Tourist attraction

Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Allentown & Auburn Railroad in Kutztown offers scenic rides with nostalgic charm, friendly staff, and delightful themed events. Families enjoy affordable fun with complimentary treats and unique seasonal experiences.

4.6(217)

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Plan your visit to Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Schedule: 2026 calendar: Picnic Trains Sept 13 (Grandparent's Day), departing Kutztown at 11 AM and 1 PM, 1 hour 45 minutes; Pumpkin Trains Oct 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and 31 at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM and 4 PM, 1 hour 30 minutes; Ghost Stories at the Grove Oct 24; Operation Toy Train Nov 22; Hot Chocolate Trains Nov 28 and Dec 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; Santa Trains Nov 28-29 and Dec 5-6, 12-13, 19-20. Earlier in 2026: Easter Bunny Trains Mar 21-22, 28-29, Apr 3-4; Breakfast Trains May 9 and June 20; Picnic Train June 21; Firefly Express July 11 and 18.
Parking: At the Kutztown Train Station along Railroad Street and along Pine Street.
Time to plan: A little more than an hour for a standard ride; Pumpkin Trains 1 hour 30 minutes; Picnic Trains 1 hour 45 minutes. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early to pick up tickets.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with advance notice: the railroad's ramp can load walkers and regular sized wheelchairs onto the coach or the open air car. Call (570) 778-7531 beforehand.
Know before you go: All tickets must be picked up in the Kutztown Train Station before boarding; arrive 15-30 minutes early. Seating is general and first come, first served; a ticket is good for any car unless noted. No bathrooms on the train; use the station or Picnic Grove. Light snacks and beverages allowed, no alcohol. Pumpkin Trains: every passenger receives a pumpkin and every child a treat. Sept 13 Picnic Train menu is spaghetti, meatballs, garlic bread, garden salad, and drinks, catered by Saucony Cafe. Refunds carry a 10% cancellation fee and need 48 hours notice for standard rides (Easter Bunny, pumpkin, Santa) or seven days for specialty rides (wine, beer, picnic, Firefly, movie trains); tickets can instead be transferred to another date within one year. The railroad may alter schedules, cancel trains, or substitute equipment as conditions demand.

Checked on September 7, 2026 against the official site. Hours and prices change; confirm before a long drive.

What to do at Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Ride the eight mile Kutztown to Topton round trip in a coach, open air car, or caboose
Pick a pumpkin at the Picnic Grove on the October Pumpkin Trains
Eat a catered picnic on the Father's Day and Grandparent's Day Picnic Trains
Ride the Santa Trains and Hot Chocolate Trains in December
Take the Firefly Express evening run in July
Watch the countryside from the 360 degree open flat car

The Allentown & Auburn Railroad runs excursion trains from the Kutztown Train Station at 232 Railroad Street. A standard trip is an eight mile round trip through the Berks County countryside from Kutztown to Topton and back, a little more than an hour on the train. Some trips add a stop at the railroad's Picnic Grove, which stretches the outing to an hour and a half or an hour and forty five minutes.

We ride in a 1950s style coach with opening windows, in one of two open air cars, or in one of three restored cabooses. Seating is first come, first served, and a ticket is good for any car unless the event says otherwise. There are no restrooms on the train; we use the ones in the station or at the Picnic Grove. Light snacks and drinks are allowed aboard, alcohol is not.

The railroad runs on a themed calendar rather than daily service: Easter Bunny trains in spring, breakfast and picnic trains, the Firefly Express in July, Pumpkin Trains every fall weekend in October, then Santa and Hot Chocolate trains from late November through the week before Christmas. Tickets are sold online through the railroad's store and, for most trips, at the station on the day if seats remain. All tickets are picked up inside the Kutztown station before boarding.

What people love about Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Conductor Ken

This staff member is specifically named and commended for making the historical fall train ride especially memorable.

Conductor Ken was the best!

Thank you Ken for a memorable ride

Key Themes from Reviews of Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Staff Friendliness & Professionalism

Positive

Customers consistently praise the friendly, helpful, and professional demeanor of the train staff and volunteers.

the staff is super friendly & great with the kids.

Every employee we interacted with was friendly helpful.

About Allentown & Auburn Railroad

Overview

Nestled in the rolling hills of Kutztown, PA, the Allentown & Auburn Railroad offers a charming blend of nostalgia, history, and family-friendly fun. As a premier tourist attraction and railroad company in Berks County, this local gem promises more than just a train ride – it delivers enduring memories. From the moment you arrive at the quaint station, you’ll be greeted by the inviting whistle of a vintage locomotive and a warm welcome from the staff who make every journey special.

