SCRANTON, LACKWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Tickets to see one of the most famous trains in the world are disappearing quickly, as excitement builds for the arrival of Big Boy No. 4014 at Steamtown National Historic Site.
The massive steam locomotive — the largest operating in the world — is scheduled to be on public display in Scranton June 15 and 16, drawing what officials say will be huge crowds.
Early ticket data shows just how high demand is. Each timed entry slot started with about 2,500 tickets available, but several time blocks are already seeing significant sell-offs. On June 15, the most limited availability is in the early morning and late afternoon, with only a few hundred tickets remaining in some slots. On June 16, the earliest time — 9 a.m. — is nearly booked solid, with just over 100 tickets left.
Park officials require timed reservations to manage what is expected to be one of the largest events in Steamtown’s history.
You can make your reservation here. Tickets are free, but there is a one-dollar service fee.
The buzz surrounding the event has been building for weeks. Big Boy 4014 is making its first-ever trip to the East Coast as part of a nationwide tour celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Rail fans are especially excited because the visit will bring a rare moment: the operational Big Boy 4014 appearing in the same location as Big Boy 4012, which is permanently displayed at Steamtown.
The locomotive itself is a piece of history. Built in 1941 and restored to working condition in 2019, it is the only Big Boy currently operating and has become a major attraction wherever it travels.
Local officials and tourism leaders say the event is expected to draw thousands to Scranton, with many traveling from across the country to see the historic engine up close. FOX56 previously reported the visit is expected to generate large crowds from Binghampton to Scranton and beyond due to the region’s deep railroad history and the rarity of the locomotive’s appearance.
Beyond the Scranton display, fans are also planning to line the tracks across northeastern Pennsylvania to catch a glimpse of the train as it travels, including a highly anticipated crossing of the Tunkhannock Viaduct.
With tickets already moving quickly and interest continuing to grow, officials are encouraging those hoping to attend to reserve their time slots as soon as possible.
Here’s what you need to know
Steamtown is prepared for huge crowds with a total of about 65,000 reservations available for the two-day display.
There are about 49,000 tickets still available, with over 13,000 tickets already claimedThat’s roughly 21% of all tickets gone alreadySome time slots (like early morning June 16 and late June 15) are nearly sold out