A Rail Explorer is a pedal-powered vehicle that rides directly on railroad tracks — four steel wheels, hydraulic disc brakes, and individual pedals at each seat. There's no steering, so riding is hands-free. Seats slide to fit riders of different heights, and one seat in each vehicle controls the brakes. Many locations also feature the REX Propulsion System, a custom electric pedal-assist motor that makes pedaling effortless.
The concept traces back to 1850's railroad hand-cars. Rail Explorers' custom built railbikes are the latest development of this technology, and are the global leader in safety, design and ease of operation.
Choose a Tandem Explorer (2 seats) or Quad Explorer (4 seats) for your ride.
Everyone! Couples young and old, groups of friends, and families of all ages and abilities can enjoy this unique experience. Rail Explorers has welcomed riders from infants in arms to great-grandparents — there's no age too young or too old, and you don't need to be in shape to ride!
Yes! Rail Explorers is a safe, fun activity for riders of all ages, including toddlers and infants. Seats are adjustable to fit smaller riders, and the pedals only move when pedaled, so there's no risk to little legs that can't reach them yet. Toddler harnesses are available for extra security, and infants can ride secured in a baby carrier (such as a Baby Bjorn) worn by an adult rider — please bring your own baby carrier.
Each explorer must have a rider at least 16 years old to operate the brakes, and all riders must be secured in their own seat — it is not safe for children to be seated on your lap and this is strictly forbidden. Groups of children can ride together in their own explorer as long as it's coupled to an adult's explorer.
Booking ahead is strongly recommended. Due to the popularity of Rail Explorers, and the limited number of seats available, many tours sell out quickly, particularly on weekends. Seats are not held in reserve for walk-ins.
Rail Explorers is committed to fair and equitable pricing, and have established a pricing model that is as affordable as possible. Tour pricing varies depending on the location. Weekend tours, specialty tours and events may be priced differently.
Amador Division Tandem Explorer: from $95 (two riders @ $47.50pp) Quad Explorer: from $185 (up to four riders @ $46.25pp)
Bluegrass Division Tandem Explorer: from $105 (two riders @ $52.50pp) Quad Explorer: from $199 (up to four riders @ $49.75pp)
Boone Division Tandem Explorer: from $115 (two riders @ $57.50pp) Quad Explorer: from $220 (up to four riders @ $55pp)
Catskills Division Tandem Explorer: from $75 (two riders @ $37.50pp) Quad Explorer: from $135 (up to four riders @ $33.75pp)
Elk River Division Tandem Explorer: from $95 (two riders @ $47.50pp) Quad Explorer: from $185 (up to four riders @ $46.25pp)
Rhode Island Division Tandem Explorer: from $99 (two riders @ $49.50pp) Quad Explorer: from $190 (up to four riders @ $47.50pp)
Dogs (and / or other pets) are not permitted on the Boone, IA Division Tours.
Dogs are permitted at other Rail Explorers Divisions, but their safety and control is your responsibility. Riding on the railbikes may not be suitable for every dog. The ride can be noisy, and there is vibration from the rails. Dogs must be able to sit calmly on the floor of the railbike or ride in a carrier. Dogs are not permitted to be carried by the brake operator. Dogs must be restrained with a leash or harness.
Many dogs have ridden with us, but space on the explorers is limited, so larger dogs may not fit comfortably and may be in danger of being struck by the pedals or pinched by the chains.
There is a limit of one dog per railbike.
Here’s what to expect on tour:
After you check in, there will be a brief safety presentation highlighting the Do’s and Don'ts while you’re on the railroad. Then all guests board the railbikes.
Once boarded, guides will begin to send off the railbikes, spacing out guests roughly 100 feet between each group. For your safety, Rail Explorers guides are deployed at the front and rear of each tour.
Enjoy the ride! You’ll travel at your own pace, in your own space. No need to keep up with the group ahead. At the turnaround point, you’ll enjoy a quick rest (between 15 - 30 minutes) while the guides spin the railbikes around. Perfect for a snack & some relaxation. Once the fleet is turned around, you’ll be ready to head back to the station.
Some specialty and one-way tours may follow a slightly different format — check your tour details for additional information.
Most Rail Explorers tours last between 1.5 - 2 hours in duration, with total distance varying by location (6 - 12.5 miles).
On each location page, the 'browse tours' section features specific distance and duration for each tour.
Rail Explorers is an activity for all ages and ability levels. The railbikes are not difficult to pedal, and all Rail Explorers divisions (except Rhode Island) feature a powerful electric assist motor, which engages as you pedal.
Each set of pedals are fully independent, and not every member of your group has to pedal in order to move comfortably along the railroad!
Rhode Island tours do not feature the electric motor due to its uniquely flat and easy to navigate terrain.
This is the name given to the state of the art electric motor system developed by Rail Explorers as part of our commitment to accessibility. It features a motion sensor on the brake seat, and kicks in as soon as you begin to pedal.
The electric assist motors make travelling uphill almost effortless and make the entire experience enjoyable for all ages and abilities.
Passing is not possible - the aim is to enjoy the journey, not to go as fast as you can. A slower rider in front means you will have more time to relax and enjoy the ride.
Please leave plenty of space for the group in front of you, and the group behind you will do the same! Don't tailgate!
Railroads are extremely dangerous. Trespassing or other unauthorised access to any railroad is strictly forbidden. Rail Explorers operates on a strict schedule, with express permission to operate in that particular location, and at that particular time. Accessing a railroad for any purpose without clear permission could result in serious injury or death.
Safety is the primary focus of all Rail Explorers operations. Rail Explorers only operates on rails with the permission of the railroad. Our staff co-ordinate closely with the railroad managers and dispatchers to ensure that there are no other vehicles on the rails during our operations.
