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Ride the rails on pedal-powered rail bikes along Aquidneck Island's coast and enjoy a unique, family-friendly experience...

Take a ride in a pedal powered rail bike on Aquidneck Island's Old Colony Railroad, built in 1862. The rails meander alongside spectacular Narragansett Bay offering riders unique views that include Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands. Each tour is 2-hours, rain or shine!

Contact a Vacation Newport team member for special pricing. Your tour can be booked by calling Rail Explorers at (877) 833-8588. You will need to mention your reservation number when you book your tour.

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• 550 Thames Street, Newport RI 02840
• Tel: 401-845-9400
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Old Colony & Newport Railway

Home > Old Colony & Newport Railway

FEATURING TRAIN TOURS OF NEWPORT Sit Back, relax and enjoy the salt air breeze as you travel along the cozy west shore of Aquidneck island (Newport RI) in an open platform coach built 1904 or an 1884 parlor car. Experience a once forgotten era as you travel through the noted Newport RI Naval Base and along scenic Narragansett Bay with its scenic vistas of ships sailing in the bay, natural rocky beaches and wildlife that have adjoined the railway since 1864. Join us and be part of our railroad heritage. First Class passengers enjoy the "1884" sumptuous private parlor car with individual wicker chairs, all facing the Bay. The parlor car, which is limited to 18 seats, also enjoys the presence of a full retention toilet . a pot belly stove, the conductor's office, and a food preparation area. Coach passengers enjoy a ride in a vintage car with a "turn of the century" atmosphere seating in one of 72 seats heated by a pot belly stove. Our Train Rides are an 80 minute, scenic 10 mile round trip tour along the East shore of Narragansett Bay. The train travels through Naval Station Newport. Newport Rhode Island enjoys a continuous view towards Jamestown Island and the Quonset Point area which are superb scenery. Numerous power and sail craft, tugs with barges and tankers bringing home petroleum products to New England, flourish in our view of the beautiful bay. You will also see Narragansett Bay dotted with various sailing and power craft from our scenic train.

Rail Explorers

Ride the rails on pedal-powered rail bikes along Aquidneck Island's coast and enjoy a unique, family-friendly experience...

Take a ride in a pedal powered rail bike on Aquidneck Island's Old Colony Railroad, built in 1862. The rails meander alongside spectacular Narragansett Bay offering riders unique views that include Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands. Each tour is 2-hours, rain or shine!

Contact a Vacation Newport team member for special pricing. Your tour can be booked by calling Rail Explorers at (877) 833-8588. You will need to mention your reservation number when you book your tour.

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Explore Railroading In Rhode Island

It's not the destination, it's the adventure getting there., passenger - freight - family - history.

The Grand Bellevue - Rail Dining Experince

Enjoy the newest meaning to the phrase waterfront restaurant- The Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience .  An elevated yet classic dining adventure.  Our seasoned culinary team prepares meals from the finest of fresh foods while our staff graciously serves a full-course meal and finely crafted cocktails as guests relax aboard our traveling

Enjoy the newest meaning to the phrase waterfront restaurant- The Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience .  An elevated yet classic dining adventure.  Our seasoned culinary team prepares meals from the finest of fresh foods while our staff graciously serves a full-course meal and finely crafted cocktails as guests relax aboard our traveling train with views of beautiful Narragansett Bay immersed in a bit of nostalgic elegance.    Don't just dine, Adventure!

Seaview Transportation

Seaview Transportation is a Terminal Railroad which serves freight customers within the Quonset Business Park and on-dock rail at the Port of Davisville all located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  Comprised of over 14 miles of rail network, Seaview's rail-port-highway connections provide a cost-effective, hassle-free option for transpo

Seaview Transportation is a Terminal Railroad which serves freight customers within the Quonset Business Park and on-dock rail at the Port of Davisville all located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  Comprised of over 14 miles of rail network, Seaview's rail-port-highway connections provide a cost-effective, hassle-free option for transporting various  products: lumber, food, steel, granite, C&D recycling, automobiles, plastics, petroleum products, port cargo. 

