There are a number of randomized and lucky events that happen inStardew Valley. That’s part of the reason the game is so fun and has players always returning to Pelican Town. One of these events brings life to the game; a train that passes through the Valley on it’s way to a distant destination.

But this train isn’t just for show. If you make it to the train before it’s gone, you have a chance to find fun surprises it can drop and leave behind. This guide will go over everything you need to know so that when a train does show up, you’re ready for it.

Stardew Valley farmer standing at the opening in the mountains leading to spa and train tracks

Where Does The Train Pass Through?

The first thing to know about the train is where the heck it is. After all, what good does it do to know the train has arrived if you don’t know where to go?

In the Mountains, there is a rock wallbehind Robin’s Home and Shop. At first, this wall is complete, solid rock that you can’t pass through.During Summer in your first year,you will hear an earthquake during the night. This willopen up that wall, unblocking the path to the Spa.

Stardew Valley Farmer outside of Clint’s with A Train Is Passing Through notification

When you first visit the Spa, you’ll noticethe train tracks that are behind it. But it’s not just the tracks, there is the train station as well, making it clear where you have torace to when a train passes through.

What Does It Mean When A Train Is Passing Through?

As you’re walking around the Valley and going about your usual business,you will hear the whistleof the train that isaccompanied by a pop-up notificationin the bottom left of your screen that reads: “A train is passing through Stardew Valley.” This means a train is coming to the train station.

When the notice pops up, the train isn’t already passing through or at the station,giving you some time to get to itwithout missing it completely. There will be time to run or ride, if you’ve unlocked the horse, up to the mountains. However, if you want to catch it,you want to start heading up to the tracks right away.

Stardew Valley Farmer standing at train tracks, holding wood

Another way to ensure you make it in time is touse aMountain Warp Totem. Or by carrying aFarm Warp Totem.

Why Do You Want To Catch The Train?

There are different types of trains and cars that pass through the Valley. Some of these don’t do much. They take the shape ofenclosed or passenger cars. Trains that have these carswon’t do anythingbut look nice as they pass by.

However,train cars that are openwill have a chance todrop a variety of items from resources to clothing. Some of the items include:

Stardew Valley Farmer at the caboose of the train, just above the spa

These items and resources will drop from the trainonto the ground near the tracksand as soon as you run close enough to them you will pick them up, just likeloot dropped from a monster.

Leprechaun Shoes canonly be found when dropped by a train. They can’t be purchased or tailored either.

Stardew Valley farmer standing in front of train as it’s passing through

Just like the schedule of the train can’t be predicted or triggered,you may’t change or predict what kind of items are dropped. That means you won’t know if the current train will be a passenger train that drops nothing or a cargo train that drops something until you head up to the mountains and lay your eyes on it.

When Does The Train Show Up?

There is no set time or schedulefor the trains that pass through Stardew Valley. It’s a random event thatcan’t be triggered or forced. For some players, they see trains often, while others go full years without one passing through.

That is to say,don’t spend your days waiting by the tracks. There’s no guarantee one will show up. You’ll instead need towait until you’re notifiedthat it’s arrived.

Is It Worth Catching The Train?

The train passing through is a fun event, and it can feel rewarding and special when a train drops extra resources that can help you build your farming empire.If you enjoy these whimsical surprisesin Stardew Valley,it’s always worth it.

If you view it from the perspective ofwhether the odds are worth sacrificing the timeto run up to the mountainsversus what you could have accomplished otherwisein the day, then it comes down tohow far along you areon your Stardew journey.

When you are first starting out, you have to work hard to gather a lot of resources to craft the machines you need and have Robin construct the buildings to further your progress. So having these random chances offree resources that don’t take away from your energy level is worth it.

If you are further alongin your game, in the mid to late game, thenno, you don’t have to rush up to watch the train pass through. You may have time to do it depending on what you’re currently focusing on, butunless you’re hoping to get the Leprechaun Shoes, there’s nothing that can drop that you’re able to’t get another, more reliable way.