Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s (CVSR) train rides will resume October 1. The resumption will proceed in a way that safeguards public health and safety, bringing many changes and improved efficiencies to CVSR operations.
“We are incredibly happy to welcome our guests and volunteers back on the train,” said CVSR President and CEO Joe Mazur. “We’ve been working in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic to make sure we are resuming train rides in a way that protects the safety and health of our passengers, volunteers and staff.”
The popular Fall Flyer train rides through Cuyahoga Valley National Park will operate four days a week (Thursday through Sunday) with two runs each day. Thursday and Saturday departures will take place from the Akron Northside Depot. Friday and Sunday departures will take place from the Rockside Road Depot in Independence. Tickets for the Fall Flyer can only be purchased online at cvsr.org or by calling customer service at 330-439-5708.
In addition to Fall Flyer train rides resuming, The Polar Express will return for the 27th consecutive year. Opening day will be Friday, Nov. 6 and run through Sunday, Dec. 20. Tickets can only be purchased online and in groups of four or six (table cars offer groups of six with limited availability) and went on sale to CVSR members on Sept. 22. Tickets for non-members will go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Seating capacity on all train cars will be no more than 50 percent. Carefully considered staggered seating arrangements have been made so groups are at least six feet apart. All guests will be screened for temperature and asked COVID-19 screening questions within the CDC/CVSR guidelines. Masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required while boarding the train and for the entirety of the ride for passengers 2 years and older unless a guest is consuming snacks or beverages while in their assigned seat. The café car with snacks and souvenirs will NOT be available this year. Because of this, guests may bring their own commercially packaged and sealed snacks and beverages. Alcoholic beverages and fast food will not be permitted on the train. For a complete list of safety guidelines please visit cvsr.org.
