All Aboard the Descanso Railroad!
Model trains: 8:30am–4:30pm (8–9am is member-only hour)
Ride-on train: Weekdays from 9am–1pm, weekends from 9am–4pm. The ride-on train will run from 9am–4pm from Dec. 21–Jan. 6. Tickets are limited
Explore the Descanso Railroad with model trains traveling through intricate landscapes and depots made of natural materials. Each depot will depict a great train station of America, and on January 22, 2025, we will debut roadside attractions.
The model train area is created by Applied Imagination — a company that designs iconic botanical models and sculptures paired with beloved G scale model trains.
Also, at the Descanso Railroad enjoy a new train station where you can take your favorite ride through the garden on our electric train. 
Join us!
Members can enjoy the railroad during a special member hour 8-9am.
Not a member? Join or upgrade now.
Train info that’s good to know
When does the train run?
The model trains run from 8:30am–4:30pm, and the electric passenger train is open daily from 9am–4pm unless otherwise noted on our home page.
You’ll need a ticket
Tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at Guest Services on the day of your ride.
Have a train voucher? You can proceed directly to the train any time it’s running, and we’ll collect your voucher there.
How tall do you have to be to ride?
Riders must be at least 30 inches tall and able to sit on their own
Where does the train go?
The electric train runs the same route as our previous train, along the section of the gardens near the Promenade, on a track that is about ¼ of a mile long
How long is the train ride?
The train ride duration is approximately six minutes
How fast does the train travel?
Our model chugs along at about 4 mph
No train when it rains
The train doesn’t run in the rain – most people prefer the ride under clear skies