Dollywood Express Train Depot at Dollywood | Historic Smoky Mountain Journey

The Dollywood Express Train Depot in The Village serves as the gateway to a breathtaking five-mile journey through the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. This iconic attraction features an authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine that takes guests on a 20-minute mountain excursion filled with pastoral scenery. Passengers are treated to a multisensory trip back in time, complete with the nostalgic sounds and smells of a real steam train. It is a unique and tranquil escape that offers views of the mountain landscape otherwise inaccessible, providing a cornerstone experience for families of all ages.

Ride Duration

20 Minutes

Quick Facts

• Park Area
  • The Village
• Ride Type
  • Family
• Minimum Height
  • N/A
• Maximum Height
  • N/A

Additional Information 

The Dollywood Express Train Depot is subject to closures during inclement weather conditions, including lightning, snow, extreme cold, or hot temperatures and high winds.

For additional information on attraction height requirements, please visit the official Dollywood website.

TimeSaver Pass Eligibility

No, Dollywood Express Train Depot does not have expedited line access with a TimeSaver Pass.

Safety and Accessibility Information

A genuine, 110-ton coal-fired steam engine sounds its whistle during a 20-minute, five-mile loop adventure. 

You will experience contact with coal soot and cinders. 

It is recommended to protect your eyes during the ride experience. 

Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure time to board the train. 

The train is loaded on a first-come, first-served basis. 

This ride does not have seat restraint devices.

Rider Requirements

All Riders must have the ability to sit upright independently during the dynamic conditions of the ride.

Riders must have control of the upper torso, head and neck.

Riders should have the physical and cognitive ability to assist in their own evacuation in the event the ride vehicle stops in a location other than the loading position. 

Transfer Information

• Walk To Ride
• Wheelchair Transfer To Ride
• ECV To Wheelchair Transfer
• Due to the limited number of seats in the accessibility section, companion(s) may have to ride separately on the train.
• Riders may need companion assistance transferring to the ride vehicle. Guests using a motorized wheelchair or ECV (Electric Convenience Vehicle) must transfer to a Dollywood provided wheelchair or train bench seat to ride.
• Guests with service animals are welcome.
• Ride Accessibility Entrance is located to the right of the train depot. Please see a Train Host for assistance.

Health Recommendations

Riders with the following conditions or any other condition that could be affected by the forces of this ride or that will prevent the rider from following all safety rules and guidelines must not ride:

• Heart Trouble
• High Blood Pressure
• Back Or Neck Injury
• Recent Injury Or Illness
• Pregnancy

Limb Requirements, Amputations and Prosthetics

N/A

For additional safety and accessibility information, please visit Dollywood’s official Accessibility and Rider Requirements Guide.

Loose Articles

All loose articles must be secured with a strap that sits across the chest. Purses and small bags secured around the individual’s shoulder or waist are permitted provided they are closed and do not interfere with the restraint system(s) and/or proper riding position or cause hazard to Guests, employees, and/or the attraction. Cellphones, cameras, and video equipment must be secured in an approved purse, bag, hip pack, or pocket and may not be used during the attraction cycle. Restricted articles must be placed in the designated storage area or left with a non-rider. Hats with brims (such as cowboy hats and boonie hats) and visors may not be worn and must be secured or left with a non-rider. Baseball style caps may be worn provided they are worn with the bill turned to the back of the head. Individuals wearing headcover for religious reasons may be asked secure it to their head or shoulders, however, any heavy, large, or brimmed religious headwear is not permitted. Dollywood is not responsible for articles that are lost, damaged, or stolen.

Parent Swap

Dollywood’s Parent Swap program, also known as Rider Switch, allows families with children who do not meet ride height requirements to enjoy select attractions without waiting in line twice. All members of the group enter the ride through the regular Guest line, where a Ride Host will assist with the Parent Swap process. One adult remains in a designated, secure waiting area with the non-rider while the rest of the group boards the attraction. After the first ride cycle, adults switch places so the waiting adult can ride. On select attractions, additional group members may be permitted to ride again. All Guests exit the attraction together following the Parent Swap experience.

Strollers and loose articles are not permitted.

Now that you know exactly what to expect from the Dollywood Express Train Depot, it’s time to map out your day! Don’t waste time waiting in line—we’ve got the tools to help you budget, save time, and book your stay.

📌 Need a Plan? See exactly how to fit the Dollywood Express Train Depot into your day with our Ultimate 1-Day Dollywood Itinerary.

⌚ Worried about Long Lines? Find out if the TimeSaver Pass is worth the cost in Your Guide to the Dollywood TimeSaver Pass