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Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV!

Apartment in Virginia City with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV!

Outdoor dining
Interior
Interior
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
Virginia City, NV
  • Place, The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Virginia and Truckee Railroad
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Delta Saloon
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Reno, NV (RNO-Reno-Tahoe Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen

About this property

Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV!

Authentic 1950s caboose converted into a private guest suite that captures the glory days of train travel. Enjoy the famous 100-mile view from the cupola as you sip your coffee in the morning or your cocktail in the evening. Watch the steam engine (or the wild horses) go by from your private covered deck. Easy access to the V&T Railroad, bars, restaurants, museums, and all that VC has to offer. Welcome to town. Choo choo!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
If it's hot, please leave ACs at 73. If it's cold, please leave stove at 68.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Virginia City

Located in Virginia City Historic District, a neighbourhood in Virginia City, this apartment is in the mountains. Mackay Mansion Museum and The Washoe Club Haunted Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Eagle Valley Golf Course and Empire Ranch Golf Course. Virginia and Truckee Railroad and Chollar Mine are also worth visiting.
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Map
Virginia City, NV

What's nearby

  • Mackay Mansion Museum - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • The Washoe Club Haunted Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Virginia and Truckee Railroad - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Saint Mary's in the Mountains Church - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Delta Saloon - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Reno Station - 38 min drive
  • Reno Tahoe Intl. Airport (RNO) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪1st & 10 Bar and Grill - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Road Runner Cafe - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV!?

As of 3 November 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV! on 4 November 2025 start from NZ$381.11, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Stay in a REAL train car in historic Virginia City, NV! located?

Located in Virginia City Historic District, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Mackay Mansion Museum, The Washoe Club Haunted Museum and St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church. Saint Mary's in the Mountains Church and Virginia and Truckee Railroad are also within 5 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 46 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Steph

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely beautiful and charming, exactly
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Staying in a caboose has always been something we've wanted to do. It was a very unique and memorable stay! Comfortable, fun with lots of train memorabilia throughout. Nice patio and close to Main Street in historic Virginia City.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

mary b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming caboose with amazing views

We had a wonderful stay in this well appointed caboose. The owners have made great use of its space and put so much detail into its decor. The bed was super comfortable and the air conditioning kept up with the hottest time of the day. There are some steep steps up to the caboose, but if you have no mobility issues it’s well worth the trek up to its charming space. We even walked the short distance to the railroad and toured several antique railcars, engines and cabooses. The location is perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Had a wonderful time staying here with my grandson the night before taking a ride on the V&T Railroad. The caboose sits on the hill right above the train station, so you can just walk right down to the trains. It also has a wonderful eastern view for sun/moonrise. We loved climbing up top to the comfy seats in the cupola for evening reading. It IS a vintage railway car, so of course there are some “quirks” but they are part of the charm and fun of the unique lodging experience. We were a 74 year old and a 12 year old and both had a great time here!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leann D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique and Special Stay

The details made the stay truly special. We utilized the Bluetooth old-fashioned looking speaker to listen to a book on tape while we sipped from gorgeous cut glass cups. The space is private, cozy, and just fun.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michele S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun and perfect spot

We really enjoyed our stay, well appointed and the perfect spot for our short visit to Virginia City.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

So unique and tranquil, very comfortable bed.. We will be staying again..
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryll A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ruby the caboose

It was a very comfy and cost little place , would definitely stay there again 👍😁
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherri S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to get away

My husband & I stayed a night in Virginia City to check out the old gold mining town. The Ruby Caboose was the perfect lodging. The sheets were super soft & all the details inside the caboose were fun to view & added tons of charm. The host, Heidi was responsive, friendly & accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute Caboose

I hadn’t been to Virginia City in 40 years, so we decided to take a little get away. I found this place and fell in love with it! When we checked in it didn’t disappoint 😊 It is so unique and decorated for the time period. Loved the books about the history of the city and the people are very friendly in town. Check-in was easy and everything that was listed was accurate! I would definitely recommend and would rent again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Staying in Ruby

Very fun staying in the old caboose. We loved the deck under the gazebo. The pictures and other artifacts lend a very nice railroad type feel. The cupila is so much fun. We really liked the map of the Virginia City mines, so the caboose had a great feel of the history of the area, too. Two small suggestions for the kitchen. 1) A small scrubby pad and 2) a small cutting board would be helpful. But, I quibble. Overall this was a wonderful visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Steve P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Location

A little tough for older people.

