Rail Bike Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE RAIL BIKE EXPERIENCE
Our Rail Bike Excursion is a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure aboard four-person pedal-assist Rail Bikes that ride directly on New Hope Railroad’s historic tracks. No steering, no experience required — just pedal, let the motor assist you, and take in the views of Bucks County.
Unlike our traditional excursions, the Rail Bike puts you in the driver’s seat. You set the pace, your hands stay free for photos, and you travel through the Bucks County countryside at a relaxed 5 mph. It’s an active, open-air adventure that complements our classic rail experience perfectly.
The Rail Bike Excursion operates out of two New Hope Railroad stations depending on the day of your visit. Your booking confirmation will always specify your departure location. Please doublecheck before your visit — the two stations are approximately 5 miles apart.
|  | New Hope Station (Mon–Thu) | Lahaska Station (Fri–Sun) |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 32 W. Bridge St, New Hope, PA | 1917 Street Rd, New Hope, PA |
| Parking | Paid lot and public parking | Free on-site parking |
| Restrooms | Permanent facilities | Portable facilities |
| Route | New Hope to Lahaska, 8 miles round trip | Lahaska to Buckingham, 6 miles round trip |
| Duration | About 120 minutes | About 90 minutes |
| Terrain | Moderate climb outbound, easy return | Flat and easy |
Both routes are round-trip. You’ll travel out from your departure station, enjoy a brief 10-minute rest stop at the turnaround point, and return to where you started
• Lahaska → Buckingham (Friday–Sunday): approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Please plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure for check-in and your pre-ride safety briefing. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before departure.
Both routes cover approximately 6–8 miles round-trip through the scenic Bucks County landscape.
Rail Bikes travel at a maximum speed of 5 mph — a comfortable, relaxed pace that gives you plenty of time to enjoy every view along the route.
None at all. The Rail Bike follows the tracks automatically — no steering required. If you can pedal a bike, or simply enjoy the electric assist doing the work for you, you are ready to ride.
TICKETS & RESERVATIONS
Reservations are available online through our booking page at newhoperailroad.com. We strongly recommend securing your tickets in advance — Rail Bike Excursions sell out regularly, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Walk-in tickets may be available if space remains on a given departure. Advance reservations are highly recommended, however, as tours fill up quickly.
As early as possible. Rail Bike Excursions sell out — especially on weekends, holidays, and throughout peak summer season. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Your ticket includes the full Rail Bike Excursion with electric pedal-assist, trained New Hope Railroad crew accompaniment for the entire ride, and access to our on-site retail station. Guest waivers are completed digitally at the time of booking.
Yes — for Friday through Sunday departures from Lahaska Station. Our Train + Rail Bike combo pairs a classic New Hope Railroad excursion with a Rail Bike Excursion at a 10% savings. The combo is not available for Monday–Thursday New Hope departures.
Yes — private group departures are available. Please contact New Hope Railroad directly to discuss availability and arrangements.
Groups booking 5 or more bikes are eligible for a group discount. Please contact us directly to discuss group pricing.
PRICING & PAYMENTS
Rail Bike tickets are priced per bike, not per person. Pricing is the same regardless of riders’ ages
| Ticket Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tandem Bike | 1–2 person bike | $125 per bike |
| Quad Bike | 3–4 person bike | $225 per bike |
| Combo — 2 Adults Train + Rail Bike (Fri–Sun only) | — | $176 |
| Combo — 4 Adults Train + Rail Bike (Fri–Sun only) | — | $329 |
All major credit cards are accepted online through our booking platform. On-site purchases — snacks and retail — are available via our point-of-sale system at both departure stations.
A small processing fee is applied at checkout through our online booking platform.
CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES
All Rail Bike Excursion ticket sales are final — we do not offer cash refunds. If you are unable to join us, please contact New Hope Railroad directly to discuss rebooking options. A credit toward a future excursion may be issued at our discretion.
Yes. To request a change, please contact New Hope Railroad by phone or email at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure. Rescheduling is subject to availability and may incur a fee. Any difference in fare is the responsibility of the guest.
