The most common question about the Van Buren train is what it costs, and especially what seniors pay. Here is what the railroad itself says, and where it stops saying. We are an independent guide, not the railroad, and we do not set or sell tickets.
Who runs the trains
The excursions are operated by the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, which sells tickets through its own booking calendar and by phone at 1-800-687-8600. Each ride has a page on the railroad's site with a Book Now button; the links on our ride pages go straight there.
Car types
Three kinds of ticket are sold. Coach (Cars 105 and 106) means 1920s vintage cars with reversible bench seats. Premium means Car 107, The Explorer, a 1950s parlor car with a rear observation deck — the railroad's only wheelchair-accessible car — or Car 109, The Spirit of Arkansas, a 1950s diner car. Silver Feather is the dome car, Car 108, a 1940s-style dome with seating up high; on the Springdale to Van Buren trip the dome is one-way only, on the Winslow rides you stay in the dome the whole trip. Snack trays are included in Premium and Silver Feather on the long trip, and lunch is included on the Winslow rides; Coach snack trays are an add-on.
What seniors pay
The railroad lists discounted rates for seniors (65 and older), military, AAA and AARP members and groups. It does not print the amount on its excursion pages; fares are shown in the booking calendar and vary by date, route and car. The one place the railroad does publish senior fares is its caboose page, which lists spring and fall prices: for Springdale to Van Buren, adult $149.00 and senior $136.76 in spring ($159.20 and $146.96 in fall); for Van Buren to Winslow, adult $119.29 and senior $111.34 in spring ($129.59 and $121.64 in fall). Those are caboose seats only; do not assume the same numbers for Coach, Premium or the dome.
Children and groups
Child fares apply to ages 3 to 12. Group discounts are available for parties of 12 or more on private events; for ordinary groups ask the railroad.
Fees and rules
Online reservations carry a nonrefundable 6 percent processing fee. Coach with snack trays, Premium and Silver Feather need to be reserved at least 48 hours ahead. Tickets are non-refundable unless canceled at least 48 hours before departure, according to the railroad's home page, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes early. Extra snacks and drinks on board are cash only.
A word about old prices
Fares you see quoted on older websites, including our own previous site, may be out of date. Always confirm in the railroad's calendar for your date.