The Delaware Department of Transportation,
DART First State & Operation Lifesaver Delaware
Present
RAIL to the FAIR 2007
Saturday, July 21st

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

On Saturday, July 21st, The Delaware Department of Transportation, DART First State and Operation Lifesaver Delaware will host RAIL to the FAIR 2007 to the Delaware State Fair in Harrington, including an extended round trip from the Fairgrounds along the Indian River Secondary toward Georgetown, conditions permitting.

This one-day, round trip train ride will begin at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station (9:00) and make stops at Claymont (9:25), Wilmington (9:39), Fairplay Station at Churchmans Crossing (9:54), Newark (10:08), Middletown (11:05) and Wyoming (11:55) before arriving at the Delaware State Fair in Harrington (12:40). Some passengers may choose the extended round-trip excursion from the Fairgrounds, along the Indian River Secondary towards Georgetown. The RAIL to the FAIR train will depart the Delaware State Fair at 5:30 p.m. for the return trip north.

Passengers who detrain when RAIL to the FAIR first arrives at the Fairgrounds will have nearly five hours to enjoy the Fair. While passengers detraining when the excursion returns from Sussex County will have about half as much time to take in some of the excitement at the Fair.

Join the BARNYARD BEACH PARTY!

The Delaware State Fair is one of the state's most exciting annual events, drawing as many as 300,000 visitors during its 10-day run. And RAIL to the FAIR is a fun-filled way to get there. RAIL to the FAIR offers passengers a unique view of Delaware's ever-changing landscape while allowing them to enjoy a ride on a modern, air-conditioned Amtrak train, complete with the services of a cafe car. Imagine a day at the Fair with no driving hassles or parking problems.

When RAIL to the FAIR began operating in 1992, it was the first passenger train to serve the Fairgrounds in nearly thirty years. This fifteenth RAIL to the FAIR excursion will, once again, bring passengers to Harrington on the first Saturday of the Delaware State Fair. We always strive to make each RAIL to the FAIR trip the best one yet. However, we need community's support. Help us spread the word. Tell your family, friends and neighbors about this special excursion. Join us on this unique trip to the Fair.

RAIL to the FAIR is sponsored by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Transit Corporation (DART First State) and Operation Lifesaver Delaware (An outreach program of Delaware Transit Corporation), in cooperation with the Delaware State Fair, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern Railway and the Delmarva Rail Passenger Association.

For additional RAIL to the FAIR information, please call (800) 652-DART Option 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the date of this year's RAIL to the FAIR excursion?

Saturday, July 21st.

Will there be a train to Harrington any other day during the Delaware State Fair?

NO. RAIL to the FAIR is a one-day only event.

How long does the Delaware State Fair run?

Thursday evening, July 19th, through Saturday, July 28th.

Will the train operate if it is raining?

YES. RAIL to the FAIR takes place rain or shine.

If my plans change can I get a refund?

NO. All ticket sales are final. There will be NO REFUNDS.

Is there reserved seating?

NO. All seating is first come first serve.

May I buy a one-way ticket?

NO. All tickets are round-trip. You may ride in one direction only, but you must purchase a round-trip ticket.

Can I buy a ticket the day of the trip?

There may be a few tickets available on the day of the trip, but it's best to buy in advance. The portion of the trip between Harrington and Georgetown will probably still have tickets available.

Does the RAIL to the FAIR ticket include admission to the Delaware State Fair?

YES. General admission to the Fairgrounds is included. Children 9 years old and under are admitted free.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

The Amtrak equipment can accommodate customers in wheelchairs. However, only Philadelphia, Claymont, Wilmington, Fairplay and Newark have wheelchair accessible boarding facilities. Middletown, Wyoming and the Fairgrounds, are ground-level stops, so wheelchair customers must make arrangements for getting off and on the train.

Can we get off the train at Georgetown?

NO. Once we pass through Georgetown, we will stop only long enough to reverse the train.

How long is the trip?

If you board in Philadelphia and travel to Georgetown, the entire round-trip will take nearly 12 hours, including your time at the Fair. The trip's total distance is approximately 242 miles.

Will there be food available on the train?

YES. There will be a cafe car on the train offering snacks, sandwiches and non-alcoholic beverages. The cafe car may be closed on the return trip between Georgetown and the Fairgrounds and during the layover prior to departure at 5:30 p.m.

Can I bring my own food on board?

YES. But remember that the Delaware State Fair is famous for good food and lots of it.

Will there be a Club Car or Bar Car on board?

NO. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on board.

Is there a smoking car?

NO. Smoking is not permitted on board.

Are scheduled times guaranteed?

NO. Though we make every effort to arrive at our station stops on time, there are many unforeseen circumstances that may cause delays. This is especially true of excursion trains. Conditions permitting we may operate slightly ahead of schedule on our return trip.

What makes this trip unique?

RAIL to the FAIR first ran in July 1992, making it the first revenue passenger train to serve the Fairgrounds in over thirty years. RAIL to the FAIR operates over tracks that are rarely used by passenger trains. The route allows you to experience the First State from a totally different perspective.