Galveston Railroad Museum Hours and Admission Prices

If there's a little extra space at the bottom of your bucket list, you're going to want to squeeze in The Galveston Railroad Museum. Just a few blocks from The Strand, Galveston's most tourist-friendly area, the museum boasts one of the largest collections of vintage locomotives and rail cars in the entire Southwest United States. In a moment, you're admiring the impeccably restored 1932 Santa Fe depot, and in the next, you're walking through a real Illinois Central Rail Post Office Car that operated from 1914 to 1968. Before a drone could drop your bulk order of toothpaste at your front door, it had to come by way of rail. 

One of the most affecting exhibits at the museum is the Ghosts of Travelers Past experience. A wide variety of stark white, early 20th-century travelers occupy a small train depot. As you walk amongst them, a young man is trying to nap on a bench, a debutante sits nervously while checking the time, and an old-timer kills time by reading the newspaper. It's like walking through a fading memory, frozen in time. It's easy to imagine yourself as one of them, had the universe aimed you just a little more to the left on the timeline. 

What really sets the museum apart, however, is the Rail Hotel. As you may have guessed from the name, this is a hotel located inside the museum itself. You have the pick of two different luxury rail cars, each of which feature a hospitality suite with a dining and reception car, a full kitchen, a full bath, four half-baths, and, yes, even a 24-hour porter service. Each car accommodates up to 10 people, so they're perfect for family getaways or a unique experience with friends. Since the museum is so close to The Strand, the Rail Hotel puts you within a few blocks of Galveston's best restaurants and attractions. In other words, it's not just quirky; it's practical!

Planning a visit to the Galveston Railroad Museum? We've got hours, pricing, and parking information below so your visit is as smooth as a Santa Fe "Warbonnet." 

Where is the Galveston Railroad Museum?

Historic Downtown Galveston

2602 Santa Fe Place 

Galveston, Texas 77550

When is the Galveston Railroad Museum Open?

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Caboose rides available weekends, weather permitting.

How Much Does the Galveston Railroad Museum Cost?

Adults: $12

Students & Seniors: $9

Children (ages 3–12): $6

Children 2 & under: Free

Active Military: Free Members: Free

Group rates available—call for pricing.

Do I Have to Pay for Parking at the Galveston Railroad Museum?

Parking is complimentary with admission.