Terms/Conditions

General ticketing policies- Hill Country Flyer, Bertram Flyer, Wine Train etc.

These Terms/Conditions do not apply to our North Pole Flyer. Please scroll down to the North Pole Flyer Terms and Conditions for that information!
Violations of the rules, policies, and/or Crew member instructions may result in removal from the train.
Ticket Purchasing Policy
1. In order to make a reservation, you must pay for 100% of your reservation at the time of purchase.
2. If you are purchasing tickets with a gift certificate, you must pay any price differences or fees in order to make your reservation.
Refund Policy
1. All sales are final. There are no refunds.
2. This includes any changes to the order that would result in a refund.
3. Discounts cannot be retroactively applied to any order.
4. Some special offers, coupons, and third party sales may have unique refund policies that are specific to those offers. If no policy is listed, our standard refund policy applies.
Reschedule Policy
1. If you are no longer able to attend the date your original reservation is made for, you may reschedule to another ride in the same calendar year. In order to be eligible for our reschedule policy, you must notify us at reservations@austinsteamtrain.org of your cancellation by 4pm on the Friday before your ride.
2. If you upgrade to a more expensive ride, or class, you have to pay the difference. No refunds are offered if you reschedule to a less expensive ride or class. You must reschedule before the departure of your ride, or you forfeit your tickets.
3. You can only reschedule one time. After that one complimentary reschedule, you forfeit your tickets and their value.
4. All tickets, and their value are lost at the end of the calendar year each year. You cannot reschedule from one calendar year to another.
5. Some special events, including the North Pole Flyer are not eligible for reschedule. All sales are final on these rides. Please see the event description for exchange information specific to your ride.
6. Some special offers, coupons, and third party sales may have unique reschedules policies that are specific to those offers. If no policy is listed, our standard reschedule policy applies.
Missed Train Policy
1. If you miss your train, or fail to reschedule before 4pm on the Friday before your ride- you forfeit the value of your tickets, and are not offered an opportunity to reschedule.
Seating Policy
1. Our goal is to ensure every passenger has the best experience during their train ride. To achieve this, we reserve the right to reassign seats if they are booked in a way that impacts the overall experience or our ability to sell seats. For example, we do not allow the booking of seats “across” from each other where both window seats are taken, leaving the aisle seats empty. This also applies to any arrangement that leaves important seats unsold. Thank you for helping us make the experience enjoyable for everyone.A few examples:
  1. When booking 2 seats at a table for 4, you must select one window and one aisle seat. Booking two window seats is typically not allowed.
  2. When booking 6 seats, please choose a table for 4 and two adjoining seats. Booking 3 seats at one table and 3 at another can prevent us from selling the remaining seats at those tables.
Group Purchasing Policy
1. If you purchase 20 seats or more at one time, you are eligible for a group discount of 10% on some rides. (See #7 below for details.) In order to get that discount, and hold the tickets, you must pay 100% of the total at the time of the reservation with one payment method. All sales are final. There are no refunds and no rescheduling on group sales.
Charter Purchasing Policy
1. If you purchase all ticket-able seats in a car, you are eligible for a car charter discount of 10-15%, depending on the route. In order to get that discount, and hold the tickets, you must pay 100% of the total at the time of the reservation with one payment method. All sales are final. There are no refunds and no rescheduling on charters.
Charter/ Group Event Tickets
1. Charter and group discounts are available on the following rides: Hill Country Flyer, Sunset Express, Bertram Flyer, Spring Break Flyer, Summertime Train at a rate of 10% for a group and 15% for a charter.
2. Charter and group discounts are not available on the following rides: Murder Mystery, Beer Train, Signature Cocktail Series, Brunch Train, or other rides where food or drinks are included in the ticket price.
3. We have many other rides throughout the year, and reserve the right to handle charters or groups on those rides on a case by case basis.
4. All sales are final. There are no refunds and no rescheduling on group sales or charters.
In the case of a train cancellation for whatever reason, the handling of that case, and all of its ticketing policies will be decided by the Ticket Agent on duty with approval by the Executive Director.

