How long is the excursion?

The Howard Tunnel Special is a three‑hour, roughly 30‑mile round‑trip behind a diesel engine.

Yes—each ticket includes a Vortex boxed lunch (Pit Ham or Pit Turkey) but boxed lunches must be preordered.

Can I get drinks on board?

Beverage service is available for sale, including beer, wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks.

Is the Howard Tunnel stop accessible?

No; the wheelchair lift is not available at Howard Tunnel. Passengers who want to exit must be able to climb six steps without crew assistance.

Check in at the Northern Central Railway Gift Shop to receive your boarding passes; arrive 30 minutes before boarding.

Do members receive discounts?

Yes—membership holders should call 717 942 2370 or email Info@northerncentralrailway.com to book discounted tickets.

Howard Tunnel Special: Scenic Codorus Valley Train Ride with Vortex Pit Sandwich | Train | Sightseeing Tour

On the Howard Tunnel Special, Northern Central Railway offers a three‑hour, 30‑mile round‑trip that reads like a mid‑century postcard: a diesel engine pulling two fully restored Pullman cars through the agricultural folds of Codorus Valley, with a brief stop at Howard Tunnel to stretch your legs. The boarding point is in New Freedom, Pennsylvania; guests check in at the Gift Shop and should arrive 30 minutes before departure.

The trip centers on two remarkable coaches. The Overland Trail lounge car, built in 1949 by Pullman Standard and cared for by Bill Hatrick since 1987, retains its Streamline Moderne interior, a quarter‑circle bar and period details that invite conversation. The Pacific Trail chair car, delivered in 1950, offers roomy seating and restroom facilities. Both cars are enclosed and climate controlled, so the comfort of a classic rail journey blends with modern convenience.

Food is a featured draw. Every ticket includes a Vortex boxed lunch—the signature Vortex Pit Sandwich slow‑pit roasted and glazed with house barbecue, available as pit ham or pit turkey, served with chips and a cookie. Boxed lunches must be preordered. Beverage service, including beer, wine and mixed drinks, is available onboard for sale.

Howard Tunnel is a highlight: not a long hike, but a chance to step off the train beside stone and timber, feel the cool tunnel mouth and photograph the engine framed against valley fields. Note that the wheelchair lift is not available at Howard Tunnel; anyone who wishes to exit must be able to climb six steps without crew assistance.

Beyond the cars and the sandwich, the experience is a local preservation story. This excursion connects riders to regional rail heritage while supporting ongoing restoration of mid‑century equipment. The compact length makes it accessible to families, history buffs and day‑trippers who want a low‑effort way to see Codorus Valley.

Practical details matter: tickets, including membership discounts, are handled by Northern Central Railway—membership holders should call 717 942 2370 or email [email protected]. Check in at the Gift Shop to receive boarding passes. Plan for minimal walking, bring a camera and order lunch in advance to avoid disappointment.

Onboard narration offers historical context about the line and area geology, pointing out notable farmsteads, bridges and stone culverts that mark 19th‑century construction. For photographers, request a window seat on the right side for afternoon light. Wear layers for variable temperatures between station platforms and the climate‑controlled cars, and keep small children supervised near the vestibules, arrive early for best seating.

About Northern Central Railway

Northern Central Railway, based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, operates heritage train excursions on the original Northern Central Railroad corridor. The railway offers a variety of themed rides aboard restored vintage coaches and locomotives, including steam locomotive No. 85 and historic PRR GP9 diesel power. Trips range from short family excursions to multi-hour historic journeys, with highlights such as the Wild West Express reenactment of Jesse James–era robberies, the Hanover Junction Specials retracing President Lincoln's route to Gettysburg with a stop at the Hanover Junction Museum, seasonal outings like the Pumpkin Patch Express and Oktoberfest Ales on the Rails, and family favorites including the Sundaes on Sunday Express and Pirates and Pixies Adventure Express. Many excursions include on-board narration, scenic travel along the Heritage Rail Trail, and curated stops at historic sites. The railroad emphasizes preservation of railroad heritage through restored equipment and educational experiences that connect communities across southern York County. Vehicles and onboard experiences are maintained by experienced volunteers and staff who follow safety and conservation practices. Tickets, schedules, and trip details are published for each event, and proceeds support continued preservation and operation of historic rail equipment. Northern Central Railway partners with local organizations and museums to provide authentic historical context on select excursions. For visitors, the railway provides accessible parking in New Freedom, clear trip descriptions, and family-friendly amenities, making it a reliable choice for history enthusiasts, families, and railfans seeking authentic heritage train experiences.
Advance reservations are recommended for popular seasonal and special event excursions online.