Autumn evening ride
2025-11-09 17:00 - 20:30 UTC
This autumn, you can once again travel back in time to the golden age of luxury train journeys!
Dining aboard these elegant long-distance trains used to be completely normal — even a standard part of a long trip.
With our Autumn Evening Ride on Sunday, November 9, 2025, we offer you another chance to experience such a dinner on board a train — this time along our beautiful route through the Veenkoloniën!
During the ride, a four-course dinner with an autumn theme will be served.
Times
You are welcome from **5:00 PM** at **Stadskanaal Station**. The train departs around **5:30 PM**, and the journey will last approximately **2.5 hours**.
Prices

Adults (12 years and older): €49.50
Children (up to 11 years): €26.50

Prices exclude drinks, which can be paid for after the journey.

Vegetarian options are available upon request — please mention this under “Remarks” when making your reservation.
Other dietary requirements — please specify under “Remarks” when making your reservation.

Tickets
Buy your tickets online in our ticket shop! Be quick — seats are limited!

Sinterklaas Express (Veendam)
2025-11-16
Travel with Sinterklaas and his helpers on the train!
On 16, 22 and 23 November 2025, it’s that time again – Sinterklaas and his Pieten will visit the Museum Railway STAR, in Veendam (on 16 November) and Stadskanaal (on 22 and 23 November).
For many years it has been a wonderful tradition for Sinterklaas to visit the Museum Railway STAR at the end of November.
And this year, he has once again managed to find a gap in his busy schedule to take a train ride!
Of course, Sinterklaas and his helpers don’t want to travel alone – they would love to have lots of children join them!
For young and old alike
Together with the children, parents, grandparents, and families, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will take a cheerful train ride on the STAR line. What surprises might happen along the way? It promises to be a fun, festive and exciting journey!
Programme
On 16 November, the **Sinterklaas Express** will run twice from Veendam Station.
Programme 1

11:00 AM – Reception, Veendam Station opens
11:10 AM – Programme starts
1:00 PM – Programme ends

Programme 2

1:30 PM – Reception, Veendam Station opens
1:40 PM – Programme starts
3:30 PM – Programme ends

Tickets
Tickets are available in our online ticket shop. **Reservations are required**, as seating is limited.
Prices

Children up to 11 years: €12.50 (including a small surprise)
From 12 years and older: €16.00

Sinterklaas Express (Veendam)
2025-11-22
Travel with Sinterklaas and his helpers on the train!
On 16, 22 and 23 November 2025, it’s that time again – Sinterklaas and his Pieten will visit the Museum Railway STAR, in Veendam (on 16 November) and Stadskanaal (on 22 and 23 November).
For many years, it has been a wonderful tradition for Sinterklaas to visit the Museum Railway STAR at the end of November.
And this year, he has once again managed to find a gap in his busy schedule to take a train ride!
Of course, Sinterklaas and his helpers don’t want to travel alone – they would love to have lots of children join them!
For young and old alike
Together with the children, parents, grandparents, and families, Sinterklaas and his Pieten will take a cheerful train ride on the STAR railway line. What surprises might happen along the way? It promises to be a **fun, festive, and exciting** journey!
Programme
On **22 and 23 November**, the **Sinterklaas Express** will run twice from **Stadskanaal Station**.
Programme 1

11:30 AM – Reception, Stadskanaal Station opens
11:40 AM – Programme starts
1:30 PM – Programme ends

Programme 2

2:15 PM – Reception, Stadskanaal Station opens
2:25 PM – Programme starts
4:15 PM – Programme ends

Tickets
Tickets are available in our online ticket shop. **Reservations are required**, as seating is limited.
Prices

Children up to 11 years: €12.50 (including a small surprise)
From 12 years and older: €16.00

