Polar Express Train Rides (2024): A Complete Guide
Last revised: October 30, 2024
By: Adam Burns
Officially licensed The Polar Express train rides have become an increasingly popular attraction across the country since Warner Brothers Pictures released the film in November, 2004.
Numerous organizations, from museums to tourist railroads, now host such themed rides every November and December (some even run into early January).
They feature a story-telling of Chris Van Allsburg's magical tale, The Polar Express, which comes complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a small gift.
When possible, and if available, a steam locomotive is used to pull the train. I have had the experience to enjoy these events on more than one occasion.
If you have the means, I highly recommend taking your kids, grandchildren, or nieces/nephews! The productions are excellent and highly entertaining.
Please Note! While I have striven to make sure the information presented is accurate to the best of my knowledge, I cannot say-so with 100% certainty.
Please contact each individual organization regarding available trains, specific dates, times, and ticket pricing.
Union Pacific 4-8-4 #844 steams through snowy Winnemucca, Nevada with a special excursion during an early spring storm on April 15, 2009. Drew Jacksich photo.The Polar Express is a children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, originally published in 1985.
As the story goes a young boy is lying in bed on Christmas Eve awaiting Santa's arrival when he hears the sound of a train outside his home, The Polar Express.
States
He is invited by the conductor to come aboard the train, which is filled with children and heading to the North Pole to meet Santa and the elves.
During the journey the kids are treated to hot chocolate and cookies, which is what has inspired their serving aboard The Polar Express tourist trains today.
The story concludes with the young boy being picked by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas and he chooses a simple, silver bell from Santa's sleigh.
Interestingly, though, once he returns home and awakes on Christmas morning he notices that the bell is still in his possession.
Finally, please visit the Rail Events, Inc. website for complete information regarding locations that offer official The Polar Express events.
Alabama
No events known.
Alaska
No events yet known.
Arizona
Grand Canyon Railway (Williams): The Grand Canyon Railway operates the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe's "Grand Canyon Branch" from Williams to the Canyon's South Rim (64 miles).
The Santa Fe even had its own train named for the national park and the railroad hauled many tourists to the site annually.
However, as highways improved and Amtrak took over intercity passenger service (1971), the line's need dwindled to the point it was sold to new operators in 1988, forming today's Grand Canyon Railway.
While the scenery alone regularly draws tens of thousands its opulent services, where guests can travel back in time to experience the golden age of rail travel within climate controlled cars, does as well. The accommodations go beyond the train as lodging, an RV park, and even a pet resort is also available.
You can also pick from a variety of packages that includes both lodging (at the Grand Canyon) and the train. For the Christmas season the railway operates official The Polar Express events from early November through late December. The train departs Williams Depot and lasts about 90 minutes.
You may also be interested in the Grand Canyon Railway's exclusive, VIP event, "The Ultimate Polar Express Experience." This experience will take the entire family on a train ride with Santa Claus within one of the railroad's private, first-class passenger cars.
Arkansas
No events known.
Rio Grande 2-8-2 #483 steams through a winter wonderland along the narrow-gauge San Juan Extension at Chama, New Mexico, circa 1961. American-Rails.com collection.Colorado
Colorado Railroad Museum (Golden): In most instances, only the largest and most prominent rail preservation groups host official The Polar Express events due to the licensing expenses involved.
This is the case at the Colorado Railroad Museum, one of the West's finest organizations. Founded in 1959 they do a wonderful job highlighting the state's incredible history with trains, from narrow gauge lines and steep mountain passes to gleaming streamliners and fast freights.
Among their collection:
- A replica depot which depicts those found along the Denver & Rio Grande in the 1880's.
- A library/archive wing, numerous steam locomotives (many of which are narrow-gauge types).
- Several period passenger cars.
- A handful of historic diesels.
- A handsome five-stall brick roundhouse with accompanying turntable.
- Three of Rio Grande Southern Railway's unique "Galloping Goose" rail cars.
