Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad
4.5

Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad

By Verde Canyon Railroad
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 0-99, max of 300 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Live guide: English
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Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: English
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  • First class seating
  • Champagne toast
  • Appetizers
  • Snacks
  • Bottled water
  • In 2023, all Verde Canyon Railroad tickets purchased through Viator include a cafe voucher for a meal at the depot cafe which may be carried aboard the train.
  • Entry/Admission - Verde Canyon Railroad
What's not included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
  • DVD (available to purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Pets are not allowed on train


Start:
  • Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
    Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8146P4

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Infant age is 0-1 year. Any guest aged 1 and over will be charged an adult rate. Guests cannot board the train without a paid ticket
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8146P4

    From
    C$270.10
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
      Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324
    • 1
    • 2
      Pass by
      Verde River
      S O B Canyon
      Perkinsville Ghost Town
      Tuzigoot National Monument
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Verde Canyon Railroad
      2,668
      Clarkdale, Arizona
    • Voyage562578
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful experience
      The staff and train itself are wonderful. The train is clean and comfortable. The staff are very welcoming. The train left and returned timely. The views are stunning in the canyon. The staff is knowledgeable and adding the viewing car was an excellent idea. The lunch was fabulous as was the snack on the train. Drinks were reasonably priced and delicious. Overall a great experience. I will recommend to others.
      Written February 8, 2025
    • Dawne N
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great Day trip
      Our tour hosts/guides/bartender Michael & Trystan were great. Knowledgeable & entertaining . Great day trip out of Casa Grande/Phoenix.
      Written February 4, 2025
    • GrahamGallagher
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Bygone Era to discover Verde Canyon.
      My wife and I did the Verde Canyon Railroad, we met at the train station in Verde Valley that has plenty of parking. We checked in, looked in the food hall and waited for the train. Boarded and we found a charcuterie board each on our table, as part of the package. The train journey was excellent with a very knowledgeable lady behind the bar, who gave valuable information about the history of the railroad and the people who owned it. Drinks on board at fair prices. The return journey took around 4 hours and we went through some amazing scenery. Highly recommend this attraction.
      Written February 3, 2025
    • christyrX8175AO
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      Not worth it
      This was a waste of time and NOT worth the money. They tell you to get there 90 minutes early. No need for this at all. There is a very small museum which takes about 10 minutes to go through and yes I read every sign and placard. Then the gift shop. We had over a hour of nothing to do. Train ride was way too slow and very boring. A waste of time and money. The lunch bar however made delicious food. I would give them a ten.
      Written January 29, 2025
    • karinmC5357QI
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Girls trip must do!!
      We were in the Wickenburg car and Michael was our person taking care of us! Michael was super informative and helpful! He had plenty of insight to the surrounding area. He was quick with a funny joke and had a strong pour on the drinks! Great views! Perfect day for our girls trip!
      Written January 19, 2025
    • leslieoB4618XY
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Interesting, magnificent trip.
      Beautiful and well organized trip from beginning to end. Delicious lunch at the depot prior to boarding the train. On the train we were welcomed warmly and had snacks and beverage waiting on the table. Aiden, the bartender/tour guide was delightful, helpful and knowledgeable. Plan to do it again in the summer months next time. Despite the time of year, this trip had plenty of wildlife and pleasurable scenery.
      Written January 18, 2025
    • thefrenchtown321
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Family fun for all ages
      We did a family trip for Christmas time and it was fun for all that went! We loved seeing the lights, the seating was very comfortable!! We loved being able to go out onto the open air car to be able to see Santa's village better. All the "elves" were so welcoming before and during the trip. It was definitely a fun outing and great way to celebrate the season.
      Written January 2, 2025
    • I461WOlesliem
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      10 / 10 experience
      Absolutely LOVED this experience. I found this idea via a TikTok recommendation and am so glad I did. An incredible value for what you get. Thoughts: - Reserved four tickets about 2 months in advance. The recommendation is to arrive 1.5hr early. Felt excessive, but now I understand why. Upon arrival, you have a chance to order lunch (no food for purchase once on the train) enjoy the museum and grab a drink at the outside bar area. I do recommend NOT pre-purchasing food. No upside whatsoever - there's no getting out of waiting in line for food. - Upon boarding, your seat is set with a beautiful charcuterie box (per person), champagne and water. A lovely welcome. - Your appointed train car comes with it's own bar area, so no need to wait in an endless line for a drink - You're expected to stay in your appointed car and open air car directly adjacent. Loved it! Plenty of room to freely walk around, get fresh air and enjoy the gorgeous sights. - Cannot say enough about the lovely staff. Tim was our main host - knowledgeable, friendly and patient. I so wish I remembered the name of our car host. She was a gem. Ultimately a 10 / 10 experience and such a value for what you receive. 4-hours of beauty.
