchase in our Café car with the proper form of ID.

Can we switch days?

Please see our cancellation policy by clicking here.

I smoke, is there a dedicated place for me to have a cigarette?

No. There is no smoking of any substances in any railcar, platform, bathroom, or any other area onboard the train. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens, and all other devices. Anyone who attempts to smoke any substance above is subject to a fine. Remember, If you can light it, you can smoke it. Don’t try it.

Where is Thendara?

Thendara, NY is a small town located a mile south of Old Forge, NY. Thendara Station is 52 miles north of Utica, NY, and is the station that serves the Old Forge area.

Does this train go all the way into Old Forge?

This train goes to our Thendara Station and not all the way into Old Forge. A complementary shuttle bus takes you the rest of the way into downtown Old Forge and to other local attractions. The shuttle bus service is available for the full duration of your layover.

The shuttle CANNOT accommodate wheel chairs.

Will the train be hot/cold?

The train is climate controlled for your comfort.

It’s a long train ride. Is there food available in case we get hungry?

The café car will be open on the train for food and beverages as you travel to the Thendara Station. Passengers are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages on the train. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, with a valid form of ID, in the Café car during the trip, and may not be taken off the train.

Can we switch days?

Please see our cancellation policy by clicking here.

I smoke, is there a dedicated place for me to have a cigarette?

No. There is no smoking of any substances in any railcar, platform, bathroom or any other area onboard the train. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens and all other devices. Anyone who attempts to smoke any substance above is subject to a fine. Remember, If you can light it, you can smoke it. Don’t try it.