WATERLOO, NY — The Finger Lakes Rail Experience is set to return for its 2026 season, building on a successful inaugural year with an expanded calendar of excursions, new seasonal offerings, and more opportunities to experience the Finger Lakes by rail. Ticket sales begin Thursday, April 16th at 6:00 PM at flxrailexperience.com
JOIN OUR WAIT LISTFollowing its 2025 debut, the Finger Lakes Rail Experience welcomed more than 11,000 passengers and has quickly grown into a distinctive way to explore the region’s lakes, vineyards, and historic communities.
A FULL SEASON OF EXPERIENCES
The 2026 schedule introduces a broad mix of returning favorites and seasonal highlights, including:
- Wine Trains (21+) operating throughout the summer and into the fall, featuring onboard tastings in partnership with regional wineries
- Evening Club Trains (21+) with music, social atmosphere, and sunset departures
- Memorial Day Flyer excursions kicking off the summer season
- Cayuga Leaf Limited fall foliage trains debuting in October
- Halloween Trains in late October with evening departures
- Christmas Trains for a multi-week holiday season in November and December
Trips will range from approximately one hour to longer scenic journeys, continuing the format established in 2025.
While the 2025 season focused primarily on summer operations, the 2026 calendar expands into a full three-season experience, including a robust fall program and an extended holiday schedule. Operating on the historic trackage of the Finger Lakes Railway, the 2026 season will feature regularly scheduled train rides May through December, departing from Waterloo, New York, and offering a variety of themed excursions for families, couples, and groups. Group rates and questions can be directed to the FLX Ticket Agent.
VINTAGE RAIL TRAVEL, REIMAGINED
Passengers will ride aboard a curated fleet of restored mid-century passenger cars, offering deluxe coach, premium, and first-class accommodations. Originally built in the 1940s and 1950s, the attraction’s historic cars blend character with modern comfort, creating a travel experience that feels both nostalgic and refined, with additional cars expected to join the FLX fleet later this season.
Onboard offerings will continue to emphasize the region itself, from wine and culinary pairings to the scenic routes over Seneca Lake.
A REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP
The Finger Lakes Rail Experience continues to operate in partnership with the Finger Lakes Railway, FMW Solutions, and the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey, combining freight rail infrastructure with historic passenger equipment and tourism-focused programming.
Support from regional partners — including wineries, breweries, and local tourism organizations — remains central to the experience, reinforcing the connection between rail travel and the Finger Lakes’ identity as a destination.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
The full 2026 schedule is now available, with ticket sales opening in phases throughout the spring and summer.
For more information, schedules, and ticket availability, visit:
https://flxrailexperience.com/2026-schedule/
About the Finger Lakes Rail Experience
The Finger Lakes Rail Experience is a seasonal heritage rail operation offering scenic excursions through the Finger Lakes region of New York. Launched in 2025, the program combines vintage passenger equipment, regional partnerships, and curated onboard experiences to create a unique way to explore one of New York’s most iconic destinations.
