Polar Express Train Ride Locations
Last revised: January 4, 2025
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.
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.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.
Michigan
No events known.
Minnesota
No events known.
Mississippi
No events yet known.
Montana
No events known.
Nebraska
No events yet known.
New Hampshire
No events known.
New Mexico
No events known.
North Dakota
No events yet known.
Pennsylvania
No events known.
South Carolina
No events known.
South Dakota
No events known.
Tennessee
No events known.
Utah
No events known.
Virginia
No events known.
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!).
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train.
