St. Kitts Scenic Railway

The Basics

Completed in the 1920s, St. Kitts Scenic Railway is known as the "last railway in the West Indies." The narrow-gauge track was laid so that large quantities of raw sugar cane could be transported from the fields to a processing factory near Basseterre (the island’s capital). This modern innovation allowed sugar production to continue on St. Kitts for much longer than on neighboring islands—the last crop was processed as recently as 2005.

Now, instead, visitors to St. Kitts can take their seats on the sugar train to explore the island’s scenery. The double-decker train cars were specially built for the railway. On the upper deck the carriage is open-sided for uninterrupted views, while on the lower deck there’s an air-conditioned carpeted "parlor" carriage equipped with comfortable rattan chairs where visitors can enjoy complimentary cocktails and a narrated live audio tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Access to the railway is only possible as part of a pre-booked tour.

• The railway tour makes a complete circuit of the island—18 miles (30 kilometers) by train followed by 12 miles (19 kilometers) by tour bus.

• The whole experience lasts around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How to Get There

The Sugar Train departs from a special dedicated station near St. Kitt’s capital city, Basseterre. Pre-booked tours include round-trip transfers to and from the station. Visitors must book a tour in advance to ride the train.

When to Get There

The train only operates when there is sufficient demand from visitors. Call ahead to arrange tickets.

Visit Romney Manor

For a closer look at the 350-year history of sugar production on St. Kitts, make a visit to Romney Manor near Basseterre, a sugar plantation that was once the home of Thomas Jefferson’s great-great-great-grandfather. In the 1830s, the plantation’s then-owner, the Earl of Romney, was the first man on the island to set his enslaved workers free. Since the 1970s, the estate has had a new focus—producing some of the most sought-after batik fabrics in the Caribbean.

How long is the St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour?

The St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour lasts close to three hours and completes a loop around much of the island of St. Kitts. Not all of the tour takes place by the train—the first 18 miles (30 kilometers) is aboard the double-decker train followed by a tour bus for the final 12 miles (19 kilometers).

What are the main sights and attractions along the St. Kitts Scenic Railway?

Visitors on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway will spend much of the journey looking out at the island’s coastline, passing former plantations, cane fields, and Mount Liamuiga. Historical landmarks to spot include Brimstone Hill Fortress and Old Road Town.

How do I book tickets for the St. Kitts Scenic Railway?

Access to the St. Kitts Scenic Railway is only available via tours, which can be booked online in advance or by contacting the railway directly.

Is food and drink available on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway?

Complimentary drinks are available for passengers on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, including rum-based punch and cocktails, non-alcoholic punch, fruit juice, soda, and water. Food is not provided on the tour, although local snacks may be provided.

Is the St. Kitts Scenic Railway suitable for children?

It depends. Much of the tour on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway involves looking at the scenery and listening to the commentary on passing attractions, so younger children may grow bored during this almost 3-hour tour. Consider bringing some entertainment if traveling with kids to keep them occupied.

What should I bring when taking the St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour?

Not much is required on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway tour, other than a camera to capture photos of the passing scenery. Bring snacks if you think you might get hungry during the tour, as only drinks are provided. There’s the option of sitting either within a breezy open-air level or the air-conditioned carriage below.