You Can Ride This Train on the Tracks Lincoln Rode to Deliver the Gettysburg Address

While the NCR travels on rail tracks that have been in operation since 1838, the railroad was created in 2013 after years of work by its founders, Bill Simpson and Reed Anderson, two train lovers and Civil War enthusiasts.

The steam locomotive, named the William H. Simpson No. 17, is an exact replica of the locomotive that transported Lincoln to the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

The diesel locomotive. Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

Of the two locomotives used by the railroad, only one is truly historical: the 1959 century diesel locomotive, formerly used by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The steam locomotive, named the William H. Simpson No. 17, is an exact replica of the locomotive that transported Lincoln to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, and was specially built in the early 2010s. The rolling stock, which consists of four passenger cars (formerly freight cars), two mid-century Pullman-style passenger cars nicknamed “The Trail Sister”, a wooden open gondola, and a caboose are all restored cars, however.

What is the route of the Northern Central Railway of York?

The route of the NCR starts in the town of New Freedom, Pennsylvania, and goes through the towns of Railroad, Glen Rock, Hanover Junction, Seven valleys, and goes under the Howard Tunnel (the oldest operating railroad tunnel in the United States) before stopping in Brillhart Station, and Hyde, the terminus.

There is a large variety of rides available, but the three basic trips are:

The Glen Rock Express: a one-hour to Glen Rock and back

The Hanover Junction Flyer: a 2.5-hour trip to Hanover Junction and back that includes a 20-minute stop at the Hanover Junction Museum

The Howard Tunnel Special: a three-hour trip to the end of the line and back that includes a stop at the Howard Tunnel

Do all the excursions on board the Northern Central Railway of York focus on history?

While most of the rides offered by the railroad have a historical and educational intent, many of them also mix learning with having fun. There are many excursions for families with small children, like the Wild West Express during which the train gets robbed by Jesse James and the Younger Gang reenactors. There are also trips for adults who enjoy alcoholic beverages, such as the Wine & Cheese Express during which passengers enjoy a charcuterie board and five wine tastings. And there are excursions for the more athletic visitors like the Bike Aboard trips which include a train trip followed by 10 or 16-mile bike ride on the historical rail trail.

Take a look at all the calendar of rides and events on the official website to select and book the experience that suits you best.

Does the NCR organize Christmas-themed event?

The Northern Central Railway of York organizes two Christmas-themed events:

• The Elves Express, where elves board the train, runs on Thanksgiving weekend.
• The Santa Express, with Santa on board the train, runs all of December.

Does the Northern Central Railway of York operate year-round?

Yes, the NCR operates throughout the year, although only a few weekends between January and April. From May 1 to the last weekend before Christmas, the NCR operates every weekend and some week days.

How can I make sure I book a ride with the steam locomotive, not the diesel one, when traveling on board the Northern Central Railway of York?

Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

The railroad’s calendar of events, where all the train rides offered by the NCR are listed by dates, allows future visitors to see when the diesel locomotive, as opposed to the steam locomotive, is to be used. You can book your train rides directly from the calendar of events.

Note that, at the time of writing, the steam engine is going through federally required inspections which take 10 months and cost $350,000. The Steam locomotive should be back in service in 2025. The NCR is currently raising funds to cover the cost of the inspection.

Are there different classes of service on board the Northern Central Railway of York train?

Inside one of the passenger cars. Photo: The Northern Central Railway of York

The NCR train has a total of six passengers cars:

• Four formerly freight cars transformed into passenger cars, all of which are fitted with the same seats and priced the same. There is a stove in each car. You can book your desired seat directly from the website after having chosen your preferred train experience.
• Two mid-century Pullman-style passenger cars: the Pacific Trail car and the Overland Trail, car, which together are nicknamed The Trail Sisters. The Pacific Trail car has a 2-2 seat configuration. The Overland Trail car’s seat layout consists of table seats and single seats, all of which are very plushy and comfortable, and is equipped with a bar. The price is the same no matter the car you opt for. The Trail Sisters are only available for select train experiences.

Are there bathrooms on the Northern Central Railway of York train?

While the Trail Sisters each have a restroom, out of the four regular passenger cars, only only one is equipped with restrooms, the D. Reed Anderson Car.

How can I purchase tickets to ride the Northern Central Railway of York? What are the prices?

You can purchase your tickets online prior to your train excursions. You can pick them up on the day of your train journey at the New Freedom train station.

The cheapest rides start at less than $20 for adult (before taxes and fees), including $15.99 for the Ice Cream Express, $17.76 for 4th of July weekend (Friday-Sunday), and $17.99 for End of Summer Special. The highest-priced ticket is for the adult-only Ales on the Rails and Wine & Cheese Express excursions; they are priced at $99.99 for adults (discounted to $49 for non drinkers) and include five (wine) or 10 (beer) samples along with snacks during a two-to-three-hour train ride.

More like this

Train TravelThere's a Train in Colorado That Runs at the Bottom of a 1,200-Foot-Deep Gorge