NORTH POLE FLYER ticketing policies

1. Ticket Purchasing Policy
  1. In order to make a reservation, you must pay for 100% of your reservation at the time of purchase. We cannot hold tickets without 100% of your payment.
  2. If you are purchasing tickets with a gift certificate, you must pay any price differences or fees in order to make your reservation.
2. Refund Policy
  1. All sales are final. There are no refunds.
  2. This includes any changes to the order that would result in a refund.
  3. Discounts cannot be retroactively applied to any order.
  4. Some special offers, coupons, and third-party sales may have unique refund policies that are specific to those offers. If no policy is listed, our standard refund policy applies.
3. Reschedule Policy
  1. There are no refunds and no exchanges on the North Pole Flyer.
  2. If you are no longer able to attend the date your original reservation is made for, we will offer you a gift certificate, mailed in January 2024 that is valid for any ride in 2024 or 2025, with the exception of Day Out With Thomas or any other fundraising events. In order to be eligible for our reschedule policy, you must notify us at reservations@austinsteamtrain.org of your cancellation by 4pm on the Friday before your ride. We are not able to reschedule you on another North Pole Flyer in the current year. If you upgrade to a more expensive ride, or class, you must pay the difference. No refunds are offered if you reschedule to a less expensive ride or class.
  3. Some special offers, coupons, and third-party sales may have unique reschedules policies that are specific to those offers. If no policy is listed, our standard reschedule policy applies.
4. Missed Train Policy
  1. If you miss your train you forfeit the value of your tickets and are not offered an opportunity to reschedule or receive a gift certificate.
  2. You are responsible for understanding that the North Pole Flyer departs from our Bertram Depot. Getting there with the correct directions, and on time, is solely your responsibility. Doors to enter the train close 15 minutes prior to departure. If you miss this 15-minute cutoff, you have missed your train.
5. Private Compartment Seating
  1. Seats are available for purchase in “private compartments”. Purchasing these seats confirms that you and your group of 12 or less will be in a private space. Compartments come in many shapes and sizes, some with permanent walls, and some with removable partitions. Windows in compartments are typically on one side of the room only, with doors on the other side that open and close for privacy. Other variance between compartments may include size of window(s), type of furniture, train car, location and number of doors, amount and style of decoration, and level of entertainment. We will seat you in the compartment that is best for the number of people in your party. We cannot guarantee a specific compartment or car. Also, if seats are added or subtracted to your party after your initial reservation, we will do the best we can to accommodate you in another compartment, but we cannot guarantee your reservation will be seated together. Please note: ticket is per person, not per compartment.
  2. Persons in compartment seats may join the other passengers in the lounge during storytime and visits with Santa. Standing room will be limited, and we cannot allow seating on the floor.
6. Departure and Return
  1. We suggest arriving at least 1 hour prior to your ride departure time.
  2. For safety reasons, the doors will close for seating 15 minutes prior to departure. If you miss this 15-minute cutoff, you have missed your train.
  3. We make every effort to leave and return on time, however, schedules may alter slightly for safety or freight traffic. Your ride will also experience temporary stops for a variety of reasons. There will be no refunds or exchanges for altered schedules or stops.
7. Group Purchasing Policy
  1. All sales are final. There are no refunds and no rescheduling on group sales.
  2. A group sale does not guarantee you a private space. If you would like a private space, please consider a Private Charter, as listed below.
8. Charter Purchasing Policy
  1. All sales are final. There are no refunds and no rescheduling on charters.
  2. Everyone ages 3 and older must have a ticketed seat. Groups cannot exceed the number of sold/ticketed seats under any circumstances.
  3. Chartering a car confirms that you and your group will be the only people seated in that particular car.
  4. Depending on your car’s location in the consist, you should expect other ticketed passengers to walk through your car to visit the concession car or use the restroom.
9. Car Policy
  1. We allow passengers to choose their own car at checkout and will make every effort to keep passengers in the car of their choosing. However, we reserve the right to change cars, seats or classes for any reason. In this case, refunds will only be made if there is a difference in ticket price between chosen and new seat. We will not refund the full price of a ticket.
10. Other Refunds
  1. Under no circumstances does the Austin Steam Train Association assume responsibility for a passenger’s expenses including, but not limited to: hotel costs, mileage and gas, time, meals etc.
11. In the case of a train cancellation for whatever reason, the handling of that case, and all of its ticketing policies will be decided by the Ticket Agent on duty with approval by the Executive Director.
12. Seating Policy
  1. Our goal is to ensure every passenger has the best experience during their train ride. To achieve this, we reserve the right to reassign seats if they are booked in a way that impacts the overall experience or our ability to sell seats. For example, we do not allow the booking of seats “across” from each other where both window seats are taken, leaving the aisle seats empty. This also applies to any arrangement that leaves important seats unsold. Thank you for helping us make the experience enjoyable for everyone.A few examples:
    1. When booking 2 seats at a table for 4, you must select one window and one aisle seat. Booking two window seats is typically not allowed.
    2. When booking 6 seats, please choose a table for 4 and two adjoining seats. Booking 3 seats at one table and 3 at another can prevent us from selling the remaining seats at those tables.