While the 'Caboose' is very cool, clean, and fun, it requires you to carry everything up about 12 steps from your car to the level of the tracks. Then another moderate incline to the Caboose, then a couple more steps. I inquired beforehand about any steps, and was told there were only a couple of steps! I was told that if we required help with the bags, to let her know. When I did, there was no response.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kitty Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A DREAM COME TRUE !!!

WOW !! We can't possibly convey how utterly delighted we were with every aspect of our stay at Ruby the Red Caboose. Our host, Heidi, did the virtually impossible by making our visit absolutely cozy, comfortable and flawless despite a historic series of storms that virtually paralyzed a good portion of the Sierras in both California and Nevada with tons of snow. We can't thank you enough, Heidi, for the perfection we enjoyed despite the immense challenges you and your entire town experienced. Ruby is a treasure we heartily recommend to everyone. She's beautiful, surprisingly roomy... even her bathing facilities are comfortable for a man! She has 2 lovely heating stoves that kept us toasty warm and comfy as can be. We sipped hot vanilla tea upstairs in the cupola (the eggplant hued suede upholstered seats are gorgeous) and watched gigantic snowflakes race by in countless directions. Those are moments we will always treasure, and we thank you, Heidi, for being such a terrific and generous host, and giving us these memories as a gift. It would be very comfy in Ruby in the summer as well... we noticed there is excellent cross-ventilation with adjustable screened windows, and even air conditioning. The refrigerator, sink and Keurig coffeemaker are handy and the outdoor patio must be heavenly in the summer. Another good reason for us to return !! We hope everyone will visit Ruby, experience her 100 mile view (STUNNING !!!), feel her cozy comfort and her history and have the same unforgettable experience we enjoyed !! Thank you, Heidi, for your excellence as a host... we will remember you. :) Warmest Regards... Cat and Matt
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean accommodations and Seamless check-in process. Host was very communicative and pleasant to interact with. Enjoyed the History of the Train car and the local surroundings. Always a good time in Virginia City.The neighborhood that the train car is in is very quiet and close to all things Virginia City has to offer.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our experience and can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Betty N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Our stay in the Ruby Caboose was fabulous.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

wendy o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved Ruby the Caboose!

My husband and I stayed only one night in Virginia City but we absolutely loved it! Ruby the caboose was decorated so nicely...very thoughtful. We also really loved the gazebo and the views from Ruby. Easy walking distance to the cute town and all the old time-y saloons and such. We will absolutely recommend Ruby to friends- It was a very unique and comfortable VRBO!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cameo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely recommend this adorable Kaboose! Nice quiet area, easy to get to, adorably decorated. Just a nice relaxing stay! Will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Breanna E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay if you're wanting to enjoy VC for a few nights. The caboose is super cute & comfy. Plus it has an amazing view at night of the hillside & sky (we even had a horse eat right next to us at night). This place is definitely special from it's history & style, to being the place my guy proposed to me! We will definitely be back here in the future & highly recommend it.
Interior.
Bedroom.
Exterior.
View from the gazebo at night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
So fun to stay in the Red Caboose!! Very comfortable. Loved all the little touches inside. So much to look at. I enjoyed waving to the Virginia &Truckee Train as it went by. The main part of town was easy walking distance (some hills) and had a fabulous breakfast at Crazy Calamities. Sitting out in the gazebo was relaxing and I was happy to have several deer walk past!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy with great view

We enjoyed our stay at the caboose in Virginia City. It is both close to the main street and somehow out of the way. The view towards the hills is magnificent.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ruby Caboose

Such a quaint little spot to stay! Perfect for two people
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Unique and convenient. Nicely furnished. Warm even during winter. Checkin, checkout simple.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
This was my first time staying in "Ruby" but it definitely won't be my last. First off the communication from the host was amazing she was so fast at getting back to me that it was almost like we were texting each other in real time. The caboose itself is absolutely amazing, the decor is awesome and everything you need is inside. I showed my friends who were staying down the street and they said that they were going to stay there next time they're in Virginia City. I can't wait to come back. Five stars for sure!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phil B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Once in a lifetime experience

I will have to say what many others have said, it is an amazing experience to spend the night in a real caboose. The owners have gone out of their way to make it as authentic as possible short of rocking it while you are sleeping. My favorite part though was that how in a town that sometimes feels like Disneyland you have the luxury of quiet, privacy and a beautiful view just steps from downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

About the host

Hosted by Heidi Wallis

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Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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