Nevada residents to see discount on Sunday V&T Railroad rides; Kids ride free on Fridays

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad is running full steam ahead this summer with more reasons to explore the Silver State’s ultimate Old West steam train ride through historic Comstock country with new railroad adventures designed for Nevada residents and young train enthusiasts.

The V&T Railroad celebrates locals with new opportunities for Nevada residents and young train enthusiasts to experience the Silver State’s ultimate Old West train ride. Nevadans receive 20 percent off Sunday rides through Oct. 16 while children can ride for free on Fridays with each paid adult starting July 1.

Guests can ride the rails of the celebrated V&T along the original 16-mile route made famous during the Comstock-era days of the 1850s when Silver was King. The 90-minute ride each way features vistas of the majestic Sierra Nevada as it rolls through stretches of high desert, passing through two tunnels, past abandoned mine shafts and old cemeteries along countryside where wild mustangs are often spotted. The ride through history departs from outside Nevada’s capital Carson City to Virginia City, a town lost to time and ripe with colorful history of robber barons, miners, gunslingers, dance halls and saloon girls.

The train features a 1916 Baldwin Consolidation 2-8-0 (wheel configuration) steam engine leading fully restored Pullman passenger cars.

The Nevada local’s discount excludes holidays and theme trains. Tickets must be purchased in advance online (http://bit.ly/VTPRTix) using coupon code LOCALSUNDAY. Riders must show local ID upon request.

V&T Railroad has brought back “Kids Ride Free on Fridays” steam trains, where children ages 3 to 16 can ride aboard the V&T for free on Fridays with each paid adult. The journey begins July 1, with the launch of Friday steam train operations and runs through summer. Tickets must be purchased online using the promo code KIDSFREE. (http://bit.ly/VTPRTix)

Trains depart Carson City to Virginia City Fridays through Sundays at 10 a.m. Discounted tickets are $41.60 per adult, $38.40 for veterans and seniors 65-plus, $25.60 for children ages 3 to 16; toddlers and infants are free. Discounted private group charters are also available.

Leave the kids at home for the Toast of the Canyon excursion. The theme is “Date Night” with a backdrop of Northern Nevada scenery for this tour that runs select Saturdays through Oct. 15. Passengers travel 45-minutes south of the Carson City Depot into the Carson River Canyon with spectacular features of high desert with an opportunity to photograph the "Iron Horse" as it unhooks from the passenger cars to re-attach at the front of train for the return. The breathtaking scenery is paired with appetizers provided by Red’s Old 395 Grill and a glass of wine.

Toast of the Canyon departs the Carson City Eastgate Depot at 5 p.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Special dinner and melodrama V&T train packages will return August 13 and Sept. 10. Passengers can relax and enjoy action-packed, Wild West melodrama “Train to Danger” while riding a steam train into Carson River Canyon. After the 45-minute excursion, the depot hosts riders for a hearty western style barbecue dinner and a drink.
Tickets are available online at www.vtrailway.com or (877) 724-5007. For group fares and special excursion trains contact Candy Duncan at (775) 721-6255.

The Carson City passenger station is located at Eastgate Siding on Flint Drive off U.S. Highway 50 East. To keep the memories rolling passengers may visit the station’s gift shop stocked with V&T souvenirs.

For the latest train updates or to purchase tickets visit www.vtrailway.com or call (877) 724-5007.