Guest safety is always our first priority. In the event we cancel a Rail Bike Excursion due to severe weather or other unforeseen conditions, guests will be promptly notified and offered a full credit toward a future excursion.
Yes — all New Hope Railroad excursions operate rain or shine. Tours will only be suspended for severe weather such as lightning, high winds, or other hazardous conditions. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a light rain jacket just in case.
AGE & SIZE REQUIREMENTS
Riders must be at least 3 years old (approximately 3’6″) to participate. Some younger riders may not be able to reach the pedals — that’s fine, as the electric assist and other riders keep the bike moving
At least one rider on each bike must be 18 years of age or older. Children of all qualifying ages are welcome, but every bike must have at least one adult rider.
Guests over 6’4″ should contact New Hope Railroad before booking to confirm fit on the Rail Bike.
Yes — the maximum weight per seat is 300 lbs.
We do not recommend the Rail Bike Excursion for guests who are pregnant. Please consult your physician before booking if you have any questions or concerns.
Guests with heart conditions, back, neck, or joint conditions, or other significant health concerns should consult their physician before booking. Please contact us with any questions — we’re happy to help you determine whether the Rail Bike Excursion is the right fit.
ACCESSIBILITY
We are committed to making every New Hope Railroad experience as welcoming as possible. Accessibility at both departure stations is currently limited. Guests with specific mobility needs are encouraged to contact us before booking so we can discuss how best to accommodate them.
Yes — certified service animals are always welcome on New Hope Railroad excursions. Please notify us at the time of booking.
The Rail Bike’s electric assist significantly reduces the physical effort required and makes the excursion accessible to a wide range of guests. Please reach out to us in advance so our team can best prepare for your visit.
SAFETY
Absolutely. Our Rail Bikes travel at a maximum speed of 5 mph on established New Hope Railroad tracks, with four-wheel stability. Every departure is accompanied by trained crew members certified in railroad safety protocols, emergency procedures, and equipment operation, maintaining radio communication throughout the entire excursion. For Monday–Thursday departures from New Hope Station, Rail Bikes operate on the same historic corridor used by our passenger trains. Scheduling, radio coordination, and crew protocols ensure that Rail Bike and train operations never conflict.
Helmets are not required for the Rail Bike Excursion.
No steering is required. The Rail Bike follows the tracks at all times — just pedal and enjoy the journey.
All road crossings are managed by our trained crew using hand signals and radio communication. Vehicle traffic is halted before the Rail Bike proceeds through every crossing
The Friday–Sunday Lahaska departure is the better choice. The Monday–Thursday New Hope route crosses 4 bridges in the first mile, including the elevated Pauline’s Trestle. The Lahaska–Buckingham route has no bridges.
THE EXCURSION EXPERIENCE
Each Rail Bike is equipped with an electric motor assist, and the level of exertion is largely up to you. The two routes differ in character:
• New Hope (Mon–Thu): Moderate to challenging outbound (climbing toward Lahaska); easy return downhill into New Hope. Riders who enjoy a bit of a workout will appreciate this route.
• Lahaska (Fri–Sun): Flat, balanced grades throughout — leisurely and easy from start to finish. Ideal for families, first-time riders, and guests who want a fully relaxed experience.
No. Passengers who prefer not to pedal can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. The electric assist ensures the bike moves smoothly regardless.
Each Rail Bike accommodates up to four guests.
No. Every booking — regardless of party size — receives a dedicated Rail Bike. You will never be grouped with guests you don’t know.
Yes — there is a brief 10-minute rest stop at the turnaround point where guests are welcome to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings before heading back.
Pauline’s Trestle is a historic railroad trestle on the New Hope Railroad right-of-way that guests cross during the Monday–Thursday New Hope departure. It’s one of the most memorable and photogenic moments of the excursion — a true piece of Bucks County railroad history experienced from the seat of a Rail Bike. Have your camera ready.
Absolutely — and it’s one of the highlights of the experience. Because no steering is required, your hands are completely free to capture the beautiful Bucks County landscape throughout the entire ride.
