Calico Railroad is a historic train attraction in the Ghost Town area of Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. You can find it at Calico Square depot; the railroad’s old passenger cars and locomotives give the ride a connection to the park’s history.
- Location: Calico Square depot, in Ghost Town.
- From Fullerton Inn: about a 10-minute drive to Calico Railroad.
- Ride details: a 5/8-mile, three-foot-gauge railroad.
- Tickets: every guest entering the park needs valid admission or a Season Pass.
Finding Calico Railroad in the park
Calico Railroad is in Ghost Town, and its trains depart from the Calico Square depot inside the park. Use the park map to locate the station as you plan your route through Knott’s Berry Farm. For a broader overview of logistics, see this guide to planning a Knott’s Berry Farm visit from Fullerton.
Knott’s lists the park address as 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, California 90620. From Fullerton Inn, the station is about a 10-minute drive.
What the railroad ride is like
Calico Railroad runs along 5/8 mile of three-foot-gauge track. Its passenger cars came from the Denver and Rio Grande and date from the early 1900s.
The railroad began operating at Knott’s Berry Farm on January 12, 1952. Two ex-Denver and Rio Grande 2-8-0 locomotives associated with it are No. 41, renamed Walter K at an anniversary ceremony, and No. 340. If you’re comparing rides elsewhere in the park, read the guide to Sierra Sidewinder at Knott’s Berry Farm.
Schedule, access, and operating updates
Calico Railroad’s operating schedule can depend on the park’s calendar, so check the official site before you go. Knott’s says park dates and hours may change without notice and directs guests to its online calendar for current hours.
Every guest entering the park needs a valid admission ticket or Season Pass. For accessibility, Knott’s lists Calico Railroad among rides where a guest needing postural-control assistance may ride with a Supervising Companion.
A companion must be at least 54 inches tall and approximately 14 years of age, meet the ride criteria, and help the accompanied rider follow safety instructions.
A short visit from Fullerton
Calico Railroad can fit into a Knott’s Berry Farm visit as one stop in the Ghost Town area. Check the park calendar before setting your timing, then use the map to find Calico Square depot and plan what to see nearby.
Knott’s says parking lots open approximately one hour before the theme park opens. Its listed standard parking prices are $35 for autos and motorcycles and $40 for buses and RVs; prices may differ for special events.
FAQs
Where is Calico Railroad?
It is inside Knott’s Berry Farm, in Ghost Town. Trains depart from Calico Square depot.
How long is the Calico Railroad?
The railroad is 5/8 mile long and uses three-foot-gauge track.
Do you need a ticket to ride Calico Railroad?
Every guest entering Knott’s Berry Farm needs valid park admission or a Season Pass.
When does Calico Railroad operate?
Check Knott’s online calendar for park hours and operating details before your visit; dates and hours can change without notice.