Rules of the Railroad

No smoking or vaping anywhere on the train at any time.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed unless provided by a caterer or ASTA. When alcohol is provided, it may not be taken off the train.
Open drink containers are not allowed on special event trains.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all of our passengers, please note that all persons, bags, parcels, clothing, coolers and other items may be subject to screening/ security checks at the boarding gate, and on board the train. We reserve the right to not allow any bag or other item on to the train as we consider appropriate.
All passengers must wear shoes when they are not in their seats.
Parents are responsible for their children’s conduct at all times. NO RUNNING on the train.
Children who have not reached their 14th birthday may not move about the train unless accompanied by an adult (18 years or older).
Electronic devices are welcome, but must be completely silenced, or used with headphones. This includes phones, tablets, pads etc.
Do not step on the yellow painted areas between cars.
Do not put head, arms or anything else out of the windows.
Do not open or close your window. Please ask your car attendant for assistance.
Please ask your car attendant if you wish to have your seat turned.
Look forward first when using the Dutch doors.
Beware of close clearance at Leander Metro.
The restrooms in the cars may not be open in some cars when we are stationary.
Please do not leave valuables on the train while we are in Bertram/Burnet.
No guns, concealed or open carry are permitted on the train. Required signs are posted.
Violations of these rules may result in removal from the train.

General Information

Children under 3 years old must ride in the lap of an adult.
The Austin & Texas Central Railroad makes every effort to maintain its schedule, but reserves the right to alter schedules or equipment without notice and cannot be held liable for delays, whatever the cause. This may also include change of departure and return venues for any reason.
The Austin & Texas Central Railroad has the right to revise its fares and policies at any time.
As we operate vintage train equipment, changes to modern conveniences may occasionally occur- such as, but not limited to, changes in temperature, level of lighting, or operation of restroom facilities. These changes may require alterations to our entertainment or schedule. ASTA makes every effort to maintain its schedule, entertainment plan, and modern conveniences, but reserves the right to make alterations without notice and cannot be held liable for delays or changes whatever the cause.

Notice to Passengers with Disabilities

ASTA welcomes all passengers, including passengers with disabilities, and attempts to provide accommodations for all of its passengers. ASTA operates historic railroad equipment and the construction of the equipment limits accessibility. A wheelchair lift is available that can accommodate most wheelchairs and motorized chairs and lift these chairs and occupants from the boarding platform to the entry doors for the railroad cars. Entry doors maximum width is 27″.

ASTA also has available a transfer chair to assist its passengers.

If a passenger is unable to move from a chair to one of the seats in the cars, the passenger should give advance notice to ASTA as there are limited areas where a passenger in a wheelchair can be accommodated, must call to make arrangements.

Please inform ASTA in advance of any special needs for a passenger and ASTA will attempt to make accommodations.

Additionally, service and companion animals are always welcome on board the train. Owners of companion animals should provide a doctor’s letter when booking a ride. Pets may travel with us but must remain in their carrier while on board.