Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad - Durbin, West Virginia

Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad: A Premier Rail Experience

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers a truly unique and memorable experience for visitors seeking a connection with the beauty of West Virginia’s mountains. Located in Durbin, West Virginia, this railroad company and tour operator has become a beloved attraction, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. The railroad’s operations center at Address: 4759 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Durbin, WV 26264, United States, providing access to a range of exciting excursions and services. For inquiries or reservations, potential visitors can contact them at Phone: 3044564935 or visit their website at Website: mountainrailwv.com. The railroad’s specialties include acting as a significant tourist attraction, and offering meticulously planned journeys through stunning landscapes.

Location and Accessibility

The railroad’s location in Durbin, WV, places it amidst the breathtaking Greenbrier River Valley and the Gauley Mountains. This geographical setting is a cornerstone of the railroad’s appeal, providing passengers with unparalleled views of the region's natural beauty. The facility is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors. On-site services are available to enhance the guest experience, and the facility boasts a wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can fully participate in the excursions. Getting tickets in advance is highly recommended, particularly during peak season, to guarantee a spot on a desired train.

Excursion Options and Highlights

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers a variety of excursions, catering to different interests and time constraints. A popular option is the Tygar Flyer, which provides an almost four-hour journey along the picturesque Tygar River. Many visitors have expressed their delight with the extended ride, praising the remarkable scenery. These excursions frequently include a cold-cut lunch, thoughtfully prepared by the railroad’s chef, adding to the overall enjoyment. The gift shop also offers a selection of souvenirs and memorabilia, providing a reminder of the memorable experience. The staff consistently receives positive feedback, with many commenting on their friendliness and helpfulness. It's quite apparent that the train staff are dedicated to providing a high-quality experience for all passengers.

Guest Feedback and Reputation

The railroad has garnered a strong reputation among its visitors, as evidenced by its impressive 313 reviews on Google My Business. The average opinion is a remarkable 4.6 out of 5 stars, reflecting the overwhelmingly positive experiences shared by guests. These reviews consistently highlight the beauty of the scenery, the quality of the food, and the warmth of the staff. Many guests specifically mention the Tygar Flyer as a highlight, appreciating the extended ride and the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The gift shop is frequently praised for its selection and the helpfulness of the staff. The commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible car park and wheelchair-accessible entrance, demonstrates the railroad’s dedication to inclusivity. It’s clear that the company strives to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone. Furthermore, the recommendation to purchase tickets in advance speaks volumes about the popularity of the railroad and the desire of visitors to secure their spot on a desired excursion.

Additional Information for Prospective Visitors

• Good for kids: The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad is a fantastic option for families with children, offering a unique and educational experience.
• On-site services: Beyond the train rides, the facility offers a gift shop and, as previously mentioned, on-site services to enhance the overall experience.

Overall, the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad presents itself as a premier destination for those seeking a scenic and enjoyable rail journey. Its commitment to accessibility, coupled with its beautiful location and dedicated staff, makes it a top choice for tourists and train enthusiasts alike. The consistent positive feedback reinforces its status as a cherished West Virginia attraction.

👍 Reviews of Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad

Adam Z.

5/5

First time with this railroad and had a wonderful time on the new tygart flyer! I really enjoyed the almost 4 hour ride along the tygart river! It was such beautiful scenery that I wanted a longer excursion! The staff was very friendly helpful! Our cold cut lunch was delicious! Thank you to the chef that prepared it for car C. The gift shop was very nice! The lady I spoke with at the register was very nice as well. I will definitely return again!

Jake S.

5/5

Love the history about these old engines and the mills they serviced!! There is a tour guide on board that gives you tid bits of history as the train moves along. Might be a bit long for small children, so bring extra activities for the little ones. Also, for you folks that depend on tech… forget it. There is zero cell service… something the tour guide actually talked about! Definitely an enjoyable ride of nostalgia, worth the experience for sure! So check out and enjoy the views, the sounds, the wildlife, and learn how life was 100 years ago!!

Alyson B.

5/5

We loved this train ride and the beautiful scenery. The trains are fully restored from the very early 1900's and just wonderful to look at. There is no cell service out here, but who cares! It was peaceful and beautiful. We should have gone one week earlier to see the best of the fall leaves.

Megan L.

3/5

My husband and I booked train tickets for the opening weekend and opted for the new route that travels through Monogahela National Forest. While the scenery, wildlife, and views left little to be desired, other parts of the train ride were wanting. We were disappointed to find the train only ever traveled at a maximum of 15-20 miles per hour, and that most of our trip was silent. While the facts shared were interesting, there wasn't nearly enough to do to keep yourself entertained for the long train ride. Only one side of the tracks follows the river, meaning that either on the way there, or back, you won't have much to look at or otherwise listen to. This could be especially painful for families or small children. All and all, a worthwhile experience but perhaps on a much shorter route.

Gordon S.

5/5

I recently road the Durbin Rocket w my adult family, incl our 2+ yr old grandson. The little train is a random collection of open and roofed passenger cars, incl a caboose, pulled by a historic, coal burning, steam powered locomotive. We were fortunate to view the fall foliage in full display while chugging along the picturesque river. The real fun of the 2 hr ride was the freedom to roam from car to car, especially helpful for families w kids and for picture-taking. Our conductor, Ross, was great at informing and adding color commentary during the trip. We all had a wonderful time!

Christina H.

4/5

There is absolutely no cell service here. Their wifi is intermittent at best. The train is really cool! We did the Durbin ride. The train travels 7mph and is about a 3.5 hour ride total. It goes to a little town where they provide lunch and you can walk the little shops and then head back down. One of the few remaining coal steam trains left.
The history of Shay is very interesting. The tour guide does a great job. They have a souvenir shop, 2 restaurants, a museum and the ability to stay overnight.

Jason C.

5/5

Awesome locomotive when we went, Heisler 6, the "Durbin Rocket". Only a handful of these particular geared locomotives are still operating, so it was a treat to see this one restored and operating. The ride was a relaxing, level trek through the valley along the Greenbrier River. We could choose between riding in the open car, enclosed cars with open sides, or a caboose. The personnel were very friendly and let us explore the locomotive when we made our turnaround stop. A great experience overall! Go check it out!

yaswanth K.

4/5

I had a good experience with this trip, the guide has given a very good narration and explained nicely about surroundings. Good environment, greenery. It’s definitely an eye feast while it’s fall colors time. It has 20 minutes Hal in between the trip and you can get off the train and watch around. It has one compartment with open top and one with seating and closed roof with broad open windows. I’ll suggest this trip to everyone who wants to enjoy nature.