I’ve been on the Austin Steam Train out of Cedar Park three times now! Each time, it’s been a blast. The most recent was in 2020, then 2018 before that, and had my first ride way back in 2016. I love the unique experience the Austin Steam Train ride provides and highly recommend any of their tours.
While I haven’t been on the train in over 5 years now (!), I can see on their website they still offer roughly the same tours. The “Hill Country Flyer” also goes to Bertram, but has a 2-hour layover, allowing riders to spend some extra time in Bertram. The “Bertram Flyer” is just the quick 15-minute pit stop to turn around and ride back. While it doesn’t seem they have an evening mimosa ride anymore, they do have “The Wedding Oak Wine Flyer” which offers a similar, boozy adventure. Then of course, there’s the “North Pole Flyer” during the holidays for kiddos! I haven’t done that, but I’m sure it’s a blast.
Read about each of my experiences below!
2020 – Bertram Flyer, Cedar Park to Bertram and Back
I saw the Austin Steam Train Association put out a call on Facebook for “train photographers.” They were looking to give press passes to local photographers who could photograph an upcoming ride. Not sure if I’m a ‘train photographer,’ I thought to myself, but I could totally help them out!
So, while I did receive complimentary tickets, it should be no shock that I’m personally a big fan of the Austin Steam Train. I wouldn’t offer to take photos for them if I wasn’t! I’ve done two other rides with them in the past and loved them both!
On June 13th, 2020 we took the “Summertime Express” ride [2025 edit – this ride is now called the “Bertram Flyer”]. The 2.5-hour ride takes you to the Bertram Depot and back. It’s a calm and relaxing ride. I really enjoyed the time to just sit, rest, and talk with my family.
If 2.5 hours sounds too long for you, don’t worry! There’s a new, shorter ride that will have its FIRST run this Sunday (Father’s Day) – the “Lakeline Limited”. It’s a 1-hour ride to the Lakeline Station and back. If you’re unsure of whether the train is for you (or you have little kids with you or something) you can get started with a quick ride on the “Lakeline Limited”. [2025 edit – I’m unsure if the “Lakeline Limited is still available, or if it was just a COVID special].
Tickets for the “Summertime Express” and “Lakeline Limited” range in price from $23-$45 dollars, depending on which train car you choose to ride in.
The Austin Steam Train Association is taking social distancing pretty seriously. For the month of June, all rides are capped at 50% max capacity. Every other table is marked off and you are required to wear a mask the whole time, even while sitting at your seat. I also saw two different ASTA volunteers sanitazing door handles, countertops, and handrails throughout the ride.
You can still get up and walk around during the ride. I was worried about bumping into other people walking around while I was up (therefore not being very ‘socially distant’) but with the 50% max capacity, that didn’t really happen. I felt very comfortable and safe walking around.
I’ve been VERY cautious through the shutdown. I haven’t dined out yet and don’t plan to any time soon. I stepped out of my comfort zone for this train ride, because I felt like I could do some good by giving them the exposure and providing them with photos! However, once I was on the train, I actually felt very good. I would definitely recommend this as a good quarantine activity if you (or your kiddos) are feeling a little stir crazy.
I will say, the cars with little kids in them made me a bit more anxious. There was just a lot more moving around and it felt like a lot more people (even though they were little!). I’d highly recommend looking at the ASTA website and reading about all the train cars before you purchase your ticket.
If you’d like to know more about how the ASTA is keeping its riders safe, you can read their 2020 Health & Safety Plan.
The most impressive train car is the Nambe. It wasn’t in service during our ride (which is why there are no people seated in the photos below). Hopefully, it will be opened up soon! When it does get put back in service, it’s an adult-only (14 and up) first-class lounge.
From the ASTA website… The Nambe is a rare example of the streamlined stainless steel passenger cars manufactured by the Budd Company in 1937 for the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. The car initially served on the Super Chief line between Chicago and Los Angeles, and after World War II, operated on various lines, including the Texas Chief between Galveston and Chicago. It is fitting that the car is returning to Texas after being out of service for several decades.
Originally part of the eight-car 1370 series, it is only one of two in existence and the only one with its interior features and finishes intact. The car exemplifies streamlined design of the 1930s, both on the exterior and the interior, and has a remarkably high degree of integrity.
About an hour into the ride, you’ll make a quick stop at the Bertram Depot. Riders are no longer able to get off the train during the turnaround, however, you will get to see the engine move alongside to the new front of the train, which I thought was pretty cool. The transition takes about 20-25 minutes, then you’re on your way back to Cedar Park!
My favorite spaces on the train are these little connectors between the cars. You can stand near the open windows and get some great photos. I also found it nice to take a breather from my car during the ride (you know, in case someone coughs and you feel a spike of anxiety hit).
The Austin Steam Train Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and therefore relies heavily on the support of passengers through train ticket sales. Book a ride today!
2018 – Moonlight and Mimosas
The 2.5-hour round-trip train ride left Cedar Park at 7pm so we could enjoy the beautiful Texas sunset. With our tickets, we were able to enjoy a boxed dinner and four (!) mimosas. Shoutout to the bartender – those mimosas were no joke! Thanks to Dripping Springs Vodka, we were also able to add a dash of delicious vodka to our drinks.
The Austin Steam Train itself is beautiful. We were in the Nambe car – so retro and comfortable. Overall, it was a fun adventure. If you’re looking for something new to do with your family (they have children-themed rides, like the Princess Flyer, Day out with Thomas [the train], and the North Pole Flyer) or you’re looking for a unique date idea, I highly recommend the Austin Steam Train. Check out their website to find a ride that fits you!
2016 – Bertram Flyer, Cedar Park to Bertram and Back
For my birthday, Brian surprised me with train tickets on the old school Cedar Park Steam Train (and the stunning striped dress I’m wearing!). I’m a big fan of trains and anytime I see one, I have to ride it, so Brian did a good job with this one. It was such a fun evening. We sat in a restored train car while the steam train chugged along. On the train, we got snacks and drinks and we watched the sun set as we pulled into the little city of Bertram.
We stopped at the station for a few minutes – enough to get a few sweet photos – then headed back to Cedar Park. This trip was the sunset tour, but the Austin Steam Train Association has many other tours. They run special Halloween and Christmas trains, along with wine tasting and murder mystery!
