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

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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

Map
Virginia City, NV
  • Mackay Mansion Museum
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • The Washoe Club Haunted Museum
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Mark Twain Museum at the Territorial Enterprise
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Carson City, NV (CSN)
    ‪20 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!

Property manager

Heidi Wallis
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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10.0 out of 10, (1 review)
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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

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 local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Virginia and Truckee Railroad and Chollar Mine. Northern Nevada Children's Museum and Jack C. Davis Observatory are also worth visiting.
Map
Virginia City, NV

What's nearby

  • Mackay Mansion Museum - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • The Washoe Club Haunted Museum - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Virginia and Truckee Railroad - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Mark Twain Museum at the Territorial Enterprise - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Delta Saloon - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪1st & 10 Bar and Grill - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Moonlite Bunny Ranch - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Bucket of Blood Saloon - ‬7 min walk

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.

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

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

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

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

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

Andrea

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful and unique property! I highly recommend a stay here.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

ORyan M.

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

Very nice

Very clean rail car, nicely restored/maintained, quiet neighborhood, great view to look at with morning coffee, Im sure the local motels are nice too, but this was a fun experience, I would definitely stay again next time in vc
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

CLAY S.

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

Great place

Great location, coolest place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ian R.

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

Ruby's a beauty

Such a unique experience!!! What a magical place to stay in VC
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

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

Kevin H.

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

Perfect get away!

This place was great! We are ready to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie M., Royal City, WA, USA

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

Had a wonderful stay with Ruby

Such a cute and friendly place. I was even greeted by three deer when I first pulled up to stay. Wonderful place!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

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

Verified traveller

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

Stay at Ruby the Red Caboose

The caboose was decorated in period decor. We loved the entire experience
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah, North Las Vegas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Ruby the Caboose is charming. Owners have done a fabulous job restoring it and making it a comfortable stay. Close to all VC has to offer and the wild horses are a plus.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Well maintained wonderfully restored to authentic condition. I’d highly recommend this listing
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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

Kelly W.

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

The Best Little GetAway!!

My husband and I were in town for a friends wedding and I was so lucky to have found this listing! The owner was so pleasant and welcoming! As we approached the caboose were were both so excited to see how ever this could be converted to a little studio but oh my!! It was literally perfect!! The host had coffee and tea and such thoughtful touches. I would definitely recommend staying here if your visiting VC
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

Cecile S.

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

Virginia City Caboose

This was an awesome visit ! The caboose was fantastic and even better than the pictures. Our weather was on the chilly side but we were marvelously cosy in the caboose. The views were magnificent! Virginia City strolling was great. Grab coffee at the Roasting House - it was excellent. There is no stove or microwave; we brought a hot plate just to warm up soup and that worked great.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

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

cute little caboose

really enjoyed our time in the red caboose. super cute. lots of history books to read heidi communicated everything we needed. the only thing in the winter. never turn off the heaters. we got home last night to 45 degrees. our mistake. all in all it was awesome
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

About the host

Hosted by Heidi Wallis

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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