Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad
Recommended by 93% of travellers
Sedona, USA
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Paper ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Guarantee your spot in first class aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad when you prebook a starlight experience. You'll travel through Verde Valley, between two national forests, and along the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness to admire the high desert scenery, geological features, wildlife, and archaeological relics of the Sinagua people. Enjoy first-class seating on the train, which departs from Clarkdale.
- Guarantee your seat on the Verde Canyon Railroad when you prebook
- Celebrate your starlight ride with a Champagne toast
- Enjoy the comfort of a first-class cabin with panoramic windows
- Stay fueled with included appetizers
What's Included
- First class seating
- Champagne toast
- Appetizers
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- LunchIn 2023, all Verde Canyon Railroad tickets purchased through Viator include a cafe voucher for a meal at the depot cafe which may be carried aboard the train.
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- DVD (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Pets are not allowed on train
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Verde Canyon Railroad300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
Departure Point: Verde Canyon Railroad Train Depot in Clarkdale, Arizona Address: 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket Redemption Point
300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, USA
Itinerary
1
Verde Canyon Railroad
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Verde Canyon Railroad
Admission Ticket Free
Verde River (Pass By)
S O B Canyon (Pass By)
Perkinsville Ghost Town (Pass By)
Tuzigoot National Monument (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travellers can participate
- Infant age is 0-1 year. Any guest aged 1 and over will be charged an adult rate. Guests cannot board the train without a paid ticket
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 300 travellers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
My family and I had a wonderful experience, it was an amazing ride and we had a great guide (Andy) and a great bartender (Josh). We learned so much and saw so many beautiful sights. This is definitely a must ride !!
Reviews
4.7
based on 140 reviews
Sort by: Most recent
We took a relaxing Starlite Ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. We booked the first-class seats through Viator for 4 people and they sat us together on two, two-person comfy couches facing each other. We had meal vouchers so upon checking in we were able to order a sandwich, side, and a drink, which we ate prior to boarding, so glad we got there 1 hour before. We all decided on the Turkey Sandwich which was HUGE and delicious. I wish I had taken a picture of the menu. There were probably about 10-12 choices. Upon boarding the train there was a charcuterie plate, waters, and a bottle of champagne per couple. There was a bar in our car and Shay was a great bartender who we ordered our drinks from. There was plenty of time and room to visit the open-air car that we did periodically during the trip. Craig was outside narrating what we were seeing or about to see. Not sure how he has his voice after leaving for the day. It was a little cloudy and a full moon, so were not able to see many stars unfortunately, but still enjoyable.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Nancy, thanks for riding and relaxing with us aboard the Starlight, and for sharing this detailed recap of your adventure. We will share your compliments with our cafe team, and Shea and Craig from the train crew.
Took my daughter on the starlight train ride and had an absolute blast. The scenery was absolutely stunning.
Response from Host, Oct 2026
Thanks for riding with us, James! We love hearing that you and your daughter enjoyed the wild sunset views of our Canyon.
We had a nice time on the train. The views on the way were beautiful!! The outdoor car was really packed at times so I spent more time at our seats to get a view of what we were passing. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. We had plenty of food. We got a cafe voucher before we left which was a dinner portion (we picked the chicken sandwich with fries), and then the train had a charcuterie board container waiting for each guest at the table.
Response from Host, Sept 2026
Stephanie, thank you for riding the Starlight with us and sharing this recap of your experience. We appreciate your kind words for the our crew, scenery and food.
This was a gift for my mother’s 80th birthday, and she absolutely loved it! It made her special day even more memorable and added a wonderful touch to the celebration.
Response from Host, Sept 2026
Thank you for celebrating your mom's birthday with us! We love being a part of special family memories.
It’s worth it to take the time to enjoy the experience . Everyone was very kind and professional. Their knowledge of the area during the tour was also an excellent plus.
Response from Host, Sept 2026
We're so glad you discovered us! Thanks for riding and sharing this excellent review.
Such a great experience! Would recommend to everyone. Food was great, as of those serving the food. The charcuterie box was a great touch. Comfy couches were amazing, although we spent most of the time on the open air cart. Rob was great giving us all the information along the way. The canyons were breathtaking. 10 out of 10 experience
Response from Host, Sept 2026
Wow, April! 10 out of 10? Fantastic. We're glad to have earned such high grades! We're happy you enjoyed the cafe and kitchen crew, the charcuterie, views, accommodations and Rob. We will be sure to share your kind words with everyone.