      Written January 1, 2025
    • Teresa K
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Chaitmad Vacation
      This was amazing! The food was wonderful, the scenery was beautiful, and I enjoyed learning about the history of the area. The train staff were nice and knowledgeable.
      Written December 31, 2024
    • R1061JRkellyw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Beautiful scenery. Great service
      Four hour train ride through beautiful countryside with lots of information thrown in. Skip the cafe food pre train ride. Describing it as mediocre would be generous. But each passenger received a lovely snack box that included a fabulous brownie. Could easily have made lunch off the snack box. Good drinks. Friendly service. Spent about half the ride in the club car and half in the open air car. Overall a great experience.
      Written December 30, 2024
    • andreahallstrom
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great views
      Worth it! Recommendations: Make sure your camera is fully charged- the photo opportunities are amazing. Get there 1.5 hours before departure. There’s a gift shop and a museum. The museum is in a train car on site and they pack a surprising amount of items and information inside. Definitely worth checking out. No outside food or drink (water in water bottles is okay). Part of your ticket includes a food voucher. You’ll get your food before you board at the cafe and you can eat before you board at one of their outside tables or you can bring with you and eat it on the train. I recommend eating before the train pulls out of the station so you can take in the views as much as possible. They also provide snack boxes on board and a mini bottle of sparkling wine (can be traded for sparkling apple cider). You can buy alcoholic beverages on the train but would do so with caution since it’s a moving train, and there’s elevation gain, drinking can increase chances of motion sickness. Also a couple on our train ride passed out for a good part of the ride which would feel like wasted money to me. But to each their own. There’s your assigned seat in a train car and then you can move to a car that’s open air (so bring weather appropriate clothes that factor in wind chill). There’s a person on that car who will share a bunch of history and facts with you so definitely worth stepping out there for part of it. On the inside there’s a speaker that narrates some info but it’s a little hard to hear at times. The train moves at about 12-25 mph. Review Loved it! So many amazing views and loved all the commentary from the staff. They were hilarious and so kind.
      Written December 19, 2024
    • 439reneel
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      December trip
      The views were amazing and the staff were pleasant and accommodating. Comfortable cabin and the Champagne and snacks were filling. Highly recommend this tour!
      Written December 16, 2024
    • BridgetM1972
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      It was very cute.
      We all wore our ugly x-mas sweaters and had a great time. The staff was very kind and knowledgeable with the exception of inside of the gift shop, there was a cranky woman in there. We picked up Santa on the way back and he was so great with all of the kids. The best part is there was no chaos, it was well organized.
      Written December 16, 2024
    • 769francescao
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Loved it … just too long
      Loved it but 1 1/2 hrs too long. People were falling asleep going back. Informative via recoding which was nice. Comfortable seating. Great service in the car and beautiful Scenery all along the route. Met some great people during the ride too which was a plus. Nice store at the station and places to sit outside. Restrooms good. Bar if you want alcohol. The parking lot was big and well managed. The place was clean and very well kept. I’m glad I took this train ride but recommend you be prepared for feeling it’s a bout an hour or so too long as far as myself and others commented. The food on board was ok but not great and you can’t bring your own food but they give you water and a small of champagne and there a bar on the train as well as at the station.
      Written December 15, 2024
    • richard g
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Loved it!
      We really enjoyed the 4 hour train ride through the canyon. The sights were amazing. The car we were in (Yuma) was very comfortable and a nice option when we got cold (it was December when we rode) and needed to warm up. They provided a really nice snack tray for each person along with weather and small bottle of champagne. Food options at the station were actually pretty decent. We saw the $18 price for a burger and figured it would be an overpriced ballgame burger but it was delicious and really big. It also came with fries (that were tasty) and a drink. Staff on the train was very funny and informative. Great experience. Recommended. Also, we spend the morning in Jerome and absolutely loved it. Don’t miss Jerome!
      Written December 13, 2024
    See all 2,668 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles21 reviews
    Excellent
    18
    Very good
    2
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    1

