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
-
Massachusetts Dinner Train Rides On Cape Cod
Feb 02, 26 12:22 PM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) has carved out a special niche by pairing classic New England scenery with old-school hospitality, including some of the best-known dining train experiences in the… -
Maine's Dinner Train Rides In Portland!
Feb 02, 26 12:18 PM
While this isn’t generally a “dinner train” railroad in the traditional sense—no multi-course meal served en route—Maine Narrow Gauge does offer several popular ride experiences where food and drink a… -
Oregon St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 12:16 PM
One of the Oregon Coast Scenic's most popular—and most festive—is the St. Patrick’s Pub Train, a once-a-year celebration that combines live Irish folk music with local beer and wine as the train glide… -
Connecticut Wine Tasting Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 12:13 PM
If you’re looking for a signature “special occasion” experience, the Essex Steam Train's Wine & Chocolate Dinner Train stands out as a decadent, social, and distinctly memorable take on dinner on the… -
Massachusetts St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 12:12 PM
Among Cape Cod Central's themed events, the St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Train stands out as one of the most fun ways to welcome late winter’s last stretch. -
Florida's Thomas The Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 11:53 AM
Each year, Day Out With Thomas™ turns the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish into a full-on family festival built around one big moment: stepping aboard a real train pulled by a life-size Thomas the T… -
California's Thomas The Train Rides
Feb 02, 26 11:45 AM
Held at various railroad museums and heritage railways across California, these events provide a unique opportunity for children and their families to engage with their favorite blue engine in real-li… -
Nevada Dinner Train Rides At Ely!
Feb 02, 26 09:52 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could step through a time portal into the hard-working world of a 1900s short line the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is about as close as it gets. -
Michigan Dinner Train Rides At Owosso!
Feb 02, 26 09:35 AM
The Steam Railroading Institute is best known as the home of Pere Marquette #1225 and even occasionally hosts a dinner train! -
Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 01:08 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Maryland ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:29 PM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
North Carolina St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:21 PM
If you’re looking for a single, standout experience to plan around, NCTM's St. Patrick’s Day Train is built for it: a lively, evening dinner-train-style ride that pairs Irish-inspired food and drink w… -
Connecticut St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:19 PM
Among RMNE’s lineup of themed trains, the Leprechaun Express has become a signature “grown-ups night out” built around Irish cheer, onboard tastings, and a destination stop that turns the excursion in… -
Alabama's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 12:17 PM
The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (HoDRM) is the kind of place where history isn’t parked behind ropes—it moves. This includes Valentine's Day weekend, where the museum hosts a wine pairing special. -
Florida's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:25 AM
For couples looking for something different this Valentine’s Day, the museum’s signature romantic event is back: the Valentine Limited, returning February 14, 2026—a festive evening built around a tra… -
Connecticut's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:03 AM
Operated by the Valley Railroad Company, the attraction has been welcoming visitors to the lower Connecticut River Valley for decades, preserving the feel of classic rail travel while packaging it int… -
Virginia's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 11:00 AM
If you’ve ever wanted to slow life down to the rhythm of jointed rail—coffee in hand, wide windows framing pastureland, forests, and mountain ridges—the Virginia Scenic Railway (VSR) is built for exac… -
Maryland's Valentine's Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 10:54 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) delivers one of the East’s most “complete” heritage-rail experiences: and also offer their popular dinner train during the Valentine's Day weekend. -
Massachusetts ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Feb 01, 26 10:27 AM
This article dives into some of the alluring aspects of wine by rail in Massachusetts, currently offered by the Cape Cod Central Railroad. -
Kentucky Dinner Train Rides At Bardstown
Jan 31, 26 02:29 PM
The essence of My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is part restaurant, part scenic excursion, and part living piece of Kentucky rail history. -
Arizona Dinner Train Rides From Williams!
Jan 31, 26 01:29 PM
While the Grand Canyon Railway does not offer a true, onboard dinner train experience it does offer several upscale options and off-train dining. -
Washington "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 12:02 PM
Whether you’re a dedicated railfan chasing preserved equipment or a couple looking for a memorable night out, CCR&M offers a “small railroad, big experience” vibe—one that shines brightest on its spec… -
Georgia "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:55 AM
If you’ve ridden the SAM Shortline, it’s easy to think of it purely as a modern-day pleasure train—vintage cars, wide South Georgia skies, and a relaxed pace that feels worlds away from interstates an… -
Maryland ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:49 AM
This article delves into the enchanting world of wine tasting train experiences in Maryland, providing a detailed exploration of their offerings, history, and allure. -
Colorado ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:40 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Iowa's ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:34 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Minnesota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:24 AM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Georgia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:23 AM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 31, 26 11:15 AM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Colorado "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 11:02 AM
The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is the kind of trip that feels tailor-made for railfans and casual travelers alike, including during Valentine's weekend. -
Massachusetts "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:37 AM
The Cape Cod Central Railroad (CCCR) blends classic New England scenery with heritage equipment, narrated sightseeing, and some of the region’s best-known “rails-and-meals” experiences. -
California "Valentine's" Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:34 AM
Operating out of West Sacramento, this excursion railroad has built a calendar that blends scenery with experiences—wine pours, themed parties, dinner-and-entertainment outings, and seasonal specials… -
Kansas Dinner Train Rides In Abilene
Jan 30, 26 10:27 AM
If you’re looking for a heritage railroad that feels authentically Kansas—equal parts prairie scenery, small-town history, and hands-on railroading—the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad delivers. -
Georgia's Dinner Train Rides In Nashville!
Jan 30, 26 10:23 AM
If you’ve ever wished you could slow down, trade traffic for jointed rail, and let a small-town landscape roll by your window while a hot meal is served at your table, the Azalea Sprinter delivers tha… -
Georgia "Wine Tasting" Train Rides In Cordele
Jan 30, 26 10:20 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:18 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 30, 26 10:17 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Wisconsin ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 11:26 PM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello
Jan 29, 26 02:21 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Vermont "Dinner Train" Rides In Burlington!
Jan 29, 26 01:00 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:50 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Alabama ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:46 PM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Washington's "Wine Tasting" Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 12:39 PM
Here’s a detailed look at where and how to ride, what to expect, and practical tips to make the most of wine tasting by rail in Washington. -
Kentucky ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 29, 26 11:12 AM
Kentucky, often celebrated for its rolling pastures, thoroughbred horses, and bourbon legacy, has been cultivating another gem in its storied landscapes; enjoying wine by rail. -
Duffy's Cut: A Forgotten Railroad Tragedy
Jan 29, 26 11:05 AM
Duffy's Cut is an unfortunate incident which occurred during the early railroad industry when 57 Irish immigrants died of cholera during the second cholera pandemic. -
Wisconsin Passenger Rail
Jan 28, 26 11:47 PM
This article delves deep into the passenger and commuter train services available throughout Wisconsin, exploring their history, current state, and future potential. -
Connecticut Passenger Rail
Jan 28, 26 11:30 PM
Connecticut's passenger and commuter train network offers an array of options for both local residents and visitors alike. Learn more about these services here. -
South Dakota ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 28, 26 12:29 PM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular 1880 Train at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips! -
Wisconsin ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 28, 26 12:23 PM
Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or simply relish a night of theatrical entertainment, Wisconsin's murder mystery dinner trains promise an unforgettable adventure. -
Florida ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jan 28, 26 11:18 AM
Wine by train not only showcases the beauty of Florida's lesser-known regions but also celebrate the growing importance of local wineries and vineyards.
