The Austin Steam Train Association’s Bertram Flyer takes off from the train depot in Cedar Park and takes riders on a 44-mile round trip journey to Bertram, Texas that spans the South San Gabriel River. Once in Bertram, riders can depart the train for a fifteen minute layover to explore the restored historic Bertram Depot that was built in 1912 by the San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad.

 

Watching the train roll down the tracks.

The cars, which have all been beautifully restored, include first class seating on the Santa Fe, City of Chicago, Silver Pine, and Eagle Cliff, all constructed around 1950. Excursion rides on Buckeye Trail and Buckeye Lake, also constructed around 1950 are available, as well as standard coach on six P-70’s that were all built in the 1920’s. There are a couple of adult-only cars and a caboose that’s available as a charter only. The cars are all pulled by an Alco diesel engine. First class and excursion cars have heating and air conditioning.

Wherever you are seated on the train, a concession car is easily accessible and includes snacks (pretzels, candy, popcorn) and drinks including water, soda, coffee and Gatorade. We had four kids from ages 10 down to 3 on board during a recent ride. I believe the snack car had to be one of their favorites as we visited that car at least ten times to load up on either snacks or essentials, like a train conductor’s hat for my little one. I was pleasantly surprised to find all items- be it the food, drinks or trinkets to take home- were a price that I didn’t bat an eye at.
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The Austin Steam Train Association has many options including fun themed rides that the entire family will enjoy. The Princess Express, Summertime Limited, Halloween Express, North Pole Flyer and Oatmeal Express are just a few train rides that are geared towards families in the coming months. However, if you choose to leave the kids at home, adults have ride options that include the Wine Flyer and an interactive Murder Mystery adventure. Yes, please!

Seating in the Buckeye Trail Car

 

We loved finding all of the restored details on the car.

The Austin Steam Train Association runs year-round. Please visit austinsteamtrain.org for dates and routes. Fares: Tickets start at $20 for children, $25 for adults.

A very special Super Hero Flyer is coming up on August 1, 2015! We’ll be celebrating the kickoff of the August Summer Fun Checklist on this train ride and are offering a limited number of FREE tickets!

Super Hero Flyer

Our Bertram Flyer needs a hero! Can you help? Our 44 mile round trip features an action packed 3 hour ride where your super hero enjoys super food and drinks, and a visit by our very own Super Hero Squad! Costumes are encouraged. We will stop for 15 minutes at our historic Bertram Depot for a tour and photo opportunities! All cars are pulled by our 1960 Alco diesel locomotive. Parties of two may be seated at shared tables. This ride is 3 hours round trip with a 15 minute layover, from 10am to 1 pm.

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Ready to win?

Comment below OR on the Facebook Flash Giveaway for a chance to win!

:: FLASH GIVEAWAY :: Ready to win a family four pack of tickets to ride on the Super Hero Express on August…

Posted by Austin Moms Blog on Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Enter our giveaway to win a family four pack of tickets to ride on the Super Hero Express.
One entry per family. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Prize holds no cash value and cannot be transferred. No purchase necessary to win. The winner will be notified via email and given 24 hours to respond. If no response is received, a new winner will be chosen. See official rules here.

Not able to make the Super Hero Express on August 1st? Take advantage of a 25% discount on the Bertram Flyer with code summerfun25 for any other dates! Tickets must be purchased online.

For further updates on upcoming rides (Thomas is coming, y’all!), be sure to follow Austin Steam Train Association on Facebook and check their website for updates.

 

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