Sinterklaas Express (Stadskanaal)
2025-11-23

Mash-pot ride
2025-12-01 08:00 - 17:00
Enjoy the winter landscape and good food? That’s possible on Sundays 8 and 22 February and Sunday 8 March 2026. During a train ride along the border of Groningen and Drenthe, a delicious Dutch mash pot is served. A unique opportunity to dine on a moving train!
Eating on the train used to be very common. Even in the Netherlands, domestic (express) trains had a restaurant car. Nowadays, you’ll only find this in a few international trains. But at Museumspoorlijn STAR, it is once again possible. On Sundays 2 and 16 February and 2 March we serve a tasty mash pot during a train ride on our railway line. Along the way, you can enjoy the winter landscape in the evening twilight in our illuminated and heated historic train. The journey lasts about an hour and a half. The train departs around 17:30 from Stadskanaal station.
Programme

17:00 – entry at Stadskanaal station
17:30 – departure of the train
19:30 (approx.) – train back in Stadskanaal

Prices

Adults: €29.50
Children (ages 4–11): €17.95
Children (0–3): €0.00
Dessert: €7.00

The price excludes drinks; these can be paid after the journey.
Reservations
For the mash-pot rides, reservations are required due to limited seating. Tickets are available in our ticket shop.

Christmas evening ride
2025-12-20 17:00 - 20:30
It may be cold outside, but inside the train it’s wonderfully warm!
Enjoy the steam clouds drifting past while you sit comfortably in one of our historic carriages.
During this special Christmas train ride along the border of Groningen and Drenthe, Santa Claus will be on board, and everything is beautifully decorated and lit.
Would you like to make your train ride even more enjoyable?
You can also book a delicious winter drinks box! (while supplies last)
If you wish to order a drinks box, please first purchase your regular train ticket and then the drinks box — these are two separate items in the ticket shop.
The dinner during the Christmas Eve ride is unfortunately already sold out.
Timetable

Stadskanaal – departure: 6:00 PM
Veendam – arrival: 7:00 PM
Veendam – departure: 7:30 PM
Stadskanaal – arrival: 8:30 PM

Please note: The ride is only possible from Stadskanaal.
No tickets are available from Veendam.
Prices

Normal ticket prices apply for the train ride. Tickets are available in the ticket shop.
Drinks box: €12.00 (incl. 1 drink) – while supplies last.

Driving day with Christmas lunch
2025-12-21 10:00 - 17:00
On this day, our historic steam train runs again between
Stadskanaal and
Veendam.
You travel along the Stadskanaal–Veendam route, on the border of Groningen and Drenthe. Along the way, the train stops at Bareveld and Wildervank (on request). You arrive at the more than 100-year-old and beautifully restored station of Veendam.
Also on this day
In addition to the steam train ride, the following arrangements are also available today:
Combination Ticket: Veenkolonie Express
Your train journey is the perfect match with a visit to the Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam — the ultimate way to discover the rich history of the Eastern Groningen peat colonies! Read more about the Veenkolonie Express here.
Christmas Lunch
Besides the regular timetable, we also offer the opportunity to enjoy an extensive lunch on board the steam train today! Delicious food while the winter landscape passes by — all inside our beautifully decorated and heated carriages! The price includes the train ride. Do you have allergies? Please mention this when booking.

The train departs from Stadskanaal at 14:05, and during the journey we serve a delightful lunch.
Steam Train with Lunch – Prices (excl. drinks)

12 years and older: €42.50
4 to 11 years: €19.95
0 to 3 years: €0.00

Booking the lunch in advance is mandatory! Full = full.
Reserve via our ticket shop.

Ticket Sales
For this day, you can purchase your e-tickets in advance. Go to our ticket shop and select the desired date.
Please note: Upon arrival at Stadskanaal or Veendam, have your e-tickets scanned at the ticket office. You will receive an authentic paper ticket, which the conductor checks and punches on board.
Tickets are also available at the stations of Stadskanaal and Veendam.
For arrangements: while supplies last!
Timetable
The train runs according to the timetable below. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure!
Stadskanaal – Veendam

Stadskanaal – Veendam

Stadskanaal – departure
10:50
14:05

Bareveld *
11:11 > on request*
14:26 > on request*

Wildervank – departure
11:22
14:37

Veendam – arrival
11:35
14:50

Veendam – Stadskanaal

Veendam – Stadskanaal

Veendam – departure
12:05
15:20

Wildervank – departure
12:18
15:33

Bareveld *
12:29 > on request*
15:44 > on request*

Stadskanaal – arrival
12:50
16:05

Bareveld stop: the train only stops here on request! If you are waiting on the platform, raise your hand when the train approaches. If you boarded at another station, inform the conductor that you wish to get off at Bareveld.

