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, Comfort and Observation Dome 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. Our Comfort seats have very limited wheelchair accessibility, and Dome seating is 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 opportunity 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 that are designed to delight youngsters of all ages.

We are sorry, outside food and adult beverages are not permitted 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. In addition, seasonally some trains also board at Crawford station to allow for a Crawford to North Conway round trip.

Tickets may be purchased:

1. Online 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
Affordable basic seating in classic early or mid-twentieth century railcars with openable windows. Cars are heated in cooler weather.

Comfort
Offers larger seats, typically in groups of two and four in classic mid-twentieth century railcars. These provide more legroom than seats in Coach, plus air conditioning and large windows.

Dome
Our classic glass-topped 1950s-era Budd Vista dome cars offer elevated seating to provide panoramic views. Specific dome seating arrangements vary depending on the individual car. Cars are heated in cooler weather and air-conditioned during warmer months.

No. Conway Scenic Railroad’s tracks do not reach Mount Washington. Conway Scenic operates excursions between North Conway and Conway, and between North Conway over Crawford Notch. To reach Mount Washington by rail consider traveling on The Mount Washington Cog Railway at https://www.thecog.com/

Conway Scenic Railroad has adapted historic railroad routes planned and built for intercity transportation during the 19th 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, typically Conway or Crawford, and return to our North Conway station via the same route. We also now offer Crawford to North Conway return trips. “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 your reservation up to 72 hours prior to boarding time. In such circumstances, you may rebook your reservation or receive a rebooking credit good for up to one year from the date of your original excursion, subject to blackout date exclusions.
• Within 72 hours of your excursion departure time, cancellations do not receive a rebooking credit of any kind.
• 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 105-year-old steam locomotive number 7470 is very popular with guests. However, it is currently undergoing repair and the date for its return to service hasn’t been decided.

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 served as the headquarters and base of operations for the Conway Scenic Railroad.

Our Comfort and Dome cars have heat and air conditioning. Conway Scenic’s cars with Coach seating are largely early 20th century classics, and these have heat and openable windows to allow fresh air but are not equipped with air conditioning.

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 Valley trains to Conway, each party may bring one small, well-behaved dog for travel in Economy seating. Pet dogs are not permitted in cars with Comfort or Dome seating or in cars where food is being prepared. Pets are not permitted on the Mountaineer excursion.

Dogs must be kept on a leash and at your feet at all times. Dogs are not permitted to travel in laps or on seats.

No, elephants are not permitted.