Rail Explorers- Rhode Island Division

 Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on the premiere pedal-powered 'Rail Explorers' - a unique activity suitable for everyone. 

Old Colony and Newport Railway

Operated by a dedicated Group of Volunteers of all ages, Old Colony and Newport Railway is preserving Rhode Island railroad history, with railroad cars dating back to 1895, and various operating functions to maintain the Newport Secondary Line.  Ever want to learn about Railroads and operate trains, join the group, and help keep RI railroad history alive.  

Rhode Island Railroading in Motion

The grand bellevue -rail dining experince.

Rhode Island's Unique Moving Restaurant on the rails

Seaview Railroad - at Quonset Business Park

Rail Freight Delivery, Transloading, On-Dock Rail, all Handled by the Team at Seaview

Rail Explorers - Rhode Island Division

 A great fun activity for all ages - ride pedal powered rail bikes on the rails

Old Colony and Newport Railway- History in Motion

An active volunteer group, keeping railroad history moving.

the Face of Rhode Island Railroading: Rhode Island Monthly Magazine December 2023

My railroad adventure began in Newport in 1987, volunteering on the local tourist railroad while attending Bryant University. Soon after, ! went on to work for railroads throughout North America and returned to my roots in 2012, purchasing two Rhode Island railroads: Seaview Transportation and The Grand Bellevue Dinner Train.

Seaview Transportation provides freight rail services to Quonset Business Park and Port of Davisville, handling close to 7000 railcars each year. It supports industries both large and small by offering cost-effective, hassle-free options for moving goods and materials with its rail-port-highway connections.

Journeying from Portsmouth, The Grand Bellevue is an elevated dining experience aboard a unique traveling dinner train. Guests choose from murder mystery or rail dining options. Both include an exceptional multi-course dinner service, beautiful views, and nostalgic elegance.

Rhode Island railroading is an engine driving economic sustainability for commerce and tourism.

wwwm.Seaviewrr.com                            www.thegrandbell.com

Copyright © 2023 Rhode Island Trains - All Rights Reserved.

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Scenic Train Rides in Rhode Island

Find your perfect train ride in rhode island today.

There are only two scenic train rides in Rhode Island. Both scenic train rides are located in Newport, the New Port Dinner Train and the Old Colony & Newport Railway .

Did you know?

Rhode Island’s first railroad began in 1835 and was the Providence & Worcester, a short segment of the New Haven predecessor Boston & Providence Railroad. The smallest state in America boasts the most trackage with 150-mph passenger-train speeds in the nation. A total of only 16.2 miles of the states 87 total route miles are made up of 3 segments, with the longest being 10 miles. Amtrak still uses right-of way built by the New York, Providence & Boston Railroad in 1837. After the electrification of the New Haven Railroad in 1999, the Rhode Island Amtrak Acela Express now runs the highest speeds in North America.

Rhode Island Railroad Museum

The museum’s collection includes artifacts from Kingston Station’s past, a Narragansett Pier display and model railroad. Open Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 pm and by appointment.

Newport Dinner Train

Enjoy an elegant four course dining experience aboard Rhode Island’s only moving dinner train. The Newport Dinner Train runs meticulously restored 1940’s vintage Budd dining cars traveling over a 22 mile, 2 1/2 hour sentimental journey along scenic Narragansett Bay. Murder Mystery Trains , as well as lunch packages that include a boat cruise of Newport Harbor are also available. Polar Express trains begin running after Thanksgiving. Directions

Old Colony & Newport Railway

Enjoy the ride experience of a once forgotten era aboard the Old Colony & Newport Railway as you travel through the noted Newport RI Naval Base. An 80 minute, scenic 10 mile round trip tour along the East shore of Narragansett Bay with its scenic vistas of ships sailing in the bay, natural rocky beaches and wildlife that have adjoined the railway since 1864. Directions

Related Posts

About The Author

Long time train and railroad enthusiast. Retired from computer service and repair. Currently write and develop websites for tourist railroads in the US.