    KristinAnn
    32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2022
    This was an absolutely amazing way to kick off our trip to AZ, and my first time out west. The scenery was gorgeous the entire train ride. The staff was funny, informative, and helpful. We were served a cheese plate, crackers, brownie bites, water, and even a champagne toast. The train compartments are comfortable and spacious. The train ride departs at the perfect time of day so that you get to see the views in daylight, "golden hour" sunset, and full darkness for stargazing! I highly recommend adding this to your Arizona itinerary.
    Written May 25, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for joining us for one of our special summertime evening trips! We're honored your trip to Arizona began with Verde Canyon Railroad.
    Written June 8, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Brad L
    Glendale, AZ3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2022 • Couples
    The trip was amazing! Beautiful scenic canyons, comfy accomodations in the car, better than expected snacks, champagne toast to start the trip, amazing and informative host in the Yuma car. Return trip under the stars in the outdoor viewing car was just as spectacular. Cool air, perfect to cuddle with your loved ones.
    Written September 19, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you Brad, for joining. We are so glad you enjoyed the experience.
    Written September 26, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Susan H
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2022 • Solo
    Gift shop was really cool. Bought some great earrings a few. The food was great. Snack and drinks were also wonderful. The staff on the train were all very accommodating, pleasantand helpful.
    I highly recommend the starlight train ride. Beautiful experience all around.
    Written July 3, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you so much for sharing this.
    Written July 22, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Nancy P
    Orange, United States4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2022
    This was the second time my sister and I rode this train. As wonderful as the indoor cars are, it is so much better to sit on one of the outdoor cars. The scenery is breathtaking!

    The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and took great care of us. You can tell everyone is well-trained (pun intended) and that everyone loves their job.

    Looking forward to ride #3 someday!
    Written October 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you so much Nancy.
    Written November 4, 2022
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Jasmin H
    Tucson, AZ123 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    As Arizona residents who visit the area regularly we were already familiar with the landscape but this was our first opportunity to actually take the train tour that provides views/trajectories that would otherwise never be experienced and it was FANTASTIC! We also, by total accident, happened to have reservations for an evening that included a meteor shower as well as a few minutes of a VERY quickly moving satellite that were all visible by walking out to the open air car with a resident guide. It was an incredibly relaxing and yet stimulating experience all in one! The only "advisory" that I would give is that there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the food options that are offered. The train rides DO include a packaged charcuterie (DELICIOUS) as well as a bottle of water and your choice of a champagne or sparkling cider toast upon seating/departure.... but when looking at available MEALS, the website AND the subsequent interaction with the staff in the "check-in" building is confusing at best!!!! If you buy a meal with your ticket online then you simply receive a voucher for said meal that you still need to wait in line to turn in prior to boarding the train along with everyone else who is ordering at the last minute and we ALSO heard employees telling people that they had to eat their food before boarding which is ABSOLUTELY FALSE! Also, we arrived 45 minutes before our departure and it still took 25 minutes to buy 2 bottles of water and a Dr. Pepper! The actual train and train staff were FANTASTIC but literally everything else up to that point was a disaster and needs to be addressed by management! Go have dinner first and arrive to check in 15-20 mins prior to departure!
    Written August 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thanks for riding with us, Jasmin, and sharing this 5-star review. Seeing the Perseid Meteor Shower from the Starlight train was amazing for our passengers and crew. Our cafe and depot are in the midst of major renovations that will definitely improve our guests' experience going forward, but do definitely contribute to some temporary confusion for current depot guests. We appreciate your feedback.
    Written August 18, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2018 • Couples
    My wife and I thought we were going to experience a real train ride, moving down the tracks at a good rate, either go to or see on the way something interesting. Not to be. Let me say this, if you are not taking small children with you for the Santa thing, I am extremely confident you are going to be very disappointed. And you will be out a $100 for you and your loved one if you go first class!

