For a close look at the rail equipment that shaped Pennsylvania, head to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. At 300 Gap Road on PA Route 741, this museum brings together historic locomotives, rail cars and other exhibits.
- Location: 300 Gap Road, PA Route 741, Strasburg, PA 17579
- Regular hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Sundays, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
- Admission: $10 for adults ages 12–64; free for children age 2 and under
Where is the museum, and how do you get there?
The museum is in Strasburg, at 300 Gap Road on PA Route 741. From Classic Inn Lancaster, the drive takes about 7 minutes. The Strasburg Rail Road is directly across the street, so you can pair the two rail attractions in one outing; it operates separately from the museum.
The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret Pennsylvania’s railroad history, including the ways railroads shaped the nation and daily life. Its collection offers context for the equipment and objects on display.
Which locomotives and exhibits can you see?
The museum displays 100 locomotives and railroad cars dating from the mid-19th and 20th centuries, including the Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Collection. Many of the nearly 100 vehicles are housed in a 100,000-square-foot exhibit hall, with additional equipment in the outdoor Train Yard.
Beyond the rail vehicles, exhibits include railroad artifacts, artwork, books, photographs and corporate railroad material. The museum map identifies an Orientation Gallery, Exhibit Gallery, Model Railroad Exhibit, Art Gallery, Museum Store and hands-on experiences. Educational programs, tours, special events and a railway education center add other ways to engage with the collection.
Most locomotives and rail cars are not generally open to enter, because of safety and preservation concerns. Staff- or volunteer-supervised interiors may sometimes be available, but access varies and cannot be guaranteed.
A behind-the-scenes Restoration Shop tour is normally offered at 12:00 p.m. on most days for an additional fee, subject to conditions and staff availability; call ahead to confirm.
What are the museum’s hours, admission and visit policies?
Last entry is at 3:30 p.m.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission is $10 for adults ages 12–64, $9 for seniors 65 and older, and $8 for youth ages 3–11. Children age 2 and under enter free. Groups of 10 or more adults should call for rates. Tickets are generally valid for the full day during regular business hours, and you can return after leaving if you keep your receipt.
Hours, prices and policies can change, so check the official site before you go.
What accessibility and visitor facilities are available?
The museum welcomes visitors who need special assistance. Call ahead to discuss arrangements, as access to some areas or exhibits may depend on safety, staffing and preservation factors.
Accessible parking is available in the main lot on the east side and in the semicircle driveway on the west side. The west-side driveway can also be used for drop-off and pick-up. The museum generally has six designated accessible spaces in the main lot and four along the driveway.
Main indoor public spaces are climate-controlled year-round. Food and beverages are not permitted in the main exhibit areas; snack and beverage vending machines are in the designated area on Platform 5 West, next to the Train Yard entrance. Service animals, including those in training, are permitted under federal and state policies. Staff decide whether emotional-support animals may enter.
What other attractions can you combine with a visit?
The Strasburg Rail Road is directly across the street from the museum and is privately operated, so it is a separate attraction. For a different kind of outing, consider the Sight & Sound Millennium Theatre.
FAQs
Can you go inside the locomotives and rail cars?
Most are not generally open to visitors. Occasional supervised access may be available, but it is not guaranteed.
Is the Strasburg Rail Road part of the museum?
No. It is directly across the street and operates as a separate, privately run attraction.
Can you leave and return on the same ticket?
Tickets are generally valid for the full day during regular business hours. Keep your receipt if you plan to return after leaving.
What other Lancaster attraction can you plan to visit?
Dutch Wonderland is another Lancaster attraction to include in your planning.