Sunset & Suds: Sugar Express Train Ride Through Clewiston's Sugarcane Country

On weekday evenings and weekend getaways alike, Sunset & Suds invites adults aboard the Sugar Express for a two-hour, no-destination train ride through South Central Florida’s sugarcane country. Departing from Sugar Express in Clewiston, Florida, this adults-only excursion is built around the slow, steady pleasures of rails, sunset light, and an onboard bar that keeps the conversation flowing.

The scene is unmistakable: rows of tall sugarcane rise like green walls beside the track, irrigation canals glint beside dirt service roads, and the flat horizon gives the setting sun a wide canvas. Guests ride behind diesel locomotives through restored vintage rolling stock—the Open Air Coach with bench-style, semi-enclosed seating; the climate-controlled Deluxe Coach; and First Class options in the Palmdale dining car and Bay Biscayne lounge and observation sections. For groups seeking privacy, the Private Pullman Car Clewiston reproduces the comfort of classic Pullman travel with suites, a dining room, and a small catering kitchen.

Because the trip’s charm is in the ride itself, photographers and railfans will appreciate the sensory details: the diesel rumble, the metallic clack of track joints, the breeze through the Open Air Coach, and the way sugarcane edges catch the last light. The Sugar Express pairs that texture of rural agriculture with approachable hospitality—appetizers and light refreshments come with First Class packages, while beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase across all cars (credit/debit only).

Practical notes matter. Passengers must arrive at the Sugar Express boarding area at least 30 minutes before departure for parking and boarding. The train includes steep steps, narrow corridors, and compact restrooms; sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required for everyone. This environment is part theatrical, part transport—perfect for a casual date night, a kickoff to a weekend, or a group celebration where the journey is the event.

Sunset & Suds also connects visitors to Clewiston’s identity as a sugar-producing town—local fields, canal-side vantage points, and glimpses of working agricultural land are part of the experience. While this isn’t a wildlife safari, riders often spot wading birds and river turtles along canal banks, and the company’s rhythms honor the rural landscape that frames each run.

Whether you choose open-air benches, a climate-controlled coach, or a First Class table in Palmdale, the Sunset & Suds ride is a short, sensory-rich way to unwind in Florida’s low country—where the sun drops fast and the rails keep time.

First Class passengers receive appetizers and light refreshments served onboard; all beverage purchases are card-only. Seating is reserved for guests 21 and over. Group bookings are available, and the Private Pullman can accommodate up to twelve guests for an elevated, private outing. Plan for warm evenings and bring layers for the cooler observation car as night falls.