BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Twilight on the Tracks: The Santa Starlight Express from Richland Station
An 85-minute, family-friendly evening train ride on Cape May Seashore Lines’ Coach Class, departing Richland Train Station and featuring an onboard visit with Santa.
Twilight on the Tracks: The Santa Starlight Express from Richland Station.
Board at Richland in Buena Vista Township and settle into reversible two‑two Coach seating for The Santa Starlight Express — an evening version of the holiday train that brings Santa aboard for children of all ages, operating from Thanksgiving weekend through the weeks before Christmas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Santa Onboard at Twilight
The Starlight run duplicates the amenities of the daytime Santa Express but in a twilight setting, with Santa visiting passengers on board to create a festive evening experience.
Coach Class Comfort and Flexibility
Coach Class features two‑two aisle seating that can be reversed to face each other, allowing families and groups to rearrange seats for conversation and easier interaction with Santa.
A Compact 85‑Minute Round Trip
All Santa Express trains are approximately 85‑minute round trips, making the outing a concise evening adventure that includes outbound and return runs with a brief intermediate stop.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
You board at Richland Village, settle into Coach Class seating and ride roughly half an hour outward before a short pause; after a few minutes the train returns for another half‑hour back to the station where you began — all staged as a historic, comfortable and festive Santa Express on Cape May Seashore Lines.
THE MOMENT
Santa Onboard at Twilight
The Starlight run duplicates the amenities of the daytime Santa Express but in a twilight setting, with Santa visiting passengers on board to create a festive evening experience.
THE SEATING
Coach Class Comfort and Flexibility
Coach Class features two‑two aisle seating that can be reversed to face each other, allowing families and groups to rearrange seats for conversation and easier interaction with Santa.
THE TIMING
A Compact 85‑Minute Round Trip
All Santa Express trains are approximately 85‑minute round trips, making the outing a concise evening adventure that includes outbound and return runs with a brief intermediate stop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening Santa ride suits — and who should plan otherwise.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Santa Express operates from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas on weekends and select weekdays and evenings; individual departures are scheduled seasonally.
Guests are invited to make the Starlight Express special by wearing pajamas; basic onboard amenities of the Santa Express are included with the Starlight service.
Boarding for this Coach Class journey takes place at Richland Train Station (1272 Harding Hwy, Richland, NJ); the full round trip lasts approximately 85 minutes.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Santa Starlight Express?
All Santa Express trains are approximately 85‑minute round trips.
Where do I board the train?
Boarding is at Richland Train Station, 1272 Harding Hwy, Richland, NJ.
Will Santa be on the train?
Yes — Santa returns to visit with children of all ages on board The Santa Express.
When does the Starlight version operate?
The Santa Express, including the Starlight runs, operates every weekend and select weekdays and evenings from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas.
What is Coach Class like?
Coach Class features two‑two aisle seating that can be reversed to face each other to accommodate group seating.