Skip to ContentThree places let you ride and three let you stand where the railroad changed the region. This guide separates the two and links each full page.
Checked November 3, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 1976V&T rides resumed
- 35 minComstock Route round trip
- 150 ftChina Wall height (society)
- 1903Sparks built by Southern Pacific
Every fact on this page was read on the linked It’s Reno place pages, which cite the official pages they came from. Hours, fees and dates change; the place page and the official site win.
Where You Can Ride
| Place | What it offers | As read |
|---|---|---|
| V&T Railroad, Virginia City | Narrated 35-minute round trip to Gold Hill | Season starts Memorial Day weekend; holiday trains Nov 29 to Dec 20, 2026 |
| Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City | Train and motor car rides on select weekends and holidays | Museum $10 adults; rides not included |
| Truckee depot | Museum of Truckee History in the depot | Truckee River Riding Railroad runs select weekends; 2026-27 dates not confirmed |
Where You Can See Railroad History
China Wall, the Summit Tunnel and the snow sheds on Donner Summit are what remains of the Central Pacific’s first line over the Sierra. The historical society says more than 8,000 Chinese workers built the wall and the railroad path. Sparks was built by Southern Pacific in 1903 beside a new roundhouse. The original V&T hauled Comstock bullion to Carson City.
Plan It
The classic cars and rails weekend strings the Reno, Carson City and Virginia City stops together.
On The Map
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Train ride times and fares for 2027 (each operator).
- Truckee riding railroad dates (Truckee Chamber events calendar).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride a train in Virginia City?
Yes, the V&T runs a narrated 35-minute round trip to Gold Hill. Times and fares are on the railroad’s schedule pages.
Sources
- Virginia and Truckee Railroad
- Nevada State Railroad Museum
- Central Pacific on Donner Summit
- Sparks Victorian Square and Rail History
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Railroads Guide: Rides and Rail History,” itsreno.com, checked November 3, 2026.