durbin greenbrier valley railroad

This adventure doesn't really need a review because it sells out so quickly- it is THE POLAR EXPRESS, based of the movie. I went with a friend and her 2- and 4- year old girls and from the very beginning it was such a treat! We dressed in pajamas- yes, you read it right- and joined the crowd of others, many entire families dressed in matching pj's. We waited at the depot, and the excitement built as the train pulled in. We were entertained by the dancing chefs prior to boarding. We were in the Parlor Car- perfect! Soon we were again watching the dancing and singing chefs perform an entire routine as they poured delicious hot chocolate into our souvenir mugs. As the trip progressed we were entertained by "Chef Francois" and "Cinnamon Fries"- such fun! Then- we were at the North Pole!!! there were lights, decorations, elves and SANTA!!! we asked if we should stop the train so Santa could board the train- and the answer was a very enthusiastic YES!!! The train stopped, and reversed, and the excitement elevated as the children waited for Santa to reach our car. The entertainment continued, and got funnier and funnier. Then- Santa himself!!! Even the toddlers who had begun to nod off sat straight up and the air became electric! He spoke quietly to each child with very kind and positive words, and the very colorfully dressed elf with him gave each of us the "I Believe" bells- oh, my- did everyone perk up and ring those bells! It was just a magical time, and I can't recommend it enough to all ages!

We had so much fun on our trip to ride the Polar Express. We drove about 2.5 hours and it was totally worth it! The kids had an absolute blast... they all love the movie and watched it on the way there. Their faces and experiences will most likely make this a holiday tradition!

We took our 3 little boys on the Durbin Rocket the last day of the season. The engine was AMAZING. The experience was really something the boys will never forget, as the train was like something out of a storybook with big puffs of steam and loud whistling. We plan to return in the summer to ride all the other trains.

We live in Maryland and took a 4 hour drive to have our kids see Santa on the Polar Express. Everyone was happy until we boarded the train. I think what we paid for was a waste of money...the train inside wasn't decorated and looked very old. The so called bakers/chefs weren't that great...the one that came to our table spilled hot chocolate on the table. She didn't even come back and clean it up...or check on us. The train ride was about an hour and it wasn't a great view. When we got to the "Polar Express" it was really disappointing. I was expecting a Santa house all decorated with elves and Santa and Mrs. Claus standing there. Once we saw Santa, he boarded the train and the train headed back to the station. I wouldn't recommend to anyone with kids....its truly a waste of money and gas if you come a long way for it.

I recently took a day trip to the Durbin Rocket. This was one of the best train trips I have taken. The crew was very attentive, pleasant and very informative. The experience was one that will last a lifetime. The weather was not the best, however the crew had no control over this. I dressed warm in October in preparation for this. The fall scenery was spectacular as well as the trip itself aboard the train. When in Pocahontas County West Virginia this is a must. Especially, for those like myself that loves trains. I also stopped by the Rail & Trail Store to buy a few souvenirs. The lady in the Rail & Trail store is also very pleasant and attentive. A great place to visit for a few hours when in the area.

Cool and rainy afternoon trip with our 3 kids ages 12, 8, and 6. Just over 2 hours long. Stop for about 15 minutes to drop off Castaway Caboose and check out Greenbrier River. Had it been sunny a few feet in the water would have Been great. Train repeats 5 mile journey out back in. Nice scenery but nothing spectacular. Options to sit in warm enclosed car, enclosed unseated caboose, covered open car, and completely open car. Town of Durbin very small but quaint in a slightly dilapidated kind of way. Perfect length trip for our three boys.

I had a trip on the Durbin Rocket in September. I rode in a coach on the outbound trip and the views were okay, there was little to do at the end of the line. On the return trip when the engine was working hard I was in the open wagon right behind the tender. I was covered in coal and ash but for someone who loves steam trains this was great. For a water stop the train stopped on a bridge and the crew dropped a hose in to the river! Amazing!I spoke to several people in Durbin and the fireman and they were all very friendly.

I decided to go to Elkins,West Virginia to ride one of the trains that are The Durbin Greenbrier Railroad. I rode the Rocket, it was a 4 hour ride up into the mountains of West Virginia, I rode in the Parlour car and enjoyed a delicious lunch, along with a very nice trip. The scenery was spectacular and our "guide" gave a good presentation of railroad history.We got off the train at certain Intervals to take pictures and enjoy the waterfalls, the views, and wildlife. There are 4 trains and many different kinds of outings, a very enjoyable experience.

My wife and I rode the Cheat Mountain Salamander to the abandoned community of Spruce, WV and back to Elkins. It was scenic, comfortable and certainly worth every penny. We are planning on a return trip next year. The railroad personnel were informative and friendly. This was a wonderful experience.

Very nice experience, riding this old train. It goes five and a half miles down the track where you can get off and walk around for a while then reboard for the five and a half mile trip back. This was the Durbin Rocket. We then boarded the Salamander for a beautiful ride through the colorful mountains of West Virginia alongside a very scenic mountain stream. Along the way we stopped at a waterfall for a Kodak Moment.

Extremely beautiful train ride. Approximately 2 hours in length with stops at the halfway point with access to the river and a stop to re-supply the water for the locomotive. Absolutely wonderful experience.

we rode the cass scenic railroad at 11 and made it back to Durbin rocket for the 2:30 train. the staff opened the gate for us to park by the station so we would be able to get my son's wheelchair on the train station decking. only the main car had was handicap friendly. the other cars entrances were to narrow for a wheelchair to go through. my teenage kids loved riding in the caboose and even took a nap. at the break in the middle of the trip, we walked my son across into the open air car and folded up his wheelchair and moved it into the open air car for the return trip, since it appeared to be in the shade for the whole journey. We should have rode in the open air car on the first part of the trip, when the engine was pushing the train, so the soot wouldn't have been landing on us as it was on the return trip when it pulled the train back to the station. Staff was friendly and helpful and accommodated our son and his wheelchair as best as the old train would allow. the store and ticket office only have steps since they are also old.

We took the Thursday Morning Durbin Rocket, The train was not full so we were able to move form car to car which made the ride fantastic. If you ride the train when it is full I suggest you sit on the side opposite the depot for the best views. The offer a over night caboose camping which I would like to do.

Staff: Very kind and helpful answered all our questions.Train cars: There were four cars and an engine. See pics...overall condition was fair at best. The day we came the steam engine was broken so a diesel pulled the train. The staff said it was the first time in 14 years that the steam train didn't make a run.Experience: The train ride was 2 hours...5 miles down the track and back. The track runs a long a small river, the scenery was nice but not stunning. They allow you move freely between cars which is nice. The kids loved the caboose. At the end of the track we actually picked up a family which was camping in a castaway caboose. Their car was much nicer than the train caboose...think RV in a train caboose...kind of cool. Unfortunately the diesel exhaust on the ride back was nauseating.

The Polar Express Train was amazing. We went in December 2013 with our 6 year-old and we all loved it. I highly recommend this to anyone with young children, or anyone for that matter. It's quite the magical Christmas experience!