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Niles Canyon Railway - Niles Station
Category: Hotels & Travel Tours Tours [Edit]
37001 Mission Blvd(between Duarte Ave & East Nursery Ave)
Fremont, CA 94536
(925) 862-9063
15 reviews for Niles Canyon Railway - Niles Station
15 reviews in English
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Review from christy l.
San Jose, CA
12/10/2011
Instead of joining the shopping crowds the day after Thanksgiving, the family decided to take a ride on the "Train of Lights," leaving from Niles. Please note that you will be boarding the train off Mission Blvd, and not the Niles Station. We didn't know that, so we parked closed to the Niles Station, and then had to walk under the underpass out to Mission Blvd. (Apparently, they don't want you crossing the tracks to get to the train.) Had we known, we'd have just driven to the train area off Mission Blvd. and saved ourselves from the unexpected walk. (Otherwise, if you parked in Niles, bring a flashlight for your walk back.)
The train is festively decorated for the Christmas season, both inside and out. It's actually pretty neat to see. I saw other Yelpers' reviews that you could bring your own snacks (or else buy some snacks and drinks in the concession car), so we loaded our bags up with snacks for the kids. The ride itself was ok - a couple of people in my party were starting to feel a bit motion sickness. There's definitely a lot of kids on the train, and if you have kids, you will know that most kids (or at least I can say my kids) do not sit still very long, so you might find yourself walking about on the train.
Another Yelper mentioned that it was strange that boarding happened in one cart, with you needing to walk through the entire train to find a seat. I personally didn't mind walking as it allowed me to check out how all the compartments were decorated. (They are all different.)
I did think it was odd that although we printed tickets online, you still needed to exchange that for real tickets. We didn't anticipate that, so one of us had to wait in line to get the "real" tickets in order for the rest of us to board the train. Luckily, Santa was out near the boarding area, so the kids got to take a picture with him.
It was a fun family experience, and I'd recommend it to all those who like Christmas decorations and/or who like short train rides. It's especially cool because it's something to do in Fremont! -
Review from Shawn W.
Hercules, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.
Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. -
Review from Laino M.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
Took the "Train of Lights" last night.
Five stars for the decorations! The trains were decked out and full of holiday kitsch.
Five stars for the NCR staff. All such nice and friendly people.
Two stars for ticketing. Totally inefficient. They make you print out a document to bring to the station, then you wait in line to turn that in for a pink ticket, then you have to wait in line to get that ticket stamped by the conductor before getting on the train. One printed ticket should have been enough to show to the station agent and then stand in line. The stamping process took a really long time.
Here's where it really goes south....
Zero stars for the boarding process. What a joke! The experience makes boarding an airplane a complete and utter joy.
Here's how it goes: They say to arrive 45 min before departure. You stand in a giant mosh pit of a line. And wait, and wait and wait. The train pulls up, they wait. and wait. and wait. and finally after 30 minutes they open ONE DOOR for all 500 people to enter through. Then you have to walk through each and every single train car to find an empty seat. Its about 15 train lengths long. If you are with a large crowd of say 10 people, it is so hard to get seats together.
Once the train leaves, get set for kids running up and down the aisles and people walking around the entire time. Its a total zoo!
Will I go again, sure, to please my 2 year old. But my heavens, that boarding process was a total and complete nightmare.
Why can't they do what caltrain does and opens up all doors and lets everyone on at once? Why such "control"? It could have sped up the process by 30 or more minutes. -
Review from VIRGINIA B.
Fremont, CA
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Train of Lights was great. I will do it again next year and pack a basket with snacks , etc., and make it something extra special.
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Review from Christina G.
Fremont, CA
11/28/2011
This past weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying a trip on the annual Niles Canyon Railway's Train of Lights. We left the Niles station at 4:15pm and returned about 5:25pm. It was great! 15 cars all lit up and filled with happy folks.
Ages ranged from "just arrived" to Santa Claus.. The staff was wonderful. Everyone was helpful and willing to answer questions. We were encouraged to walk through all the cars which is what we did. As the sun set, the train's lights got brighter looking until they were the only thing you could see in the darkened canyon.
We arrived back into Niles which was all lit up as well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were friendly. I highly recommend this as a special treat to yourself and anyone you want to share it with. The sounds of the train were a true delight. -
Review from christina t.
San Jose, CA
5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
VERY cool. Definitely worth the $20 for the family. Very nice little train ride. BRING A JACKET if there is a breeze. You will need it. The train is nice. The volunteers were kind and sweet. Over all a wonderful day!
PS, GET THERE ON TIME -
Review from thats r.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
What a fun, unique and memorable experience! Gather your friends, pack up some spiked cocoa, bundle up in warm coats, and have yourself a holly jolly wonderfully good time!! Truly... this is one of those classic traditions worth keeping and doing every year... dont miss it!! Thank you to the crew for the beautiful Christmas decorations!!
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Review from Geoff D.
6/11/2008
I've liked trains ever since I was about one... and now that I have 3 little boys of my own, I feel comfortable embracing my inner dork and looking for a wide range of wacky weekend activities. This is a good one.
The Niles Canyon Railway is ostensibly a branch line that brought the original transcontinental railroad from its hub in Sacramento out to the SF Bay. On Sundays the volunteers here run several old school passenger trains between Fremont and Sunol so that you can enjoy some of that old world experience and check out the scenery. There is a lot of good hillside and nature to see out here, though it was likely better before all of the adjoining motorways came to town a few decades back.
The volunteers have also setup small model railroads at both this station and in Sunol so that your little people can have a turn to drive and be entertained while waiting for the big train.