Driving day - Dutch donuts
2025-12-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-30 10:00 - 17:00
On this day, our historic steam train runs again between
Stadskanaal and
Veendam.
You travel along the Stadskanaal–Veendam route, on the border of Groningen and Drenthe. Along the way, the train passes the stops Bareveld and Wildervank. You arrive at the more than 100-year-old and beautifully restored station of Veendam.
Freshly baked oliebollen are available for purchase — perfect together with a hot cup of chocolate or a glass of mulled wine!
Also on this day
In addition to the steam train ride, the following arrangements are available today:
Combination Ticket: Veenkolonie Express
Your train journey is the perfect match with a visit to the Veenkoloniaal Museum in Veendam — the ultimate way to discover the rich history of the Eastern Groningen peat colonies! Read more about the Veenkolonie Express.
Ticket Sales
For this day, you can purchase your e-tickets in advance. Go to our ticket shop and select the desired date.
Please note: Upon arrival at Stadskanaal or Veendam, have your e-tickets scanned at the ticket office. You will then receive an authentic paper ticket. The conductor checks and punches the ticket on board.
Tickets are also available at the stations of Stadskanaal and Veendam.
For arrangements: while supplies last!
Timetable
The train runs today according to the timetable below. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure!
Stadskanaal – Veendam

Stadskanaal – Veendam

Stadskanaal – departure
10:50
14:05

Bareveld *
11:11 > on request*
14:26 > on request*

Wildervank – departure
11:22
14:37

Veendam – arrival
11:35
14:50

Veendam – Stadskanaal

Veendam – Stadskanaal

Veendam – departure
12:05
15:20

Wildervank – departure
12:18
15:33

Bareveld *
12:29 > on request*
15:44 > on request*

Stadskanaal – arrival
12:50
16:05

Bareveld stop: the train only stops here on request! If you are waiting on the platform, raise your hand when the train approaches. If you boarded at another station, inform the conductor that you wish to get off at Bareveld.

Mash-pot ride (Sold out)
2026-02-08 17:00 - 19:30
Enjoy the winter landscape and good food? That’s possible on Sundays 8 and 22 February and Sunday 8 March 2026. During a train ride along the border of Groningen and Drenthe, a delicious Dutch mash pot is served. A unique opportunity to dine on a moving train!
Eating on the train used to be very common. Even in the Netherlands, domestic (express) trains had a restaurant car. Nowadays, you’ll only find this in a few international trains. But at Museumspoorlijn STAR, it is once again possible. On Sundays 2 and 16 February and 2 March we serve a tasty mash pot during a train ride on our railway line. Along the way, you can enjoy the winter landscape in the evening twilight in our illuminated and heated historic train. The journey lasts about an hour and a half. The train departs around 17:30 from Stadskanaal station.
Programme

17:00 – entry at Stadskanaal station
17:30 – departure of the train
19:30 (approx.) – train back in Stadskanaal

Prices

Adults: €29.50
Children (ages 4–11): €17.95
Children (0–3): €0.00
Dessert: €7.00

The price excludes drinks; these can be paid after the journey.
Reservations
The mash-pot rides are sold out.

