Ashland Train Day is pulling into the station on Saturday, April 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM, and there are so many ways to arrive at this celebration of rails, roots, and community spirit. Whether you're traveling from across the region or coming in from a nearby neighborhood, we've laid out the best routes to get you to the Center of the Universe in style.
🚄 Travel by Train (Of Course!)
Why not travel the Ashland way—by train? Amtrak stops right in the heart of downtown Ashland, placing you smack in the middle of Train Day festivities. Kids ride for half price, and Amtrak sweetens the ride with kid-friendly activities like coloring pages, games, and videos. Grown-ups can sit back with a craft beer from Center of the Universe Brewing Company and toast to the good times ahead.
🌐 Can’t Make It in Person? Go Virtual!
Join the millions of train lovers who enjoy Ashland’s tracks through Virtual Railfan. During Train Day, the Ashland Branch Library becomes a real-life meeting place for the digital railfan community, complete with a special train display for visitors of all ages.
🅿️ Park and Shuttle Like a Pro
Avoid the traffic crawl and hop on one of our engineered-for-ease shuttles. Three Park & Ride locations will be open with continuous service to downtown Ashland starting at 11 AM (final shuttle departs at 3:45 PM):
Green Line (East)
📍Ashland-Junction Shopping Center
ADA-accessible with drop-off at Fin & Feather
→ Grab a bite at Around the Table or La Catrina Tortilleria before boarding!Purple Line (East)
📍Ashland Hanover Shopping Center
Drop-off at Fin & Feather
→ Recharge with a Heated Zero-G Massage Chair in XtraSuite Salon Studios, or explore detailed model railroads.Red Line (West)
📍First Baptist Church Ashland
Drop-off at Dominion Energy Innovation Center
→ Restroom access, bottled water, and changing tables make this stop a family favorite.
🚧 Road Closures Ahead
Plan your route accordingly! Streets around Railroad Avenue, Center Street, and Hanover Avenue will be closed between 8 AM and 4 PM. England Street to Thompson Street will close from 10 AM to 4 PM.
🎫 Pro Tip
There’s a special ticket to ride waiting for someone! For a chance to score two rail tickets anywhere along the East Coast, when you enter Downtown Ashland Association’s Amtrak Raffle. Just be sure to hop on before April 25!
Ashland Train Day is more than a festival—it’s a full-steam-ahead community celebration filled with trains, tunes, and tons of smiles. Save this blog, share it with your fellow passengers, and make your plans now for a smooth ride to one of Virginia’s most beloved family events.
🚂 See you at the station!