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Nevada Polar Express Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Last revised: August 23, 2026
By: Adam Burns
Nevada’s licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for 2026 is the Virginia & Truckee train from Eastgate Depot in Carson City—4650 Eastgate Siding Road. Trains run Thursday through Sunday in November and December. The ride is about 60 minutes. It is diesel-powered. This is not Virginia City’s Candy Cane Express, and it is not Nevada Northern’s Santa’s Reindeer Flyer in Ely. Tickets usually go on sale in September; watch the railroad website for the 2026 sale date.
A licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Nevada on the historic Virginia & Truckee. V&T photo.
This page covers licensed Polar Express rides only. Ely’s Santa’s Reindeer Flyer and Virginia City’s Candy Cane Express are listed on the Christmas trains hub.
Nevada Polar Express at a Glance
| Host | City | 2026 dates | Duration | Deep dive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V&T Railway Commission | Carson City (Eastgate) | Thu–Sun, November–December | ~60 minutes | Carson Polar 2026 |
Schedules and ticket prices change. Confirm on the railroad website before you book. Information compiled August 21, 2026.
Licensed Host
Virginia & Truckee Railway Commission
(Carson City): Polar Express boards at Eastgate, not the Virginia City depot. Seating includes Classic Coach, Deluxe Coach, and several VIP options (parlor seats, a family lounge, private tables, and a private room). Stay in Reno or Carson City. Ely is a different railroad and a different holiday train.
2026: Thursday–Sunday, November–December (confirm the live calendar). About 60 minutes. Book on vtrailway.com.
Planning Tips
- Drive to Eastgate Siding Road in Carson City. Virginia City is the wrong depot.
- High-desert December nights are cold. Bring a coat over pajamas.
- Watch the V&T website for the September ticket sale.
Related Reading on American-Rails.com
- Virginia & Truckee Polar Express 2026
- THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Locations 2026
- Christmas Train Rides
Always check 2026 dates, times, and ticket prices on the railroad’s official website before you travel. American-Rails.com does not sell tickets.
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