The same level of luxury trip is also available for you to enjoy while visiting the United States. ‘Hudson River Rail Excursions’ offers that special opportunity. The only difference is that it is nicknamed ‘Mini Orient Express’ with a same-day round-trip itinerary aboard a vintage train operating between New York City and Albany.
The train leaves behind Manhattan packed full of skyscrapers and skates along the romantic Hudson River, giving its passengers a beautiful view of the water.
The highlight of Hudson River Railway Excursions is the vintage train known as the ‘20th Century Limited.’ It is the original train that served passengers traveling from New York to Chicago between 1902 and 1967. Back then, it was used mainly by the wealthy upper class and celebrities. Among the known passengers are Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe, and Walt Disney.

The 20th Century Limited used to be referred to as ‘the five-star hotel on the railway’ for its luxury facilities including coaches with canopy beds, a fancy restaurant, and a reception room. For a few first-class passengers, even a red carpet was put on the ground for their entry. Red carpets that we see at event venues such as Hollywood movie previews are actually inspired by the VIP train ride. In a nutshell, the Century was the symbol of wealth in the 20th century.
As a luxury train representing the glamor of New York City, the Century used to make frequent appearances in the media. It was praised as either ‘the most famous train in the world’ or ‘the world’s best train.’ It was also featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s movie. There even was a 1978 Broadway musical titled in which the luxury train was the background. 

The actual journey begins around 11:20am when the train leaves the station. The red-carpeted Penn Station creates an atmosphere in which passengers feel like VIPs. The two-car train is divided into the Hickory Creek and Tavern-Lounge No. 43 classes. The Hickory Creek is a type of prestige class equipped with four bedrooms and bathrooms, 16 lounge seats, and eight diner-style seating, while Tavern-Lounge No. 43 is a lower tier car, with 28 lounge seats, diner-style seating and a bar. Entry tickets cost $349 and $149 each per passenger on a weekday, and $379 and $179 each for weekends and holidays, with prices varying by more than two-fold depending on the seat.
The train’s interior is decorated in the art deco style that was dominant in the early 20th century. It is elegant with contrasting straight and curved lines, with metallic accessories serving as focal points enhancing the vintage vibe of the space. The window shows the Hudson River and surrounding mountain ranges for a scenic ride.

The Hudson River Railway Excursions sell tickets on its website only. As of now, most tickets are sold out, but don’t give up as sometimes a limited number of tickets are released online for sale. If you are lucky enough to book this coveted ticket, you will have a time filled with the romantic moments that only a selected few enjoyed in  the early 20th century.

Homepage www.hudsonriverrail.com