Tired of flying or taking the bus?  Are you looking for a different way to travel?  How about checking out some local train trips?

Ranging from 30 minutes to several days long, cost of the train trips are based on destination and duration of the trip. 

Also, there are many advantages to traveling by railway, such as: it is much cheaper than airfare, you can carry on more pieces of luggage, travel flexibility, no long lines at check in, scenic and relaxing.  

Here are some local train trips to check out.

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

www.steamtrainride.com

Started as a non-profit corporation in 1986, this 1916 vintage logging locomotive travels along nine miles of track that runs southwest from Chehalis through a heritage logging route.  Highlights of train trips offered on the Chehalis-Centralia include brunch trips, dinner trains, and murder mystery trains. The murder mystery train events are based around a crime that has been committed.  It is your job to figure out "Who dunnit."   

Mount Rainer Scenic Railway

www.mrsr.com

Rated as one of the top scenic railway trips in the U.S., the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway is the longest continuously operating steam train railroad in the Pacific Northwest.  This train was temporarily rerouted due to damaging floods.  This year it will open with the original route back in place. The train departs from the Elbe train depot and runs through the foothills of Mount Rainier. Trips are scheduled 2-3 times a day Thursday through Sunday.  Charter trips include a two-hour diesel train trip for 220 people that cost $2,100, or steam locomotive trip for 220 people.  Live entertainment can be included for no extra charge. Specialty trips include chartering a caboose for 16 people.  This trip is generally popular for reunion or graduation parties.  The caboose can also be rented for an overnight excursion to Mineral Lake.

Northwest Railway Museum

www.trainmuseum.org

This railroad offers a five-mile train excursion aboard antique railroad coaches through the Upper Snoqualmie Valley.  Guests depart the depot for a trip to the "Sno Falls."  This railway offers special events for Mother's Day, which includes free fare for any mothers who are riding with a paying child; and Father's Day Weekend during which fathers ride free with a paying child. For more information on events and fares visit the Web site.

Puget Sound Railcar

www.pugetsoundrailcar.com

Built in 1955, this private railcar can accommodate up to 16 people in the daytime and eight at night.  The train operates on most U.S. Amtrak routes such as Seattle to Chicago and Seattle to Emeryville, Calif.  All the rooms include amenities such as a private restroom and shower, a television, DVD player and a CD player. Fine wines and gourmet meals are served on the train. 

To make a reservation or to plan your trip, visit the Web site.

Train to Trek

www.nwtrek.org

Board a vintage train in Tacoma for a scenic, two-hour trip to the 725-acre Northwest Trek Wildlife Park located 55 miles south of Seattle en route to Mt. Rainier National Park.