Pre-Event Information

What is Day out with Thomas™?

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ at heritage railroads nationwide. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?

Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 50 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 the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas?

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages.

Where is the event?

Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 17579. Click here for directions.

When is the event?

June 13 - 21, 2009

September 12 - 20, 2009

December 4 - 6 , 2009

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets go on sale around March 1, 2009 through Ticketweb (www.ticketweb.com)

How much are tickets?

Regular Tickets

$18.00 for ages 2 and up.

Combo Tickets

Includes one ride behind Thomas & and one Coach ride aboard the Strasburg Rail Road

$25.00 – 3 years and up

2 years: FREE on regular train. Must purchase ticket for Thomas™ train.

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets are available by clicking on the www.ticketweb.com icon on the Day Out With Thomas main page or by calling Ticketweb at 866.468.7630.

Who needs tickets?

Tickets are required for guests ages two and up.

What is included in the ticket price?

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 Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, an Imagination Station and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Chairman of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

Are discount tickets available?

There are no discount tickets available for Day Out With Thomas.

How will I receive my tickets?

If purchased three weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests that purchase tickets closer to the event date can pick up their tickets at Will Call the day of the event.

Are there any refunds?

There will be no refunds or exchanges.

Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?

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.

Will Sir Topham Hatt™ be there?

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

Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?

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 time.

Day of Event Information

What times do trains depart

Please check back around March 1, 2009 as we will be posting our Day Out With Thomas train times at that time.

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?

It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure.

Is there assigned seating on the train?

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

How long is the train ride?

The train ride is approximately 22 minutes in length.

Are you limited to just one train ride?

Due to the limited space available, each ticket entitles the holder to one train ride.

Is there an additional cost for parking?

No, there is no additional cost for parking. There is a limited amount of on-site parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Our parking lot does fill up quickly. When that happens, you will need to use our free shuttle service. Please follow the large yellow and black Thomas road signs and/or arrows on telephone poles to the shuttle lot. Please allow enough time to compensate for the possibility that you may need to ride a shuttle to the venue. Adverse weather conditions and road construction in our area that are beyond our control will increase transit time to the event. There will be handicap parking available on site. Please show your placard or other identification to the on-site constable for access to the handicap parking.

What if there is inclement weather?

Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.