The museum is unique in that they host official The Polar Express events utilizing historic steam locomotives, notably Denver & Rio Grande Western 2-8-2 #491 (narrow-gauge). Ticket options available include either standard or deluxe class.
Durango & Silverton Narrow-Gauge (Durango): The Durango & Silverton is not only one of the nation's most popular tourist trains but it is also home to Rail Events, Inc., the company responsible for licensing all official The Polar Express events.
The headline of Michael Boldrick's article from the September, 1981 issue of Trains Magazine says it best about the D&SNG, "Living Museum."
The railroad is truly a time capsule. It maintains 45 miles of the former Denver & Rio Grande Western's narrow-gauge Silverton Branch, which was also part of the railroad's larger "San Juan District" (all narrow-gauge trackage) serving southwestern Colorado and northern New Mexico (until 1941 these lines also reached Santa Fe).
Public excursions along the route date back to the 1950's, which likely saved it from total abandonment. Its popularity has been incredible, having enjoyed at, or over, 100,000 riders annually since 1971 thanks to its collection of historic steam locomotives and breathtaking scenery.
Naturally, its Polar Express trips are among the most popular thanks to the ambiance, history, and superb period accommodations.
If there is one railroad you should ride in your lifetime it is the Durango & Silverton. Ticket options available include coach, deluxe, or first class. Please purchase your tickets early, they sell out quickly!
Connecticut
No events known.
Delaware
No events known.
Georgia
No events known.
Hawaii
No events known.
Idaho
No events known.
Iowa
No events known.
Kansas
Midland Railway: The all-volunteer Midland Railway is based in Baldwin City and has grown into a popular attraction.
The organization got its start in 1987 when a group of investors, looking to launch their own tourist railroad, acquired a secondary corridor of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe between Baldwin City and Ottawa, Kansas.
At the time the AT&SF was attempting to offload a great deal of its branches and unprofitable routes, most of which were located in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Many had been built to serve the Heartland's agricultural needs but unfortunately railroads were heavily overbuilt throughout the Midwest.
As a result, when trucks began grabbing increasingly greater market share during the 20th century thousands of miles became redundant and/or money-losing operations.
The Midland Railway has acquired an impressive collection of equipment and maintain a railroad that stretches 11 total miles, allowing it to offer visitors 20-mile round trips.
One of their locomotives is a rather unique RS3m with components from two different manufacturers. One of their special events is the offering official The Polar Express trips during November and December.
Louisiana
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal: This historic passenger station is one of three locations where Amtrak hosts official The Polar Express train rides.
The immense success and critical acclaim of Warner Brothers' 2004 film spun-off an unexpected new market, excursion trains masquerading as "The Polar Express."
It began as an impromptu experiment by a handful of organizations and became so popular Warner Brothers now requires licensing fees through Rail Events, Inc. for any railroad/museum wishing to host the event.
As it continues to grow the production has branched out to major Amtrak terminals, such as New Orleans, and will likely continue to expand in the coming years.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal was one of the last great facilities opened in America when completed in 1954. It was designed by architects Wogan & Bernard, Jules K. de la Vergne, and August Perez & Associates in 1949 as actual construction took three years.
NOUPT replaced New Orleans Union Station (built in 1892, demolished in 1954) and served all of the major railroads serving the city including Illinois Central, Southern Railway, Southern Pacific, Kansas City Southern, and Louisville & Nashville.
For complete scheduling information please click here.
Michigan
No events known.
Minnesota
No events known.
Mississippi
No events yet known.
Missouri
Branson Scenic Railway (Branson): The Branson Scenic Railway is a true tourist attraction thanks to its location in Branson, Missouri, a major draw by itself with a wide array of country-themed venues.
An excursion train here sprang up following a new short line's launch in late 1992. That year the Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad began freight service over former Missouri Pacific (MP) trackage in Arkansas and western Missouri purchased from Union Pacific (MP's successor).
