The Cape Cod Central Railroad operates diesel-powered scenic excursions and meal trains, which include luncheon and Sunday brunch as well as dinner outings, on select dates from early May through mid-October. Trains run from Hyannis over the former Old Colony Railroad, which became part of the New York, New Haven & Hartford. Along the way, they pass cranberry bogs, sand dunes, forests, and marshes until reaching the Cape Cod Canal.
Choices
Three-hour Coastal Excursions leave from Hyannis. Recently added are two-hour Canal Excursions from Buzzards Bay. Brunch trains, two hours in length, and two-and-a-half hour, three-course luncheon trains all operate from Hyannis, while three-hour, five-course dinner trains depart alternately from Buzzards Bay and North Falmouth as well as Hyannis. The Cape Cod Central Railroad offers three classes of service: basic coach, first (with table seating), and diamond (table seating in a full-length dome).
When to go
Trains run from early May through mid-October in various combinations and with varying frequencies, all listed on the website. Sea breezes mean that Hyannis typically remains temperate throughout the operating season but visiting outside of summer may minimize crowds. Christmas trains operate in November and December from the Buzzards Bay depot.
Good to know
Hyannis is quintessential Cape Cod, with all the sun, sand, salt—and tourists. Whale watching, beaching, fishing, golfing, and biking are among the available outdoor activities. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is located in town.
Worth doing
An ideal accompaniment to the train ride is an hour-long boat tour of Hyannis harbor and the Kennedy compound offered by Hy-Line Cruises.
Don’t miss
Dinner trains from all three locations cross the spectacular 1935 vertical lift bridge over the Cape Cod Canal, as do the Canal Excursions. This bridge features outstanding aesthetics and is the highlight of the route.
Getting there
Hyannis, the primary departure point, is on the Atlantic Ocean on the south side of Cape Cod, 70 miles from Boston. Hyannis and the Cape Cod Central depot are easily accessed from Highway 6 or Highway 28. Buzzards Bay is at the southwest end of the Cape Cod Canal and also reached from Highway 6.
Location: 252 Main Street, Hyannis, MA
Phone: 888-797-7245
Website: capetrain.com
E-mail: info@capetrain.com
