The Starlight Ride, explained

On summer Saturdays the Verde Canyon Railroad runs its 40 canyon miles a second time, at dusk: red rock in golden evening light on the way out, stars over a canyon with zero light pollution on the way home. Riders who have done both regularly call the night train the better ride.

What the evening looks like

Departure is timed so the outbound leg catches the low sun on the cliffs - photographers, sit tight through the first tunnel stretch - and the turnaround at the Perkinsville ghost ranch lands around dusk. The ride back is the point: the open-air cars under a dark sky, attendants pointing out constellations, and the same 734-foot tunnel now a genuine black hole. The full evening runs about four hours, the same route as the day train with the lighting swapped out.

Tickets and 2026 prices

The railroad’s own Saturday Starlight fare is $139, the standard all-ages price. The Viator First-Class Starlight package runs about $186 and adds first-class seating with a champagne toast, appetizers and snacks, plus free cancellation to 24 hours - useful for an evening ride you might rethink if monsoon clouds roll in. It carries a 4.7 rating from 137 combined Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. Seats are assigned at booking on every ticket type, so put your whole party in one order or you may spend the evening in different cars.

When it runs and what to bring

Saturday evenings in season, roughly May through October - confirm your date at booking, because the calendar shifts with events like the Grape Train Escape, which takes over some summer Saturdays with a wine-tasting version of the same evening. Bring a layer even in July: the canyon cools fast after sunset, and the open-air cars are where you will want to stand. Arrive an hour early at the Clarkdale depot (directions), and plan the drive home for around 10 PM.