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Rail Explorers

• 1 Alexander Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871
• (877) 833-8588

Rail Explorers offers an unforgettable scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and spectacular Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles. The eco-friendly business is all about rail bikes and aims to provide an amazing journey using existing railroad tracks. Available from mid-April through October, the tour takes approximately 90 minutes.

Special tours also available: Brunch Tours Sunset Tours Fireside Tours Lantern Ride Tours

Additional Information

General info.

• Admission Tandem Explorer (2 Riders) $40PP: Quad Explorer (up to 4 Riders $33.75 PP ; Single VIP $45
• Group 10% Discount for bookings of 10 or more (conditions apply)

Hours of Operations

• Seasonal Information Available May 11 through October
• Additional Information Reservations are recommended

Method of Payment

• Master Card
• Number Rooms For Comp 10
• Other Seasonality May 11- October Spring/ Fall: 4 tours a day, 4 days a week. Summer: 6 tours a day, 7 days a week.

Seasonality

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website, however it is subject to change. Information is updated in an ongoing manner in partnership with local tourism offices, individual businesses and organizations and via a direct feed from goprovidence.com, discovernewport.org, southcountyri.com and Yelp.com.

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Special Offers

Looking to plan your next visit to Rhode Island, check out some of the current special offers and enjoy savings, extra perks and more!

Experience our Restaurant on the Rails

Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience

Departing from Portsmouth, RI

Please note our departure address:

2 Alexander Road

Portsmouth, RI 02871

We’re thrilled to announce we’re offering Murder Mystery and Dining On The Rails on an additional night, Thursdays, from 5/30/24 through 12/19/24

Reception hour begins one hour before departure and is open to all reserved guests, so come early at 5:30.

Wednesday Autumn Lunches @ Noon

Select Wednesdays, starting August 14th and running through November.

[ CLICK TO VIEW OUR NEW LUNCHEON MENU ]

Apr-Dec '24 :  "On The Rails" Dining Car & Murder Mystery Car

Aug 15-November :  "On The Rails" Luncheons served every other Wednesday

Questions ?  Please call 401-295-1203 during business hours:

Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Two Grand Experiences

One grand adventure.

The Grand Bellevue Dining Experience

Make a Reservation

Enjoy sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, the Mount Hope Bridge, and all the natural beauty Aquidneck Island offers. Weather permitting, guests enjoy a stunning sunset view from every table. ​

Mystery on the Bellevue Express

During your two-and-one-half-hour journey with your dinner, you'll meet the characters, follow the clues, and navigate the twists and turns as you try to solve the crime!

INDULGE YOURSELF

With A Unique

Dining Journey

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind restaurant adventure on the Grand Bellevue Rail Dining Experience. Our elegant dinner train with restored interior decor will take you back to the grand Streamliner era for elegant dining in our Spruce Car or solve an interactive Murder Mystery in our Theatre Car. Once on board, our staff will delight you by serving a full-course meal while you relax and enjoy views of beautiful Narragansett Bay.

We offer free parking on site.

CELEBRATE NOSTALGIA

Departing from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the Grand Bellevue is one of the pioneer dinner trains featuring dining cars built in the 1940s. It is famous for its trains that serve the East Coast.

We are Rhode Island’s most unique rolling restaurant destination for a night out with family and friends.

Grand Bellevue Train Station 2 Alexander Road 

Tel: 401-295-1203

[email protected]

Sign Up for our Newsletter

DISCLAIMER: Trains run rain or shine. All rides are round trip. Although we make every endeavor to maintain schedules, days of operations, departures, fares, motive power, and rolling stock are subject to change. No Pets are allowed except seeing-eye and service dogs. Tickets are non-refundable and date and time-sensitive. N&NB’s equipment is not handicapped accessible.  We apologize for any inconvenience. See our Terms and Conditions for more information.