WHAT TO BRING & WEAR
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Closed-toe shoes are required — sandals and flip-flops are not permitted. Layers are a great idea, as temperatures can vary along the route. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended on sunny days.
We recommend sunscreen, insect repellent, a water bottle, and your camera or phone. A selection of essentials is available for purchase at your departure station.
Yes — a selection of snacks and beverages is available for purchase at the retail station at your departure location, open daily during the season.
• New Hope Station (Mon–Thu): 32 W. Bridge St, New Hope
• Lahaska Station (Fri–Sun): 1917 Street Rd, New Hope
To ensure a clean and enjoyable experience for all guests, outside food and beverages are not permitted on the excursion. A selection of snacks and drinks is available for purchase on-site.
Outside alcohol is not permitted on any New Hope Railroad excursion, including the Rail Bike. We are committed to providing a safe, family-friendly experience for every guest.
PETS & ANIMALS
Pets are not permitted on the Rail Bike Excursion. Certified service animals are always welcome — please notify us at the time of booking.
GROUPS & SPECIAL EVENTS
We love hosting groups! Birthday celebrations, corporate outings, family reunions, and more are all welcome. Groups booking 5 or more bikes are eligible for group pricing. Please contact New Hope Railroad to discuss arrangements.
Yes — private group departures are available. Please contact us directly to discuss scheduling and availability.
• New Hope Station (Mon–Thu): You’re in the heart of downtown New Hope — restaurants, craft breweries, boutiques, galleries, and the waterfront all within easy walking distance.
• Lahaska Station (Fri–Sun): Just one mile from Peddler’s Village, the famous 42-acre shopping and dining destination featuring dozens of specialty shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
ARRIVAL & LOGISTICS
• New Hope Station (Mon–Thu): Paid lot on-site at 32 W. Bridge St. Additional public parking available throughout downtown New Hope.
• Lahaska Station (Fri–Sun): Free on-site parking at 1917 Street Rd. Please confirm your departure station on your booking confirmation before heading out — the two locations are approximately 5 miles apart.
Please plan to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This allows time for check-in, waiver confirmation, and your pre-ride safety briefing. Ticket sales close 30 minutes before departure.
New Hope Railroad excursions depart on schedule. Guests who miss their departure may forfeit their reservation. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are running late — we will do our best to accommodate you, though a rebooking fee may apply.
• New Hope Station (Mon–Thu): Permanent restroom facilities on-site.
• Lahaska Station (Fri–Sun): Portable restroom facilities on-site.
SCHEDULE & SEASON
Rail Bike Excursions depart daily throughout the season. The departure station and times vary by day — please check your booking confirmation.
| Day | Station & Address | Departure Times | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon–Thu | New Hope | 32 W. Bridge St | 8:00 AM · 11:00 AM · 2:00 PM | July 4th Weekend – November |
| Fri & Sun | Lahaska | 1917 Street Rd | 9:30 AM · 11:30 AM · 1:30 PM | Memorial Day – November |
| Saturday | Lahaska | 1917 Street Rd | 9:30 AM · 11:30 AM · 1:30 PM · 3:30 PM | Memorial Day – November |
• Lahaska Station (Fri–Sun): Opens Memorial Day Weekend 2026 and runs through November.
• New Hope Station (Mon–Thu): Opens July 4th Weekend 2026 and runs through November.
If you’re planning a weekday visit before July 4th, please check availability — the New Hope departure is not in operation during that window.
Yes — New Hope Railroad operates on most major holidays. Advance booking is strongly recommended on holiday dates, as departures sell out quickly.
MORE INFORMATION
For questions, reservations, and group bookings, please visit newhoperailroad.com or call us at 215- 862-2332. Our team is happy to help make your visit a memorable one.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, photos, and announcements about the Rail Bike Excursion and all of our upcoming events.
We love hearing from our guests! Please consider leaving us a review on Google. Your feedback helps us deliver exceptional experiences and helps other visitors plan their trip to Bucks County.
OTHER RAILROAD ADVENTURES