    You will leave on your trip at the breakneck speed of 20 mph, go by some "enchanted animals" (Drive around your neighborhood for free and I am confident you will see some lit up in the yards), then pass by Santa's village at the north pole, composed of a small lit up area of fronts of mock buildings. Santa boards the train, comes thru cars, and talks to everyone. As he does this, train is reversed and you return at a speed of about 10 mph, no joke.

    Bottled water is the only free beverage, beer and wine for a fee available. They call ride an hour, it was really about 45 minutes. On way off of train you are handed a wooden train whistle. There is a rescue bald eagle you can see, at train station area for free, no train ticket needed. Same with museum, it is free. Do the free stuff if you are so inclined, the train ride is a major rip-off. Way too much money for what it is. If you are still crazy enough to go, and the wife and kids have to see Santa, then at least do yourself a favor and not go first class. Again, you are talking about a whopping 45 minutes and you get to get up and go on open car if you like. Plus, there is no break for children in first class, a cool 50 bucks or so after taxes for each person. Break in price is only for coach. You have now been warned, go find some other entertainment.
    Written December 19, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We are sorry to hear your experience aboard the Magical Christmas train was not what you expected. This short, holiday-themed, train ride is not meant to replace the "daytime" 4-hour excursions that are available as well. Perhaps one of these runs was what you were expecting.
    Written December 27, 2018
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    chainVa
    va10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2021
    Well worth the cost. Note that there are AAA, AARP and military discounts not immediately obvious when booking online - check the FAQs. Trip was sold out when we went but the seating is well spaced out, plus there is an entire "outdoor" car available, shared by 2 seating cars. The outdoor area on the train has shaded bench seating. The train felt 1/3 full even though it was sold out. If you arrive early you can picnic with your own food and beverages at their extensive seating area, or you can buy food and wine/beer there. However if you bring your own picnic they will announce when you need to return your cooler to your car. You cannot take your own food or drinks on board - they were even checking large bags (and apologizing for doing so) when we boarded. They give a large complimentary serving of fruit, wine, cheese, meat and crackers once on the train, as well as a glass of champagne. Suitable for a lunch for most people. You can also buy food and drinks on the train. Much has been said about the train and trip itself, which was wonderful, so I am adding photos of the on-board-the train menu for those who are interested.
    Written May 27, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for sharing your experience and for choosing to ride Verde Canyon Railroad.
    Written May 28, 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    sylviafishh
    Scottsdale, AZ34 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2019 • Couples
    Ok, so right up front, the 4 stars was simply due to the service on the train. We traveled first class, which had a bartender and bar. We recommend table cards so passengers can get up and walk around and come back to their drink, and not feel they need to wait 15+ minutes and miss things in the open car.

    As for the experience, hands down recommend. We left at 5:30 in the day time and were able to witness sundown through the mountains. The way back was glorious, with tons and tons of stars. So romantic. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.
    Written July 22, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Hello Sylvia, your review has given us something to think about, but we would like to make sure we understand exactly what your suggestion is. If you would be interested in elaborating, we would greatly appreciate it. You can write directly to me at tpropeck@verdecanyonrr.net. Thank you, Teresa
    Written July 23, 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Denise K
    Walnut Creek, CA397 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2019 • Couples
    Every trip on this train is a new experience. This time, we saw a variety of deer and hawks - really great. You want to splurge and go First Class. Updated relatively recently, the seats are comfortable, you have a welcome toast and a light spread of food, along with the option to get any drinks you want. The service and info is wonderful and you just relax and enjoy the 4 hour trip. You also learn some history of the area. And the drive from Sedona is very nice and you go thru places you might wish to go back and visit.
    Written March 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you Denise for sharing your thoughts on our train trip. We love what we do, and will hope to see you again soon.
    Written April 7, 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sheri M
    Cottonwood, AZ25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2025 • Couples
    Simply amazing and beautiful and worth every penny. We did the New Years Eve afternoon ride. The server we had in the Flagstaff Car was wonderful!
    Written January 10, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for celebrating the New Year with us, Sheri, and for sharing this lovely review.
    Written January 11, 2025
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Showing results 1-10 of 21
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad provided by Verde Canyon Railroad

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