Quick Details
Step aboard the Chickamauga Turn for a six-hour historic rail adventure from Chattanooga to the Civil War town of Chickamauga, Georgia. Enjoy a 90-minute layover to explore local landmarks, shops, and dining — or upgrade to an exclusive overnight rail-and-stay package for the ultimate Southern getaway.
- Duration: 4–6 hours (includes 90-min stop)
- Layover: 90 minutes in downtown Chickamauga
- Depart/Return: 9:15 AM / 3:45 PM (Grand Junction)
- Lunch: Optional (boxed at seat or dining car
Adult Coach (No Meal)
Priced per person
$ 60
Child Coach (No Meal)
Priced per person
$ 50
Golden Sand Premium
First Class • Breakfast & Lunch Included
$ 130
Office Car 21
Private car for up to 8 guests • Exclusive experience
$ 1800
Ride the Chickamauga Turn — A Classic Day Trip by Rail
Step aboard the Chickamauga Turn for a relaxed, round-trip train ride from Chattanooga to Chickamauga, Georgia, traveling along the former Central of Georgia Railway. This full-day experience includes scenic rail travel, onboard narration, and time to explore one of North Georgia’s most charming small towns.
The ride features a 90-minute stop in downtown Chickamauga, giving you time to stroll local shops, enjoy lunch in town, or visit nearby landmarks such as Crawfish Springs and the Gordon-Lee Mansion. Guided tours of the Gordon-Lee Mansion are available during the stop; a small admission fee is collected at the door.
Great for: families, day-trippers, history fans, visitors staying in Chattanooga
Not ideal if: you need wheelchair-access confirmation for a specific car type (then link Accessibility), or you want a long stopover (90 minutes)
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For guests looking to extend the experience, a limited Chickamauga Turn Overnight Package is available on select 2026 departures. This rail-and-stay experience transforms your day trip into a relaxed Southern getaway.
Your Overnight Package Includes:
• Round-trip train travel from Chattanooga
• Seated lunch in the dining car
• A private overnight suite for two at the Gordon-Lee Mansion or Back Porch Inn B&B
• Catered Southern or Continental breakfast
• Depot-to-inn transfers
• A $100 dinner gift card for use in downtown ChickamaugaPriced at $650 per couple, the overnight package offers an immersive way to enjoy Chickamauga at a slower pace — combining classic rail travel, historic accommodations, and extra time to explore beyond the standard day trip.
2026 Overnight Departure Dates
Overnight packages are currently planned for the following departures:
• May 16–17
• July 11–12
• August 1–2
• August 8–9
• August 29–30
• September 5–6
• September 19–20Availability is limited and dates may adjust based on operational needs. Overnight packages typically sell out quickly, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
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Please Note
Tickets are required for all guests ages 2 and older.
Train Car Options
Car assignments may vary by date and availability. Photos are representative.
Open Window Coach – Car 1000
Originally built in 1925 by the Pullman Company, Southern Railway 1000 is a heavyweight coach featuring a classic exterior and comfortable red interior seating.
Coach Car 661
A restored historic coach with a maroon exterior and a bright, comfortable interior featuring gray seating.
Coach Car 857
A stainless steel passenger car with a sleek exterior, burgundy seating, and blue carpeted flooring.
Coach Car 906
A beautifully restored coach offering a traditional maroon exterior, gray seating, and vintage luggage racks.
Golden Sand Premium – Premium Reclining Seats
Upgrade to premium reclining seats for added comfort, spacious seating, and large windows.
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Golden Sand Premium — First-Class Experience
For guests who want the most complete and relaxed way to enjoy the Chickamauga Turn, Golden Sand Premium offers a first-class rail experience with upgraded seating and both breakfast and lunch included. Simply board, settle in, and enjoy the journey — no additional meal selections required.
