Diesel Powered

True locomotive power is on display with our diesel work horse engines! Our fleet of locomotives GP9’s , GP7, GP30 and GP38-3 are the backbone of our railroad. Each locomotive has the power to pull our full passenger trains through these beautiful mountains, arriving right on time! Enjoy one of our scenic excursions with one of these bad boys leading the way!

Nantahala Gorge Excursion

Enjoy breathtaking scenery while chugging through Western North Carolina’s diverse setting on this roundtrip excursion. Select the Nantahala Gorge route and travel over the historic Fontana Trestle across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge! Onboard dining is available by purchasing First Class seating which includes one of our First-Class meals or by pre-purchasing one of our boxed lunches, a unique moving dining experience.

FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE NANTAHALA GORGE ROUTE HERE!

Tuckasegee River Excursion

Enjoy a calming ride through the countryside of WNC. Select the Tuckasegee River route and enjoy the quaint historic town of Dillsboro, where you’ll find shops and restaurants to enjoy during your layover. You’ll also pass through the historic Cowee Tunnel, along with passing the famous train wreck site featured in the movie The Fugitive!

FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE TUCKASEGEE RIVER ROUTE HERE!

Classes of Service – Diesel Locomotive Prices

Adult First Class

First Class with dining features assigned seating at a dining table in a climate controlled car with large picture windows. Each passenger is served a meal by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Limited bar service is available.

Adult (21+ Only) $114 $121
Under 21 Not Permitted
First Class Diesel
Fares Reg Oct

Premium Open Air Gondola

Premium Open Air Gondola with dining features assigned seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Adults (21+) are served a meal by the car’s attendant. Everyone receives a souvenir travel mug with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day. Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Sweatshirt Blanket to your reservation for just $29.99! At 54″ x 84″ it’s the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings. Limited bar service available.

Adult (21+ Only) $99 $106
Under 21 Not Permitted
Premium Open Diesel
Fares Reg Oct

Coach Plus

Coach Plus features a classic train decor with natural wood and sliding windows at every seat. Every section has a table and booth style seating allowing 4 people at a table. This is perfect for families or groups traveling together that want the convenience of their own table! 

Adult (13+ yrs) $69 $76
Child (2-12 yrs) $45 $50
Infant (0-23 mos) $0 $0
Coach Plus Diesel
Fares Reg Oct

Crown Class

Crown Class features assigned seating in a climate-controlled car with large picture windows. Everyone over the age of 2 years old receives a souvenir tumbler with free refills of soda, coffee, and iced tea all day! Beer and wine available.

Adult (13+ yrs) $87 $94
Child (2-12 yrs) $61 $66
Infant (0-23 mos) $19 $19
Crown Class Diesel
Fares Reg Oct

Coach Class

Coach Class features open seating in an enclosed car, windows that can be opened for fresh air and taking photos, and are heated and have ceiling fans.

Adult (13+ yrs) $59 $66
Child (2-12 yrs) $35 $40
Infant (0-23 mos) $0 $0
Coach Diesel
Fares Reg Oct

Open Air Gondola

Open Air Gondolas feature open seating in a car with unobstructed views, half-height walls, and a roof above to protect passengers from the elements. Add an official Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Sweatshirt Blanket to your reservation for just $29.99! At 54″ x 84″ it’s the perfect size for two to keep warm during our cool mornings.

Adult (13+ yrs) $64 $71
Child (2-12 yrs) $40 $45
Infant (0-23 mos) $0 $0
Open Air Diesel
Fares Reg Oct

Class Comparison

Classes of Service Table
Amenities First Class Premium Open Air Gondola Crown Class Coach Plus Coach Class Open Air Gondola
Meal Included
Lunch Available
Restrooms Available
Heat
Air Conditioning
Assigned Seating
Souvenir Travel Mug
Large Picture Windows
Windows Open/Close
Ceiling Fans
Ideal for Photography
Outward Facing Seats
Padded Seats

Schedule

Other excursions and/or events are available. Check out our complete train schedule to see all our options. *This schedule is subject to change at any time* 

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
Nantahala Gorge (Diesel) 11:00am 11:00 am
Nantahala Gorge (Diesel) 11:00am
Mar 2 @ 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Book now
Uncorked 11:00 AM (Diesel) 11:00 am
Uncorked 11:00 AM (Diesel) @ Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot
Mar 2 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Book now
3
Nantahala Gorge (Diesel) 11:00am 11:00 am
Nantahala Gorge (Diesel) 11:00am
Mar 3 @ 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Book now
Uncorked 11:00 AM (Diesel) 11:00 am
Uncorked 11:00 AM (Diesel) @ Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot
Mar 3 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Book now
4
5
6
7
11
12
13
18
19
25
26
31

Ticket fares subject to 7% Historic Preservation Fee. Schedules, fares, motive power, equipment, seat selection, and meals are subject to change without notice. We guarantee the class of service you select. You will be notified if a change in schedule or motive power affects your reservation. Payment in full at booking by major credit card is required to finalize a reservation. You may cancel your reservation in full or in part and receive a refund less a $14.00 fee per adult ticket and $7.00 fee per child ticket as late as 5 days before departure, except for The Polar Express Train Ride; The Polar Express Train Ride is as late as 60 days before departure. Within 5 days of the departure, or 60 days in the case of the Polar Express Train Ride, the reservation becomes nonrefundable. You may reschedule any time prior to your originally scheduled departure with a $7.00 fee per ticket for another date within the same calendar year. You may not reschedule a reservation after the scheduled departure.

You agree that GSMR General Excursions and Events for which you purchased tickets and/or attended is a public event, that your appearance and actions inside and outside the venue where the Excursion/Event occurs are public in nature, and that you have no expectation of privacy with regard to your actions or conduct at the Event. You hereby irrevocably grant permission to the host railroad, licensor, sponsor(s) and/or their assigns to use, copy, display, distribute, exhibit and utilize your name, image, digital image, likeness, acts, poses, voice, appearance, movements and statements in any live or recorded audio, video or photographic display or other transmission, exhibition, publication or reproduction of same, including at the Excursion/ Event (regardless of whether before, during or after the Excursion/ Event) for any purpose, in any manner, in any medium or context now known or hereafter developed without further authorization from or any compensation to you or anyone acting or entitled to act on your behalf.

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