Quick Details
Dining Car Table
Priced per Table • Tables seat up to 4
$ 240
Pullman Section Table
Priced per Table • Tables of 2
$ 290
B&O Private Car #98
Private car that seats up to 8 passengers
$ 2400
Celebrate New Year’s on a Train!
Step aboard the New Year’s Eve Lunch Train and enjoy a festive three-course meal served in elegantly restored dining and Pullman cars. Departing from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station at 12:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., this leisurely ride glides through the sights of East Chattanooga before reversing direction for the return trip — just the right amount of time for a complete dining experience on vintage rails.
The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum invites you to savor the perfect blend of classic rail travel and fine dining. Choose your preferred entrée when booking your tickets, and select between two styles of seating:
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Dining Car – Traditional tables for four guests.
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Pullman Car “Clover Colony” – Tables for two, offering an intimate upgrade for couples.
Join us for a truly unique way to welcome the New Year — where every course comes with a view and every mile feels timeless.
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First Course on table at seating:
- An assortment of artisan breads accompanied by whipped herb butter and a trio of flavored hummus, served with crisp pita chips.
Second Course entrée choices:
- Short Rib Sliders – with Wisconsin cheddar and crispy onions served with kalamata olive potato salad. (Gluten-Free Option Available)
- Bacon-wrapped Chicken – Served with fried risotto cakes and balsamic pecan vinaigrette.
- Lump Crab Cakes – Served with sauteed spinach and a poached egg with hollandaise.
- Baked Pesto Gnocchi – with spinach, mushroom, and tomato. (Vegetarian)
*Menu is subject to change. Please select your trip date to view available entrée choices.
Third Course dessert choices:
- Vanilla Cheesecake with Berries
- Hazelnut Creme Brulee
- Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
BEVERAGES:
- Water
- Coffee
- Lemonade
- Iced Tea (Sweet or Unsweet)
Onboard the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s Lunch Train, you can enjoy a variety of drinks for purchase (price varies by item):
- Wine
- Rosé
- Red
- White
- Champagne
- Bourbon
- Irish Coffee
*You may bring your own bottle of wine, but a corkage fee of $30 will apply.
These selections are carefully crafted to complement your dining experience and create a delightful afternoon aboard the Lunch Train.
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Dining Car Table Ticket (Seats up to 4 passengers):
Southern Railway 3158/?Travelers Fare?
Current Dining Cars in uses:
Pullman Section Table (Seats 2 passengers):
Southern Pacific Railroad 97/Clover Colony
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We do not have a formal dress code for the lunch train, but most passengers seem to enjoy dressing up a bit.
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The trains board at our Grand Junction depot, located at 4119 Cromwell Road in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone. Please check the calendar for dates of operation and departure times.
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Can Children Ride the Lunch Train?
Not recommended for children under 8 years old. Please note that our signature dining car menu and per-person pricing is the same for adults and children.
Dress Code and Etiquette
Meals served in dining cars were often a highlight of train travel for travelers to socialize, relax, and enjoy first-class meals and service from stewards and wait staff. We do not have a formal dress code for the lunch train, but most passengers seem to enjoy and are encouraged to dress up for the occasion.
Historically, hats will also be removed in the dining car as you board and are seated for the duration of your meal service. Your Dining Car staff will be dressed in early-mid 20th century attire as they attend to your needs, and your participation with period-correct passenger etiquette helps to create an authentic and memorable experience for everyone!
Note: Due to the historic nature of this first-class dining setting, we ask that all passengers kindly exhibit noise etiquette as a courtesy to fellow passengers and our staff.
Do you offer Gluten-Free or Vegetarian Options?
The vegetarian zucchini lasagna is both vegetarian and gluten free. Please contact us at423-894-8028 for any special dietary inquiries prior to purchase.
What sights will I see from Lunch Train?
As a key route for passenger and industrial service in the early and mid-20th century, this historic excursion line begins on a pre-Civil War route crossing four bridges and through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel. As the train makes its way past East Chattanooga, additional sights that can be viewed from the train include the Chattanooga Zoo established in 1937 and the Warner Park fields, previously called “Olympia Park” near the turn of the 20th century, which served as a public recreation area for horse races, ballgames, and even mock Army maneuver demonstrations for soldiers training during WWI.
The train then travels alongside the historic Chattanooga National Cemetery established in 1863 and the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, a 33-acre outdoor international sculpture museum, prior to the return trip back and arrival at the Grand Junction Depot.
Note: The tracks are located along parts of urban East Chattanooga. This ride will not go along any scenic mountains or rivers.
Is gratuity or alcohol included in the ticket price?
Gratuity and alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.
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Next Season New Year’s Eve Lunch Train
Be the first to know our next season New Year’s Eve Lunch Schedule.