Historic V&T Railroad Line Reopens

The historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad (V&T Railroad) line reopened this weekend.  The inaugural ride was attended by Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, State Senator Bill Raggio (R-Reno) and other dignitaries on Friday.  The official opening to the public on Saturday (August 15) was sold out.  As in the days of old, the line runs from between Virginia City and Carson City.

The famous Comstock rail line was once known as the "Queen of the Short Lines" and ran between Virginia City and Carson City, as well as between Carson City and Reno.  After the silver mines played out, the Virginia City-Carson City line closed in 1938.  A decade later, cars became the popular mode of transportation, causing the Reno-Carson City line to close on May 31, 1950.

The first train rolled down the tracks in 1870.  The line served the Comstock mines, hauling ore as well as lumber from the Sierra Nevadas to Carson City.  The V&T was also a first class passenger line which served Minden, Carson City, Virginia City and Reno travelers.  The V&T Railroad connected with the transcontinental Central Pacific Railroad in Reno.

Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, chairman of the Nevada Commission on Tourism stated, "It's a good day for tourism in Northern Nevada.  I think this is such a unique attraction that we will be getting tourists who come here just to ride the railroad. I  think this is one of the most important tourism developments in Northern Nevada in many years."  The Tourism Commission estimates 80,000 riders will ride the rails next year and they expect as many as 100,000 tourists will make the historic ride part of their itinerary in the years to come.

The V&T Railroad has operated a train from Virginia City to Gold Hill for many years.  But now, riders will be able to experience the thrill of riding some of the curviest and steepest lines in the nation.  The reopened rail line features a steam engine and cars which have been replicated to re-create the sights and sounds of the days when silver was king.

All Aboard For The Virginia and Truckee Railroad!

Round-trip tickets: $48 per adult, $36 for children under 12, $40 for seniors (65+)
Saturdays only available through the end of October.
Ticket Reservations: 800-NEVADA-1 or buy tickets on line at www.VisitCarsonCity.com