Your chance to ride historic train cars out of New York’s Penn Station along the Hudson River is back for 2023

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

The Hudson River Rail Excursion is back again this year. It gives train and history buffs the chance to take a journey along the Hudson River aboard one of two restored railroad cars dating back to 1948; the cars were once part of the “Most Famous Train in the World.”

Starting in February, travelers can board the Hickory Creek or Tavern-Lounge No. 43 from Pennsylvania Station’s Moynihan Train Hall in New York City. The train will travel to the Albany-Rensselaer station as part of Hudson River Rail Excursions’ 2023 schedule.

Tickets for standard Hudson River Rail Excursions departures will go on sale at 10 a.m. EST on Feb. 17.

2023 schedule: 2 themed rides

In addition to the regularly scheduled departures between April and November, the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey will offer two special trains this year, starting in February.

From Feb. 10 to 14, there will be five departures for the Valentine's Special train, which features a six-course tasting menu with wine pairings. Passengers will receive first-class service for $399 on the Hickory Creek and $299 on the Tavern-Lounge No. 43. Tickets for Valentine’s Special departures go on sale at 10 a.m. EST on Jan. 20.

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the first Hickory Creek run in 1948, the URHS will re-create the original train for 30 passengers on an all-inclusive, overnight excursion from New York to Chicago for $2,500 per passenger. Anniversary trains will run Sept. 17 to 21, and ticket sales will be announced at a later date.

Regular tickets

Outside of the aforementioned themed rides, regular trains depart Penn Station at 11:20 a.m. and arrive at Albany-Rensselaer at 1:50 p.m.; there is a brief layover before it departs at 4:30 p.m. and returns to New York for a 7:05 p.m. arrival.

These rides on the Hickory Creek cost $349 per person, plus approximately $20 in taxes and fees; rates include a full-service meal, appetizers, beer and wine, and a dedicated staff.

Or you can get more bang for your buck and travel the route via the Tavern-Lounge No. 43 car. For $143, riders can expect buffet-style sandwiches, snacks, nonalcoholic beverages and a bring-your-own-alcohol opportunity.

Tickets will be available to purchase online starting at 10 a.m. ET on April 22, and they're available for travel Friday to Sunday on select dates in April, May, October and November. There’s no assigned seating.

Reservations for group travel, including full-car rentals and events, are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

History of the trains

The Hickory Creek car stems from the 20th Century Limited, which debuted nearly 75 years ago at Grand Central Terminal; it carried passengers such as then-Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney.

Today, Hickory Creek is the only remaining restored passenger car from the 20th Century Limited collection.

“Built in 1947 by the Budd Company, the No. 43 was one of 13 tavern-lounge cars that New York Central used on its daytime long distance passenger runs,” per the historic society. “With comfortable lounge chairs and cozy tavern booths, it offered passengers a reprieve from their coach seats, where they could drink, eat and socialize with other passengers.”

Bottom line

In addition to the train travel itself, tickets also include access to Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge, which offers a full-service bar with alcoholic beverages, La Colombe coffee and food.

Tickets for Valentine’s Special departures go on sale next week, while standard ride ticket sales begin next month.

More information is available online via Hudson River Rail Excursions.

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