Haunted Train Ticket Sales
- Haunted
Train Tickets should be purchased in advance at EventBrite
starting at 8:00 AM September 15th., 2019. There are a limited
number of tickets per train and they sell out quickly.
- Any unsold tickets for a
particular train will be available at the ticket window after
6:00 PM on the night that train operates. Cash & major
credit cards accepted.
- Please note that EventBrite
charges a small ticket handling fee per ticket.
- Tickets cannot be
exchanged, however you can receive a refund for your tickets
(excluding Eventbrite fees) up to 24 hours in advance.
- Tickets are $12.00 per
passenger. Children 2 and under are free but must ride on
an adults lap.
FAQs
- IMPORTANT NOTICE – You must bring your
PRINTED "Order Summary" (or use the Eventbrite SMART PHONE APP to
show proof of purchase) at the ticket window to get your actual
tickets before you board the train. The Order Summary is a part of
the confirmation email sent to you by Eventbrite. If you scroll down
the email, you will find the Order Summary after the FAQs. The Order
Summary shows the number of tickets, name, date, confirmation
number, and amount paid.
- LOCATION OF TICKET WINDOW - The ticket window is located at
the Ardenwood train station at the parking lot entrance to Ardenwood
Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA (directly across
the parking lot from the Pumpkin Patch). The Haunted Railroad ticket
window opens at 6:00 pm on operating nights. Be
sure to arrive at least 40 minutes before your scheduled train
departure time. That will give you enough time to exchange
your voucher for tickets, and get in line for the train
- Please drive SLOW in the parking lot since it is dark and
there are small children going to and from the Pumpkin Patch and the
Haunted Railroad.
- REFUND POLICY - You can request a refund on Eventbrite up
to 24 hours in advance. There will be no refunds less than 24 hours
in advance. Eventbrite has changed their policy, and they will no
longer refund Eventbrite fees. Any requested refunds now include
just the ticket price ($12 each), not the Eventbrite fees. (See
Eventbrite's website for more information.) The ONLY exception is if
the trains do not operate due to heavy rain. See the section below
titled “What if it’s raining?” for more details.
- How early should we arrive? Arrive at least 40 minutes
before your train departure time. Make sure you allow plenty of time
for the Bay Area traffic. You will need to exchange your PRINTED
Order Summary (from the Eventbrite confirmation email) for your
actual train tickets at the ticket window. This line usually takes
10-15 minutes. All seats on any train are first-come, first-seated.
We suggest you get in line 30 minutes before your train departure
time. We will start boarding the train 10 minutes prior to departure
time.
- What happens if I'm late for my train? You must be in line
to board the train at least 10 minutes prior to departure time. We
do not issue refunds for late arrivals. All of our trains sell out,
so it is unlikely that you can get on a later train.
- How many tickets can I buy? You can buy up to 90
tickets.
- I have a large group, can we reserve our own car?
You can reserve a private car, but you must purchase 30 seats (you
can bring fewer people, but you still must buy 30 tickets). Contact
us at the email below after you purchase your group’s tickets (one
person must purchase ALL tickets for the group). We will email you
instructions on where to meet so we can board your group first. If
you have more than 30 people in your group, you can purchase 2 cars
(60 seats); or purchase the whole train (90 tickets).
- DO NOT try to get your tickets from Ardenwood Park staff
during the day. The Haunted Railroad is a fundraiser for
our nonprofit railroad museum. The regular Park staff does not have
access to Haunted Railroad tickets.
- How "Scary" is it? The ride is "spooky, not
scary.” We developed this event 24 years ago to provide a fun
Halloween experience suitable for families with children under 12.
The train passes through a dark forest with illuminated character
scenes that are separated by Halloween inflatables. The conductor
provides a tongue-in-cheek narration linking the trip with
historical events. There is no gore or violence. You can get an idea
by looking at our Haunted Railroad images at the SPCRR Halloween
Trains photo gallery.
- GHOST PROTECTORS FOR SALE. We will have 'ghost
protectors' (colored glowsticks) for sale each night. Cash only.
- No food or drinks allowed. The train is made up
of historic railroad cars built over 100 years ago.
- What type of clothing should we wear? The train
operates outdoors in open railroad cars. Wear suitable clothing for
the weather—it can be cold and windy at night and occasionally we
have rain. If rain is predicted, be sure to bring a raincoat or
poncho since the cars have open sides. Children can wear costumes as
long as they are no wider than the child’s body. Anything that
protrudes, such as fairy wings or super hero wings, is not allowed.
Costumes must not interfere with the person seated next to the
child. Costumes that might frighten small children are not permitted
(for example no ghoul masks, no scary monsters). For safety we do
not allow masks on adults. NO costumes allowed if they have RED
LIGHTS because they will interfere with safe train operations.
- What if it is raining? The trains will run as
long as it is safe to operate. Typically weather is dry and cool.
Refunds will be given only if the trains do not operate due to heavy
rain. If there is heavy rain before trains start operating, and the
weather service predicts the rain will continue that evening, we
will send out an email notice to Eventbrite ticket holders on that
date notifying them of the train cancellation and we will refund
your tickets and associated fees. That has only happened a few times
since we began this event 24 years ago.
- Can I take pictures or video while on the ride?
Yes with some restrictions. Video and photography are allowed
before, during, and after the ride as long as it does not interfere
with the safety of the train, bother other passengers, or affect the
ambiance of the ride. No flash photography. Please turn off your
flash on your phones and cameras because it detracts from the
experience. When the train returns to the station, some of the
characters may show up to pose for photographs, and you can use your
flash at that time, not before. SAFETY NOTICE:
Flash photography of the operating crew (engineer, brakeman, and
conductor) is not allowed. The flash ruins their night vision, which
they need for safe train operation.
- Commercial photography and videography inside
East Bay Regional Parks requires a permit from EBRPD. Please contact
East Bay Regional Park District for more information.
- You guys sound like a fun group. How can I get
involved? We ARE a fun group. If you would like to
become a volunteer, email info@spcrr.org. We are always looking for
volunteers to be actors on the Haunted Railroad as well as people to
help us put together and decorate the sets before the event;
take-down the sets each night; sell glow sticks; and take tickets.
We are also looking for part-time employees interested in working on
the train (Thurs, Fri, & Sun fromApril to November). If you
would like to join as a member and receive our newsletter ($20 per
year) go to our website www.spcrr.org--click on"SPCRR" and "Become a
Member."
- How do I contact you? Email questions to
info@spcrr.org. NOTE: We cannot answer email questions on event days
because we are busy getting the Haunted Railroad ready. Email all
questions at least 24 hours in advance of your train date.
- Save your tickets--we are a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
museum and your tickets are tax deductible. Thank you for supporting
our railroad museum!