Available Dates & Times*
The Birthday Caboose is offered on most:
Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sundays: 1 – 3 p.m.
Please Note
In January and February, the Birthday Caboose is offered only on Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. In November through December 25, there are no Birthday Caboose rentals due to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
Black-out dates apply.
*Times are subject to change
Birthday Caboose Pricing
Member Pricing*
$215 ($200 ticket plus $15 handling fee)
Non-Member Pricing*
$240 ($225 ticket plus $15 handling fee)
Kids under 3 are free and do not require a ticket.
ASTC Travel Passport Program reciprocity benefits not valid for this special event.
*These prices include handling fees. NC Sales Tax added at time of purchase. Event operates rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.
**Must present approved military ID along with ticket for entry. Limit 1 per military ID.
Please Note
Admission prices to the museum may change or be subject to premium pricing due to special events. Before booking your Birthday Caboose, please review the Calendar of Events.
Birthday Caboose
Create a memorable event for your little engineer or train lover of any age with a birthday celebration on an authentic, operating train caboose.
Quick Links: Includes | Event Pricing | Train Ride Times | Fire Truck Registration | Flea Market Vendor Info
Our cabooses accommodate up to 15 people with seating on the main level and in the cupola. Decorate the caboose with your own personal style, bring desserts and other treats to enjoy during the ride, and open presents all while experiencing a train ride on the caboose. Enjoy visiting the museum, and plan a picnic in the shelters or in your own pop-up tent to expand the party outdoors.
Birthday Party Package Includes:
- 2 hours for the party in one of our historic cabooses.
- Two 25-minute train rides for 15 passengers per ride in an authentic vintage train caboose.
- 15 tickets for admission to the N.C. Transportation Museum.
- Birthday Caboose t-shirt for the birthday child or select N.C. Transportation Museum ball cap for celebrant over the age of 12
Event Prices
Fire Truck Festival Admission*
$9 for Adults
$8 for Seniors (65+)/Military**
$7 for Children 3-12 years of age
Fire Truck Festival Admission & Train Ride Combo*
$19 for Adults
$17 for Seniors (65+)/Military**
$15 for Children 3-12 years of age
Kids under 3 are free and do not require a ticket. Members are free but are encouraged to reserve a ticket in advance using your membership number.
ASTC Travel Passport Program reciprocity benefits not valid for this special event.
*These prices do not include taxes or fees. Event operates rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.
**Must present approved military ID along with ticket for entry. Limit 1 per military ID.
Fire Truck Registration
To register your fire truck contact June Hall at june.hall@ncdcr.gov or 980-305-6274 or using the button below.
Food Vendors
Roadway Dawg’s Food Truck
The Old 97 Kettlecorn Company
The Chill Shak Food Truck
Ole’ Doc Bell’s Wizard Elixir
This Little Piggy
BBQ On a Stick
KC’s Kitchen
Flea Market Vendor Forms
Vendor Instructions | Vendor Information Form A | Vendor Registration for Tax ID Requirements Form B | Sales Tax Exemption Form C