The Branson Scenic Railway debuted the following year, whisking passengers on a 40-mile round trip through the beautiful Ozark Mountains. The scenery, coupled with line's many tunnels, cuts, fills, and bridges continues to bring people back year after year.
If you are considering a train ride in the near future the railroad is a good choice; you can ride in dome cars for maximum viewing or enjoy dinner during your trip.
The rides depart from Branson's restored wooden depot, originally completed by the White River Railway in 1905 (which later joined Missouri Pacific).
St. Louis Union Station (St. Louis): One of a few locations where official The Polar Express events are hosted by Amtrak. Today, St. Louis Union Station has been transformed from a major passenger terminal into an entertainment/shopping venue.
However, it's still worth visit just to see the station itself; inspired by the grand chateau's of France the terminal was the work of architectural firm Link & Cameron. After several years of construction it opened in 1894.
Perhaps the facility's only drawback was its stub-end design requiring the 22 railroads serving it to squeeze into its 16 platforms (32 tracks) beneath its massive train shed.
This made for an awe-inspiring sight from ground level as a web of steel rails headed in every different direction; main lines, a coach yard, storage tracks, a small freight yard, an express yard, and of course the approach and platform trackage.
All of this was managed by the station's own railroad, the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), which remains an operating freight line. The St. Louis Union Station will host official The Polar Express train rides in 2022.
According to the organization the trip will "depart from St. Louis Union Station for a 45 minute adventure to the North Pole filled with magic, songs, and cheer."
Montana
No events known.
Nebraska
No events yet known.
New Hampshire
No events known.
New Jersey
Delaware River Railroad Excursions/New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society: The New York, Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society was launched in 1988 to preserve the memory of the railroad by the same name.
The company, which remains in operation, has an interesting history that can be traced back to 1881. In an effort to help fund the group and continue its preservation efforts the NYS&WT&HS sponsors public excursions over freight line Black River & Western.
These events have proven quite popular and very successful with trips departing from Phillipsburg, New Jersey; most the time the trips are led by an authentic steam locomotive, a former China Railways 2-8-2,#142, lettered for the "New York, Susquehanna & Western."
They host many special events throughout the year including wine tasting trains, 'A Day Out With Thomas,' the Corn Maze Train, fall foliage specials, and the official The Polar Express from late November through most of December.
Morristown & Erie Railway: A private and historic freight railroad the Morristown & Erie Railroad was formed on August 28, 1903 through the merger of two smaller systems, the Whippany River Railroad and Whippany & Passaic River Railroad.
This formed a 10.5 mile, east-west corridor linking Morristown (and a connection with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western) with Essex Fells (where interchange was established with the Erie Railroad).
With two outlets to move freight and several online customers, the M&E flourished. Small short lines tended to struggle, however, as the 20th century progressed due to increasing competition from other transportation modes and larger railroads.
When the Lackawanna and Erie merged in 1960 to form Erie-Lackawanna, the M&E could no longer enjoy the competitive freight rates offered by pitting one carrier against the other.
Coupled with a declining customer base it fell into bankruptcy in 1978. Surprisingly, the M&E's story did not end there; a group of investors acquired the property and formed the Morristown & Erie Railway in 1982. The little short line has prospered since that time and now offers public excursions.
New Mexico
No events known.
North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (Bryson City): One of the nation's top tourist railroads can be found in Bryson City, North Carolina. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has been a top attraction within the state's western mountains since it formally launched in 1988.
It utilizes a section of the Southern Railway's historic Murphy Branch which ran 123.1 miles from Asheville to rural Murphy where a connection was established with the Louisville & Nashville.
The line's rugged profile and beautiful topography draws in thousands annually, thanks in part to its relatively close proximity to Asheville (about an hour away). The GSMR currently operates the Bryson City-Nantahala segment, 30.7 miles.
The company also features one of the nation's premier versions of The Polar Express during November and December.
The railroad offers four different levels of service including First Class, Premium Crown Class, Crown Class, and Coach. Whichever you choose, the accommodations are top notch; few other places operate such a superb fleet of passenger cars.
