Train Rides On Florida’s Sugar Express! (2026)

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Published: April 12, 2026

By: Adam Burns

In the flat, sun-drenched agricultural landscape surrounding Lake Okeechobee, one of America’s most unique heritage rail experiences has quietly taken shape. The Sugar Express, based in Clewiston, Florida, is not merely a tourist railroad—it is a rare example of a true mainline excursion operation running over an active industrial railroad system. Operated in partnership with U.S. Sugar and the South Central Florida Express, the train blends working railroad heritage with immersive passenger excursions through the heart of Florida’s sugarcane country.

Since its debut in the early 2020s, the train has rapidly grown into one of the Southeast’s most distinctive rail attractions, carrying tens of thousands of passengers annually and offering a diverse calendar of excursions ranging from all-day journeys to themed evening events.

Origins and Development

The Sugar Express traces its origins to the operations of the U.S. Sugar Corporation, one of the largest sugar producers in the United States. The company operates an extensive private rail network used to transport sugarcane from fields to its processing plant in Clewiston.

At the core of this system is the South Central Florida Express (SCXF), a 171-mile shortline railroad that circles the southern half of Lake Okeechobee. Originally assembled from former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and Florida East Coast Railway trackage, the SCXF remains one of the largest privately operated agricultural railroads in the country.

In 2016, U.S. Sugar reacquired steam locomotive No. 148, a 4-6-2 “Pacific” type originally built for the Florida East Coast Railway. After an extensive restoration, the locomotive returned to service and became the centerpiece of a new heritage passenger operation. By 2021, the Sugar Express began offering public excursions, marking the return of passenger rail service to lines that had not hosted such trains in over half a century.

Equipment and Passenger Experience

The Sugar Express is notable for its carefully curated and expanding fleet of historic rolling stock. Its centerpiece remains steam locomotive No. 148, though diesel locomotives are also used depending on the excursion.

The passenger consist includes a mix of restored mid-20th-century equipment:

• Open-air cars converted from baggage cars for photography and fresh-air viewing
• Deluxe coaches offering climate-controlled comfort
• Lounge and observation cars such as the “Bay Biscayne”
• First-class accommodations with table seating and premium service
• The recently restored “Clewiston,” a former Pennsylvania Railroad executive car dating to 1911, now used for charter and premium seating

Unlike many tourist railroads confined to short demonstration lines, Sugar Express trains operate over long stretches of active railroad, often traveling at relatively brisk speeds through rural landscapes. Passengers experience a constantly changing panorama of sugarcane fields, citrus groves, waterways, and wildlife—an environment rarely accessible to the public.

Signature Excursions

The Sugar Express has developed a diverse roster of excursions designed to appeal to a wide audience. These trips vary in duration, theme, and level of service, offering both casual and premium experiences.

Lake Placid Limited

The flagship excursion, the Lake Placid Limited, is a full-day round trip between Clewiston and Lake Placid. Departing in the morning, the train travels across the agricultural interior before arriving in the small town of Lake Placid, where passengers enjoy a multi-hour layover for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

This excursion typically operates with steam power and remains the most popular offering in the schedule.

Sunset & Suds

A more recent addition, Sunset & Suds is an adults-only evening excursion. This two-hour trip emphasizes relaxation and scenery, with onboard beverage service and departures timed to coincide with sunset over the fields. Seasonal and Special Events

The Sugar Express also hosts a variety of themed events throughout the year:

• Sugar Festival excursions tied to Clewiston’s annual celebration
• Photographer’s Specials featuring staged historic scenes
• Toys for Tots charity trains
• Santa Express holiday excursions during late November and December

These events help broaden the railroad’s appeal and provide repeat visitors with new experiences.

2026 Schedule

The Sugar Express operates on a seasonal basis, generally running from October through May to coincide with Florida’s cooler months and the sugar harvest season.

For the remainder of 2026, the schedule includes several key excursions:

Spring 2026 Excursions

Lake Placid Limited (All-Day Trips):

• April 25, 2026
• May 16, 2026
• May 30, 2026 (additional date added)

These trips depart Clewiston in the morning and include a multi-hour layover in Lake Placid.

Sunset & Suds (Evening Excursions):

• April 24, 2026
• May 15, 2026

These shorter excursions offer a relaxed, scenic experience focused on evening ambiance.

Sugar Festival Trains (March 2026)

Held in conjunction with the Clewiston Sugar Festival:

• March 13, 2026 – “Sugar Fest Spritzer” (21+ evening excursion)
• March 14, 2026 – Family-friendly local excursions (multiple departures)

Earlier 2026 Events (Already Operated)

Earlier in the year, the railroad hosted several notable excursions:

January and February runs of the Lake Placid Limited and Sunset & Suds

• A January 17–18 Photographer’s Special event
• Additional winter excursions and themed trips
• Holiday Operations (Late 2025, Part of the Same Season)

Although technically part of the same operating season, holiday trains ran in late 2025:

• Santa Express excursions in late November and December from Clewiston and Sebring

Significance and Future Outlook

The Sugar Express occupies a unique niche in the American rail preservation landscape. Unlike many heritage railroads that operate on isolated branch lines, it runs on a fully functioning industrial railroad, providing an authentic mainline experience rarely seen in modern excursion service.

Its combination of:

• Active freight railroad infrastructure
• Genuine steam operation
• Expanding fleet of historic passenger equipment
• Diverse excursion offerings

has allowed it to quickly establish itself as a premier attraction in Florida.

Additionally, ongoing investments—such as the restoration of historic passenger cars and potential future expansion of routes—suggest that the Sugar Express will continue to grow in both scope and popularity.  To learn more about all of their excursion options please click here to visit their website.