Dinner on the Diner Train Dining Experience

Savor a three-course meal aboard a vintage dining car during a leisurely 2-hour evening ride

4.8 stars• 17.4K reviews

From$2,400

Duration

2 Hours

Ideal For

Up to 8 people

Includes

Three-course meal, Iced tea & coffee

Highlights

Step aboard a restored dining or Pullman car for an evening of classic rail travel paired with fine cuisine. During this two-hour journey you’ll enjoy a three-course dinner as the train glides through urban East Chattanooga before returning to Grand Junction Depot.

Relish a chef-prepared three-course dinner menu
Ride in a beautifully restored dining or Pullman car
Take in sights of Chattanooga Zoo and city landmarks
Choose from beef, chicken, salmon or vegetarian entrees
Indulge in decadent desserts like triple chocolate cake
Purchase wine or specialty drinks to enhance the evening

What's Included

Three-course meal with entree and dessert options
Water, coffee, lemonade and iced tea

FAQs

Can children ride the dinner train?

Children under 8 years old are not recommended, and all passengers pay the same fare.

Is there a dress code?

No formal dress code is required, but many guests choose to dress up for the occasion.

What sights will we see?

The route passes urban landmarks such as Chattanooga Zoo, Warner Park fields and the National Cemetery.

Things to know

Available on select Fridays and Saturdays from March through October. Vintage rail cars have limited accessibility, and the experience is not recommended for young children.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final and non-refundable.

Review summary

4.8

Excellent

17.4K reviewsGoogle Maps

This place clearly knows how to deliver a memorable train experience. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly, knowledgeable staff who make every ride special, whether it's the shorter local excursions or the longer Hiwassee Loop journey. The historians on board get particular praise for their engaging storytelling about the region's rail history, and touches like the banjo entertainment add extra charm. Several groups mention the dining options as a real highlight, with one reviewer specifically calling out their server Jermain for making their ladies' trip feel warm and welcoming. The vintage passenger cars themselves are beautifully restored and meticulously maintained, which adds to the authentic experience. People appreciate that this is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving local railroad heritage. One practical tip that comes up: book your tickets online in advance because these excursions sell out fast, and don't be late since the trains run on schedule. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a group outing, this seems to be one of those Chattanooga attractions that genuinely appeals across ages and interests. The overwhelming enthusiasm from repeat visitors suggests it's worth making time for if you're in the area.

What people are saying

We had a wonderful experience at TN Valley Railroad! It was a dreary, rainy day and decided to go on the Missionary Ridge tour. It was perfect! We got there half an hour early, but the train left right on schedule. The guys working our train were kind, friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable about the railroad. We had a choice between an air conditioned car, or one with fresh (window) air. We chose the fresh air, windows down. Choose this, if the weather is nice! The rain cleared long enough for us to see the turntable demonstration and to walk over and see the other locomotives that were being repaired. It was all in all the best first train ride and tour we could have asked for. We will be returning in the coming months with our children. We hope to try the deli next time around because it looked fantastic! We had already eaten and didn’t know they had one in the station. The gift shop was great also! Lots to choose from, affordable and very friendly. The pictures definitely don’t do it justice!