Locomotive Cab Rides

experience the ride of your life!

Locomotive cab rides are now available on select Hill Country Flyer rides for ages 16 and older!

One lucky railfan will get the chance to enjoy our signature Hill Country Flyer from the inside of diesel locomotive #3134.

This ultimate VIP experience includes 2- hour cab ride seated beside our locomotive engineer, ASTA Swag Bag, cab tour for you and a friend, and photo opportunities. Your ticket also includes a companion ticket for a friend on board the train during your cab ride. You will join them during the 2-hour layover, and on the 2-hour return trip back to Cedar Park.

Click here for the Cab Ride Requirements Form. Click here for the Cab Ride Regulation and Liability Form.

How to Book

Cab rides are available on most Hill Country Flyer departures. Please email reservations@austinsteamtrain.org with your preferred date to check availability.

Advanced reservations, background check and liability forms are required. Cab rides are non-refundable…please read all forms prior to purchasing.

Pricing

$500-$750 per person. Limit to one rider per trip.

the locomotive

We are proud to present HZRX diesel locomotive #3134.

This EMD GP40-3 was overhauled in 2016 after an alternator fire that spread throughout the electrical locker and into the cab. The 3134 is currently on lease from our friends at Horizon Rail.

The team at Horizon in Euclid, Ohio rebuilt this STUNNING engine, and it is now equipped with a TMV control system, self-load, motor shunting, full diagnostic/self-test functions, motor-cut-out and much more! The cab even got a facelift with fresh interior, Microphor toilet, air conditioning, 110V and 12V power, upgraded seating and heaters. This powerful performance engine boasts of a 16-645-E Engine producing 3,000 horsepower!

Locomotive Cab Ride FAQs

  • The Locomotive
    We are currently under the power of the beautiful #3134! This stunning blue diesel engine made its ASTA debut in 2017, and is featured on the cover of our North Pole Flyer book! As with all our equipment, changes are constantly being made for your enjoyment and safety. A specific engine or style of locomotive power cannot be guaranteed.
  • Do I have to make a reservation?
    Yes, cab rides are by reservation only and must be booked at least 10 days in advance. At least 10 days before the cab ride, the cab rider must have:

  • What does my trip include?
    Your package includes two train tickets. One for you, and one for a companion. You will be in the cab for the trip to Burnet and be in your lounge seat on the train for the return trip. The companion ticket is for the train ride only, and will not include cab access.
  • When do I arrive?
    Cab rider must be available to arrive one hour prior to train departure to check in with the Ticket Agent for instructions.
  • How many cab riders can you accommodate?
    One cab rider per departure will be allowed. Sorry, guests are not allowed to ride in the cab.
  • Are there any mobility concerns? 
    Yes. For passenger safety, you must have complete mobility. This includes the ability to climb vertical stairs unassisted, stand for 30-45 minutes unaided, and hear and see safety commands from crew. No medical equipment or animals can be accommodated.
  • What is the refund and exchange policy? 
    Due to the uniqueness of this experience, there are no refunds or exchanges on cab rides.
  • What do I wear?
    • Cab riders must wear proper clothing, including:
    • Comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty.
    • Closed-toe shoes with a heel no higher than ½ inch.
    • Hearing protection, which will be provided.
  • What can I bring into the cab?
    No personal belongings will be allowed in the cab other than phone, camera, and medications. No firearms or weapons are permitted.
  • Can I ask questions and take photos during the ride?
    While the train crew will attempt to be available for questions, during the ride there may be times our crew must focus on their duties. Cab rider must agree to allow crew to do their job without distractions, as directed. Photos may be taken when permitted by the crew. Video recording is not allowed, by regulation.
  • If I have questions, who can I contact?
    Please email us at reservations@austinsteamtrain.org. You can also call us during business hours at 512-915-2340 with your questions!
  • Anything else I should know?
    Yes! Riders should carefully consider the following: Riders may find space in the locomotive confining. Fuel oil and exhaust fumes, horns, bells, and mechanical and loud compressed air noises are part of the sensory experience for cab riders. Additionally, stairs and ladders have open metal grates and steel decking, and surfaces may be slippery or uneven.

the San Gabriel Crossing

We are thrilled to share this recording of the #3134 crossing over the South Fork of the San Gabriel River. An excellent example of your cab ride experience!

Want to see more? Check out information about this car on our YouTube channel!