FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why can't I make reservations after 10am on the day of Departure?
After 10am, our staff is down at the train getting ready for the day and we do not have computer access on the Rambler.
What does "reservations not required" mean?
We do not require reservations during the summer months, however if you are travelling or have special guests we recommend reservations because they guarantee a seat.
If planning to do a walk up, keep in mind our 2pm trips usually have more passengers than our 5pm trips. Please arrive 30 minutes early to purchase tickets and find your seats to help keep us on schedule.
Are seats assigned?
We do not assign seats with reservations. We recommend arriving at the same time to board and sit together.
What kind of payment is accepted?
We accept many forms of payment including cash, check, and credit cards.
Do you offer a group rate?
Groups of 15 or more can receive a $2.00 discount per ticket. Reservations must be made and a 50% deposit paid in advance. If you are tax exempt, please provide a tax exempt form for our records.
How long is the ride?
The ride lasts around 90 minutes.
Is the Rambler Handicap Accessible?
Yes but on a limited basis. We have a wheelchair available for passenger use. Please let us know in advance if you or anyone in your party will need the wheelchair. We board wheelchair passengers on our open-air car using a wheelchair lift. Because of our vintage equipment, wheelchair passengers are sometimes limited to the open-air car.
Passengers who have difficulty walking or have other special needs can be assisted by our conductor. Bring a cell phone if you need assistance, and call (865) 524-9411 when you arrive to arrange for golf cart service from the parking lot to the train.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes. There are two restrooms available in our merchandise car.
Are the cars air-conditioned?
The coach car, Trustworthy, is air-conditioned with closed windows. Intrepid, the second coach car, and caboose are not air-conditioned, but they do have windows that can be opened.
Please bear in mind that these cars were built in the thirties and have limited insulation. Even our air-conditioned car can be warm in the summertime, so if heat is an issue, check the weather or consider one of our fall trains.
What should I bring to a birthday party?
Cupcakes or cookie-cakes are more manageable for a train excursion than traditional cakes.
We may suggest that birthday gifts be opened either before or after the train ride as transporting gifts can be cumbersome for parents. Please note that children attending birthday parties must be chaperoned.
Bring a cell phone if you need assistance, and call (865) 524-9411 when you arrive to arrange for golf cart service from the parking lot to the train.
Is Alcohol allowed?
Because our train is a family event, alcoholic beverages are not permitted aboard the Rambler.
Safety is our first priority. Therefore we remind all passengers that Rambler staff reserves the right to deny boarding or services to passengers who are impaired or causing a public disturbance.
Is Smoking allowed?
Due to the publicly shared spaces and the hazards of starting a fire on our right of way, smoking is not allowed onboard the Rambler. The only thing allowed to smoke is our steam engine.
Are pets allowed?
Only seeing eye/service dogs are allowed on the train.
Why have the wine trains been cancelled?
Our management has determined that alcohol and heavy moving equipment may not mix well, so we have cancelled our wine and cheese trains.
Who owns the Three Rivers Rambler track?
The track is owned by the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad (KXHR) who purchased it from Norfolk Southern.
KXHR is responsible for maintaining the track and bridges and operating all the trains. The Federal Railroad Administration and Tennessee Department of Transportation inspect the track to see that it meets safety standards.
Who owns the KXHR?
The KXHR is owned by Gulf & Ohio Railways, a Knoxville based company with shortline railroads in Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Gulf & Ohio Railways is a family owned business that has been hauling freight since 1985.
What do Shortlines do?
America’s big railroads (like Norfolk Southern and CSX) are very good at hauling large trains at high speeds between larger cities. They prefer to have shortlines, like KXHR, handle the small trains that pick up and deliver freight for local customers. There are more than 500 small railroads like the KXHR in the U.S., most of which serve businesses in the outlying communities.
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