DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 2024

To make the most of your Day Out with Thomas experience, here are some helpful tips:

Arrive early to avoid long lines and ensure that you have enough time to enjoy all of the activities.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be walking and standing for extended periods.

Bring sunscreen, hats, and other sun protection to keep you and your family safe from the sun.

Pack snacks and drinks or enjoy them at our depot.

Don’t forget your camera to capture all of the fun memories!

Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™, at regional heritage railroads across the country.

Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 70 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a ride with you and your family.

Yes, Sir Topham Hatt will take time away from his busy schedule as Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor to meet and take pictures with guests.

Tickets are required for all guests (age 1 & up.)

A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including play pod with a variety of activities, Bubble Zone with plenty of fun including a live entertainment and so much more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

All tickets will be sent to your email to be printed and brought with you on the day of the event.

There will be no refunds or exchanges.

Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. It is not uncommon for events to sell out. When purchasing tickets you will be asked to select a specific date and time for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that date and for the train ride at that specific time. However, please feel free to arrive at the railroad earlier than your train ride time, because there are many other activities your family can enjoy at the event site!

• Take I-75 to Exit 4 (Hwy 153).
• Follow Highway 153 North to Exit 3 (Jersey Pike).
• At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Jersey Pike.
• Cross the bridge and turn right onto Cromwell Road.
• Follow Cromwell Road about 1/3 mile to the Tennessee Valley Railroad entrance on the right.
• Parking will be marked and attendants will assist you in parking.

All parking is free!

April 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 (Eastern Time)

It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure. Feel free to come as early as you’d like to enjoy all of the other activities before your train ride!

Tickets are assigned by time. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

Thomas is a 25 minutes train ride.

There is one train ride per ticket.

Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.

Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo albums and to share online. Don’t forget to tag your photos with the hashtag #DayOutWithThomas!

The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum has a deli inside Grand Junction Station and there will be concession stands located in convenient places.

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated area for “stroller parking” during the train ride.

Train cars are not wheelchair accessible. Loading ramp, doorways, and aisleways are limited to vehicles with a maximum width of 28 inches. For those requiring boarding assistance, we recommend that you purchase tickets for car #3, which will be spotted at the depot loading ramp for pre-boarding. At the event, please check with our ticket attendant at least 45 minutes in advance of your scheduled train ride for special boarding instructions.

No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.