The railroad's caboose, number 1291 Exeter, can be chartered whole for up to ten riders, and when it is not sold, individual tickets become available closer to the date. Two routes are offered: the Springdale to Van Buren round trip, with morning pastries and afternoon snacks, and the Van Buren to Winslow round trip with lunch served on board. Unlike the other rides, the caboose page publishes fares, with spring and fall seasons. For Springdale to Van Buren: adult $149.00 spring and $159.20 fall; senior $136.76 spring and $146.96 fall; child $112.28 spring and $122.48 fall; whole caboose $1,341.00 spring and $1,432.80 fall. For Van Buren to Winslow: adult $119.29 spring and $129.59 fall; senior $111.34 spring and $121.64 fall; child $95.83 spring and $106.13 fall; whole caboose $1,073.61 spring and $1,166.31 fall. Prices come from the railroad's page as of November 2026 and can change; the railroad's online booking adds a nonrefundable 6 percent processing fee. For scheduling call 479-725-4017.
Riding the caboose is the intimate version of the experience: a small group, the back of the train, and a different view of the same trestles and tunnel. Because capacity is capped at ten, it suits a family reunion, a birthday, or a group of friends who want the whole car to themselves. Charter it if you can fill it; otherwise watch for individual seats.
The published numbers make this the best example of how senior pricing works on this railroad: seniors (65 and older) pay a modestly lower fare than adults on each route and season — for example, $136.76 versus $149.00 on the spring Springdale to Van Buren run — and children pay less again. The other car types have their own fares in the booking calendar, so do not assume the caboose numbers apply to Coach, Premium or the dome.
As with every ride, the route runs on a working freight line, so schedules are adhered to as closely as possible and delays may occur. Reach the railroad on 1-800-687-8600 for general reservations, 479-725-4017 for caboose scheduling, or admin@amrailroad.com.
What to expect
The experience
A ride in caboose Exeter for up to ten people, on either the Springdale to Van Buren round trip (134 miles, three-hour layover) or the Van Buren to Winslow round trip (70 miles, lunch on board).
Best time
Spring and fall fare seasons; call 479-725-4017 for scheduling.
How long
Three hours for Winslow, a full day for Van Buren.
Tips
Charter prices cover the whole caboose. If it does not sell, individual tickets appear closer to the date. Fares quoted here are from the railroad's page and should be re-checked.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Small groups who want a private-feeling ride.
- Families
- A good multi-generation outing, with discounted child and senior fares.
- Couples
- Quiet, but best with a small group to share the charter.
- Pair with
- Main Street in Van Buren during the layover.
- Time needed
- Three hours to a full day.
Good questions
How many people fit in the caboose?+
The railroad says a maximum of ten riders.
What does a senior ticket cost?+
Springdale to Van Buren: $136.76 spring and $146.96 fall. Van Buren to Winslow: $111.34 spring and $121.64 fall. These are caboose fares from the railroad's page; other cars are priced in the booking calendar.
Can I buy a single seat?+
If the caboose is not sold as a charter, individual tickets become available closer to the excursion date.
Is food included?+
The Van Buren trip includes morning pastries and afternoon snacks; the Winslow trip serves lunch on board.
Who do I call?+
479-725-4017 for caboose information, 1-800-687-8600 for general reservations.
