SAM Shortline Excursion Train
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128 Brannan Ave
Americus, GA 31709
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It was okay. However be warned if you are mobility impaired. They have one car for them and it felt like second or third class. Those nice pictures of the other cats? Not for you. Also because the one car is near the back, you have to walk (or roll) a ways to get to the one car which is not always easy for those who can't walk well. The ride is okay with some new scenery but nothing to write home about. There is a food car connected to the handicapped car. My favorite part was the two conjoined towns for shopping. I had a good time looking around while my husband found an outdoor restaurant to try and then just people-watched.
Great experience, the team of volunteers that work on the train are very supportive and knowledgeable. We were historically briefed throughout the train ride. Will definitely do it again.
Background of the caboose.
This is more so in regards to the special event, Day out with Thomas the Train. There isn't much information on their website, so I figured I'd help some future families that were planning on visiting. We missed the event when it was closer to us in Chattanooga, so we went to the event in Cordele. The Good: Pictures with Thomas the Train, play areas with the wooden toy sets, removable tattoos. The Bad: Getting there, very limited food options, and bathrooms are mainly port-a-potties. When you get there, you have to park within the state park and it was a $5 fee. You then park in a grassy lot, and have to ride a school bus to get to the train line. There is a lot of grass and gravel to maneuver, thus if you have a stroller you have to manage with this, and also figure out how to get it into the school bus that transports you. The train ride is simple, its a 30 minute ride up and down the track. A good way to dodge the weather when it's bad (hot or rain). Then when you leave, you have to wait in line again to board a bus to get back to the grassy parking lot. More hassle. At this point, I avoided bringing my kids, stroller, and baby things, and retrieved the car on my own. I just drove it up the route that the transport buses were taking to load my family. Kids under 2 or 3 don't need a ticket. No assigned seats, but this may have been because of COVID precautions. Doubt I'll come back down to Cordele for this experience, not much else to do in the area. Will likely go to Chattanooga when Thomas comes to town again, as there is much more to do in the surrounding area.
OK so this is going to be my review + tutorial on how to catch the SAM train at Americus, GA since it is NOT self-explanatory & there is NO information about it on the website, 800 number, nor at the train station. First you have to call the business office in Cordele, GA directly (229-276-0755) to give them a head's up that you plan to travel (smart, because otherwise the train could be full & you'd never know until it was too late) & to get a quote on the different ticket prices, etc. As of this writing (7/15/2019), the pro-rated prices for a regular daytime excursion trip are as follows: Coach: $22.14 Premium: $32.94 Lounge/Observation: $43.74 Lunch is included for Premium & Lounge/Observation (Chik-fil-a sandwich OR hot dog, bag of chips & bottled soda = nothing fancy!) & is served to you immediately after boarding in a plastic bag at the counter when you pay for your ticket. (I paid cash & forgot to inquire about credit cards.) Rumor has it that Coach is not air-conditioned (ahem), so during the hot Georgia months you can imagine which seats fill up first, despite the higher price. The Sam Hawkins car contains the Lounge on one half with padded-booth type seating & tables & an "Observation Deck" on the other half - which is really just the other end of the car - & contains wooden 2- & 4-person tables & wooden chairs with arms & padded seats. (If you're imagining the kind of observation deck you would typically see on a modern Amtrak, you're imagining wrong - think more old fashioned). The Lounge was full, so I opted for the Observation Deck & I'm glad I did. I have a neck injury, so sitting up in a regular chair is actually more comfortable for me & there's a table right in front of you & an electrical outlet near the floor below the table, so it's perfect if you have devices you'd like to use en route. NOTE: I opted to board the SAM at Americus, because it cuts what would normally be a 7-hour trip down to 3 hours. Keep this in mind for elderly & especially when ferrying small children. I saw a lot of tired grandparents on the train trying to keep their squirmy grandchildren entertained & happy. When the train finally arrives in Plains, GA, you get a little over an hour to explore the 1-block-long town - which is more than enough, especially if you decide not to dine at the town's only restaurant. The conductor warned us over & over again not to be late coming back to the train, because they WOULD leave us, but that particular day was so hot & humid there was a gaggle of wilting elders & children waiting outside the train before the doors even opened. On the trip back, the kind, grandfatherly Conductor took special pains to let me know what landmarks to look for so I would know when we were approaching Americus & what to expect in terms of debarking. NOTES ON THE AMERICUS STATION (at Jackson & Finn Streets if you need to GPS it): It's a newly-built, unmanned station in a residential area & there are NO services. There are restrooms, but they were locked when I was there (grrrrr). The train was due at 11:45 AM, but the Cordele office advised me to be 45 minutes early just in case the train ran early (I was told they would NOT stop if they didn't see anyone standing there). So that meant 45 minutes to kill at a station with (thankfully) 4 benches to sit in, but no services & nothing around but houses & a tiny church. (I like photography, so I WAS able to fill the time!) Oh yeah & there ARE electrical outlets - I didn't test them, but it's new construction, so I'm assuming they work. I felt safe waiting there during daylight hours, but I must have triggered the Neighborhood Watch, or something, because I did have a few vehicles stop to observe me for 5 to 15 minutes & they moved in & out seemingly in "shifts." I dunno, I guess waiting at a train station is suspicious behavior? But no one bothered me.
