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Tickets and Events
Hours of Operation
The Museum is open for train rides every Saturday and Sunday, year-round, excluding a two week holiday for Christmas and New Years.
The train operates rain-or-shine on a 13 mile round trip lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. The regular operating schedule is listed below. Please check the calendar as some special events superceed this schedule.
| Train Schedule |
excluding some special events
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| Station |
Departs |
Arrives |
| Parrish |
11:00 AM |
12:30 PM |
| Parrish |
2:00 PM |
3:30 PM |
Ticketing Information
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Buying Tickets
Buying Tickets
Tickets for all trains can be purchased online or over the phone prior to your visit. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Ticket Office in Parrish when you arrive. Please note: Advance ticket sales are not available in Parrish at this time.
Children
Children of all ages are welcome to visit the Museum and ride the train. There is no minimum age requirement. However, please keep in mind that some special events employ loud gun and cannon demonstrations outside the train.
Children 1 - 11
Children one through 11 must have a ticket when riding the Pumpkin Patch Express and North Pole Express. Infants under one year old ride with our compliments when occupying a lap.
Children 3 - 11
Reduced price tickets are available on all trains for children three through 11.
Children Under Three
Excluding the Pumpkin Patch and North Pole Express trains, young visitors under the age of three are admitted with our compliments. No ticket purchase is neccessary.
In the event of a sold out train, unticketed children are not guarenteed a seat and must ride on a lap.
Ticketing Fees
The Museum has partnered with Vendini, Inc. to provide a state-of-the-art ticketing system for our website and eventually, the Parrish Ticket Office.
Most of the Museum's cost to use Vendini is paid for with a small per-ticket fee for online and telephone purchases. Unlike many other ticketing providers there are no per-order fees, Will-Call fees or E-Ticket fees.
Getting Tickets
Getting Your Tickets
Tickets will be held at Will-Call for pickup on the day of the event. Will-Call closes 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
What happened to E-Tickets?
After evaluating the use of print-at-home E-Tickets for several months, the Museum has determined the print-at-home tickets are more difficult and time consuming for the train crew to process than anticipated. All tickets are now Will-Call Pickup only.
Refunds and Exchanges
Ticket Refunds
Tickets are non-refundable, but may be exchanged for another date/time. Please see Exchanges below.
Trip Cancellations
In the event of a cancellation by the Museum due to mechanical or volunteer availability, passengers may choose to exchange their tickets for another trip or receive a full refund.
At the sole discretion of the Museum, train operations may be suspended if tropical weather threatens the Tampa Bay area. Tickets for weather-related cancellations may be exchanged for a future trip in accordance with the Exchange policy.
Ticket Exchanges
If you are no longer able to use your tickets on the date and time purchased please contact the Museum immediately to preserve the ticket value. After the ticketed date and time, unused tickets have no value and cannot be exchanged. Tickets for cancelled trips may be exchanged at any time.
When exchanging tickets, the full value of the original tickets will be applied towards the new tickets. The difference in fares will be collected if the new tickets have a higher value; no refund will be issued when new tickets are of a lower value.
At the Station
Boarding
Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time unless otherwise noted for Special Events. Seating is first come, first served so be prepared to board early.
To ensure an on-time departure all passengers are requested to be on board the train at least 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time.
Gift Shop
Our Gift Shop in Parrish is stocked with gifts for everyone. Stop in before or after your train ride!
Parking
Plenty of free parking is available in the large grass field at the station.
Picnic Area
A small picnic shelter is available adjacent to the Ticket Office/Gift Shop. Several tables are available on a first come, first served basis.
Onboard the Train
Safety First
Safety is the first and foremost responsibility of any railroad. When riding our trains please keep the following in mind:
- Use both hands and provided hand holds when boarding, walking between cars and leaving the train.
- Wear shoes at all times.
- Do not run anywhere onboard the train.
- Do not place hands, arms, feet, legs or heads outside any open window or over the edge of the open-air cars.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult when moving between cars.
Food and Beverage
A concessions stand is available in the New Georgia car serving light snacks and cold soda, juices and water.
Except during special events, passengers are welcome to bring food and drink onboard.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available onboard the train.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted at any time onboard the train. This includes restrooms and vestibules.
Special Events>
Throughout the year, the Museum schedule special event weekends that couple exciting themes with a ride on the train. Examples include a train robbery, World War II re-enactment and a trip to the North Pole.
The train may operate on modified schedules during special events. The calendar on our home page lists all Museum operating days. You may also view a schedule listing events.php.
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Ticket Prices
excluding some special events
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| Adults 12+ |
$12.00 |
| Children 3-11 |
$8.00 |
| Under 3 |
Free |
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