Maine Narrow Gauge THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride (2026): Portland Dates & Tips

Published: August 20, 2026

Portland’s waterfront two-foot railroad stages a high-volume licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal. Maine Narrow Gauge calls Polar its largest annual fundraiser—about 29,000 passengers in 2025. For 2026, trains run select dates November 20 through December 28 (no Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). The ride is about 50 minutes.

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad's "The Polar Express" is one of the few locations offering this trip aboard a unique, narrow-gauge operation. MNGRR photo.

About Maine Narrow Gauge

Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum preserves two-foot equipment from Maine’s legendary narrow-gauge lines and operates along Portland’s Eastern Promenade / waterfront corridor. Polar Express is volunteer-staffed and underwrites the nonprofit’s year-round preservation work. Boarding is at Ocean Gateway, not a hidden inland depot—plan city parking.

2026 Polar Express — At a Glance

Item	Detail
Product	THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Location	Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal, Portland, Maine
2026 dates	Select dates November 20 – December 28, 2026; no trains Dec. 24–25
Duration	About 50 minutes (be seated at listed departure; trains leave exactly on time)
Power	May include authentic steam—confirm your date
Classes	Coach, First Class, Presidential (named cars)
Typical fares	Coach $35 ($40 peak); First Class $65 ($70 peak); Presidential $105 ($110 peak); lap child $5
Official site	mainenarrowgauge.org/polarexpress

Schedules and fares change. Confirm on Maine Narrow Gauge / Etix before booking. Information compiled August 19, 2026. Licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ event.

What the Ride Is Like

Live actors set the scene at the terminal before the conductor boards passengers onto holiday-dressed historic coaches. Children receive golden tickets. Chefs serve hot chocolate and Two Fat Cats Bakery snickerdoodles. The train rolls to the North Pole; Santa and helpers board, greet guests, and present the silver sleigh bell. Elves lead carols on the return. Matinee trips run in daylight—same show, without nighttime North Pole lighting.

Arrive ~30 minutes early (museum also says be ready 20 minutes before). There is no holding the train for late parking. Tickets are non-refundable except for railroad cancellation. No will-call in 2026—bring the emailed ticket on your phone.

Classes of Service

Presidential ($105 / $110 peak): Premium individual cushioned seats; commemorative ceramic mug; one Santa-signed Polar book per group of four or fewer
First Class ($65 / $70 peak): Restored turn-of-the-century cars with individual padded seats; ceramic mug
Coach ($35 / $40 peak): Long wooden benches along the walls, facing inward
ADA: Wheelchair lift and four accessible seats in the Silver Bell car only, sold at Coach price (no First Class mug unless you email to upgrade)

Tickets & Practical Information

Booking: Etix or 800-514-3849. Peak nights (starred on the museum grid) add $5
Parking: Not provided by the railroad; city street and lots near Ocean Gateway
Lodging: Portland waterfront / Old Port hotels—book with tickets
Lactose-free cocoa: Email the railroad in advance
Licensing wall: Non-Polar Christmas trains → Christmas hub

Tips for the Best Experience

Coach benches face inward—buy First or Presidential if you want window-parallel seats
Early matinees help with young bedtimes; evening trips deliver the dark North Pole lighting
Waterfront December wind: coats over pajamas
No discounts (including military/senior) on Polar