Niles Canyon Railway, Sunol

About Niles Canyon Railway

Niles Canyon Railway is a heritage railroad museum in Sunol where visitors ride restored trains through scenic Niles Canyon. Passengers board antique coaches and open cars pulled by historic diesel locomotives or steam engines for round-trip excursions. The railway operates special seasonal events, including the Train of Lights, a 1.5-hour holiday journey featuring antique coaches decorated with lights and garland, refreshments, and music. The museum maintains a collection of historic rolling stock including Southern Pacific diesel locomotives, steam engines, and vintage passenger cars from various railroads. Visitors can experience themed rides behind unique locomotives such as Southern Pacific Black Widow-painted diesels. The railway also displays painted banners created by local Sunol artisans throughout the station. Operating from depots in both Sunol and nearby Niles, the railway offers evening departures for those wanting to experience the canyon at night. This all-volunteer, nonprofit museum provides a chance to ride authentic railroad equipment through the scenic canyon landscape.