Maine "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Portland!

Published: November 11, 2025

A living link to Maine’s two-foot era. The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum (MNG) preserves and operates equipment from the state’s uniquely small two-foot-gauge railways—lines that once threaded forests, farms, and mill towns with astonishing economy.

The organization was founded as a 501(c)(3) to keep that story—and the equipment—alive for the public; it welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year. Incorporated in 1992 and running public trains since 1993, MNG has grown into one of Portland’s most beloved attractions.

What “Two-Foot” Means—and Why It Matters

Between the 1880s and 1930s, Maine hosted a web of two-foot-gauge common carriers - largely in the movement of timber - including the Bridgton & Saco River, Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes, Monson, Kennebec Central, and others. The narrow track (just 24 inches between rails) meant lighter construction, tighter curves, and cheaper operation—perfect for rough terrain and modest traffic.

The Maine Narrow Gauge's collection draws heavily from these lines: steam locomotives, wooden coaches and combines, cabooses, and freight cars, much of it painstakingly restored so visitors can experience authentic rolling stock under way rather than static displays.

Portland Waterfront Operations

The museum operates a scenic 1.5-mile railroad along Portland’s Eastern Promenade and Casco Bay, offering sweeping harbor views in a compact, family-friendly ride. Trains depart from the museum’s station at 65 Thames Street (Ocean Gateway area), an easy walk from the Old Port and cruise terminals.

The line uses historic steam and diesel power paired to restored early 20th-century coaches, recreating the sights, sounds, and pacing of Maine’s narrow-gauge heyday.

Their steam collection currently includes 0-4-4T #4 (built by the Vulcan Iron Works in 1918), 0-4-0T #11 (built by Henschel & Sohn of Germany in 1935), 2-4-4T #7 (built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1913), and 2-4-4-T #8 (built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1924). As of this writing only #7 is operational.

Narrated Daily Trains (Seasonal)

Standard excursions are narrated and typically run about 40 minutes round-trip, highlighting landmarks such as Casco Bay and its islands, Fort Gorges, Bug Light, marinas, and the Eastern Prom.

The commentary layers local history with the story of two-foot railroading, making it a solid introduction for first-time visitors and a pleasant refresher for railfans. MNG also schedules special runs—like Sunset Train Rides—that time departures for waterfront golden hour. Schedules vary by season; always confirm dates and times before you go.

Inside the Museum

Beyond the platform, museum's exhibits interpret Maine’s two-foot carriers through builder’s plates, photographs, interpretive panels, and immersive car interiors. The roster is the true centerpiece: multiple steam locomotives, historic coaches and combines, cabooses, boxcars, and maintenance equipment—nearly all with ties to the original Maine lines. Rotating restoration projects keep different pieces in the public eye, and you’ll often see in-service equipment swapped as overhauls proceed.

A Recent Bump in the Road—and a Return to Service

In January 2025, the railroad announced a temporary shutdown while a major waterfront development required dismantling and repositioning portions of its track.

Although initial communications suggested a short closure, the pause extended into spring to accommodate construction, with trains returning to service after the work window. The episode underscored both the challenges—and the resilience—of operating heritage rail in an evolving urban waterfront.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

For many families, the Maine Narrow Gauge is synonymous with THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, the officially licensed holiday experience that transforms the line into a moving stage set each November and December.

Onboard, uniformed hosts serve hot chocolate and cookies while the classic story is narrated; the train glides past illuminated displays en route to the “North Pole,” where Santa boards to greet passengers and present each child with the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell.

The ride concludes with carols on the return, wrapping a fully theatrical experience around an authentic narrow-gauge train.

Classes of Service and What to Expect

The museum typically offers several service tiers. Presidential Class features individual cushioned seating and premium keepsakes (including a limited-edition ceramic mug and a copy of The Polar Express signed “from the North Pole Library,” one per group of up to four).

First Class includes padded individual seating and a limited-edition mug. All passengers receive hot chocolate, a cookie, and Santa’s bell; trains may be steam-powered depending on the consist and operating plan. Trains depart exactly on time—arrive at least 20 minutes early.

Dates, Tickets, and Impact

For 2025, the museum's performance calendar spans November 16 through December 27 with multiple departures most operating days; prices generally range by class and date.

The event is the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, drawing over 21,000 riders in 2022 and helping underwrite year-round preservation and operations. Because departures sell out quickly, booking early is wise, especially for premium classes and weekend evenings.

To learn more and purchase your tickets please click here to visit the museum's website.

Planning Your Visit

Location & Boarding: 65 Thames Street, Portland, ME 04101 (next to the Ocean Gateway). Ticketing, gift shop, and restrooms are inside the station building.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum

Seasonality: Core excursion season spans warmer months, with special event trains (notably THE POLAR EXPRESS™) in late fall into the holidays. Schedules can shift with weather or waterfront projects—always check the museum’s site and confirmation emails before traveling.
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum

What You’ll See: Casco Bay views, harbor activity, forts, and the Eastern Prom—classic Portland scenes from open windows or coach seats on genuine two-foot rolling stock

Why It Matters

The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t just a scenic ride; it’s an operating conservation program. Every narrated lap along the bay keeps rare rolling stock in motion, engages new audiences with Maine’s industrial past, and funds restorations that otherwise wouldn’t happen.

In a waterfront district that constantly reinvents itself, the sound of a small steam whistle and the rhythm of narrow-gauge trucks offer continuity—reminding Portland that rail once connected its economy as surely as cargo ships and interstates do today.

The museum’s ability to weather construction disruptions and return stronger speaks to committed volunteers, donors, and riders who understand that heritage railroads are fragile—and worth protecting.

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