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We rode the shortline from Americus, GA to Plains, GA. The ride was an hour there, an hour in Plains, GA and then an hour back. It was a fun experience and I'm glad we did it. We had some AMAZING Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains, GA.
See all photos from Kari H. for SAM Shortline Excursion Train
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SAM Shortline Excursion Train - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)
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SAM Shortline Excursion Train - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor
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SAM Shortline Excursion Train
Toll Free 1.877.GA.RAILS
Coach Class Climate-controlled coach cars offer comfortable, padded bench-style seating. Adults $39.99* Active/Retired Military $36.99* Seniors 62+ $36.99* Children (Ages 2-12) $29.99*
Premium Seating – Americus Car The Americus car includes a complimentary beverage and snack mix. This climate-controlled car features carpeting, ceiling fans, tables and chairs. Adults $49.99* Children (Ages 2-12) $39.99*
VIP Lounge Seating – Colonel Samuel Hawkins Car The historic Sam Hawkins Car includes a complimentary beverage and lunch from our concession car (chicken sandwich or hot dog & chips). This luxurious, climate-controlled car features carpeting, ceiling fans, leather couches, tables and chairs. All Seats $59.99*
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Riding in air-conditioned, 1949 vintage cars, you’ll enjoy a mix of romantic yesteryear with the excitement of today’s South. The SAM Shortline stops in quaint towns filled with fun attractions, restaurants and shopping.
You can explore these towns and attractions while riding SAM Shortline Excursion Train:
Georgia Veterans State Park and Military Museum Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club The Rural Telephone Museum (Leslie) Café Campesino (Americus) The Beautiful Rylander Theatre (Americus) The Windsor Hotel (Americus) President Carter’s Campaign Museum (Plains) President Carter’s Boyhood Home (Archery)
11 Miles from Route: Andersonville National Historic Site and National POW Museum
SAM Shortline boards from either the Downtown Cordele Depot or Georgia Veterans State Park Depot.
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SAM Shortline Excursion Train - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
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| Last updated on July 11, 2023
The SAM Shortline offers a relaxing trip through the small towns of southwest Georgia.
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There are several different excursion trains, and each one stops for a layover in a different town along the route. Trains leave from either the depot in Cordele or from Georgia Veterans State Park. You can also board at several depots along the route. SAM offers coach, premium, and VIP lounge seating. Coach class provides bench seating. Premium seating is in the Americus car and features tables and chairs. Lounge seating is in the Samuel H. Hawkins car, and it offers lounges, booths, tables, and an observation area. All the cars are climate-controlled.
Most trains run on Saturdays as well as on many Fridays, February through December. Candy Cane and other Christmas specials operate in December.
Good to know
Why SAM? The original railroad was the Savannah, Americus & Montgomery Railroad built during the 1880s and headed by Colonel Samuel Hugh Hawkins of Americus.
Worth doing
In Americus, you can visit Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village, and if you want to make a longer trip, the Andersonville National Historic Site and National POW Museum is 11 miles northeast.
The Peanut Express stops in Plains, and the Presidential Flyer goes to Archery, where you can visit Jimmy Carter’s childhood farm. In Plains, the Seaboard Coast Line depot was his campaign headquarters during the 1976 election.
Getting there
Cordele is about 140 miles south of Atlanta. To reach the Cordele depot, from Interstate 75, take Exit 101 and go west on Highway 280 for 1 mile. Turn right and head north on Highway 41 for another mile and turn right after the first set of railroad tracks. Georgia Veterans State Park is west on Highway 280 about 8 miles past Cordele.
Location: 105 9th Avenue East, Cordele, GA Phone: 229-276-0755 Website: samshortline.com E-mail: Form on website
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SAM Shortline Excursion Train
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SAM Shortline Excursion Train
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SAM SHORTLINE EXCURSION TRAIN (Cordele) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
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per adult. Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Macon by Zombie Scavengers. Fun & Games. from. $20.00. per group (up to 10) SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor.
5 reviews and 42 photos of SAM SHORTLINE EXCURSION TRAIN "We rode the shortline from Americus, GA to Plains, GA. The ride was an hour there, an hour in Plains, GA and then an hour back. It was a fun experience and I'm glad we did it. We had some AMAZING Peanut Butter Ice Cream while in Plains, GA."
Review of SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Reviewed June 5, 2023. Great fun, and a great train ride in historic Plains, Georgia. The train leaves in Cordele goes to Plains. For a two hour layover to see all you need to in Plains. Then on to Archer for 20 minutes to see Jimmy Carters boyhood home. Then back to Cordele to end the ride.