Mash-pot ride (Sold out)
2026-02-22 17:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-08 17:00 - 19:30
Enjoy the winter landscape and good food? That’s possible on Sundays 8 and 22 February and Sunday 8 March 2026. During a train ride along the border of Groningen and Drenthe, a delicious Dutch mash pot is served. A unique opportunity to dine on a moving train!
Eating on the train used to be very common. Even in the Netherlands, domestic (express) trains had a restaurant car. Nowadays, you only see this in a few international trains. But at Museumspoorlijn STAR, it is possible once again. On Sundays 2 and 16 February and 2 March we serve a tasty mash pot during a train ride on our railway line. Along the way, in the evening twilight, you can enjoy the winter landscape in our illuminated and heated historic train. The journey lasts about an hour and a half. The train departs around 17:30 from Stadskanaal station.
Programme

17:00 – entry at Stadskanaal station
17:30 – departure of the train
19:30 (approx.) – train back in Stadskanaal

Prices

Adults: €29.50
Children (ages 4–11): €17.95
Children (0–3): €0.00
Dessert: €7.00

The price excludes drinks; these can be paid after the journey.
Reservations
The mash-pot rides are sold out.

Junior Railway Day – Riding day – Yellow timetable
2026-03-01 10:00 - 17:00
Extra activities
On Sunday 1 March many extra activities will be organised for our young visitors.

The train runs twice between Stadskanaal and Veendam. From Stadskanaal the trains depart at 10:50 and 14:05. From Veendam station you can board at 12:05 for a (return) trip back in time. All coaches are heated, so you can warm up and enjoy the wintry landscape! You can find the complete timetable below.

Stadskanaal – Veendam – Yellow timetable

Stadskanaal – departure
10:50
14:05

Bareveld *
11:11 > on request*
14:26 > on request*

Wildervank – departure
11:22
14:37

Veendam – arrival
11:35
14:50

Veendam – Stadskanaal – Yellow timetable

Veendam – departure
12:05
15:20

Wildervank – departure
12:18
15:33

Bareveld *
12:29 > on request*
15:44 > on request*

Stadskanaal – arrival
12:50
16:05

* Bareveld halt: The train stops here only on request! If you are on the platform, raise your hand when the train approaches. Did you board at one of the other stations? Inform the conductor that you wish to get off at Bareveld.
Ticket sales
Purchase your ticket via our ticket shop. Tickets are also available at the stations Stadskanaal and Veendam.
Always make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure!
Historic diesel locomotive
The trains are hauled by a historic diesel locomotive from the 1950s. The steam locomotives of Museumspoorlijn STAR are still under maintenance and will return to service in spring.

Spring Ride with Dinner
2026-03-29 17:00 - 20:30
This spring it is once again possible to travel back in time to the era of luxurious train journeys! Dining on board these luxurious long-distance trains used to be completely normal and even a standard part of a long trip.
With our Spring Ride on 29 March 2026 we give you another chance to experience such a dinner on a train, this time on our beautiful route through the Veenkoloniën! During the Spring Ride a spring dinner will be served, consisting of four courses.
The programme for this ride will be announced at the beginning of February. Tickets will be available from that moment on.

Riding Day (Easter)
2026-04-05 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-06 10:00 - 17:00
On this day the steam train runs between Stadskanaal and Veendam according to the timetable below.
Start of the steam season
The trips during Easter mark the start of the steam season. Although STAR did operate during the winter months, this was with a historic diesel locomotive. The winter months are used to carry out maintenance on the steam locomotives.
Ticket sales
Buy your ticket online via our ticket shop; upon arrival you can easily exchange it for an authentic train ticket at the ticket office! Tickets are also available at the stations Stadskanaal and Veendam. The conductor checks and clips the ticket on the train.
Tickets for these trips will be available from early March!
Always make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure!
Times
Stadskanaal – Veendam – Yellow timetable

Stadskanaal – departure
10:50
14:05

Bareveld *
11:11 > on request*
14:26 > on request*

Wildervank – departure
11:22
14:37

Veendam – arrival
11:35
14:50

Veendam – Stadskanaal – Yellow timetable

Veendam – departure
12:05
15:20

Wildervank – departure
12:18
15:33

Bareveld *
12:29 > on request*
15:44 > on request*

Stadskanaal – arrival
12:50
16:05

* Bareveld halt: The train stops here only on request! If you are on the platform, raise your hand when the train approaches. If you boarded at one of the other stations, inform the conductor that you wish to get off at Bareveld.
