Sugar Express returns following Summer Break with our 2025–2026 Schedule, premiering the Clewiston passenger coach and Private Train Charter Opportunities.
Clewiston, FL – After a brief summer hiatus, Sugar Express is back on track with a full slate of excursions and events for the 2025–2026 season. Since its launch, the heritage train has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors to South Central Florida’s sugarcane fields, offering memorable rides through the heart of South Florida’s scenic agricultural region.
The new season begins in October and continues through May with a mix of public excursions, themed events, and holiday favorites, including the popular Santa Express. Highlights include the Lake Placid Limited, the annual Toys for Tots Train, and an exclusive photographer’s special in January, offering unique, historical reenactments of Florida railroading back in the 1950s.
This season will also mark the debut of the Clewiston, a historic passenger car that will join the train for the first time this fall. Originally built in 1911 for the Pennsylvania Railroad as an executive car, the Clewiston will offer premier first-class guests an exclusive, comfortable ride complete with mid-century decor featuring a dining room and lounge space. The car will be available for both private group charters and individual seating. “Sugar Express has spent numerous hours bringing the Clewiston back into service,” said Scott Ogle, Railroad Superintendent.
“This season’s trips also mark a return of our favorite local traditions aboard our charming train set in addition to showcasing our crew’s commitment to returning our unique Clewiston passenger car into regular service.”
Tickets for most excursions will be available at sugarexpress.com on September 3rd at 6:00 PM. Accommodations include deluxe coach, open-air, and first class, and table packages. All trains feature air-conditioned cars, restrooms, and all trips are roundtrips. Due to their historic nature, trains are not traditionally ADA accessible.
SUGAR EXPRESS EVENTS
SUGAR EXPRESS SUNSET & SUDS
December 12 • May 15 • January 23 • February 20 • March 27 • April 24 – Clewiston
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Step aboard the Sugar Express Sunset & Suds and enjoy a spirited two-hour journey through South Central Florida’s sugarcane country. Departing in the late afternoon from Clewiston, this adults-only excursion is timed to start your weekend early — just as the setting sun paints the rural fields and skies in brilliant color. Beverages are available for purchase onboard (credit/debit only). Train departures are timed for optimal evening light. Group bookings are available.
Tickets: $65 – $105.00 +
LAKE PLACID LIMITED
October 11 • January 24 • February 21 • March 28 • April 25 • May 16 – Clewiston to Lake Placid
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A hallmark of the Sugar Express experience, the Lake Placid Limited is an all-day outing, with a roundtrip excursion between Clewiston and Lake Placid, and includes a 2.5-hour layover for lunch, shopping, and self-guided tours. Trains depart Clewiston at 10:00 AM.
Tickets: $95 – $212
SANTA EXPRESS
November 29 & 30 – Clewiston (diesel-powered)
December 7 – Sebring
December 13 & 14 – Clewiston
December 19–21 – Sebring
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Festive holiday rides for families through the countryside aboard a decorated historic train. Each 2-hour trip includes a visit with Santa, cookies, and a commemorative gift. First-class tickets include locally made sweets, hot chocolate, and desserts. Multiple departures will be offered daily.
Tickets: $60 – $300
PHOTOGRAPHERS SPECIAL
January 17 & 18 – Clewiston
This 2-day photo charter is designed exclusively for photographers, videographers, and railfans. Sugar Express steam locomotive No. 148 will appear in its authentic 1950s–60s United States Sugar Corporation paint scheme and will be staged in a variety of historic settings and sequences. The experience includes nearly two full days of steam-powered freight and passenger action.
Tickets: $675 (includes lunch and transportation to all photo locations; lodging and travel to Florida not included)
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SUGARFEST SPECIAL & SUGARFEST EXPERIENCE
March 13 & 14 – Clewiston
Celebrate Clewiston’s annual hometown festival aboard Sugar Express with excursions timed to coincide with the Sugar Festival’s events, music, and food.
CHARTER YOUR OWN PRIVATE TRAIN
October 25 & 26 • November 8 & 9 • January 14 • February 8 • March 29 • May 17
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Host your own unforgettable excursion with Sugar Express. Full train charters are available for groups, organizations, or special occasions, offering exclusive use of our historic train and customizable experiences. Catering, bar service, and special amenities can be arranged to make your event truly unique. Inquire with our ticket agent at the link.
To charter your own private, individual car for smaller groups, please view the options available on any publicly listed ticketing page.
For group bookings on any general excursion or public ride, contact the ticket agent.