A great experience and well worth the time and expense. You get a train ride on 1949 vintage train cars and travel from the Georgia Veterans State Park to Plains and Archer GA to experience the history of President Jimmy Carter. The Park service has done a great job of working with the SAM to provide an enjoyable experience.
The Plains Express aboard the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad. We booked seats on the Dearing Pullman (original car, circa early 1900s) for the Plains Express trip. Way cool, with a seating area, 3 sleeping compartments, 2 bathrooms, a dining room that seats 8, and a large galley kitchen.
Politics, tariffs, and other railroad antics disrupted farmers and traders in Americus, Ga. Sam Hawkins and others organized the Americus Preston and Lumpkin Railroad in 1884 to ensure that Americus would continue to dominate the region's trade. The AP&L would be Georgia's only railroad constructed entirely with local capital.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train, Cordele: See 69 reviews, articles, and 76 photos of SAM Shortline Excursion Train, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 16 attractions in Cordele.
SAM Shortline Excursion Train, Cordele: See 69 reviews, articles, and 76 photos of SAM Shortline Excursion Train, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 16 attractions in Cordele.
Monday : 8:30am - 5:00pm. Tuesday : 8:30am - 5:00pm. Wednesday : 8:30am - 5:00pm. Thursday : 8:30am - 5:00pm. Friday : 8:30am - 5:00pm. Map View. The SAMShortline Excursion Train is an unmatched travel experience for you, friends and family. Georgia's only rolling state park combines the rich history of the area and classic railroad travel ...
Review of SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Reviewed April 6, 2018 via mobile . It was a great day. We rode from Veterans Park to Americus. Nice ride, good people, very helpful I was hoping to see more along the way, but there isn't much, farming and houses.
Visit > Things to Do > SAM Shortline Excursion Train. SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Toll Free 1.877.GA.RAILS. Fees/Rates. Coach Class Climate-controlled coach cars offer comfortable, padded bench-style seating. Adults $39.99* Active/Retired Military $36.99* Seniors 62+ $36.99* ...
The Plains Express aboard the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad. Oct 2021. We booked seats on the Dearing Pullman (original car, circa early 1900s) for the Plains Express trip. Way cool, with a seating area, 3 sleeping compartments, 2 bathrooms, a dining room that seats 8, and a large galley kitchen.
March 30, 2024. The SAM Shortline is partnering with the City of Cordele Police Department and Crisp Area Art Alliance. to bring you the Easter Express. Hop onboard and enjoy a short train ride to hunt. Easter Eggs. Then return to the station and enjoy the kids activities at Gallery 41 next door. to the SAM Depot, which are included in your ...
Location: 105 9th Avenue East, Cordele, GA. Phone: 229-276-0755. Website: samshortline.com. E-mail: Form on website. See more Georgia tourist railroads you must visit. Comments +. This page is the Trains.com tourist profile for the SAM Shortline in Cordele, Georgia. Georgia.
The rails traversed by SAM Shortline's passenger trains are part of the Heart of Georgia Railroad. The name "SAM Shortline" derives from the original railroad's name, the Savannah, Americus and Montgomery, and from the name of the line's founder, Colonel Samuel Hugh Hawkins. ... SAM Shortline Excursion Train 105 East 9th Avenue ...
Originally booked this excursion thinking that only my 3 year old grand daughter would enjoy it. Boy-was I surprised! We boarded this particular Train excursion in Cordele Georgia and rode to Americus and Plains. We had layovers in both cities and were able to eat and shop. That said the Train itself is remarkable. Most cars are from around the ...
Sam Shortline Excursion Train, Cordele, Georgia. 23K likes · 4,155 were here. Georgia's rolling state park!
Learn about the history and mission of SAM Shortline, Georgia's rolling state park that offers scenic train rides and events.
Join the SAM Shortline for a festive excursion to Cordele, Georgia, where you can enjoy the Candy Cane Express Train Ride and visit with Santa Claus. This family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and create lasting memories. Book your tickets online and don't miss this sweet adventure!
Mar 2023. A great experience and well worth the time and expense. You get a train ride on 1949 vintage train cars and travel from the Georgia Veterans State Park to Plains and Archer GA to experience the history of President Jimmy Carter. The Park service has done a great job of working with the SAM to provide an enjoyable experience.
Review of SAM Shortline Excursion Train. Reviewed September 9, 2016 . I strongly disagree with the earlier 3 and 1 star reviews. My family and I took this little excursion recently. What a delight. This is not an educational, guided by professionals train trip. It is for enjoyment and entertainment purposes - to have fun with your kids, friends ...
TICKET INFO. TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. You may call in advance of ride to transfer to a different ride date, upon availability. All date changes will incur a $10 fee per ticket. All Tickets - 8% sales tax added to the price listed. NO outside food or beverages are permitted on board the train.