What is a Rail Explorer?

Who can ride the rail explorers, can children ride the rail explorers, how do the tours work, how can i pass a slower rider, what about riders coming the other way, what about trains, what if it rains, do i have to book ahead of time or can i just show up, are tickets per person, how much does it cost, can i buy a gift card, how do i get back to where i parked, how long does it take, what should i wear, what should i bring is there a place to put a bag or backpack, can i bring my camera my gopro, can i bring my dog, what about covid should i wear a mask.

A rail explorer is a pedal powered vehicle that rides on railroad tracks. They have 4 steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, pedals for each seat, and are comfortable, fun and easy to ride. Although the rail explorers require pedalling, the magic of steel wheels on steel rails makes the experience very different from riding a regular bicycle. There is no need to carefully watch the road ahead, there is no need to steer and riding is hands free - making it easy to take photographs and video as you roll along. Choose either the Tandem Rail Explorer (2 seats) or Quad Rail Explorer (4 seats) for your ride.

Pedal powered rail vehicles date back to at least the 1850’s, when maintenance workers used hand-cars and ‘rail bikes’ to travel along the tracks. They were used to transport crew and materials for track inspection and repairs. Today, there are a variety of designs in use around the world: the ‘Draisine’ of Europe; ‘rail bikes’ with aluminum frames and rubber wheels; and modified road bikes with an outrigger wheel.

Our custom built explorers are the latest development of this technology, and are the global leader in safety, design and ease of operation.

Everyone! Couples young and old, groups of friends, and families of all ages and abilities can enjoy this unique experience. Check out some of the great reviews from our riders .

Yes! The explorers are easy to ride and children are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a rider at least 16 years of age to operate the brakes. Groups of children can ride on their own explorer, provided it is coupled to an adult's explorer.

For safety all riders must be secured in their own seat. The only exception is infants, who must be secured in a chest harness to an adult rider. Infants in a chest harness travel free. Younger children may not be able to reach the pedals but can be safely buckled in to enjoy the ride. We offer toddler harnesses for additional security for little explorers. It is not safe for children to be seated on your lap and this is strictly forbidden.

All the rail explorers leave at the same time, with a tour guide in the lead and a tour guide in the last explorer. The group spreads out along the track so that there is up to 500ft between you and the explorers ahead and behind. This allows each group to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors and the magic of the railroad at their own pace and in their own space.

Passing is not possible - the aim is to enjoy the journey, not to go as fast as you can. A slower rider in front means you will have more time to relax and enjoy the ride. Give other riders space - PLEASE DON'T TAILGATE!!!

The tours are timed so that all explorers have reached the destination before they are turned around for the return trip.

Rail Explorers only operates on rails with the permission of the railroad. Our staff co-ordinate closely with the railroad managers and dispatchers to ensure that there are no other vehicles on the rails during our operations. Active railroads are extremely dangerous and unauthorised access is strictly forbidden.

In Rhode Island, you can combine your Rail Explorers Tour with the many train tours and experiences available on the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad . Enjoy an elegant dinner train experience on the Grand Bellevue , or take a ride on the Murder Mystery Train!

The Cooperstown, NY Division shares the rails with the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad which offers a variety of train rides.

In Boone, IA the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad presents dining and excursion train rides.

In Kentucky, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum offer excursion train rides.

In Amador, the Amador Central Railroad offers 'speeder' rides.

Rail Explorers will operate rain or shine, provided it is safe to do so. Our tours run in light to moderately inclement weather, but will not run in heavy rain that is unlikely to stop, or if threatening weather appears imminent. We'll check the radar before every tour and if it looks like it's going to start pouring and rain for most of the tour, we'll cancel or delay departure until the weather passes. The exact timing and path of thunderstorms is difficult to predict, therefore a decision to cancel a tour because of a thunderstorm is typically only made 30 minutes before departure.

