Virginia Scenic Railway Expands to Central Virginia Location Kicks Off with The Santa Express, More Offerings to Come in 2026
Louisa, VA - October 7: The Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) is pleased to announce the opening of its second location in Louisa, Virginia, a small town with a big rail legacy dating back to the 19th century.
As part of its expansion, VSR has restored two historic train depots near downtown Louisa, reviving a landmark that once welcomed freight and passengers into the heart of the community. Louisa’s historic passenger depot, located at 103 Church Avenue, was built in 1899 according to the C&O Railroad’s design standard at the time. After it ceased to function as a railway depot, the adjacent freight depot served as a storage room for the Maddox Feed Store. In 2025, the Virginia Scenic Railway rehabilitated the station, keeping the charm and ambience of the station intact.
The Santa Express is Coming to Town:
Following the overwhelming success of The Santa Express excursions from Staunton, which have become sell-out holiday favorites and crowd-pleasers for families across Virginia, VSR is bringing the magic to Louisa for the first time. The experience will be similar to what’s available in Staunton, specifically:
- A 60-minute round-trip ride through Central Virginia
- Onboard holiday music, and festive decor
- A visit from Santa Claus, plus treats and surprises for young passengers
- An unforgettable family experience, perfect for starting a new holiday tradition
The Staunton-based Santa Express regularly sells out, drawing visitors from across the state. With the addition of the Louisa location, Virginia Scenic Railway is able to offer more capacity as well as an optional Central Virginia departure point.
What's next for Louisa?
Located just an hour from Richmond and two hours from Norfolk, Louisa is ideally situated to become Virginia Scenic Railway’s Central Virginia hub. In 2026, the Louisa location will expand to offer additional excursions, including railroad history, murder mysteries, wine tasting trains, and more.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Virginia Scenic Railway and train lovers to Louisa. It’s a fresh way to experience the charm, history, and hospitality of our Main Street and beyond. This is a big win for the Town and county—boosting tourism, supporting small businesses, and strengthening our local economy.” - Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director, Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation.
“One of the neatest parts of our railroad is being able to offer these kinds of excursions. It’s such a thrill for us to generate enthusiasm for the railroad by opening up new markets and being able to offer train rides and other rail experiences for both new and old generations of rail fans to enjoy,” said Steve Powell, the President of the Virginia Scenic Railway.
About the Virginia Scenic Railway:
The Virginia Scenic Railway, a passenger excursion service offering multiple routes and rail experiences through the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, is owned and operated by the Buckingham Branch Railroad. Now with four divisions and 280 miles of track, the Buckingham Branch is the largest short line railroad in Virginia. To learn more, visit VirginiaScenicRailway.com
About The Santa Express:
An instant classic, this holiday train ride is sure to delight children of all ages. The Santa Express offers a magical experience aboard a festively decorated train, where cheerful music, sweet treats, and of course the jolly man himself, bring the spirit of the season to life. And new this year will be a special adults-only passenger experience, "Holiday Spirits", with cocktails available for purchase on the train. Festive attire is welcome. Tickets are $65 per person.
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