Day Out with Thomas and Friends Train Ride

Thomas the Tank Engine Train Ride Indiana

Every year, the Whitewater Valley Railroad, located about an hour from Indianapolis in Connersville, operates the Day Out with Thomas and Friends train ride. We attend almost every June for our Father’s Day family outing and my kids love the whole experience. After 22 years, the Day Out with Thomas train ride no longer departs from the Whitewater Valley Railroad.

If you want to see Thomas and Friends and ride the train, this year you’ll have to travel to another location. The closest tour stops are in Michigan and Illinois.

This article will remain as an archived copy but this event is no longer taking place near Indianapolis, Indiana.

What makes the Day Out with Thomas train ride so special? Read on about our past experiences.

Day Out with Thomas & Friends

In addition to the fun train ride, there’s a whole lot of themed entertainment waiting for you! A collection of characters from the Thomas the Tank Engine series will be at the event. We’ve met at least one of Thomas’ Island of Sodor friends, Sir Topham Hatt, plus some helpful railroad engineers that guide the train down the tracks. There are volunteers running inflatables, little shows, a train play area, a coloring area, storytelling, temporary tattoos, a barrel train ride and a few more little activities. There’s usually a food vendor or two and a huge merchandise tent, so be prepared to spend a little more money or prepare your family in advance.

Things to do at the Thomas Train Ride

While you wait for your train or once you return from your train ride, hop around to each of the stations and get a stamp on your passport so you can earn the prize. In the past, we’ve earned fun Thomas and Friends bracelets. When Thomas the Train is at the station, photo opportunities are available before he embarks on a trip down the railroad tracks. You can purchase the photos that professional photographers take or you can take your own photos on your camera.

The Thomas Train Ride

The train ride is about 25 minutes long. Your family will board a train car that is pulled by the Thomas engine in one direction. The train will depart the station and head down the tracks. 10-15 minutes later, the train will stop and then return to the Connersville train station. While you’re on the train, the train attendant will come around and punch your tickets (my kids love holding out their own tickets for the punch), and then each child is given a certificate. No activities or performances happen aboard the train, but my kids are okay with that. They love looking out the windows and waving at people in their vehicles or occasionally, another train with passengers.

Tickets for the Day Out with Thomas Train

Purchase a ticket for a specific time slot or buy an all-day pass that gives you unlimited rides on the train pulled by Thomas. Individual tickets are $22 per person. Every child age 2 and up must have their own ticket. Children under the age of two may ride as lap children.

Information About the Thomas Train Ride

The Day out with Thomas event is open and will take place rain or shine, there will be no refunds. Your tickets are valid ONLY for the date and time printed on the ticket. Arrive at least one hour early and get in line for boarding 20 minutes before each departure time. There are no designated seats. Food and beverage are allowed in train cars and you can bring outside food and drink to the event.

Find all of the Indianapolis train rides and train rides near Indy on Indy with Kids.