Tours will go ahead in light rain or showers. Umbrellas are provided on every Rail Explorer and rain ponchos are available. Riders are expected to dress appropriately for the predicted weather conditions and temperatures. Tours are outdoors and the railbikes are open to the elements.

Rescheduling or cancellation due to weather will only occur if Rail Explorers consider it unsafe to be on the rails. Customers who cancel due to weather are subject to our cancellation policy .

Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Due to the popularity of Rail Explorers, and the limited number of seats available, many tours sell out quickly, particularly on weekends. Seats are not held in reserve for walk-ins.

No, tickets for our regular tours are not sold per person. When you book you choose your rail explorer: either a Tandem, Quad or any combination of these, depending on how many are in your group. A Quad has 4 seats, a Tandem has 2 seats. There is no discount for empty seats. Each rider must have their own seat. It is not safe for children to be seated on your lap and this is strictly forbidden . For more information check out the explorers page.

Special event tickets may be sold per person. Please check specific event details for ticket options and prices.

Tour pricing varies depending on the location. Special tours and events may be priced differently.

Please check the locations page for pricing.

Yes! Gift Cards are available on our website.

After purchasing a Rail Explorers gift card you'll receive a gift code. This code can be redeemed when making a booking either online or over the phone, and the value of the gift card will be deducted from the total booking cost. Premium Tours may require additional payment.

There are several delivery options for your gift code:

• You can choose to have the code printed on a custom gift card, delivered via post to either your own street address, or the street address of your recipient. A $5 card and postage fee applies.
• You can choose to have the gift code emailed to yourself as an e-card, so you can pass it on to your recipient however and whenever you wish.
• You can have the code emailed directly to your lucky recipient as an e-card - the email will show that the gift is from you, but will not list the price. You can add a personalised message to the recipient to go with the email.

Gift cards may be used at any Rail Explorers location. Card is redeemable for purchase only. Unused value remains on card and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law. Gift card purchase does not guarantee tour availability - bookings essential.

We won't leave you stranded! Return journeys are built into each tour and vary depending on the location and the tour details. Most tours are 'round trip' on the explorers, with a short break at the turnaround point. Some tours are one way, and the return is via shuttle bus or train. The return journey is included in the ticket price.

Tour durations vary depending on the location, the type of tour and the speed of the riders. Check the tour details before you book to make sure you know how much time to allow before your next activity.

Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the predicted weather conditions . Tours are outdoors and the railbikes are open to the elements. Comfortable and loose fitting clothes suitable for hiking or cycling are recommended. Closed toed shoes are recommended.

Each rail explorer has a basket for bags and backpacks, cameras, phones or water bottles. There is also a deck under the seats where additional bags or coolers can be secured. Umbrellas are provided on all explorers in case of rain or to provide shade on hot days. During cooler temperatures some riders bring a blanket to wrap up in!

Yes! Part of the magic of riding the rails is that the experience is 'hands free' - you don't have to steer! So you have lots of opportunities to take pictures and video to capture this unique experience. Just be sure to share your pics with your friends and tag us! #RailExplorersUSA

Check out what our riders are sharing on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok .

Dogs (and / or other pets) are not permitted on the Boone, IA Division Tours.

Dogs are permitted at other Rail Explorers Divisions, but their safety and control is your responsibility. Riding on the railbikes may not be suitable for every dog. The ride can be noisy, and there is vibration from the rails. Dogs must be able to sit calmly on the floor of the railbike or ride in a carrier. Dogs are not permitted to be carried by the brake operator. Dogs must be restrained with a leash or harness.

Many dogs have ridden with us, but space on the explorers is limited, so larger dogs may not fit comfortably and may be in danger of being struck by the pedals or pinched by the chains. For this reason there is a limit of one dog per railbike .

Please see our COVID-19 guidelines .

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