Available dates and times:
The Birthday Caboose is offered on most Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
and Sundays from 1 – 3:00 p.m.
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.
Reservations are required at least 10 days in advance,
and non-refundable payment is due upon reservation.
*Times are subject to change
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 Pricing
Member Pricing | $215 |
Non-Member Pricing | $240 |
Rates include fees plus sales tax.
Museum Admission for 15 people (anyone under the age of 3 is free) is included with the price of Birthday Caboose rentals. Additional museum admission can be purchased at Barber Junction Visitor Center upon arrival. The pricing of your rental includes the ticketing price, handling fee, and sales tax at the time of purchase and is non-refundable.
General Admission Tickets*
$6 for Adults
$5 for Seniors (65+)/Military**
$4 for Children 3-12 years of age
General Admission + Train Ride Tickets*
$16 for Adults
$14 for Seniors (65+)/Military**
$12 for Children 3-12 years of age
Kids under 3 are free and do not require a ticket. Members are free.
Groups of 15 or more can enjoy group rates when all tickets are purchased by one person in a single transaction on non-special event days. Group rates are not available on special event days.
*These rates do not include sales tax.
**Must present approved ID along with ticket for entry. Limit 1 per military ID.
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. 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.
Museum Admission for 15 people (anyone under the age of 3 is free) is included with the price of Birthday Caboose rentals. Additional museum admission can be purchased at Barber Junction Visitor Center upon arrival. The pricing of your rental includes the ticketing price, handling fee, and sales tax at the time of purchase and is non-refundable.
For date availability and more information, please contact Elaine Holden at 704-464-4074 or email elaine.holden@nctransportationmuseum.org.
Available dates and times:
The Birthday Caboose is offered on most Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
and Sundays from 1 – 3:00 p.m.
In November through December 25, there are no Birthday Caboose rentals due to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
December 28, 30 & 31, the Birthday Caboose is offered from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. and on December 29, it is offered from 1 – 3:00 p.m.
In January and February, the Birthday Caboose is offered only on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-1:0030 p.m. In November through December 25, there are no Birthday Caboose rentals due to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
Black-out dates apply.
Reservations are required at least 10 days in advance,
and non-refundable payment is due upon reservation.
*Times are subject to change
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.
Group Rates
(not available on special event days)
For groups of 15 or more when all tickets are purchased by one person in a single transaction.
Admission Only*
(per additional guest)
Adults | $5.00 |
Seniors (65+)/Military** | $4.50 |
Children (Ages 3-12) | $2.50 |
Admission & Train Rides*
(per additional guest)
Adults | $10.00 |
Seniors (65+)/Military** | $9.00 |
Children (Ages 3-12) | $6.50 |
*These rates do not include sales tax.
**Must present approved ID along with ticket for entry. Limit 1 per military ID.
Notes:
In order to board the caboose, riders must be able to climb steps onto and off the caboose.
The N.C. Transportation Museum cabooses are not wheelchair accessible due to the use of historic and antiquated rail passenger equipment, which is exempt from ADA regulations under US Code: Title 42: Section 12184.
Additional Opportunities to Enjoy the Museum:
Looking for additional space to extend your party? For additional information and bookings, contact Mark Deaton at 980-305-6273 or mark.deaton@dncr.nc.gov
- Picnic shelters are available–rental for each shelter $75 for 6 hours
- Master Mechanic’s Office features conference rooms with space for up to 25 people—each one rents for $100.00 for 6 hours.
*Black-out dates apply