Chattanooga Station FAQ

All trains beginning in Chattanooga board at Grand Junction Station, unless otherwise noted on your ticket.

The station is located at 4119 Cromwell Road, near the intersection of Highway 153 and Jersey Pike in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Directions are available on the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website.

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
This allows time for parking, check-in, and boarding so your experience can begin smoothly.

Unfortunately, we’re unable to hold trains for late arrivals.
Please plan to arrive early, as trains depart promptly and Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone.

Yes. Trains operate rain or shine.

Our coaches are fully covered and enclosed, and are heated when needed to ensure guest comfort.

Yes. Grand Junction Station has a large parking lot with room for oversized vehicles.
On very busy days or special events, parking for large vehicles may be limited, so arriving early is recommended.

Chattanooga has many options such as campgrounds, bed & breakfast locations, and hotels. See the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more information: www.visitchattanooga.com. Click here for information on planning your stay.

Chattanooga and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of attractions, including museums, outdoor recreation, dining, and family-friendly activities.

Popular nearby attractions include Lookout Mountain, the Tennessee Aquarium, local parks and trails, and downtown Chattanooga. For trip ideas, events, and attraction details, visit the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

Yes. Advance tickets are available online for all Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum excursions, including regularly scheduled rides and special events.

Many popular experiences require advance purchase and often sell out, especially during peak seasons and holidays. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred date and time.

Tickets can be purchased through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website.

Yes. Online ticket purchases made through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website are secure.
All payment information is transmitted using encrypted, secure connections, and your personal information is protected.

TVRM does not sell, rent, or share customer information with outside parties. Your privacy and security are taken seriously throughout the booking process.

We do our best to operate each excursion as advertised; however, locomotives, railcars, schedules, fares, and destinations are subject to change due to mechanical needs or operating conditions.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum reserves the right to substitute equipment or adjust schedules as necessary to ensure safe and reliable operation. These changes may occur without advance notice.

Yes. Depending on operating conditions, passengers are permitted to move around the train while it is in motion.
For safety, please follow all instructions from the conductor and train crew while onboard.

In some ways, yes. Boarding is similar in that you’ll climb steps and walk down an aisle between rows of seats.
Unlike a bus, however, some train car seats can be rotated, allowing groups of four to sit facing each other.

Most of our coaches are air-conditioned and heated for comfort in all seasons.
A few cars feature adjustable windows that can be raised to allow fresh airflow.

Restroom availability depends on the excursion.

• For shorter rides, restrooms are available at the depot.

• For longer excursions, restrooms are available onboard the train.

Please review your specific train ride details for exact accommodations.

Yes. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum operates full-sized, historic trains that guests can ride with a purchased ticket.
Trains are pulled by vintage diesel engines or steam locomotives, depending on the excursion, date, and operating conditions.

Yes. Food and non-alcoholic beverages may be consumed while onboard all trains.
We ask guests to help keep the railcars clean by using provided trash receptacles and reporting any issues to the conductor or train crew.

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, outside alcohol is not permitted. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed if purchased on site through approved onboard service.

Food availability depends on the excursion.

• Shorter rides, such as the Missionary Ridge Local, do not include onboard food service; however, food and snacks are available for purchase at the Grand Junction Depot Deli.

• Longer excursions often include a commissary car offering food, snacks, and souvenirs.

• Dinner trains and select specialty experiences include a meal as part of the ticket.

Please review your specific train ride details on the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum website for exact food offerings.

Historic railcars and stations were built before modern accessibility standards and were not designed to safely accommodate wheelchairs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes these limitations and exempts historic rail equipment from accessibility requirements.

While wheelchair access within the railcars is not available, all guests who can board the train independently and occupy a standard passenger seat are welcome and encouraged to ride.

Only service animals—defined as dogs trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities—are permitted on board.

Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed.

No. Smoking is prohibited on all trains and at all stations in accordance with state law.

No. Firearms are not permitted on museum property, as authorized by Tennessee state law.

No. Hiwassee River Scenic Railroad trips must be boarded in Delano, Tennessee.
Delano is approximately a 90-minute drive from Chattanooga, so please plan accordingly.

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that is membership-based.

Every ticket sold helps support the continued operation and preservation of historic trains. Train crews are made up of trained volunteers and museum staff.

TVRM’s mission is to collect, preserve, operate, interpret, and display railroad artifacts in an authentic setting to educate the public about the role of railroads in the history and development of the region.