For Your Safety

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, in accordance with federal, state, and local government guidelines is safely operating all Passenger Scenic Rail Excursions departing from Bryson City.

The Health and Safety of Our Staff and Guests is Our Top Priority.  We are implementing protocols and best practices to ensure the safety of all.

Effective June 23 GSMR; will no longer limit capacities onboard trains.  Social distancing is reduced to less than 3 feet in all classes of seating through the train.   Masks are required ONLY in the following designated areas; Depot Building, Enclosed First Class Coaches, Crown Class Coaches & Conductors Concessions Car.  After May 21st GSMR will continue to waive only change fee’s related to COVID on existing reservations through July 1, 2021.
  • Per TSA, wearing a face mask is required in the following designated areas; Depot Building, Enclosed First Class Coaches, Crown Class Coaches, & Conductors Concessions Car.
  • We are recommending all reservations to be PRE-BOOKED by phone or online prior to arriving on site.  This process will allow us to plan ahead for passenger coach equipment and adequate staffing.
  • Social Distancing is now reduced to 3ft and is encouraged throughout the entire property. This includes the Model Train Museum, Gift Shop, Depot, Café Deck and other high-traffic areas.
  • Hand sanitizing stations will be located at high-traffic areas for guest and employee use.
  • To further implement the most effective touchless and low-touch solution to physical exchange, cashless transactions are strongly encouraged throughout all purchasing locations and Gift Shop. 
  • We have enhanced cleaning and disinfecting frequency to include daily sanitizing in all public areas including commonly used surfaces in the Depot Ticketing, Gift Shop and Model Train Museum such as door handles, counter tops, seating areas are frequently cleaned with EPA-approved and CDC-endorsed disinfectants.
  • Aboard our trains, we have amplified the daily cleaning of our passenger cars to include fogging, a sanitation process that disinfects surface areas and is highly effective and safe.
  • Clear protective barriers have been placed at all front facing service counters to include: Depot Ticketing, Gift Shop, Café and Concessions Sales
  • For non First Class passengers, food Service will be limited to advance sales of freshly prepared box picnic lunches which should be preordered at time of reservation.   Lunches are available for pickup at the Depot Cafe prior to departure. 

For Our Employee’s 

  • All employees will be required to wear masks in designated areas. Workplace masks have been provided by GSMR.
  • Front-line employees and those working in public/guest areas may wear gloves in addition to face masks. 
  • We educate our employees with updated CDC & OSHA guidelines to safely work during COVID-19
  • All employees must adhere to all departmental cleaning and disinfecting instructions based on CDC guidelines. 

For Our Passengers

  • Per TSA face masks must be worn in the following designated areas; Depot Building, Enclosed First Class Coaches, Crown Class Coaches, & Conductors Concessions Car. 
  • Book your reservation online or over the phone before arriving on property. 
  • Follow CDC and State health and safety guidelines.
  • Practice social distancing at your comfort level. 
  • Follow proper hand washing guidelines.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissue in trash. 
  • Stay home if you are ill or exhibiting symptoms of flu or COVID-19.   We will work with you to cancel or reschedule your reservations without penalty when done in advance.
  • Be courteous in enclosed spaces and walkways and allow ample space for passing and social distancing.
  • Follow directional signs and staff instructions.
  • Be prepared with cashless payment methods; GSMR will have the ability to accept credit and debit cards for all transactions and onboard train purchases during this time.
  • Plan ahead for lunch service by pre booking one of our freshly prepared box picnic lunch options.

REMEMBER TO:

SOCIAL DISTANCE- Join us in practicing social distancing at the Depot, Gift Shop and Model Train Museum, boarding platform areas, and throughout our community.

WASH HANDS- Please wash hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Hand sanitizing stations are also available through the property.

WEAR MASKS- Our employees will be wearing masks that cover their nose and mouth, in designated areas.

CLEAN & SANITIZE- We are frequently cleaning high-touch areas throughout our properties.

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