North Carolina Transportation Museum (Spencer): The best railroad museum in the Tarheel State and one of the best in the nation, the NCTM was born thanks to a generous donation by the Southern Railway.
In 1977 it handed over four acres of its Spencer Shops complex (including three buildings) to North Carolina (another donation occurred in 1979 when more buildings and structures were donated).
Unlike some, the state has fully embraced this gift, turning it into a major tourist attraction and historical center. Visitors can learn about the railroad's impact on North Carolina and also take a train ride behind restored steam and diesel locomotives.
NCTM's collection is primarily focused on those systems which served the state. While there are several railroad pieces, including a number from the Southern Railway, their collection also includes trolleys, planes, and historic vehicles.
The museum hosts several special events throughout the year, including official The Polar Express trips from mid-November through December.
If you are considering a visit to a railroad museum soon or riding an excursion the NCTM offers a wonderful experience.
North Dakota
No events yet known.
Oklahoma
(Oklahoma City): The state of Oklahoma offers few train rides for the public. The Oklahoma Railway Museum is the lone exception, providing the public with trips over about 3 miles of track in Oklahoma City which historically was part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (nicknamed the "Katy").
The organization began as the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society (NRHS) in 1972 to preserve the state's rail history and provide excursions.
It took more than 25 years but the group finally secured their own 3-acre site in 1999. In addition, after four more years of work it began hosting passenger trains in 2003.
That year it enjoyed just 150 passengers; in five years the number had jumped to 16,000 by 2008. Today, these numbers are even higher and the museum operates several excursions and specials throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Their static displays, cars, and locomotives are numerous including several diesels, passenger cars, freight cars, and other types of equipment. The organization now offers official The Polar Express events. The train ride lasts about one hour where the kids travel to the "North Pole" and meet Santa.
The Oklahoma Railway Museum offers tickets in "Value," "Standard," and "Premium" departure rates based on demand.
Oregon
No events known.
Pennsylvania
No events known.
South Carolina
No events known.
South Dakota
No events known.
Tennessee
No events known.
Texas
Galveston Railroad Museum: Located in its namesake city, this museum is one of the state's largest, containing an impressive collection of rolling stock and preserved locomotives (predominantly focused on the railroad's which served Texas and the Gulf Coast).
It is one of the very few such organizations whose offices are housed within a major railroad terminal, Santa Fe Union Station.
The original four-story brick building, located at 25th Street and The Strand, was completed in 1887. It was renovated over the years and is now an eight-story white structure with a larger center column.
The last update occurred in 1932, which adorned the building in a terra cotta and Art Deco appearance. The last passenger train to depart the station left on April 11, 1967.
It is currently owned by the Moody Foundation and still functions as an office tower. Over the years the museum has amassed an impressive collection including four steam locomotives and two diesel switchers.
They also have several freight and passenger cars and model train layouts to see.
Texas State Railroad: The Texas State Railroad has long been a popular attraction with an interesting history. Some states in the 19th century took it upon themselves to build railroads when, for whatever reason, they felt the private sector could not.
Such was the case with the Texas State Railroad, founded in 1883 to provide rail service for parts of East Texas.
Following more than two decades of work the railroad had linked Rusk, Texas (location of the Rusk Penitentiary) with Palestine, a distance of about 25 miles (part of the line was built using convict labor).
The state elected to stop directly operating the property in the 1920's and instead leased it, a setup which continued until 1969.
In 1972 it came under the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's direction where it remained until falling under the Texas State Railroad Authority's jurisdiction in 2007.
The Texas State Railroad is one of the finer excursions with first class accommodations, special events, and private party rentals available throughout most of the year.
They host official The Polar Express trips from late November through most of December. Some of their events are even powered by an actual steam locomotive (either 2-8-2 #30 or 2-8-0 #28).
Utah
No events known.
Virginia
No events known.
