Most of the year, families can ride the vintage train at Ardenwood Farms with no advanced tickets required, but when Halloween approaches, the experience gets a spooky (not scary!) makeover and the demand for tickets exceeds supply.
Buy your Haunted Train tickets in advance starting September 15 at 8am >
Ardenwood’s Haunted Train runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night on the two weekends before Halloween (Oct. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 for 6 nights total). Trains will run every 30 minutes between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights; and between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Sunday nights. The ride includes a 30-minute performance that begins at the small depot across the parking lot from the pumpkin patch. The staff recommends lining up about 30 minutes early to make sure your group gets to sit together.
From Berkeley on a weeknight, our trip to Ardenwood Farms took about an hour. We were booked on the earliest of the Halloween Haunted Train Trips. We arrived at the parking lot that serves both the Ardenwood train station and the pumpkin patch (which is not open in the evenings). We started by checking our train tickets at the Ardenwood station, then headed to the pumpkin patch to play until it was time to board.
While you wait, there are “ghost chaser” souvenirs for sale (cash only). All proceeds go to the nonprofit Railroad Museum at Ardenwood.
What to Expect at Ardenwood’s Haunted Train
You and your kiddos will ride in an open-air narrow gauge train. A conductor tells a few spooky stories on board interspersed with Halloween trivia as you ride out and back for about 10 minutes each way. For safety reasons and so that the children can see out the windows, every child 6 years and under must sit on an adult’s lap.
Train rides happen in the dark starting at 7 pm. However, by the time you read this, the earlier time slots might be sold out. It’s popular and time slots sell out very quickly.
The characters performing the haunted stuff are off in the distance with the exception of a creepy bride and her bridesmaid that wander through the train. I didn’t notice any children getting too scared by the whole business. My boys declared it “fun enough” and “totally worth the drive.”
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $19.50 each
Kids under two are free
There’s a real (non porta-potty) bathroom at the train station. You’re welcome.
What to Expect During the Day from the Ardenwood Train
Even during the Halloween season, the train ride is available during the day for its regular programming, which is a 1 3⁄4 mile ride into the park with docents dressed in period costumes. You’ll journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel more than 100 years back in time.
Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park Station. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required or accepted.
Round trips are about half an hour, but you may also choose to disembark at Deer Park Station for a 20-minute ride. See the map.
Lots to do at Ardenwood Historic Farm for kids >>
Dates and Rates for the Ardenwood Train
During Ardenwood’s historic season (April to mid-November) the train runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The train is free but Ardenwood admission prices apply. Rates vary from $2-$6 with under four being free. Regional Park Foundation members are free.
Railroad Museum Website for more info >
East Bay Regional Parks Website for more info >
Regional Parks Foundation Website for membership info >
Special Events: There is an annual Rail Fair every Labor Day weekend.
Ardenwood Historic Farm is located
34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94555
