Private Charters

On board the New York Central Hickory Creek and Tavern-Lounge No. 43, you can relive the lavish, high-class travel experience of yesteryear. However below your feet, the Hickory Creek and No. 43 are fully-modernized to travel anywhere that Amtrak can. Whether its for a day trip with friends, a business outing, or a vacation, these cars can take you on a journey like no other.

Accommodations

The Hickory Creek

This Pullman sleeper/lounge is typically arranged with lounge seating for 16 passengers, with the addition of two dining tables, which can accommodate eight at a time. The car can be reconfigured to seat up to 24 passengers in lounge seating.

The car features a fully-equipped kitchen capable of serving gourmet meals to passengers in the Hickory Creek alone, or in several cars at once. The car boasts a total of four restrooms: three in bedrooms and one accessible from the corridor.

For overnight travel, the car has capacity for up to eight passengers in four bedrooms. Bedrooms A and D each feature double beds, private showers, sinks, and toilets. Bedrooms B and C each feature two Pullman-style berths and each room has its own wash basin. A shower and toilet are shared between the rooms. The car also has its own washer and dryer on-board. The Hickory Creek can be partnered with other private cars for increased overnight capacity.

Learn the History of the Hickory Creek

The Tavern-Lounge No. 43

This day trip lounge car can accommodate up to 47 passengers: 25 in the lounge section and 22 in the tavern section booths. Chairs in the lounge section are movable, and the seating can be configured to clients’ needs. The tavern section features a wet bar, with ample counter and refrigerator space. The car also contains two restrooms.

Historic Railroad Excursions

The Hickory Creek and Tavern-Lounge No. 43 have both traveled thousands of miles as part of the country’s preeminent historic excursions. Clients have included:

Your Questions Answered

Where can I travel?

The Hickory Creek and 43 can travel anywhere that Amtrak does. That includes the over 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces that make up Amtrak’s system. Private rail cars can be attached to most regularly-scheduled Amtrak trains. Passengers can get on an off at any Amtrak stop, however the car(s) cannot necessarily. For example, clients can book a private trip to Philadelphia, however while passengers can disembark at Philadelphia, the car will continue on the rest of the trip to Washington D.C.

How much does it cost?

The short answer is that day trips start at $12,000, with all expenses included. The long answer is that the cost of your trip varies widely depending on where you go and for how long. One organization will work with you to find a trip that fits your budget!

Can I sleep overnight at my destination?

In some cases, yes. Only certain Amtrak terminals allow for private car passengers to sleep overnight in the station. At those stations, the Hickory Creek can function as your private hotel!

Can I travel overnight with more that eight people?

While the Hickory Creek can seat up to 24, it has sleeping accommodations for eight. However, other private rail cars that are also based in the New York City area can be added to a trip, to accommodate all of the overnight passengers in your party.

Book a Trip

To inquire about a private charter, contact us at Charters@URHS.org or by calling (973) 939-4993