What’s Included
First-Class Seating
Travel in upgraded accommodations designed for comfort and a quieter, more refined onboard atmosphere throughout the day’s ride.Breakfast Service (Included)
Your day begins with a freshly prepared onboard breakfast featuring:- Spinach, Tomato & Bacon Quiche (GF) — Egg, Dairy
- Hash Brown Casserole (GF) — Dairy
- Sausage Links (GF)
- Blueberry Muffins — Wheat, Egg, Dairy (GF option in development)
- Fresh Fruit Medley (GF, DF, VE)
Dining Car Lunch (Included)
Later in the trip, enjoy a seated lunch in the dining car at a scheduled time:- Entrée: House-Smoked Pulled Pork (GF) with Blackberry BBQ Sauce (contains fish via Worcestershire)
- Sides: Cole Slaw (Egg, Dairy), Potato Salad (Egg), Pickles (GF)
- Dessert: Seasonal dessert selections served onboard
Why Choose Golden Sand Premium
- First-class comfort for a full-day rail adventure
- Breakfast and lunch included — no add-ons needed
- A seamless, all-inclusive experience from departure to return
- Perfect for couples, celebrations, and guests seeking an upgraded experience
Golden Sand Premium combines classic rail travel, attentive onboard service, and thoughtfully prepared meals into one easy, all-inclusive way to experience the Chickamauga Turn.
Seating & Meal Options — How It Works
Your ticket price is based on your seating choice, and meal options vary depending on the experience you select.
Coach Seating (No Meal Included)
Reserved coach seating for the train ride. Meals are not included but may be added during booking.
Add Breakfast (Optional Upgrade)
Guests in coach seating may add breakfast during booking. Menu includes:
- Spinach, Tomato & Bacon Quiche (GF) — Egg, Dairy
- Hash Brown Casserole (GF) — Dairy
- Sausage Links (GF)
- Blueberry Muffins — Wheat, Egg, Dairy (GF option in development)
- Fresh Fruit Medley (GF, DF, VE)
Add a Boxed Lunch (Optional Upgrade)
A convenient lunch served at your seat:
- Turkey sandwich
- Chips
- Cookie
- Bottled water
Add a Dining Car Lunch (Optional Upgrade)
Upgrade to a traditional railroad dining experience with table service in the dining car:
- House-Smoked Pulled Pork with Blackberry BBQ Sauce (contains fish via Worcestershire)
- Cole slaw, potato salad, pickles, and dessert selections
For details about railcars and seating styles, see the Seat Types section below.
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Trip Schedule
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Depart Chattanooga (Grand Junction Depot): 9:15 a.m.
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Arrive in Chickamauga, GA: 11:15 p.m.
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Depart Chickamauga: 1:00 p.m.
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Return to Chattanooga (Grand Junction Depot): 3:45 p.m.
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What to Do During Your Chickamauga Stop
During your 90-minute stop in downtown Chickamauga, you can explore at your own pace. Popular options include:
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Gordon-Lee Mansion – Guided tours available; admission collected at the door
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Crawfish Springs – A short walk to one of the area’s most notable natural landmarks
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Local shops & cafés along Gordon Street and Lee Avenue
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Quick bite + browsing at the outdoor market near the train (when available)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Chickamauga Turn?
The full experience lasts approximately 4–6 hours, including a 90-minute stop in downtown Chickamauga.What time does the train depart and return?
The train departs Chattanooga at 10:15 a.m. Eastern Time and returns at approximately 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time.How long is the stop in Chickamauga?
Guests enjoy a 90-minute stop in downtown Chickamauga to explore at their own pace.Is lunch included?
Lunch is optional and depends on your ticket type. Guests may choose coach seating with no meal, a boxed lunch served at their seat, or a seated lunch in the dining car. Observation, parlor, and dome seating include dining car lunch.What can we do during the stop?
During the stop, guests may explore local shops and cafés, visit Crawfish Springs, or tour the Gordon-Lee Mansion. Guided mansion tours are available for an additional admission fee collected on site.Are tickets required for toddlers?
Yes. Tickets are required for all guests ages 2 and older.Where do we board in Chattanooga?
Boarding takes place at the Grand Junction Depot, located at 4119 Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN.Is this ride wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies by railcar, and some cars require steps to board. Guests needing accessibility accommodations are encouraged to review our Accessibility page or contact us in advance so we can help determine the best seating option. -
Chickamauga Turn
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