Visitor Experience: Friendly Faces on Every Car

What truly sets the Allentown & Auburn Railroad apart is its team of passionate employees and volunteers. Guests frequently remark that “the staff is super friendly & great with the kids,” describing every conductor, ticket agent, and volunteer as both professional and approachable. One name echoes in glowing reviews: Conductor Ken. Whether guiding families through the historical fall ride or sharing little-known tales of local rail lore, Ken’s enthusiasm and expertise have earned him rave praise. “Conductor Ken was the best! Thank you Ken for a memorable ride,” beams one satisfied visitor, capturing the heartfelt gratitude that patrons feel toward this dedicated ambassador of railroading heritage.

Seasonal & Themed Excursions

All year long, the Allentown & Auburn Railroad rolls out an array of themed experiences designed to delight riders of every age. Springtime brings an enchanting rendezvous with the Easter Bunny, complete with photo opportunities that “were so nice to have pictures with the Easter Bunny & our 3-year-old.” Come winter, the nostalgic Santa Train conjures childhood wonder, as passengers sip steaming cups of hot chocolate and unwrap sweet cookies in the glow of festive lights. “The Santa train was amazing and truly nostalgic!!” enthuses one reviewer, capturing the magic that this seasonal favorite evokes.

Autumn’s Pumpkin Ride is another highlight, combining crisp fall air with family-friendly fun. Each rider is gifted a free pumpkin, a gesture that guests describe as a “cute, highly recommended” perk. Whether you’re gathering gourds or snapping photos amid golden leaves, this event showcases the railroad’s commitment to creative, hands-on entertainment.

On-Train Amenities & Value

At the heart of every excursion is an emphasis on comfort, treats, and value. Ticket prices are praised as “very affordable,” allowing families, seniors, and rail enthusiasts to indulge in a unique outing without breaking the bank. Once aboard, passengers are treated to complimentary delights: velvety hot chocolate, freshly baked cookies, and even seasonal surprises like mini pumpkins. These small touches not only enhance the journey but underscore a dedication to hospitality that guests notice. “The hot chocolate & cookies were delicious,” one rider shares, while another highlights the “free pumpkin for each person” on the autumn run, noting the exceptional value packed into every ticket.

Scenic Views & Nostalgic Atmosphere

Cruising along a rural stretch of track, the Allentown & Auburn Railroad delivers more than just motion—it transports travelers to a bygone era. The gently rolling farmland unfolds outside each window, revealing picturesque scenes of grazing animals, rustic barns, and wooded hollows. A cozy bonfire on select rides adds an extra layer of warmth, encouraging friends and families to linger by the flames before boarding. The laid-back atmosphere and thoughtful touches foster a sense of stepping back in time, one visitor noting the “nice laid-back atmosphere… nostalgic feel” that makes each trip both soothing and uplifting.

Informative Narration & Historical Insights

Beyond the treats and scenic vistas, passengers gain a deeper appreciation for regional rail history. Knowledgeable volunteers pepper the ride with fascinating facts, from the lore of early 20th-century freight operations to anecdotes about vintage equipment. “The narrative during the ride was both interesting and informative,” praises one guest, reflecting the value of these curated insights. Whether you’re a rail buff or a curious newcomer, the commentary transforms a casual jaunt into an engaging, educational adventure.

Commitment to Excellence & Ongoing Improvements

While most feedback gleams with praise, the Allentown & Auburn Railroad takes every comment to heart. A handful of visitors have reported occasional issues with communication or train-car conditions—notes that management addresses proactively. In several instances, guests received apologies and refunds when experiences fell short of expectations, illustrating the railroad’s genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. By continuously refining operations—from ensuring clean, comfortable seating to enhancing event details—the railroad demonstrates a responsiveness that further cements its reputation as a customer-focused attraction.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re seeking a whimsical holiday outing, a scenic family excursion, or an immersive history lesson, the Allentown & Auburn Railroad in Kutztown, PA, stands ready to deliver. With friendly staff like Conductor Ken, seasonal celebrations that spark joy, and thoughtful amenities that add value, this beloved tourist attraction and railroad company offers an experience unlike any other in the region. Book your tickets today and embark on a journey where every whistle, story, and smile invites you to become part of the railroad’s storied legacy.