How do I get there?
North Bend Depot:
From Seattle, take I-90 east. Take exit 27 and continue straight into North Bend. The depot is on the right, immediately behind the Shell gas station. From eastern Washington, take I-90 and use exit 31 in downtown North Bend. Turn right onto North Bend Way and the depot will be on the right, immediately behind the Shell gas station.
Is there parking available on site?
Free parking is available in the lots and streets of downtown North Bend.
Is there an additional cost for parking?
Public parking is free.
What times do trains depart?
Trains depart every hour on the hour beginning at 9 AM. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure you have time to find parking and use the restrooms.
When should we arrive for our train ride?
The Museum recommends that guests arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure.
Is there assigned seating on the train?
Tickets are assigned by time. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.
How long is the train ride?
Santa Limited is approximately 10-15 minutes from North Bend to the RHC, about an hour off of the train, and then another 10-15 minute ride back to North Bend.
Are there restrooms on the train?
There are no restrooms on the train. Please use the restrooms before you board.
Are you limited to just one return train time?
Yes, there is limited capacity aboard the train, so the Museum cannot allow people to stay at the RHC past their scheduled departure time.
What if there is inclement weather?
Santa Trains take place rain or shine or snow! Dress for the weather, as the boarding lines are outside and the valley can get quite wet and windy in the early winter months.
Santa Limited has a slightly longer walk from the train to the two buildings on the campus. The courtyard space between the two buildings is not covered, but there is a wide, covered sidewalk in front of the Train Shed Exhibit Hall which will have outdoor heaters, as it is also the return boarding line location. Both buildings are nice and warm inside, and visitors are allowed to enjoy their cookies and cocoa indoors in the classroom or in the front foyer of the Train Shed. All the Museum asks is that refreshments are not brought across the tracks into the exhibit areas.
Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their holiday family memories for their photo albums and to share online. Don’t forget to tag your photos with the hashtags #trainmuseum #NRM and #santatrains!
Will there be food available?
On-site food options will be limited, but some snacks will be available for sale. The Museum encourages you to patronize the many quality restaurants in historic downtown Snoqualmie or downtown North Bend before or after your excursion.
Are strollers permitted?
Both Santa Train options are family events that welcome guests of all ages. The Museum encourages families to bring their strollers with them for Santa Limited, as they will be at the Railway History Campus for about an hour.
The historic coaches have narrow aisles, so a stroller that is able to fold up is usually easier to bring aboard.
Is the event handicap accessible?
The Museum strives to provide reasonable accommodation. A wheel chair lift is available for boarding the train at all locations.
Unfortunately, the Chapel Car is not wheelchair accessible. For any families with anyone who cannot climb the steps to the Chapel Car, Santa will come out to meet you in front of his sleigh in the Train Shed foyer for your visit, photo, and gift!
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed aboard the train or inside Museum buildings. Only fully trained service animals are permitted.
Is there available lodging in the area?
There are hotels available on Snoqualmie Ridge (10min), Redmond (30 min), and Issaquah (20 min).
