Chattanooga Dinner Train

A Unique Dining Experience on Rails with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Step aboard a moving piece of history and enjoy an unforgettable evening of fine dining and scenic rail travel with the Dinner Train at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Available on select Friday and Saturday evenings from March through October, this popular experience combines a relaxing railroad excursion with a delicious three-course meal served onboard lovingly restored vintage dining cars.

What’s Included in Your Dinner Train Experience:

• Round-trip excursion from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Depot through East Chattanooga and back.
• Three-course gourmet dinner, prepared and served onboard by our professional Dining Car team.
• Multiple entrée options, including steak tips, mahi-mahi, chicken saltimbocca, or a vegetarian zucchini lasagna.
• Table service in either:
  • Dining Car (tables for up to 4 guests)
  • Pullman Car Clover Colony (intimate tables for 2)
• Choice of beverages: Water, coffee, lemonade, and sweet or unsweet iced tea included.
• Premium drink menu available for purchase: Wine, rosé, champagne, bourbon, and specialty cocktails.
• Dessert selection: Choose between cheesecake with strawberries or lemon crème brûlée.
• Historic ambiance, with beautifully restored interiors and attentive service reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply seeking a special evening out, the Dinner Train offers a timeless, romantic setting for any occasion.

Departure Details:

• Departure Time: 6:45 PM on select Fridays and Saturdays
• Location: Grand Junction Depot, Chattanooga, TN
• Trip Duration: Just the right length to enjoy a full meal and the sights before returning to the depot

Ticket Pricing:

Dining Car (up to 4 guests per table):

• Table for 1: $240
• Table for 2: $240
• Table for 3: $326
• Table for 4: $400

Pullman Car (tables for 2 only):

• Table for 1 or 2: $300

💡 Note: Parties are seated separately unless specifically requested. Guests may bring their own wine; a corkage fee of $30 applies.

Join us for an evening where elegant dining meets nostalgic train travel—a favorite tradition for locals and visitors alike. Reserve your seat early, as Dinner Train excursions often sell out quickly!

About Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum:

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a railway museum located in Chattanooga and Delano, Tennessee. It was established in 1961 to preserve and operate historic railway equipment for the education and enjoyment of future generations. The museum features a variety of vintage trains and railcars, including steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, passenger cars, and freight cars. Visitors can experience the history of rail travel through excursions, exhibits, and hands-on activities. The museum operates on a historic rail line, offering scenic rides through the Hiwassee Loop and providing a unique perspective on the region's history and culture. With its rich heritage, educational programs, and engaging events, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a must-visit destination for railway enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Chattanooga Belt Line History:

This historic excursion line takes you on a journey through time, starting on a pre-Civil War route that crosses four bridges and passes through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel. As you travel through East Chattanooga, you'll be able to see the Chattanooga Zoo (established in 1937) and the Warner Park fields (previously called "Olympia Park"), which served as a public recreation area in the early 20th century for events such as horse races, ballgames, and military training exercises. The train also travels alongside the Chattanooga National Cemetery (established in 1863) and the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, a 33-acre outdoor international sculpture museum. Please note that this ride does not take you through any scenic mountain or river areas, as the tracks are located in urban East Chattanooga. Upon completion of the excursion, you will return to the Grand Junction Depot.

Customer reviews:

Dinner Train was the most amazing experience! Food was wonderful and the staff was awesome! Highly recommend the train! Connie H - TripAdvisor

The dinner on the train was amazing. You literally step back in time to a completely restored 1920 dinner car. The food is exceptional and the porter, dressed in period dress, is friendly and informative. The train ride is 2 hours, just enough time to enjoy the three course dinner. A really enjoyable dinner. Jim H - TripAdvisor

We had a wonderful time on the Dinner Train last night. The food was amazing and the service impeccable. To have a 5-star meal and such historic surroundings was quite a treat. Thanks to Jordan and his amazing crew that took such great care of us! Chris M - TripAdvisor

The dinner train was great. Our server Hayden made the ride so much fun. The car is beautifully done and the pullman's table area was worth the little extra. The dinner and company makes the ride. The scenery was inside the train for sure. Food was fab and dessert was YUM! jbow - TripAdvisor

Additional Questions:

You can reach us through email at info@tvrail.com, by phone at 423-894-8028, or by clicking on the chat button located in the lower right corner of our website at https://www.tvrail.com.

Did you know that when you purchase a ticket with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, you are helping to preserve the history of railroads?

As a non-profit organization, it takes a lot of resources to restore and maintain our vintage trains and equipment. In fact, it can cost up to $1.5 million to completely rebuild a steam engine, which must be done every 15 years or sooner. Your support helps us to continue to share this important piece of history with the community. So not only are you enjoying a unique and memorable experience, you are also contributing to the preservation of railroad history.

Buy Tickets