Gold Runner, Castle Air Museum, and Merced Transit Authority Partner Again for Open Cockpit Day, Memorial Day Weekend

For Immediate Release
April 20, 2026

SJJPA Contact:
Ahdel Ahmed, San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission
E-mail: aahmed@sjrrc.com
Phone: (209) 234-9282

Gold Runner riders enjoy reduced train fare and free shuttle service to and from the Museum for the annual cockpit exhibit.

(April 16 -- Stockton, CA) – For the second consecutive year, Gold Runner is bringing riders to one of the Central Valley's most exciting annual events. On May 23, from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Gold Runner riders can take advantage of discounted fares and free admission to Spring Open Cockpit Day at Castle Air Museum. A free round-trip shuttle, operated in partnership with Merced Transit Authority ("The Bus"), connects passengers directly from the downtown Merced Amtrak Station to the museum entrance, making the whole trip effortless, affordable, and fun.

Riders can book at GoldRunner.com using code V661 at checkout to unlock the 25% discount, selecting AIR as both their destination and originating station for the return trip. Upon arriving at Merced Station, look for The Bus shuttles headed to the museum.

“Open Cockpit Day is the kind of experience that brings families together in a fun, accessible, and memorable way,” said Chris Orlando, CEO of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA). “With a 25% discount on train fares, free shuttle service, and complimentary museum admission, we’re making it easy and affordable for people of all ages to spend a special day together. The enthusiasm and strong turnout we saw last year made it clear this is something truly special, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.”

Following a successful 2025 Fall Open Cockpit Day partnership, in which over 270 riders traveled to the museum aboard the Gold Runner, the collaboration returns this year with the same great benefits and an even greater opportunity for Central Valley families and aviation enthusiasts to explore one of the region's most beloved destinations.

"Open Cockpit Day has always been one of our biggest and most beloved events, drawing crowds year after year for the aircraft, the veterans, and the hands-on experiences," said Maj Gen Clay Garrison USAF (ret), Chairman, Castle Air Museum. "What our partnership with Gold Runner and The Bus has allowed us to do is reach an entirely new audience. Families and enthusiasts who may not have a car, or simply prefer not to deal with the drive, can now make a full day of it, starting with a scenic train ride through the Central Valley and stepping right off into one of the West Coast's premier aviation museums. The journey really does become part of the experience."

The Castle Air Museum is one of the largest aviation museums on the West Coast, offering more than 80 restored military aircraft and unique experiences for aviation enthusiasts of all generations. Open Cockpit Day invites visitors to step inside rare and historic aircraft, meet veteran aviators, and explore a fleet of vintage military planes up close.

Take Gold Runner to Merced (AIR), show your same-day Gold Runner ticket, and get FREE admission to the event, and The Bus, operated by the Merced Regional Transit System, to and from the museum.

Free Inbound Shuttle to Castle Museum

Shuttle 1 – Departs 8:30 AM (Train 711 arrives 8:05 AM)

Shuttle 2 – Departs 9:30 AM (Train 702 arrives 9:23 AM)

Shuttle 3 – Departs 10:30 AM (Train 701 arrives 10:05 AM)

Shuttle 4 – Departs 11:30 AM (Train 710 arrives 11:23 AM)

Shuttle 5 – Departs 12:30 PM (Train 713 arrives 12:05 PM)

Shuttle 6 – Departs 1:30 PM (Train 712 arrives 1:23 PM)

Free Return Shuttle to Merced Amtrak Station

Shuttle 7 – Departs 12:00 PM (Connects to Train 712 at 1:23 PM)

Shuttle 8 – Departs 1:00 PM (Connects to Train 715 at 2:05 PM)

Shuttle 9 – Departs 2:00 PM (Connects to Train 714 at 3:23 PM)

Shuttle 10 – Departs 2:45 PM (Connects to Train 714 at 3:23 PM)

Shuttle 11 – Departs 4:00 PM (Connects to Train 716 at 5:23 PM)

To plan your trip to Spring Open Cockpit Day and to take advantage of discounted rail fares, visit https://goldrunner.com/air/. For more information on how to book a group trip to the Castle Air Museum, please contact Ahdel Ahmed, Public Relations Manager for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority at aahmed@sjrrc.com.

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About Castle Air Museum
Located in Atwater, California, Castle Air Museum is based on 35 acres of the original Castle Air Force Base. The museum is home to more than 80 aircrafts and historical artifacts ranging from Pre-WWII to modern fighters, boasting the most complete collection of Bombers on the West Coast, including some of the rarest preserved bombers in the nation, such as the Douglas B-18 Bolo, Douglas B-23 Dragon, Convair B-36 Peacemaker, North American B-45 Tornado, and more. To explore over 70 years of aviation history at Castle Air Museum, visit our website castleairmuseum.org

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner, previously Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

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