FAQs
Directions & Parking
Where is the Verde Canyon Railroad located?
300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324.
Where is parking?
Verde Canyon Railroad offers free parking on-site for all guests. There is ample space for parking directly across the street from the Depot, making it convenient for groups of all sizes. Accessible parking spaces are also available close to the depot for guests with mobility needs. If you have any specific parking questions, feel free to contact us in advance!
Tickets & Reservations
Are reservations required?
Yes. Reservations are highly recommended as many trains sell out well in advance.
Your credit card will be charged the full amount within 24 hours of booking.
How soon should I book my reservation?
We suggest that you book as soon as you know your preferred ride date because trains can fill up fast. If you don’t see any space available, check back online every 24 hours to see if there have been any cancellations.
Are there discounts available?
Members of AAA, AARP, First Responders and Military (retired and active) are eligible for a 10% discount when booking directly with Verde Canyon Railroad.
Online codes:
AAA – (AAA)
AARP – (AARP)
Military and First Responders (MILT)
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices vary according to the month and season. For the most up-to-date ticket prices, please visit our train rates page. There, you’ll find detailed information about our fares, including special events and ride options.
What is the best time to ride?
Definitive seasons are prevalent in the Verde Canyon, so each one offers visitors a chance to see and enjoy the ride through a whole new lens. There isn’t one ride that is better than another.
How do I redeem a promotional pass?
Promotional passes, once provided to the charitable organization, are good for one year from the event date provided. These passes cannot be redeemed in March, April or October, and cannot be applied toward the Magical Christmas Journey™ or any other special events. Promotional passes require a reservation and must be exchanged for boarding tickets on day of ride. Promotional passes require booking by telephone at 800-293-7245. If passes are not presented, the full cost of the reservation must be paid in full.
What if I forget my reservation confirmation?
Simply give your name to the ticket counter agent upon arrival. If you are unsure if you made a reservation, please call us at 800-293-7245 prior to arrival.
What is the payment policy?
Reservations require payment in full at time of booking.
Depot purchases may be made using cash or credit card.
Sales onboard the train are credit card only.
What is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
- A full refund is given if original booking is cancelled for any reason 48 hours prior to your ride.
- If cancelled within 48 hours before departure, you may re-book to another date within one year of your original travel date, without penalty.
- Cancellations outside this policy, rebooked reservations and no-shows (failure to pick up tickets) are not refunded.
Schedules & Routes
Where does the train go?
The train goes from Clarkdale, Arizona, northward 20 miles to Perkinsville through the scenic Verde Canyon and back on the same tracks. The excursion is a 40-mile roundtrip.
How long is the ride?
The ride is between 3.5 – 4 hours.
Do we get off the train?
No, passengers remain on the train for the entire journey.
What time should we arrive for our train trip?
We suggest you arrive at the train depot 2 hours prior to your scheduled departure time. There are expansive storyboards along the tracks that offer pre-ride information on the history, wildlife and terrain of the Canyon. Our train museum holds artifacts reflective of our 100-plus years of history. The train accommodates nearly 444 passengers, all of whom are parking, using restrooms and picking up their tickets. The train boards approximately 15 minutes prior to departure, so we ask that you allow sufficient time.
Does the train operate in rain or snow?
Yes.
What days does the train run and at what time?
Trains run year-round on a varied schedule, usually at 1 p.m., but several days each month may have multiple trains running each day, so the schedule will show morning, afternoon or evening departure times. Review the calendar for more information.
Seating & Accessibility
What kinds of seats are there?
The train is considered all “first-class,” with living room-style seating that accommodate four on couches that face each other or bistro tables with cushioned chairs that seat two. The caboose seats one party of six people seated on swivel chairs.
Can different families with different reservations be seated together?
Yes, reservations may be booked separately online and a “special request” can be added during checkout to note the confirmation number of the people with whom you would like to be seated.
A request made the day of travel will be considered but cannot be guaranteed. If you would like to call 800-293-7245 in advance of travel date to arrange multi-party seating, we will do our best to accommodate you.
Can we fit more than six people in the caboose?
The fare for a regularly scheduled train ride is for six passengers or less. Up to two additional people can be accommodated at an additional $130 per passenger. For the Magical Christmas Journey™ caboose, the cost for two additional passengers is $100 per person. The comfort level declines as there is only chair seating for six adults. It is encouraged that all caboose passengers be over the age of 13, except aboard the Magical Christmas Journey™.
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
We have manual wheelchair accessibility. Motorized chairs and/or scooters are prohibited due to width and weight limits for the platform lifts. The maximum weight for the lift platform is 400 lbs. Guests may utilize personal, manual wheelchairs as long as the width is no wider than 24.5 inches. At no charge, we can provide the use of a manual wheelchair. These wheelchairs have a weight limit of 250 lbs. Due to the historic nature of the Caboose it cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
Whether using your own wheelchair, or requesting the use of ours, please mention there is a wheelchair needed in the reservation when calling so the party will be seated in one of our accessible cars. You will be asked to arrive 1.5 hours prior to your scheduled train ride as requested pre-boarding is done 45 minutes prior to departure.
Can the train accommodate large groups?
Yes, cars have different seating capacity, so groups can stem from 20 to 400. Reservations for group events can be made by calling 877-674-3835. For any group size of 20 passengers or more, there is a discount extended with an automatic $5.00 per-person gratuity added to the final reservation total.
Onboard the Train
What am I allowed to bring onboard the train?
One bag per person that cannot exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (standard backpack size) that can be opened and examined prior to boarding. No outside food or drink, except water, or food prepared by the Copper Spike Café.
Is smoking allowed?
No, not on or in any Verde Canyon Railroad properties or aboard the train.
Are there restrooms on the train?
Yes. Each car is equipped with a restroom. Not all restrooms on the train can accommodate a wheelchair. Please contact the reservations department at 800-293-7245 in advance of your reservation to discuss options.
Is there food for purchase at the depot or on the train?
Yes, the Copper Spike Café is located in the depot, and the menu will tempt your taste buds with a wide variety of all-inclusive meals. An individually packaged charcuterie tray, included with the ticket price, is served on the train. Other bar-type snacks are available for purchase onboard.
Is the train heated and/or air conditioned?
Yes. All indoor cars are climate-controlled.
Are pets allowed on the train?
No. We have suggestions for several day-boarding facilities nearby.
Can I take my own food and beverage onboard?
Except for food purchased at the Copper Spike Café, no food may be brought onboard.
If you have dietary restrictions, please inquire about alternate considerations.
Due to the restrictions of liquor licensing, no alcohol can be brought onboard the train, but it is available for purchase once on the train.
What are the appetizers on the train?
Freshly prepared appetizer trays include fruits, cheeses, proteins and dessert, all individually packaged and distributed upon boarding. Bottled water is available throughout the journey. These appetizers, while tasty and abundant, are not meant to be a meal.
Can I bring food or drink on the train?
Due to the restrictions of liquor licensing, no alcohol can be brought onboard the train, but it is available for purchase once on the train.
Except for food purchased at the Copper Spike Café, no food may be brought onboard.
Are firearms allowed on the train?
No. Firearms are not allowed on or in any Verde Canyon Railroad property or aboard the train.
Are strollers or car seats allowed on the train?
No. With the limited space available in train cars, and for the safety of all passengers, ice chests, hard-case coolers, picnic baskets, child car seats and strollers may not be brought onboard the train.
Still Have Questions?
If you haven’t found the answer to your question, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us—we’re happy to help!
