In an age of standardized hotel rooms and predictable resort experiences, there’s something undeniably magical about spending the night in a converted railway car. These unique accommodations combine the romance of the golden age of rail travel with modern comforts — and often at surprisingly reasonable prices.
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown (Union Station)
Thirteen authentic Pullman train cars, suspended above the original tracks, have been transformed into guest rooms while maintaining their 1920s charm. Each car features period-appropriate fixtures alongside modern amenities.
The station’s original Victorian Romanesque architecture provides a stunning backdrop — complete with ghost stories about a bride who still ‘haunts’ Platform 12.
The Northern Rail Traincar Inn (Two Harbors, Minnesota)
Nestled in the woods near Lake Superior, these converted cars offer a choice between ‘Premium’ and ‘Porter’ class accommodations. The Premium cars maintain original fixtures and wood paneling, while Porter rooms provide budget-friendly options without sacrificing the railway ambiance.
Pro tip: Book Car 709 for the best views of the surrounding birch forest.
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Santos Express Train Lodge (Mossel Bay, South Africa)
Perched mere meters from the Indian Ocean, this former SA Railways coach provides possibly the world’s best train-window sea views. Five carriages offer different accommodation levels, from royal quarters to backpacker-style bunks.
The dining car serves traditional South African dishes with a side of spectacular sunset views.
Controversy Tram Hotel (Hoogwoud, Netherlands)
Not strictly a train, but this collection of vintage trams and railway cars offers quirky accommodation in the Dutch countryside. Each car has been themed differently — from Oriental Express luxury to modest conductor’s quarters.
The real treat? Breakfast is delivered through your window via a miniature railway.
The Sidings Hotel (York, England)
Located beside active railway tracks, these restored carriages offer a front-row seat to modern trains rushing past. The interior design strikes a perfect balance between railway heritage and boutique hotel luxury.
Their dining car serves traditional Yorkshire fare with a modern twist.
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Train Station Inn (Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia)
Eight cabooses and two boxcars, each with its own personality, comprise this charming inn. The station’s original 1887 building houses a restaurant serving Atlantic seafood specialties.
Don’t miss the railway memorabilia museum in the former freight shed.
Aurora Express B&B (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Perched on a hill overlooking Fairbanks, these restored Alaska Railroad cars offer spectacular views of the northern lights during winter months. Each car represents a different period in Alaskan history, from gold rush opulence to military transport themes.
Old Mac Daddy (Elgin, Western Cape, South Africa)
While technically an Airstream trailer resort, one converted railway dining car serves as the establishment’s restaurant and bar. The contrast between the silver trailers and the aged wooden railway car creates an interesting architectural dialogue.
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Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel (Tennessee)
Victorian Terminal Station houses this iconic hotel, where guests can sleep in restored Pullman cars. The complex includes gardens, restaurants, and even a model railway museum.
Request Car 3925 for the most authentic Art Deco experience.
Railway Square YHA (Sydney, Australia)
Budget travelers rejoice! These converted carriages beside Sydney’s Central Station offer hostel-style accommodation with plenty of character.
The restored guard’s van makes for a unique common room.
La Quinta Inn & Conference Center (Indianapolis)
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor (the Crowne Plaza), this property features three beautifully restored Pullman cars. The rates tend to be lower, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious railway enthusiasts.
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Starlight Express Train Resort (Johannesburg, South Africa)
A collection of restored South African Railways cars arranged around a central garden. Each car represents a different class of service from the apartheid era, now serving as a powerful historical reminder while providing comfortable accommodation.
The Old Railway Station (Petworth, England)
Two Pullman carriages named ‘Mimosa’ and ‘Formosa’ offer elegant accommodation alongside a restored station building. Period details include original art nouveau glass and mahogany paneling.
The station master’s office now serves as a cozy breakfast room.
Red Caboose Getaway B&B (Sequim, Washington)
Six cabooses, each decorated in different railroad themes, surround a central station building. The ‘Circus Car’ is particularly popular with families, while the ‘Orient Express’ offers a more romantic setting.
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Featherbed Railroad B&B Resort (Nice, California)
Nine antique cabooses overlooking Clear Lake offer themed accommodations ranging from the ‘Tropicaboose’ to the ‘Wine Country Caboose.’ Each unit features a private bathroom and unique decor matching its theme.
Platform 1346 (Maryborough, Queensland, Australia)
A restored 1940s Queensland Railways carriage provides boutique accommodation in the heritage-listed Maryborough Station precinct. The original ticket office now serves as a charming breakfast nook.
Sleeperz Railway Hotel (Newcastle, UK)
While not actually in railway cars, this hotel built into railway arches deserves an honorable mention. The curved walls and railway-inspired design elements create a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of train travel.
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More than Just A Place to Sleep
From luxury Pullman cars to modest cabooses, these railway accommodations offer more than just a place to sleep — they’re portals to an era when travel was an elegant affair rather than just a means to an end. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply seeking something different from the usual hotel experience, these properties prove that the romance of rail travel is far from dead.
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