Charter Costs · 2024 – 2025
Niles Canyon Railway Charter
Train for up to 100 people$3,000
Train for 100 to 175 people$3,500
Steam-powered train, when available$4,500
Extra hour$500
*Pricing subject to change.
All Aboard
A one-of-a-kind cocktail hour aboard a vintage train, from the historic Sunol station right across the street.
Cocktails on the Rails
Experience Cocktails Like Never Before.
At Casa Bella your guests can experience a one of a kind cocktail hour traveling aboard a vintage steam or diesel train along the historic Niles Canyon Railroad. The Niles Canyon Railroad dates back to the building of the original transcontinental railroad in 1866; rich with history, the railroad was brought back to life by the Niles Canyon Railway team 122 years later and offers a true vintage train ride experience you'll never forget.
You and your guests will travel from the Sunol Station located directly across the street from Casa Bella, 6½ miles to Historic Niles Fremont and back. The train hosts both open and closed viewing cars, allowing your guests to choose what is most comfortable to them as well as opportunities to view the Niles Canyon like never before.
A Team Effort
Cocktails on the Rails is a team effort between Sunol's Casa Bella and Niles Canyon Railway. Casa Bella provides our full-service waitstaff & bar service for the train ride and offers specialty charcuterie box appetizers for guests to enjoy while on the train. The experienced and friendly Niles Canyon Railway staff will assist with all of the travel elements related to the trip and make loading and unloading your guests quick and efficient.
Train charters are available from mid-January to mid-October on weekdays and after regularly-scheduled weekend operations. Train charters are not available mid-October to mid-January due to the Train of Lights. Limited charters are offered each year on a first come, first serve basis — Niles Railway is a volunteer organization and is only able to accommodate a very limited amount of charters for us each year.
Appetizers & Drinks Aboard
Each guest receives a boxed charcuterie appetizer while entering the train. The beverage package served on the train is the same package selected for the reception — guests are given a drink as they enter, and a Casa Bella staffed bar on the train lets them refresh as desired.
- Cubes of Vermont cheddar, Havarti & pepper jack
- A wedge of brie · Italian salami
- Prosciutto wrapped melon · cut seasonal fruit
- Spinach dip with saltwater crackers & sliced baguettes
- Assorted olives · trail mix
Please add $5 per person for Casa Bella drink & appetizer service while on the train. We recommend adding an overtime hour to your event so guests can enjoy the train and your full reception afterwards — not required, but strongly recommended.
About Sunol
A Valley Town, Founded in 1871.
Founded in 1871, Sunol is rich with history and incredible scenery. Sunol is located in the valley between Pleasanton and Fremont.
Most famously, the Sunol Water Temple was originally constructed in 1910 to celebrate where three water sources converge. The temple was restored in 2001 after damage from earthquakes and neglect. It now serves as a landmark for many visitors along with a home for a few organic farmers.
Find Us in SunolPhotography Guide of Sunol
Sunol Is Full of Photo Spots — You Just Have to Know Where to Look.
Casa Bella sits right on Main Street, so many favorite locations are within comfortable walking distance — even in heels!
Walking distanceSunol Train Station & Railway
Home of the Niles Canyon Railroad — a small depot painted in its original yellow, with antique telegraph and ticket signs, and tracks in both directions for afternoon and evening light.
Across the streetSunol Glen Park & Trellis
A private residential park with a large metal trellis, gazebos, greenery and flowers. The wooden entry bridge with steel trellis is green with ivy in spring and summer, and strung with white lights in fall and winter.
Walking distanceFoothill Road
Just on the other side of the train station — trees arch all the way across the road, a stunning and secluded spot for group photos and first looks.
Across the tracksNursery Overlook
Bright green grass in spring and early summer; picturesque California golden hills in late summer and fall, with the nurseries in the background.
Walking distanceSunol Glen School Yard
Built in 1925, the school offers unique and vintage photo opportunities for couples and groups.
About a 1-minute drivePleasanton Ridge
The romantic rolling hills of the regional park just up the road. The back entrance is very close but uphill, so we recommend a car — your Event Manager can always point the way.
Within 6 milesSunol Regional Wilderness
An East Bay Regional Park with lush greenery, streams, bridges and classic rolling hills.
Within 6 milesAlviso Adobe Community Park
A California historical landmark with an original adobe built in 1854, stunning replicas, and views of Mt. Diablo and the Amador Valley along Pleasanton Ridge.
Within 6 milesSunol Water Temple
Built in 1910 with 12 Corinthian columns, surrounded by gardens, Sunol Regional Wilderness and breathtaking views.
At Casa BellaOn the Property
The Wall of LOVE, the "This Is Us" barn doors, the Casa Bella trolley, the bridal suite, the indoor lounge, the pergola at night — and, for the adventurous, the roof.
Visit Casa Bella