Frequently Asked Questions

Coming to Chattanooga

I am flying into Chattanooga.  What are my transportation options from the airport? 

Options include rental car companies, public bus service, and limousine and taxi services.  Uber and Lyft are also available.  The Marriott does not provide shuttle service to the airport.

I am flying, but not to Chattanooga.  What are my transportation options?

Groome Transportation (groometransportation.com) offers regularly scheduled shuttle buses to and from the Atlanta and Nashville international airports.  Groome departures and arrivals are in East Ridge, Tennessee, about 8 miles from the Convention Center.  You will need to arrange for a rental car, Uber, Lyft or taxi service from Groome as there is no shuttle service by Groome to the convention center and downtown Chattanooga. 

Renting a car is also an option.

How much is parking at the Marriott?

Contact the hotel or visit the Marriott website.

At the Convention

I haven’t registered for the convention. Can I register at the Convention Center?

Yes.   You may register at the check-in desk.

I purchased a ticket for a convention event, but the ticket was not included in my registration packet.  

Check with staff at the Convention office.

I purchased an event ticket but will not be able to use it.  Can I obtain a refund?

No.  Refunds will not be issued for ticketed convention events unless the event is cancelled by the convention.  If you purchased an event ticket but are unable to use it, you may sell the ticket directly to another convention attendee. Convention staff cannot purchase and resell unused tickets. 

Can I purchase an event ticket at the convention?

Check with staff at the Convention office for availability.

Who can answer questions and provide assistance?

You will see volunteers throughout the convention center.

How many clinic rooms are there, where are they and how large are they?

All the clinic rooms are on one floor in the convention center. There are six rooms designated for clinics and each is 1800 sq feet and have high ceilings.

Will there be door prizes?

Prizes are from a variety of vendors, manufacturers and local merchants. Each attendee will keep half of a two-part ticket which will be used in the drawings. If your ticket is drawn,  you may designate which drawing they are interested in such as HO, N, or other scale or by vendor.

I hear there will be a special model contest specific to Chattanooga.

You heard correctly. One of the unique features of Chattanooga is the iconic Rock City Barn contest. Over the years Rock City has painted its name on barns throughout the South and beyond.  There will also be the judged contest and People’s Choice Award contests.

Offsite Operating Sessions are full.  Will there be operating sessions at the Convention Center?

Operations Road Show will be at the convention .  Check with ORS staff about available operating times.

Are there activities scheduled for non-railroaders/spouses, etc.?

The convention will have a full non-railroaders program.

I don’t see a banquet on the schedule.

Instead of a banquet, the convention includes a Monday Tailgate Party, Wednesday Ice Cream Social, and Friday Pizza Party.  The Awards Ceremony will take place Saturday night.

Will the NMRA offer shuttle service to layout open houses?

No. The NMRA only sponsors official tours with commercial transportation.  

How much are tickets to the National Train Show?

Admission to the show is included with your registration.  

Explore Chattanooga

What non-convention attractions are in Chattanooga?

Chattanooga boasts world-class attractions, museums, and restaurants.  To learn more, visit Chattanooga Attractions and Chattanooga Museum pages.

What is the best way to explore downtown Chattanooga?

The FREE Downtown Shuttle runs to the Tennessee Aquarium with stops at every block in between, including the Marriott.  All shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.