A Museum In Motion

The Oldest Continuously Running Suburban Trolley Line in the USA – A National Historic District

The Shore Line Trolley Museum, operated by the Branford Electric Railway Association, Inc., strives to educate the public about the story of the trolley and related forms of mass transit in their historic context. The Museum operates the Branford Electric Railway, opened in 1900, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior as the oldest continuously-operated suburban trolley line in the United States.  The museum’s line and equipment are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Branford Electric Railway Historic District.

The Shore Line Trolley Museum maintains several diverse collections of equipment, photographs, documents and artifacts which preserve the history and heritage of the Trolley Era. The Museum owns nearly 100 vintage transit vehicles, and the archives contain nearly 51,000 photographic images, over 4,000 books and documents, and about 1,000 small artifacts such as tokens, hat badges and ticket punches. The vehicle collection is among the most diverse in North America both in terms of geographic reach and chronological spread. Learn more about our extensive collection here.

Visit

Please see our ticket sales page or the calendar for more, including seasonal events, descriptions, and tickets.

Private Events

Want to visit on a day we’re closed? Book a private event, charter or party, year-round!

Member Admission Prices

Members receive free admission to regular trolley operating days, and 50% off tickets to special events. Please verify whether your membership level qualifies you or your family for these discounts.

Directions & Parking

All special event programming and summer trolley rides begin at the Sprague Visitor’s Center, 17 River St, East Haven, CT 06512. Free parking is available behind the building. Need detailed directions?

Visitor Experience

Your visit starts at the Sprague Visitor’s Center, where you can buy tickets if you haven’t already. Browse our indoor exhibits while you wait for the trolley. Then, enjoy a 1.5-mile scenic ride, taking in the salt marsh and observing local wildlife like eagles and ospreys.

On the return trip, you’ll stop at the trolley barns for a brief tour of part of our collection. After your ride, don’t forget to visit the museum store! Tickets are valid for unlimited rides until closing, unless noted.