Are boxed lunches included with the ticket?

Tickets include a Vortex boxed lunch if you pre-order online; choose Pit Ham or Pit Turkey and the meal will be served on board.

Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you may bring snacks, but to receive the complimentary Vortex boxed lunch you must order it in advance.

Is the Howard Tunnel stop accessible for wheelchairs?

The Howard Tunnel stop does not have a wheelchair lift; passengers who want to exit there must be able to climb six steps. The D. Reed Anderson coach is handicapped accessible.

Is alcohol served onboard?

Beverage service is available and includes wine, beer, mixed drinks, and nonalcoholic options; follow crew service guidelines while onboard.

When should I arrive for my train?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in at the gift shop and collect boarding passes.

Are group or private seating options available?

The D. Reed Anderson car can be used for small private groups; membership holders should call 717 942 2370 or email Info@northerncentralrailway.com for booking and discounts.

Howard Tunnel Special: Vintage Train Ride with Vortex Pit Sandwich in New Freedom | Train | Sightseeing Tour

On a crisp morning in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, the Northern Central Railway departs its historic station for the Howard Tunnel Special, a three- to four-hour, 30-mile round-trip through the Codorus Valley that follows the South Branch of Codorus Creek, offering a relaxed rail perspective on the region’s farmland and ridgelines. A scheduled pause at the stone mouth of Howard Tunnel gives passengers time to step onto the ballast, photograph the darkened portal, and feel the weight of regional railroad history while crew members explain the tunnel’s role in nineteenth-century transport and the line’s later association with President Abraham Lincoln’s journeys. Passengers ride in meticulously restored nineteenth-century coaches including the D. Reed Anderson, Abraham Lincoln, New Freedom, and the open-air South Branch car, each fitted with reversible walkover seats, authentic coal-stove heating, operable windows, and period finishes; the South Branch’s outward-facing benches maximize panorama and fresh-air photography in warm seasonal months. Every ticket includes a Vortex boxed lunch built around the signature Vortex Pit Sandwich — slow-pit roasted meat glazed with tangy‑sweet barbecue and served warm on a soft bun — with a choice of Pit Ham or Pit Turkey, plus chips and a cookie; boxed lunches must be ordered online in advance. Practical details matter: arrive thirty minutes early to check in at the gift shop and collect boarding passes, call 717 942 2370 or email [email protected] for membership discounts, and note the Howard Tunnel stop lacks a wheelchair lift — anyone exiting there must climb six steps without crew assistance for safety and planning. The Howard Tunnel Special is a low-impact access point to the Codorus watershed, converting scenic farmland and creek corridors into an approachable outdoor experience that doesn't require hiking; the railway stitches together small towns, supports local businesses, and preserves nineteenth-century railcraft and community stories while drawing repeat visitors across seasons. Photographers should favor the open-air South Branch car and the tunnel portal for dramatic compositions at golden hour, and keep an eye along the creek for white-tailed deer and great blue herons; operable windows and open-sided benches make candid landscape shots easy while coal-stove warmth adds character on colder runs. Dress in layers to accommodate shifting temperatures between cars and seasons; choose a coach that fits your priorities — the D. Reed Anderson offers restrooms and climate control for comfort, the open South Branch maximizes views, and Victorian-era seating delivers period atmosphere; onboard beverage service complements boxed lunches for a civilized outing. This is a fitting half-day escape for families, history fans, photographers, and anyone seeking a slow, scenic alternative to trail or road; the combination of restored 1800s coaches, the Howard Tunnel stop, and a warm Vortex Pit Sandwich makes the excursion uniquely local and memorable; reserve early; arrive prepared today.

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.