Group Information
Come One, Come All!
So much to see, so much to do, and lots more fun with a group! Schedule a school, homeschool, summer camp, civic or senior group tour for a day out at the museum! You can take a train ride around our 60-acre historic site; see antique cars and trucks, pieces of history in aviation – including a replica of the Wright Brothers flyer and the restoration of a Piedmont Airlines DC-3 airplane, and so much more! Enjoy activities and fun for all ages.
Train Rides
The museum offers a train ride pulled by a vintage diesel locomotive on select days during the year. The ride takes place entirely on the property of the 60-acre North Carolina Transportation Museum and offers a tour of the historic site by train. You’ll ride along and see the structures that were used to service Southern Railway’s steam locomotives when the Spencer Shops were in operation. Train rides last approximately 25 minutes and are fun for all ages.
Train rides are available on the following days:
September – October*: Friday & the following
Thursdays in 2023: September 14 & October 19
January – February: Saturday
March – May: Friday and the following
Thursdays in 2024: March 21, April 18, & May 16
June – August: Thursday through Sunday
A more detailed seasonal schedule of the train ride is available on the “Hours & Admission” and home pages of our website.
* No regular museum train ride on Day Out with Thomas™ event days: September 22-24 and September 29-October 1.
Turntable Rides
Groups may add on a turntable ride onto their museum admission for $1 per person.
Experience a ride on the 1924 turntable, the centerpiece of railroad operations at the largest remaining roundhouse in North America. The turntable was used to move steam locomotives to and from the 37-bay Bob Julian Roundhouse when they were brought in for maintenance and to turn them around between runs. Unlike diesel locomotives, steam locomotives were designed to pull trains in only one direction, making the turntable a necessary part of operations at railroad yards like Spencer.
Still in operation today, this Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark is used to position locomotives and rail cars for display and for use on the museum’s passenger trains. Take a spin as the turntable operator explains the history of this 100-foot long rotating bridge and its importance to the operation of Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops and today’s North Carolina Transportation Museum.
Picnic Shelters and tables are available.
Turntable Rides
$1 per person ages 3+
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. (Sat. only)
Sunday: 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Still in operation today, this Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark is used to position locomotives and rail cars for display and for use on the museum’s passenger trains. Take a spin as the turntable operator explains the history of this 100 foot long rotating bridge and its importance to the operation of Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops and today’s North Carolina Transportation Museum.
ASTC Reciprocity
You must have your membership card with you.
- The membership card must be in your name.
- You must present a photo ID.
- The expiration date on the membership card must be valid.
To find out if your museum is part of the reciprocity program, view the lists online: ASTC
– Please note the exceptions listed here* for centers within 90-linear-miles of the N.C. Transportation Museum. Reciprocity is subject to change.
– It is recommended that you call the N.C. Transportation Museum prior to your visit to confirm the status of reciprocity.
704.636.2889.
Guests using their ASTC Travel Passport Program membership can only purchase tickets on-site at the Barber Junction Visitor Center; no online reservations accepted.
ASTC Travel Passport Program visitors receive free general admission and train ride (excluding special and premium events) for immediate family members residing in the same household; limit four.
Reciprocity*
- Catawba Science Center, Hickory NC
- Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro NC (50% off admission and train ride for up to 4 people from one household on non-special event days)
- Kaleideum North, Winston-Salem NC
- Schiele Museum of Natural History & Planetarium, Gastonia NC
No Reciprocity*
- Discovery Place, Inc., Charlotte NC
Must be 18 or older Volunteer benefits: satisfaction and sense of pride in knowing you’ve passed transportation history on to the next generation. Annual appreciation dinner, certificate of service, service awards and more.