The question most travelers ask before booking is simple: How much is the Napa Valley Wine Train? Prices vary depending on the journey, inclusions, and time of year, but one thing is sure. This historic experience blends fine dining, vintage rail travel, and the stunning scenery of Napa Valley into something truly unique. Below, we break down ticket costs, journey lengths, and everything included to help you plan your ride with confidence.
The Napa Valley Wine Train isn’t just transportation—it’s an immersive journey through California’s wine country. Guests ride in beautifully restored vintage railcars, savor multi-course meals, and watch the vineyards roll by from their window seats. It’s a way to slow down and experience Napa as travelers did decades ago.
Initially built in 1864, the rail line has become a signature Napa experience. Saved from demolition in the 1980s, it now transports thousands of visitors each year, making it both a piece of history and a modern-day attraction. Its longevity and popularity speak to the blend of tradition and luxury that travelers seek.
Ticket pricing varies widely depending on the journey type and inclusions—reflecting the exclusive nature of the experience.
These standard journeys go far beyond the ride itself:
RELATED: Is Affordable Wine Tasting in Napa Possible? (Top 5 Spots in 2025)
Different ticket categories allow travelers to tailor their Wine Train journey. From elegant dining cars to special event rides, there’s a package to suit every itinerary.
Dining-focused experiences are the heart of the Wine Train. Guests enjoy three- or four-course meals while traveling the 36-mile round-trip route through Napa Valley. Think seasonal ingredients, curated wine lists, and a dining atmosphere unlike any other.
For those who want to explore beyond the train, specific packages include stops at partner wineries. These excursions often feature tours, tastings, and pairings. Afterward, you reboard to continue the rail journey, blending the best of both worlds.
Throughout the year, the Wine Train hosts seasonal journeys such as holiday-themed dinners, harvest specials, or fall foliage trips. These limited experiences often sell out quickly and are priced at a premium compared to standard dining rides.
Your ticket not only determines price but also the length of your experience. Journeys are designed to feel leisurely, giving guests plenty of time to savor food, wine, and scenery.
Most daytime lunch rides last 2–3 hours, while winery stop packages and dinner journeys can extend to 3.5–5 hours. Full half-day excursions include both onboard dining and time off the train for tastings or tours.
Visitors often compare the Wine Train to winery tastings, but the two experiences are different. The train’s pricing reflects its exclusivity, service, and historic setting.
Traveling in authentic 20th-century railcars is part of the value. Each railcar has been painstakingly restored, offering a nostalgic yet luxurious atmosphere. Combined with the 36-mile scenic route from downtown Napa to St. Helena, the journey itself becomes the attraction.
Unlike a simple tasting flight, the Wine Train includes gourmet dining, thoughtful wine service, and tableside attention. This hospitality, paired with the uniqueness of a moving restaurant, justifies the premium price.
So, how much is the Napa Valley Wine Train? While exact pricing depends on the package you choose, the experience offers far more than transportation. It combines fine dining, historic travel, and wine country scenery into one unforgettable package. For those planning a more extended Napa getaway, pairing the Wine Train with nearby experiences like a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Balloons can round out your trip beautifully.
The Wine Train begins in downtown Napa, California, at the McKinstry Street Station. From here, the train travels north through Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena before looping back.
Not all tickets include wine tastings. Standard dining journeys focus on the onboard meal, though guests can purchase wine from the glass or bottle. Packages that stop at wineries or include curated tastings are available for an additional cost.
Yes, children are welcome on specific journeys, particularly lunch rides. However, some packages are designed for adults, especially those that emphasize wine pairings. Families should check package details before booking to ensure the experience fits their needs.
