Take a Ride on a Vintage 1940s Train in New York Starting Next Month

In 1948, travelers stepped onto a red carpet at Grand Central Terminal to board the 20th Century Limited, a sleek train headed for Chicago, featuring art deco designs, overnight compartments, and elegant dining cars with white tablecloths. It was advertised as 'the world’s most famous train.'

Over 70 years later, two restored train cars—one from the 20th Century Limited and another from the same period—are making their return to the tracks.

Now in its third year and run by the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, this scenic train will offer 48 trips from New York City to Albany in February, April, May, October, and November. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the first Hickory Creek Trip in 1948, a special five-day journey from New York to Chicago will take place in September, recreating the original train experience.

Here’s your guide to the Hudson River Rail excursions, itineraries, and booking details.

Hudson River Rail, New York

These trains are steeped in history. Operated by the United Historical Railroad Society of New Jersey, the meticulously restored vintage cars come from the nonprofit’s collection, with every detail thoughtfully preserved. The experience includes staff in vintage Pullman uniforms, 1940s and '50s jazz, fresh flowers on the tables, and plenty of passengers dressed in retro styles—all evoking the golden age of train travel.

“We’ve tried to recreate the 1948 experience as closely as possible,” says Kevin Phalon, president of the railroad society.

This time, trips will depart from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station at 11:20 a.m., with tickets granting access to Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounge from 10 a.m. The vintage cars are attached to Amtrak’s Empire Service, offering a 2.5-hour ride each way with a stopover at Albany-Rensselaer. The return leaves at 4:30 p.m. and arrives in NYC around 7 p.m. The Hickory Creek car offers luxury seating with panoramic windows and a four-course meal ($349), while the Tavern-Lounge No. 43 car features lounge seating for 28 and a buffet meal ($149). This car is BYOB, with stewards on hand to chill and serve your drinks.

Hudson River Rail also allows group bookings, perfect for history buffs or family gatherings. Inspired by a group of retro enthusiasts who once rented an entire car, Phalon recalls how they brought a vintage phonograph and played records during the trip.

The railcars will also be available for special bookings, including private events or corporate outings, on a first-come, first-served basis.

This year, a Valentine’s Special service will run on February 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, featuring a six-course tasting menu paired with wine.

75th Anniversary Special: New York to Chicago

On September 17, exactly 75 years after its first journey, the Hickory Creek train will take 30 lucky passengers from New York to Chicago and back, following the original route. The return trip is on September 21.

As stated on the Hudson River Rail website, 'On board, guests will enjoy all the original 1948 Century amenities—first-class dining, drinks served in the Lookout Lounge, cozy Pullman bedrooms and roomettes, overnight shoe shines, and attentive service from stewards in period uniforms.'

The ticket sale date has not been announced yet, but those interested can sign up for email updates on the website. Tickets will be all-inclusive and start at $2,500 per person.

Booking Information

For Hudson River Rail trips (including the Valentine’s Special), tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. ET on January 20 at hudsonriverrail.com. Hickory Creek car tickets are $349 ($399 for the Valentine’s itinerary), while Tavern-Lounge No. 43 tickets are $149 ($299 for Valentine’s trips).

Upcoming dates include:

• Valentine’s Special: February 10–14
• Hudson River Rail: April 27–30; May 4–7; May 11–14; May 18–21; May 25–29; October 5–9; October 12–15; October 19–22; October 26–29; November 2–5.

Additional Hudson River Rail tickets will be released on February 17 at 10 a.m. ET. The release date for the 75th Anniversary Special tickets has not yet been confirmed.