The train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad was incredibly nice and comfortable. The indoor seating was perfect for relaxing, but stepping out onto the open-air viewing cars made the experience unforgettable. The views of the Verde Canyon were absolutely beautiful and breathtaking, offering spectacular lookouts at the red rock formations, the river, and the local landscape. It was a wonderful, scenic journey from start to finish, and I would highly recommend it!
Response from Host, Sept 2026
Thank you for riding with us and recommending us! We appreciate your enthusiasm for the scenery, the accommodations both indoors and out, and the experience overall.
If you do the starlight ride, we recommend to bring a light sweater. The enclosed car was cold and we had to sit outside to warm up. Would be great during a day ride. Older people were cold and asked to turn the air down but were told there was no control over it. If you get the food voucher, be aware that you get a nice charcuterie tray as well so you’ll have lots of food. If you bring small children, be aware that the wheels screech very loud at times. Overall was a great experience and we’d def do it again.
Response from Host, Sept 2026
Will, thanks for riding the Starlight with us and sharing your feedback on the experience. We look forward to welcoming you back.
We had such a wonderful experience on the Verde Canyon Railroad! The entire ride was beautiful, peaceful, and so relaxing. It was the perfect way to slow down, enjoy the incredible Arizona scenery, and spend quality time together. The staff was friendly and made the experience even more enjoyable.
If we could suggest one thing to make an already great experience even better, it would be to offer a Murder Mystery Train Ride! We think having a special murder mystery car where guests could enjoy the scenery while participating in an interactive mystery would be SO much fun and such a unique experience. We would absolutely come back for something like that!
Overall, we had an amazing and calming experience and would definitely recommend the Verde Canyon Railroad.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for riding and relaxing with us! We appreciate your kind words for our scenery and crew. We will share your suggestions with our team. Groups are able to charter their own train cars for weddings, corporate team building and other special events, so perhaps someone might create a Murder Mystery on board some day!
You get your moneys worth! Very courteous and personal. Enjoyed every minute of the ride! Would definitely do it again!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Henry, we appreciate you celebrating with us! We look forward to your next visit!
Absolutely stunning views during the first half of the ride and amazing starlit skies on the second half.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for riding the Starlight and sharing this lovely review. We're happy you enjoyed the adventure.
This experience is amazing!!! If you do nothing else, do this! The staff is very knowledgeable and made this experience feel once in a lifetime. The views and stars at night are breathtaking. Not to mention, the drinks the bartender made were top notch. I couldn’t give this experience enough praise and this made my partner’s 30th birthday. Thank you again for such an amazing experience!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for riding the Starlight with us and recommending us so highly! We're grateful you and your partner celebrated a special birthday with a ride aboard Verde Canyon Railroad.
This was genuinely one of the coolest things I have ever experienced! From the views to the staff to the food, it was truly incredible. I would highly recommend everyone to try this out, especially the night ride. The sunset and starts were absolutely breathtaking.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
10/10! Wow! Thanks for riding with us and recommending us so highly, Alyssa!
My husband surprised me for my birthday and took me on the Starlight ride. Breathtaking views and charming scenery. With the way the train organized it still felt very intimate, as each car only holds so many people and your small group becomes a small family on the adventure together! Both tour guides were fantastic (Antony and Anisa) they were so knowledgeable and helpful! Overall a fabulous time and would recommend to anyone of all ages!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
What a lovely birthday surprise! Kudos to your husband for the fantastic idea! Thanks for riding with us and sharing kind words about the views, the accommodations and our crew. We'll be sure Antony and Enysca see your compliments.
It’s been so long since I got to enjoy an unconstructed night sky. The view was fantastic! The ride is out and back and heading out was during daylight hours (we rode first weekend of August). So great views of God’s creation. The last half hour or so on the way back it was pitch dark so we could see all the stars. Cricket was pleasant and engaging. She served us inside the car while Brandt did an excellent job pointing things out and giving us interesting history facts. Our ticket through Viator was a bit more but included a meal voucher for the cafe. Onboard was individual charcuterie boards with mini bottles of brut to share. More food than I could eat. I had the criapy chicken sandwich from the cafe. It was actually very good! I would do this trip again.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Diana, thank you for riding the Starlight with us and sharing this fantastic review. We appreciate your kind words for our view, crew and food.