You can board at either the Sunol Depot (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) or here in Fremont for the round trip. The station here in Fremont appears to be under renovation; at this point it is literally a small ticket window and a another small tent for shade on the side of the rails.
Tip: get in line early when the train arrives to score yourself a seat in the covered outdoor car. Best views and shade are a good combo.
All aboard!Listed in: Trains & Train Rides in the…
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Review from Bobby B.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2009
Niles Canyon Railway isn't just for kids, it's for adults too! What a great hidden gem in the bay area, I am not sure how I lived here for 12 years without hearing about this cool little local get away. This is a non-profit ran place with some nice locals who like to show you their big train set. The cars are old and not so nice, however it makes you feel like you are back in the hay day when riding the train was the only way to get across country unless you like riding on a horse.
The staff was very friendly and helpful at the station and on the train, the hot coco on the train was a life saver since it was cold and wet the day we took the tour. I have told many friends about this place since going this last weekend and I am pretty sure I will be back when they have their wine train or for company event. -
Review from Lis B.
2/22/2010
See my 5-star review of the Niles Canyon Railway - Sunol Station for a complete review of the Niles Canyon Railway.
This review is for the Niles Station only.
I don't think the Niles Depot is as nice as the Sunol Depot. Even though the town of Niles is a lot larger than Sunol (not saying much), the first train of the day comes out of Sunol. Trying to board at Niles after the train is full is much less desirable than getting on at the first stop, especially if you're with kids.
Thus, even though the Niles Canyon Railway itself is awesome, I'm going to subtract one star for this train depot. -
Review from joe r.
Fremont, CA
4/28/2010
The Grand Opening of the Niles Train Station this weekend. May 1-2 10am 4pm 5 bands. Lots of activities. The Gunfighters of the Old West will be performing as well. Come and enjoy a a nice day in the sun.
http://www.gunfighters.../ -
Review from ElleDee R.
Bay Area, CA
12/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Christmas Train Ride was a great family affair. We took my parents for their wedding anniversary. The cabins had Christmas decorations and it was fun to be among other families. Lots of little ones so very family friendly. Also saw quite a few picnic baskets. Think we will also bring wine, cheese and crackers on our next ride!
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Review from Brooke W.
San Francisco, CA
9/1/2008
First, MAJOR safety precaution as the tour guide pulls out a safari like machete and chops a bottle in half in attempt to wow the crowd with a "ninja like" opening trick... not so much.
Next, better be VIP of you are sitting in the 1949 air conditioned death chamber with little knee space and a loudspeaker of ninja master in your ear.
Better bring your own bottle, the 1 oz pours every 30 min are not conducive to a friendly buzz which is necessary to withstand nijna idiots side comments and the blazing speed (3mph) of the broke ass caboose.
Hope you like the overpass, or 10 oz of cheese slices. They come in packs and ask for a grape? Watch out for Leslie. She's a bit stingy.
Charles gets a shout out. He was chill, however, it was first tour, I'm sure he will turn as sour as the Petit Syrah soon.
Overall, pass Sunol with great speed, head to Danville or Walnut Creek and dine in one of the fine restaurants that will pour you a full glass. -
Review from Aleta C.
San Mateo, CA
8/29/2010
Great little trip with the kids. Beautiful scenery. They do have snacks and a bathroom on the train now which is nice with children. The open cars are really nice.
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Review from denise j.
San Leandro, CA
8/26/2008
This weekend the hubby, 2 friends, and I took to the rails for a lazy Sunday afternoon ride through Sunol aboard the Niles Canyon wine train (I know who would have thunk.... a wine train in the East Bay.... don't they only have that in Napa??) I had to check it out!!
The ride starts with a the sommiler/ tour guide sabering (basically chopping or slicing it the top off) a bottle of champagne without breaking it (neat-o right??) and telling us a little bit about the tour we were about to embark on. We boarded at 3 pmish and got to choose our seating - TIP: make sure you get in line early since the covered outdoor seating fills up fast and the ride is in the sun most of the time and it gets hot sitting out in the open seating (there is also full covered car seating but we didn't get a chance to check that out).
We chose our seats in the open car after we had received our souvenir glassware and plates. Once the train is ready to go the servers start to pass out the first course of champagne (yummy) and appetizer course (cheddar and pink lady apple). Then the train starts and the tour guide begins to give you the basics on wine tasting 101. About 20-30 mins after that (and every 20-30 mins throughout the trip) you get another wine and cheese pairing totaling 5 altogether. For our trip we tasted 1 champagne, 1 white wine, and 3 reds - but I believe it is different each time you go so you may want to check the website for details.
Some good notes -
1. They feature all locally made wines (our were all from the Livermore Valley area) and were all very tasty!!
2. The scenery was beautiful and relaxing and the guides on the train are very knowledgeable about the area and are more than willing to answer any questions you may have.
3. Each sitting area was private enough that you can have a conversation with your group without really bothering anyone else (or having to hear about anyone else's sordid lives)
4. The price was very reasonable for what you get (2 hour train ride and 5 food/wine pairings).
The bad -
1. The outside seating is in the full sun - make sure to bring a hat/sunblock - we got burned (our fault but keep it in mind)
2. The tour guide talked wayyyyy too much - it was hard to have a conversation since the speakers were loud where we were sitting and he talked practically the whole time (informative - but too much).
3. There are bathrooms on the train but keep in mind when the train stops and you have to use the restroom - so does every one else it seems...
4. They only run this during the summer (the last one will be held for this year on Aug 31, 2008)
** Side note this trip is only for adults 21 and older so keep that in mind when making reservations **
Overall it was a wonderful local experience and a good time was had by all - I recommend this if you want something laid back to do during the summer and especially if you like to try a few different kinds of wine in a laid-back, non-pretentious setting.
