The Northern Railroad of Nevada was established in the 20th century specifically to connect to the city of Ely, where huge coal mines were located. Today, it is one of the state's most important links. Other equally significant railroads of Nevada are as follows:
- Eureka and Palisade railroad
- Central Pacific, which passes through counties of Lander, Pershing, Eureka, Washoe, Elko, and Humboldt
- Bullfrog Goldfield Railroad, which intersects Nye and Esmeralda counties
- Western Pacific, which passes through Humboldt, Elko, Pershing, Washoe and Lander counties
- Oregon Short Line, which passes through Elko county
- Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad, which intersects Nye county







