Zilker Eagle Train: Ultimate Guide to Austin’s Mini Train

The new Zilker Eagle Train at Zilker Park in central Austin, TX, is now accepting passengers! The new train replaced the old Zilker Train (the Zephyr), which retired after years of service. We love the bright new colors, extra smooth ride along the track, the beautiful views of the lake and city skyline, and the two exciting tunnels. We’re so grateful that Zilker Park kept the over 60-year tradition of keeping a mini train chugging along the lovely park landscape. Be sure to check out the new Zilker Eagle miniature train with your kids soon!

What is the New Zilker Eagle Train Ride like?

The Zilker Eagle Train ride experience is the latest version of the iconic mini train ride that has been a favorite among Austin families and visitors for decades. Following a period of redevelopment, the new train features enhanced, modern carriages and an upgraded track system, providing a smoother and more enjoyable ride through the sprawling landscape of Zilker Park.

Designers carefully redesigned the train’s route to offer stunning views of Zilker Park’s diverse environments, from lush picnic areas to the sparkling waters of Barton Springs. This new train also takes you through the playground and goes through two different tunnels!

Where is the Zilker Eagle Train Located?

Here’s a handy map that shows exactly where the new Zilker Eagle Train is located. It’s right next to the big playground. You can’t miss it.

By the way, since you’re in the area, check out The Ultimate Guide to Barton Springs With Kids.

Where can I park for the Zilker Eagle Train?

You have multiple Zilker Eagle Train parking options. There is a parking lot right next to the playground, so park there if you can. If you can’t find a spot there, try one of the two lots at the nearby rugby fields, and the walk is pleasant. Pro tip: If you want to skip trying to park, check out the free shuttle option!

Parking is free at Zilker Park from Monday through Friday, and $3/hour on weekends and holidays.

What hours are the Zilker Eagle Train open?

🚨Update for 2025! New hours for winter months! 🚨 Starting January 7th, the train’s hours are changing to being open Friday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Zilker Eagle Train team runs the train only on weekends until they release the updated spring schedule in late February.

Typically, the new Zilker Eagle train is open to ride daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Here’s a picture of the depot where you can get your tickets:

What are the ticket prices for the Zilker Eagle Train?

🚨Update for 2025! Ride for free! 🚨 Starting January 3rd, Bill Wood Foundation Community Hours happen on the first Friday of every single month. Tickets to the Zilker Eagle Train will be free all day for individual riders on those days!

Generally, Zilker Eagle Train tickets prices are $6.00, and children under 2 are free.

Buy your Zilker Eagle tickets at the Zilker Train Depot on the day of your ride. The depot accepts both cash and credit cards, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility Features of the New Zilker Eagle Train

Yes! The new train carriages provide wheelchair accessibility, allowing everyone, including visitors with mobility challenges, to enjoy a ride.

Top Tips for Enjoying the Zilker Eagle Train

• There’s no designated stroller parking for the Zilker Eagle Train, but you can park your stroller at the Train Depot before boarding. Plan accordingly for a hassle-free ride!
• Pack a picnic to enjoy at Zilker Park, as the snack bar doesn’t currently sell food or drinks. The Train Depot currently sells tickets for Barton Springs, but the old snack bar may return in the future. Forgot your snacks? The Train Depot offers small treats like cotton candy but limits its snack options.
• Bring your swimsuits and cool off at Barton Springs Pool, located right next to the Zilker Eagle Train (check out my Ultimate Guide to Barton Springs With Kids!). For a free alternative, head to ‘Barking Springs,’ a rocky area just steps from the train tracks where dogs love to swim. Don’t forget water hiking shoes for navigating the rocky terrain!
• Weekends and holidays can get busy at Zilker Park. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid long lines because the Train Depot sells tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The train is mostly outdoors, so dress appropriately for Austin’s weather. Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for hot days, and a light jacket during cooler months.
• The Zilker Eagle train and its colorful carriages make for great family photos! Snap pictures at the Train Depot, inside the tunnels, or with Zilker Park’s scenic skyline in the background.

The Legacy of the Zilker Miniature Train: A Beloved Austin Tradition

The Zilker Eagle train is the latest chapter in Zilker Park’s rich 60-year history of bringing joy to families and visitors from around the world. The original Zilker Eagle first took to the tracks on April 22, 1961, literally charming generations of Austinites and tourists. The original train retired in 1996 after 35 years, and the city introduced the iconic Zilker Zephyr in 1997 through a citywide ‘name that train’ contest.

What happened to the Zephyr, you might ask? Well, in 2019, heavy rains caused track erosion that was just too much, leading to the closure of the Zilker Zephyr. We all mourned losing this cherished attraction, and I feared it would never return, but the Austin Parks Foundation and the City of Austin’s Parks & Rec Department partnered to give the Zilker train a second chance. It took years of planning and restoration, but the new Zilker Eagle officially opened to the public in June 2024 (I was the first one to blog about it! Proud mom moment!), offering a modern and more accessible way to experience the beauty of Zilker Park.

Since reopening, the Zilker Eagle has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe, solidifying its place as a must-do family activity in Austin. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, the Zilker Eagle train is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and fun in Austin’s most iconic park.

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