Twice daily passenger and freight service on the 18-mile spur line connected at Lamy, NM, with the Chicago-to-Los Angeles and Chicago-to-San Francisco trains. This allowed travelers to stop over for a visit in Santa Fe, then continue on to their destinations. The spur line’s original station in Santa Fe eventually became a freight building, and the railroad built the present depot in 1909. The choice of California Mission-style for the depot’s design announced to visitors that they had, in fact, arrived in the West.
Since 1992, “the Santa Fe,” has continued to operate as the Santa Fe Southern Railway. It’s a piece of living history, and one that continues to serve part of its original mission - introducing passengers to Santa Fe’s high-desert beauty, and transporting freight into Santa Fe. The original line, with its terminus at the old Santa Fe Depot in downtown Santa Fe, is an authentic, and irreplaceable piece of the city’s history, and the overall Santa Fe experience.
Every year, tens of thousands of visitors come to Santa Fe to see, photograph and/or paint the old Santa Fe Depot, and to ride the Santa Fe Southern Railway along the original high-desert route that carried early tourists, adventurers, settlers, artists and scientists into the city. During the Summer, a number of special train options make it a particularly nice time to “ride the rail in Santa Fe.”
Friday Evening High-Desert Highball
The Friday Evening High-Desert Highball runs every Friday evening, from May 5 through October. Departure time is 6:00pm, and return time is 8:00pm. The train travels 13 miles southeast and stops on its tracks so riders can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. There is a full-service cash bar on board; and complimentary bar snacks. Two Classes of service (Silver and Dome) are available.
Saturday Evening Barbecue!
This fun-filled train runs May 1 through October, and departs at 5:00pm. It travels down to the sleepy village of Lamy where travelers feast on local barbecue fare around picnic tables and a crackling campfire (weather permitting). On board, snacks, soft drinks, as well as stronger stuff is available at the cash bar. The train returns to Santa Fe at approximately 9:30pm
Afternoon “Hot Shot” Trains - These delightful short trains run year-round on Sundays and on other days depending on the season. The trains leave from the Historic Depot in the heart of Santa Fe and travel down to the rim of the Galisteo Basin for a wide view from this interesting geologic uplift. After a brief stop to soak up the scenery, the train returns to Santa Fe. Snacks, hot and cold drinks, as well as stronger stuff is available at the cash bar.
June - October Schedule:
For “Hot Shot” Trains
Sundays - Trains depart 2:00pm, return 4:30pm
Wednesdays and Fridays - Trains depart 1:00pm, return 3:30pm.
Classes of Service on the
Santa Fe Southern Railway:
Coach Class Service - Coaches on the Santa Fe Southern Railway are charming vintage cars which have been authentically restored, and/or renovated with a southwestern look. Seats in rows have “walk-over” backs which allow passengers to face all one way or face each other. Interiors are graced with high ceilings and windows which can open.
Silver Class Service - The Santa Fe Southern Railway’s Silver Class cars are vintage ATSF Super Chief cars which afford riders a cozier, more intimate experience. These carpeted, silver sided coaches with lounge chair seating transform into diners with two to six person table seating for dinner trains. Whether you’re riding on the authentically restored Acoma Lounge Car or the Plaza Lamy Pleasure Dome, you’ll experience the comfortable luxury of America’s train heyday. Silver Class is subject to availability.
Dome Class Service - Within the lovely Plaza Lamy Pleasure Dome car are 16 special seats “up top!” Eight of these seats are walk-over bench seats, and eight of them are swivel seats. The dome seats are surrounded by a glass dome which affords riders a 360 degree view. Dome Seating subject to availability.
