The Railroad Museum of New England is a nonprofit rail-history museum at the historic Thomaston train station in Thomaston, Connecticut. Its exhibits and scenic train rides on the Naugatuck Railroad offer two ways to explore the region’s railroad heritage.
- Location: 242 East Main Street, Thomaston, CT 06787.
- Public hours: Open Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday to Thursday
- Train rides: Most excursions last about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Tickets: Buy online or at the Thomaston Station ticket counter on departure day; popular trains may sell out in advance.
What the Railroad Museum of New England Offers
The Railroad Museum of New England presents regional railroad heritage through exhibits and scenic and historic rides on the Naugatuck Railroad. Its setting links that story to the historic Thomaston train station, where most excursions begin.
The original Naugatuck Railroad was chartered in 1845 and opened in 1849 between Bridgeport and Winsted, alongside the Naugatuck River. Regular railroad service north of Waterbury ended in 1995.
The new Naugatuck Railroad was incorporated that year as a wholly owned subsidiary of the museum, and its first passenger trains ran in October 1996. The railroad now operates between Torrington and Waterbury.
Where Is the Museum, and How Do You Get There?
The museum is at 242 East Main Street in Thomaston, not in Terryville. From PLYMOUTH MOTOR LODGE, the station is about a 6-minute drive.
For the drive, the museum’s directions use Route 8: take Exit 38 when heading north or Exit 40 when heading south, then follow directions toward downtown Thomaston and the signed station ramp. Parking is across the tracks. Station parking is free, and accessible parking spaces are available.
Terryville and Thomaston are separate stops to plan around. For local context, the Terryville, Connecticut neighborhood guide covers the area around your starting point.
Train Rides and Operating Schedule
Naugatuck Railroad excursions offer scenic rides from the Thomaston area, with most trips lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The museum’s public hours are Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; train departures follow their own schedules.
Most excursions use open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Northern Lights and Santa trains instead assign seats by car or seat number, and groups who want to sit together need to board together.
For most departures, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead. Boarding typically begins about 15 minutes before departure, and trains leave at their scheduled times.
Trains run in rain or snow unless Connecticut officials close roads because of treacherous conditions. Refunds or rescheduling are offered only if an official closure occurs. Check the official site before you go for current hours, excursion schedules and operating details.
Tickets and Visitor Planning
You can buy excursion tickets through the online ticketing system or at the Thomaston Station ticket counter on the day of departure. Popular trains may sell out in advance, so the operator recommends buying online ahead of time. Tickets are not mailed; collect them at the Will Call counter inside Thomaston Station on excursion day.
Opening hours
- Friday: 10 AM–2 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Vintage stations and railcars have accessibility limitations: there is no wheelchair ramp or lift at any station or stop. Passengers need to use the passenger-car stairs independently or with help from their party. The operator says it will try to seat passengers with limited mobility near the end of a car closest to the loading door.
Car seats and strollers are not allowed aboard most trains. The Torrington Twilight Express is an exception, though those items may need to be stored in the baggage car.
Combining the Visit with Terryville
If you are planning time in both towns, give the excursion its own block of the day: most rides take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, before allowing for the recommended early arrival. You can then plan Terryville separately rather than treating the Thomaston station as an in-town Terryville attraction.
The Lock Museum of America is one Terryville stop to pair with local time. The Lock Museum of America visit guide can help you plan that part of the day.
In Thomaston, suggested stops include the Landmark Theater, Crescent Gallery, Ten-2-One Artists, the Seth Thomas Bradstreet House, Thomaston Opera House, Chute Gates, Black Rock Tavern and Crabby Al’s.
For a broader mix of museums and nearby nature, the one-day Terryville itinerary offers another way to arrange your plans.
FAQs
Is the Railroad Museum of New England in Terryville?
No. The museum is at the historic Thomaston train station in Thomaston, at 242 East Main Street.
How long are the train rides?
Most excursions last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Some named rides have different durations, so check the excursion details when choosing a departure.
Can you park at Thomaston Station?
Yes. Parking is free, and accessible parking spaces are available.
Do trains run in bad weather?
They generally run in rain or snow. The operator offers refunds or rescheduling only when Connecticut officials close roads because of treacherous conditions.