Private Charters

Our fleet classic of New York Central lounge cars delivers the style and luxury of the 1940s, while providing the comfort and service you should expect from modern, first-class rail travel. These three cars are lovingly restored to the highest standard possible, and can travel anywhere in America on Amtrak. Whether you book for a day trip with friends, a business outing, or a bucket list vacation, these cars can take you on a journey like no other.

Meet our Fleet:

The Hickory Creek

The Hickory Creek was once the observation car of the “World’s Most Famous Train,” the 20th Century Limited, which ran between New York and Chicago from 1902 to 1967. For decades the train was known as the go-to for celebrities, athletes, and interesting and important people of all kinds. Aboard the Century, you would have experienced the finest level of service available by rail. The train was reimagined in 1948, and the exclamation point at that end of that new train was the Hickory Creek. Its raised “Lookout Lounge” and giant windows made it ideal for sightseeing along the Hudson River, and made it one of the most distinctive observation cars in America.

This Pullman sleeper/lounge is typically arranged with seating for 16 passengers, plus two dining tables, which can accommodate eight guests at a time. The car can be reconfigured to seat up to 24 passengers in lounge-style 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 the Swift Stream to accommodate up to 16 passengers for an overnight trip.

Learn the History of the Hickory Creek

The Swift Stream

The Swift Stream is a Budd sleeper/lounge built for the New York Central in 1949. It provided both sleeping accomdations and luxury lounge seating for passengers on long-distance trains to and from New York’s Grand Central terminal. Today it retains much of its original character, while being upgraded to function as a self-contained hotel and restaurant on wheels.

This car features table seating for up to 16, and can seat up to 35 when utilizing both the lounge and bedrooms. A partition between each set of two bedrooms can open, making three private suites for up to five passengers each. The car contains a kitchen/galley, as well as seven restrooms (six in the bedrooms and one accessible from the corridor).

The Swift Stream is fully-equipped for overnight travel. It can accommodate up to 12 nighttime guests in six bedrooms with two fold-down berths each. Each bedroom has an private toilet and sink, small luggage storage, comfortable bedding, 120V outlets, and individual heat controls. The car also has a public shower facility.

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.

Your Questions Answered

Where can I travel?

The Hickory Creek, Swift Stream, and Tavern-Lounge No. 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 trip charters 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. Typically, longer trips average out to about $8000 per day, regardless of destination. Our organization will work with you to find a trip that fits your budget.

Substantial savings can be had by booking a day trip as part of Hudson River Rail Excursions, where limited full-car rentals are available.

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 and Swift Stream can function as your private hotel!

Book a Trip

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