Quick Details
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
BOARDING ADDRESS:
12363 CASS ROAD
CASS, WV 24927
The Greenbrier Express (GBX) train departs from the restored, historically important town of Cass and closely follows the clear, free-flowing Greenbrier River to the small mountain village of Durbin. On arrival in Durbin, all ticket holders will be served lunch at a pre-determined location either on your train car, in the depot, or at one of the restaurants on Main Street adjacent to the depot. The ride upriver to Durbin passes through a secluded wilderness portion of the 950,000-acre Monongahela National Forest featuring beautiful scenes of forested mountains at each turn of the river. Sightings of Deer, River Otters, and Black Bear along with a wide variety of Eagles, Hawks, Ospreys, and other species of birds are common.
The original 95-mile section of this railroad was first constructed in 1902 by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway with an eye toward timber resource development. It continued serving that purpose until rail traffic declined and most of the line was abandoned in 1978. Today’s trip takes you on the northernmost 15-mile portion that was purchased by the West Virginia State Rail Authority. Unfortunately, a catastrophic flood in 1985 washed out major portions of this line. Thanks to a private/public initiative between the WV State Rail Authority and Durbin & Greenbrier Valley RR, the track has been reconstructed and now offers a new and different option to visitors at the iconic Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
During the layover in Durbin don’t forget to stop by the Rail & Trail store for a hand scooped ice cream and explore the large variety of railroad souvenirs! Durbin’s newest business, the Emma Grace Foothills Boutique is located nearby and offers unique clothing items & more. Looking for something sweet? Simply Sweet Cafe offers a variety of coffees, frappes and smoothies. Wanting to return or extend your stay, the Station 2 Restaurant & Motel offers home cooked meals and lodging options.
IMPORTANT NOTE: August 2-4, 2024 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) will feature a Wild West component.
Portions of each trip will feature performers in costume who will be discharging blank rounds in close range as part of a staged train robbery and gunfight.
Please be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Ear plugs are highly recommended. There is no extra fee for these trips.
If notice of cancellation is made prior to 48 hours before departure, we will be able to issue a 90% monetary refund (booking fees are non-refundable). If cancellation is made within 48 hours before departure, there will be no monetary refund. However, you may reschedule at any time for another date in the current season. Gift cards can also be issued for the full ticket amount (minus booking fees) at any time and will not expire. If you paid with only a credit card, self-cancellation is available via the “View Online” link in your booking confirmation email. If you paid with a gift card, please contact a Mountain Rail WV customer service representative at 304-636-9477 to cancel. Send all general reservation inquiries to [email protected].
The Greenbrier Express features climate-controlled enclosed cars. When booking seats in Coach Car 3607 and Coach Car 202, you will choose seats at traditional 4-top tables. When booking seats in Coach Car 835, you will choose seats in a bus-style format (i.e., two seats positioned together on either side of an aisle, all forward-facing). Coach Cars 3607 and 835 contain restrooms. Coach Car 202 DOES NOT contain a restroom.
Each ticket includes a standard cold cut lunch served upon arrival in Durbin at one of three venues (Durbin Depot, Simply Sweet Cafe, and Station 2 Restaurant). Each lunch is served cafeteria-style and consists of various items to make a cold cut sandwich, a bag of chips, a cookie, and a bottle of water. Deboarding the train is required to access all lunch venues. The lunch included in the ticket price as stated above is the same at all venues. Any additional menu items available for purchase at Station 2 or Simply Sweet Cafe are not included in the ticket price and must be paid for out of pocket. A guide will be present upon arrival in Durbin to assist with directions to each lunch venue.
Due to the historical nature of the train cars, the Greenbrier Express is not wheelchair accessible. There are multiple steps to board the train, but there are handrails to help.
* Taxes/fees are not included in ticket prices. Rates, times, and dates are subject to change. Fall rates apply to every departure starting in mid-September through late November.
Advanced online reservations are recommended to guarantee seating.