In Rhode Island, you can combine your Rail Explorers Tour with the many train tours and experiences available on the Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad. Enjoy an elegant dinner train experience on the Grand Bellevue, or take a ride on the Murder Mystery Train!
In Boone, IA the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad presents dining and excursion train rides.
In Kentucky, the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum offer excursion train rides.
In Amador, the Amador Central Railroad offers 'speeder' rides.
It is recommended to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your tour departure, depending on the location. Please check your booking confirmation for your check in time.
Please be on time - tours cannot wait for late arrivals. Riders who miss their departure time are not eligible for a refund, but are invited to rebook with a 15% discount.
Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the predicted weather conditions. Tours are outdoors and the railbikes are open to the elements.
Comfortable and loose fitting clothes suitable for hiking or cycling are recommended. Closed toed shoes are recommended.
In the words of famed explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."
Each rail explorer has a basket for bags and backpacks, cameras, phones or water bottles. There is also a deck under the seats where additional bags or coolers can be secured.
Umbrellas are provided on all explorers in case of rain or to provide shade on hot days. During cooler temperatures some riders bring a blanket to wrap up in!
Yes, all Rail Explorers divisions are equipped with ample free parking for cars and feature additional coach spaces if needed.
All Rail Explorers depots featurE bathrooms, but a majority of Rail Explorers divisions do not feature a bathroom at the turnaround point.
Rail Explorers will operate rain or shine, provided it is safe to do so. Tours run in light to moderately inclement weather, but will not run in heavy rain that is unlikely to stop, or if threatening weather appears imminent. We'll check the radar before every tour and if it looks like it's going to start pouring and rain for most of the tour, we'll cancel or delay departure until the weather passes. The exact timing and path of thunderstorms is difficult to predict, therefore a decision to cancel a tour because of a thunderstorm is typically only made 30 minutes before departure.
Tours will go ahead in light rain or showers. Umbrellas are provided on every Explorer and rain ponchos are available. Riders are expected to dress appropriately for the predicted weather conditions and temperatures. Tours are outdoors and the railbikes are open to the elements.
In the words of famed explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes "There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing."
Rescheduling or cancellation due to weather will only occur if Rail Explorers consider it unsafe to be on the rails. Customers who cancel due to weather are subject to the cancellation policy.
Reservations can be rescheduled at any time, however, rescheduling within 48 hours of your booking will attract a rebooking fee of 30% of the booking total. For groups of 10 or more, rescheduling must be made 72 hours in advance to avoid the rebooking fee.
Rescheduling on the day of the reservation is not permitted.
Riders who cancel, arrive late, or 'no shows' on the day of the reservation are not eligible for a refund, but are invited to rebook with a 15% discount.
Please call the ticket office at 877-833-8588 for any rescheduling - changes cannot be processed via email.
In the event of a delayed or cancelled tour Rail Explorers will attempt to contact you via sms (text), phone and email to notify you of the cancellation. Failure to provide a working phone number or correct email address may cause critical notifications to be delayed or missed. Rail Explorers is not responsible for missed communications due to incorrect, incomplete or missing contact information.
Reservations made within 48 hours of the scheduled tour time are subject to the cancellation and rescheduling policy. Rescheduling a booking within the 48 hours before the scheduled tour time will incur a rebooking fee equal to 30% of the booking total.
Rescheduling on the day of the reservation is not permitted.
Riders who cancel, arrive late, or 'no shows' on the day of the reservation are not eligible for a refund, but are invited to rebook with a 15% discount.
Tickets are not sold per person. When you book, you choose your explorer: either a Tandem, Quad or any combination of these, depending on how many are in your group. A Quad has 4 seats, a Tandem has 2 seats. There is no discount for empty seats.
Yes, Rail Explorers offers Group Discounts on many tours for parties of 10 or more. Group discounts are not available for all tours. Reservations for groups of up to 20 riders can be made online or over the phone. To make a group booking by phone, please speak to a member of the Rail Explorers Customer Service Team at 877-833-8588.
Yes! Gift Cards are available here.
After purchasing a Rail Explorers gift card you'll receive a gift code. This code can be redeemed when making a booking either online or over the phone, and the value of the gift card will be deducted from the total booking cost. Premium Tours may require additional payment.
There are several delivery options for your gift code:
Gift cards may be used at any Rail Explorers location. Card is redeemable for purchase only. Unused value remains on card and cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by law. Gift card purchase does not guarantee tour availability - booking is essential.
Absolutely! Each railbike is equipped with a basket perfect for storing small backpacks and bags. There is additional space between the seats for small to medium sized coolers.
Each Rail Explorers division features a depot with snacks, drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, or other essentials for sale in case you leave anything behind!
Absolutely! Rail Explorers tours are a highly popular team building activity.
Property buyouts and private tour times may also be scheduled, with no minimum rider requirement. Subject to availability.
The depot features games, open space, and a relaxing natural setting to enjoy while tours are underway - and catering or food delivery is welcome.
Parking is complimentary and motorcoach-friendly, with ample space for large vehicles.
To make an inquiry, contact a member of our team at 877-833-8588, or message info@railexplorers.net
There is no weight limit. The Rail Explorers railbikes are built with a strong steel frame designed to safely accommodate riders of any size.
Rail Explorers prides itself on being an experience that anybody can enjoy, regardless of age or ability level. The pedaling process is very gentle, with minimal resistance and difficulty.
Each set of pedals are fully independent and will not move on their own. Not all members of your party must pedal in order for the railbike to move comfortably along the rails!
If you are concerned about a specific mobility issue, feel free to speak with a member of our customer service team