Washington
(Currently Closed Due To A Washout) Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum: For those who want to see a steam locomotive in action within the Pacific Northwest a visit to Chehalis is a must.
The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum operates the following locomotive:
- Cowlitz, Chehalis, & Cascade Railroad (CC&C) 2-8-2 #15 (built by Baldwin Locomotive in 1916)
Two others under are restoration:
- CC&C 2-8-0 #25 (built by Baldwin in 1920)
- Rayonier 2-6-6-2T Mallet #8 (built by Baldwin in 1924)
To host excursions they utilize a 10-mile section of the old Milwaukee Road (which left the west coast in 1980), currently owned by the Port of Chehalis (and used for freight service by Tacoma Rail); founded in 1986, public outings began three years later.
The museum is primarily dedicated to the region's logging history with several pieces focused on that subject. In addition, they host an array of various train rides for the public including dinner trains, regular excursions, and specials for virtually every holiday.
These trips are quite popular, even more so thanks to the use of steam locomotives which draws even larger crowds. One of their special events is hosting official The Polar Express events during late November through December.
Please note that they also offer Santa Steam Trains not related to The Polar Express during select dates in December.
Wyoming
No events yet known.
Canada
Alberta Prairie Railway: This attraction is located in Stettler, Alberta offering steam and diesel powered trips which last up to 5 or 6 hours to Big Valley! They offer numerous amenities, from on-board meals to murder mystery specials.
One of their special events are official The Polar Express excursions.
Aspen Crossing Railway: This excursion train, based in Mossleigh, Alberta, will host official The Polar Express excursions.
West Coast Railway Heritage Park: Located in Vancouver, British Columbia and established in 1961 the WCRA's mission is to preserve Canada's railroad history through restoration and preservation.
They maintain the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, British Columbia which includes a total of 12 acres that features, among other attractions, a station and Canadian National roundhouse.
Waterloo Central Railway: This heritage railroad began service in 2007, operated by the Southern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society (SOLRS) and owned by the Region of Waterloo.
It utilizes a section of the former Canadian National between Elmira and Kitchener, Ontario. For the first time in 2017 they hosted official The Polar Express events.
York–Durham Heritage Railway: This heritage railway is located above Toronto in the both the York and Durham Regions. It was originally built as the Toronto & Nipissing Railway to a gauge of 3 foot, 6-inches, later widened to standard gauge in 1883.
It became part of the Canadian National in 1923. Since 1996 it has operated about 12 miles between Uxbridge and Stouffville.
The movie version of The Polar Express is a bit different, and a much longer tale, than the original but for the most part it sticks to the original story.
To rail fans and historians the most notable aspect of the movie is Pere Marquette #1225, an actual 2-8-4 Berkshire-type steam locomotive, which is still operational and used as the basis of the locomotive in the movie.
It, and its tender, was computer generated to the finest detail, including using the sounds of the locomotive while in operation, in the movie.
Also, please be aware that only certain organizations operate the officially licensed Polar Express train and they are denoted here by the image above.
All other organizations listed here operate Christmas or Santa Claus trains not affiliated with the Polar Express (but are worth the visit!).
Contents
Recent Articles
-
Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad: Operating IC's Iowa Division
Dec 01, 24 11:41 AM
The Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad was a large Class II spinoff formed in 1985 when the Illinois Central Gulf sold the old IC Iowa Division. It was reacquired by IC in 1996. -
Gulf & Mississippi Railroad: The First Regional
Nov 23, 24 02:46 PM
The Gulf & Mississippi Railroad was the first regional railroad formed in the U.S. when Illinois Central Gulf spunoff 713 miles in 1985. It was acquired by MidSouth Rail in 1988. -
MidSouth Rail Corporation: An ICG Spinoff
Nov 22, 24 08:32 AM
MidSouth Rail was one of Illinois Central Gulf's many large spinoffs in the 1980s as the company attempted to streamline operations. It was acquired by Kansas City Southern in 1994.