Such a unique experience pleasant ride, great bartenders and tour guides. Nice to have open car area access
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Billy, we're glad you enjoyed so many aspects of the adventure. Thanks for riding with us.
AMAZING experience… this is certainly the way to get out in the depths of the Sycamore Canyons. Train staff was awesome, cars were in great condition, full bar, totally amazing!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Wow, Kyle, thanks for riding with us and sharing this excellent review. We're glad you enjoyed the crew, the accommodations and the wild canyon scenery.
It was such a wonderful experience. The staff were professional and knowledgeable they made the experience so much more special.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thanks for riding with us, Sonya, and sharing kind compliments about our crew!
Everything was well organized. Staff was friendly. Train was clean and comfortable. Would recomend this trip.
Response from Host, July 2026
Steven, thanks for riding with us and recommending us!
This was a once in a lifetime experience it was beautiful, well thought through, and a great time. We were in the Sedeona cart with Jocelyn and she was great I would go again and again!
Response from Host, July 2026
Thanks so much, Halle! We love your enthusiastic endorsement and kind words for the experience and our crew.
The train ride was absolutely amazing. Lots of interesting history and Romn made the trip engaging and enjoyable. The train itself was beautiful, very comfortable seats. The views were captivating and pictures just don't capture what you see in person. The stars were out in force and the trip was worth every cent.
Response from Host, July 2026
We love being considered a worthwhile adventure! Thanks for sharing kind words about our accommodations, views and crew.
Beautiful vintage train ride with history of the men who built it. Arizona, the Copper State and how this railroad was used in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Still used today, the freightline transports cement when not used for passengers wanting to experience Verde Canyon and Verde River in a vintage train car! This was a great experience. Knowledgeable staff and great scenery. A Must when visiting Arizona.
Response from Host, July 2026
Delia, we love that you enjoyed the history and beauty of our route! Thanks for riding with us.
Well done across the board. Staff (Flagstaff train on June 27, 2026) was excellent. Really enhanced the experience.
Response from Host, July 2026
Thanks for riding with us, Adam! We are happy to hear you enjoyed the experience.
It was epic and worth it. Great service and experience. Train was spotless and well served. Bartender was great.
Response from Host, June 2026
Dan, you had us at "Epic and worth it"! Thanks for riding with us and recommending us.
The trip and the exposure to nature is wonderful. The food program that ‘s included is a disaster. Very wasteful and detracts from the trip.
The guides on the train are not professional, but nice young men. Should have some system to separate those serious for information, and those just along for the ride.
Response from Host, June 2026
Richard, we appreciate your feedback. We're sorry you did not enjoy the meals included in your package. Thanks for riding the Starlight with us.
You are going to see some historic sites on the ride. The staff is very knowledgeable. We even got to see Venus and Jupiter on the way back.
Response from Host, June 2026
Rodney, thanks for riding the Starlight with us. We're glad you enjoyed an amazing time!
Very relaxing. Did evening train ride. Don't eat late lunch like we did. With dinner choice we had plus charcuterie, we did not each much of our food, which is bad because the food is good any we didn't eat much!
Response from Host, June 2026
Ken, we love to feed our guests! Thanks for riding and relaxing with us and sharing good feedback.
Be prepared to get lots of history stories, and the knowledge from everyone on the train. Had a blast
Response from Host, June 2026
Wow, thank you, Patricia! We're glad you had such a wonderful time.
Be ready to take lots of photos if you have never been on a train, i over the top suggest this experience, it was epic.
Response from Host, May 2026
Karla, thanks for your enthusiastic endorsement! We appreciate you riding with us.
The train ride was relaxing and the views were breathtaking!! An absolute must-do when visiting the area.
Response from Host, May 2026
Emily, we love being considered a "must-do"! We're happy you enjoyed the ride!
Member Pricing
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USD 176.87
per personWas USD 186.18(-5%)
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Starlight Ride on Verde Canyon Railroad
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