BOONTON, N.J. — The United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey continues to expand offerings of its Hudson River Rail Excursions, this year scheduling more than 50 day trips beginning and ending in New York City, as well as six overnight trips between New York and Chicago.
Tickets for the 2024 trips go on sale March 15 at 10 a.m. at the Hudson River Rail website; the organization says 2023 trips sold out in “a matter of minutes.”
The Hudson River excursions feature 20th Century Limited observation car Hickory Creek and former New York Central tavern-lounge No. 43. The day trips operate between New York City and Albany, on the route traveled by the cars in the 1940s and 1950s, and feature two levels of service. Passengers on the Hickory Creek receive a full-service meal, cooked in the car’s kitchen, with beer and wine included, as well as drinks and hor d’oeuvres throughout the trip. Passengers on the NO. 43 received catered sandwiches and sides, with drinks at their seats, and can bring their own beer and wine.
Trips depart from the Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station; excursion passengers have special access to Amtrak’s first-class-only Metropolitan Lounge. Tickets are priced from $199 to $3999, with trips departing New York at 11:20 a.m. and returning at 7:05 p.m., with a layover of approximately 2 hours in Albany.
Several trips in May, October, and November will also feature the Hudson Valley History Tour. In a partnership with the National Park Service’s Trails & Rails program, Park Service-trained guides will over a fully narrated tour of the Hudson River Valley.
Premiering in June and July will be the 20th Century Limited Experience, offering trips on Pullman sleeping cars between New York and Chicago, meals cooked onboard by a private chef, and open bar service. One-way and round-trip experiences are available, with one-way trips starting at $1,600 and round trips at $3,200.
More information is available at the Hudson River Rail website.
