Special Use Permits

Three tour buses in a parking lot with elderly visitors waiting nearby
Depending on the requested activity or the number of people in the group, a Special Use Permit (SUP) may be required.  Tour bus operators often require a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA).

NPS Photo

 

Special Use Permits

A Special Use Permit is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Primary concern will be given to the potential for resource damage and to anticipated disruption of normal public use.

Special Use Permits must be obtained in advance. Permit processing typically takes 30 days but could be longer for larger events that require park participation in planning or for events that require that a park monitor be present for the event.

Although most activities do not require insurance, large events do, so it pays to apply well in advance of your large event. All permits require an application and a non-refundable application fee. Depending on the type of activity, additional fees may apply.

Examples of events that require a Special Use Permit are cultural programs, picnics, festivals, wedding ceremonies, some film, still photography, and audio recording projects, static displays, etc.

Within your application, the Superintendent will look for a meaningful association between the park and the event and how the event contributes to visitor understanding of the park's significance. Conflicts with other events and park staffing are other considerations taken into account during the approval process.

 

Group Reservations

Looking to coordinate a group trip (10 people or more) to Steamtown National Historic Site?  Send us an e-mail with some basic information to help start the planning process:

  • Date of proposed visit, and any alternate options.
  • Number of group members.
  • Type of group (adult, youth, education, recreation, etc.).
  • Activity requested.
  • Contact information.

NOTE: Sending an e-mail does not automatically approve your request.

Refund Policy

When train rides are available, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is cancelled by park management (equipment malfunction, inclement weather, etc). In the event you miss your short train ride, either the Scranton Limited or Caboose Experience, we can put you aboard the next ride as long as its not sold out or was the last train of the day.

If you miss the train for a special event or excursion program, tickets cannot be refunded or transferred. If you miss the return ride from a special event or excursion program, you are responsible for getting transportation back to your point of origin.

 

Tickets for Train Rides

2025 Train Rides

Our focus is on expanded access to in-park operations and experiences like our 'Scranton Limited' yard shuttles. We will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live railroading and interpretive programming and will share updates when they are confirmed.

For now, there's still plenty to experience during your visit to Steamtown— we look forward to welcoming you!

Purchasing Tickets and Ticket Availability

Groups should coordinate their reservations with our Group Reservations team. An assigned coordinator will assist the group on how to best secure tickets. Requests for special reservations outside of an already-scheduled train experience will be required to submit an application through the Special Use Permit process outlined above.

Short Train Ride Tickets:
Tickets for short train rides, including the "Scranton Limited" yard shuttles are available for same-day purchase on-site at the Information Kiosk (credit or debit only).

Pricing:

  • Ages 6 and older: $6.00 per person
  • Ages 0–5: $1.00 per person

Tickets are valid for the entire day of purchase. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; passengers should arrive 15 to 20 minutes before departure to secure a seat. Operations are subject to change due to weather, mechanical issues or crew availability. Tickets can be purchased on site at the Tickets and Information Kiosk (credit or debit only).

  • Beginning May 3rd, our short train rides will operate on Saturdays, and Sundays. Departure times are: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:15pm, and 2:30pm.

  • Beginning June 6th, our short train rides will operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, at the same departure times.

As the season continues, we will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live railroading and interpretive programming and will share updates when they are confirmed.

Excursions Beyond Steamtown NHS

We’re starting the season with expanded access to in-park operations and experiences like our ‘Scranton Limited’ yard shuttles. As the season continues, we will continue to explore opportunities for the expansion of access to live railroading and interpretive programming, offering even more ways for the public to engage with rail history.

At this time, excursion tickets are not available for purchase. We’ll share updates when they are confirmed.

Pricing - varies depending on the destination
Adult (ages 12-61) $25.00-$55.00;
Senior (ages 62+) $23.00-$50.00;
Youth (ages 3-11) $18.00-$33.00;
Child (ages 2 and under) $1.00.

Last updated: May 5, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

150 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503-2018

Phone:

(570) 445-1898
General park information. Phone monitored 9:30am-4pm, daily

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