Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Logistics:

 

  • Where does the train depart from?

All train excursions depart from the historic Campo Depot located at 750 Depot Street, Campo, CA 91906.

  • What are your train schedules and departure times?

The museum is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.  Current train departure times may be found here.

  • Does the train depart on time?

Trains typically depart at their scheduled time and cannot be delayed for a late-arriving guest.  We ask guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure to ensure they do not miss their departure time.

  • What if I miss my scheduled departure time?

We will do our best to accommodate you on the next scheduled departure, subject to availability.  During special events, it is unlikely that you will be able to be accommodated on the next departure. We ask all guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure to ensure they do not miss their departure time.

All sales are final. Refunds will NOT be given due to illness, missed train/event, family emergency, foul weather, natural disasters, or acts of terrorism/vandalism.

  • How long is the train ride?

Our standard Golden State train excursion is approximately 45 minutes.  Special event train durations vary, so please visit the page dedicated to the special event to learn more.

  • Do I need to make reservations in advance?

Advanced reservations are recommended, especially for special event trains as the best seats tend to sell out.  Tickets may be purchased on our website.

Walk-up tickets may be purchased the day of departure in our Gift Shop, subject to availability.

If you have a large group (10 or more individuals), please contact our Reservations Coordinator at reservations@psrm.org.

  • What is the cancellation policy?

All sales are final. Refunds will NOT be given due to illness, missed train/event, family emergency, foul weather, natural disasters, or acts of terrorism/vandalism.

Up to one rescheduling of your reservation will be accommodated at no additional charge. Please contact reservations@psrm.org no less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure.  Subsequent reschedules may incur fees.

In the event PSRMA cancels an event for which there is no rescheduled date, a refund for this ticket will be issued or funds paid may be used towards a future train ride.

  • Are round-trip tickets available?

All train excursions depart from the historic Campo Depot and drop visitors off at the museum’s Exhibit Hall.  The Exhibit Hall is approximately 1,000 feet from the Depot.  Visitors can explore our outdoor exhibits and displays on the short walk back to the Depot.  Subject to volunteer availability, a shuttle will run every 15 minutes or so between the Depot and the Exhibit Hall for those guests that do not wish to explore the outdoor displays.

  • Does the train go to Tecate?  

Unfortunately, the Ticket to Tecate Train hasn’t run in over a decade.  There is a large tunnel collapse between the US/Mexican border that prevents access.  To get the train running again is a large-scale operation that requires 100s of thousands of dollars to clear the rubble, rebuild the tunnel, and repair the track, as well as coordination between the US and Mexican governments.

  • What happens if there is inclement weather? 

Our train excursions run in all weather, rain, shine, snow, etc.!  The museum’s main Exhibit Hall is indoors and we frequently offer a shuttle between the Exhibit Hall and the Depot to help keep guests comfortable.  If the weather prevents the safe operation of our trains, however, all guests with reservations will be individually notified and announcements of cancellation will appear on our Facebook, Instagram, and webpages.

 

Ticketing and Pricing:

 

  • How much do tickets cost?

For those wishing to visit the museum only without a train ride, pricing is as follows:

Members (w/ID): FREE

Toddlers (under age 1): FREE

Children (ages 1-17): $5

Seniors (ages 65+): $9

Active Military (w/ID): $9

Adults: $10

Prices subject to change during special events. 

Train excursion tickets include FREE museum admission.  For those wishing to ride the train, please visit our excursion calendar for available dates and current pricing.

Standard Golden State Pricing

Members (w/ID): FREE

Toddlers (under age 1): FREE

Children (ages 1-17): $14.95

Seniors (ages 65+): $18

Active Military (w/ID): $18

Adults: $19.95

Pricing subject to change during special events. 

  • Do you offer discounts for seniors, children, groups, military, or any other discounts?

PSRM is pleased to offer discounted admission for children, seniors, and Active Duty military members on certain train excursions.  Please visit our excursion calendar for available dates and current pricing.

We also offer special pricing for school field trips and for scouting programs.  More information about our School Train program may be found here.  More information about our Scouting program may be found here.

  • Are there different seating options available?

Our standard Golden State excursion offers Coach Class seating in our vintage railcars and the opportunity to ride in the cab of our locomotive with the Engineer (subject to limited availability).

Special event trains may also offer Business Class, First Class, and VIP Class service.  Please visit the special event page to learn more about these classes of service.

 

Accessibility:

 

  • Are your trains accessible for guests with disabilities?

Due to the historic nature of our railcars, not all excursions are able to accommodate guests with certain disabilities.  However, we do have a chairlift available that can assist passengers with mobility issues to enter to the train and passengers with walkers, electric scooters, wheelchairs, or other mobility aid devices may be able to be seated in our open air baggage car.  Please visit our Accessibility Page for more information.

If you or another guest in your party have any questions about our ability to accommodate a specific need, please reach out at info@psrm.org.  We do our best to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy PSRM.

  • Do you have restrooms on board that are ADA compliant?

Due to the historic nature of our trains, there are NO restrooms aboard our trains.  ADA compliant restrooms are available in the Depot area and also in the museum’s Exhibit Hall.

 

Onboard Experience:

 

  • Is food and beverage service available on board?

Our standard Golden State excursions do not offer food or beverage service at this time.  During special events when our First-Class cars are available, a complimentary snack bar provides seasonal mocktails, refreshments, candies, and other snacks.

  • Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?

Yes!  Guests may bring food and beverages on board.  We ask that guests are respectful of others and clean up after themselves.  Alcoholic beverages are PROHIBITED.

  • Is alcohol served on the train?

Alcohol service may be available aboard trains only during certain special events, including our Sip & Scare Sunset Special and upcoming wine train tours (coming in 2025!).  Please visit the page dedicated to the special event to learn more.  Outside alcohol is strictly PROHIBITED.

  • Is there air conditioning or heating on the train?

Due to the historic nature of our trains, the railcars are neither heated nor cooled.  During warmer months, guests may ask for assistance in opening windows to enjoy the fresh breeze.  In colder months, guests are encouraged to wear layers, although with the train doors and windows closed, most guests find the temperature to be quite comfortable!

  • Are there restrooms on the train?

Due to the historic nature of our trains, there are NO restrooms aboard our trains.  ADA compliant restrooms are available in the Depot area and also in the museum’s Exhibit Hall.

  • Are pets allowed on the train? Is PSRM dog friendly?

PSRM grounds, outdoor exhibits, and Exhibit Hall are now dog-friendly!  Well-behaved, friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to visit.  However, NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON THE TRAINS!  Read the full rules and policy here.

Properly trained service animals are always welcome aboard trains, as needed, to assist their handlers.  If you require accommodations for a service animal, please contact us at info@psrm.org to coordinate.

  • Is smoking permitted on the train?

Smoking is prohibited on museum grounds and aboard the trains.  This includes smokeless tobacco products, vapes, and other types of e-cigarettes.

  • Is there entertainment on board? (Live music, narration, special events)

Our standard Golden State excursions feature a narration of history and sites by local TV personality Ken Kramer.  Our special event trains may feature music, dancing, special characters, and more!  Please visit the special event page to learn more about onboard entertainment.