Where Can I Ride The Polar Express Train ? – Polar Express Train Rides are an unforgettable experience, nothing says Christmas like a cup of hot cocoa in your pyjamas, sitting with your family watching Christmas Movies, so imagine if you could do that whilst going on an actual Polar Express Train Ride to meet the man himself.
If you want to book special memory making activities for your children, then a ride on the Polar express is certainly one to consider, so if you are wondering what it’s all about and what to expect then read on.
If you do not live close to any of the Polar Express Rides, do not worry as there are lots more amazing Santa Train journeys throughout the UK for you to enjoy.
If you have yet to see the 2004 Warner Bros film Polar Express™ that would be the best place to start, you can purchase the dvd HERE.
If your children love reading stories or listening to you read to them, you can also purchase the book HERE.
Where Can I Ride The Polar Express Train in The UK ?
Polar Express Locations 2024 CLICK HERE for further details
Polar Express Train Rides 2024, are taking place in eleven destinations throughout the UK, so if you are looking for a Polar Express Train near you, check out these locations, and don’t forget to book early as they book up FAST!
Churnet Valley Railway Polar Express
Location : Kingsley & Froghall Station, Froghall, ST10 2HA
Polar Express Staffordshire The adventure comes to life when the train departs for a round-trip journey to the North Pole, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story. Children big and small are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a one-hour trip to meet Santa.
Once onboard, the conductor will work his way through the coach and punch golden tickets before hot chocolate and a delicious cookies are served by dancing chefs.
Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Churnet Valley Railway FB Page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale: The actual train ride lasts around an hour; however, we suggest you allow 1.5 hours for the whole experience.
Mid Norfolk Railway Polar Express
Location : The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF
Polar Express Norfolk creates a magical atmosphere like no other, I know because of the looks on the faces of children at school when their magical ticket arrives, and the memories of the previous year are still fresh in their minds!
as with all of the Polar express Train Rides, there will be singing, dancing, stories, hot chocolate and of course the magical silver bell to take home as a reminder of their journey. Have a look at this Polar Express Norfolk review.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Mid Norfolk Railway FB Page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale: The story will be told 20 minutes before train departure, you need to arrive at the time stated on your ticket, the whole experience lasts approx 2 hours.
Seaton Tramway Polar Express
Location : Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon EX12 2NQ
Seaton Polar Express takes place on a tram, instead of a steam train, but it still has the same magical atmosphere. Families will enjoy the magical tram ride to Santa’s home at the North Pole in one of the specially decorated single deck tramcars, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, a delicious treat, speak to Santa and admire the awesome lights whilst you walk around the North Pole.
All Passengers receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa himself – a Silver Sleigh Bell. Upon the return journey, you will be able to enjoy singing along to Christmas carols. For the grown-up kids too, this is a trip down memory lane to a traditional Christmas of old.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Seaton Tramway FB Page
Ticket Price: Prices from £27.00 to £40.00
Dates: Various Dates from 23rd November to 24th December 2024
Timescale: A round trip takes approx 2 hours and 30 minutes.
For further information and to book your 2024 Polar Express Tickets CLICK HERE
South Devon Railway Polar Express
Location : The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ
Polar Express Devon has the authentic sleek black steam engine. It’s even inscribed with the ‘1225’ signage to identify it as Santa’s own train. Throughout your train ride you’ll be entertained, meeting the Conductor and his crew. All the while the train steams towards the North Pole. ! Here you’ll meet Santa and one of his friendly elves. He will climb on board the train to meet you all. The Conductor will even clip your Polar Express tickets just like in the film.
As well as the train ride itself, enjoy a wonderful Christmas market before the show where you can grab some hot food. There’s also a pre-show beginning 20 minutes before your train departs to get the whole family excited for your magical adventure.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Polar Express Devon FB Page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale : Your authentic steam train ride will last around an hour.
Spa Valley Railway Polar Express
Location : West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Spa Valley Railway Polar Express was another new addition to the Polar Express Train Ride experience in last year, offering even more children the chance to experience this magical adventure. Following the same path as all of the other Polar Express journeys, you will be transported to the North Pole via train and join in with the Polar Express story for yourselves.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Polar Express Spa Valley FB Page
Ticket Price : Prices from £38.95 to £58.95
Dates : Various dates from Saturday 9th November until Monday 23rd December 2024
Timescale : We recommend allowing 2 – 2.5 hours for the whole experience. You are on the train for around an hour and can visit our shop afterwards.
For further information and to book your 2024 Polar Express Tickets CLICK HERE
Telford Steam Railway Polar Express
Location : The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Rd, Horsehay, Telford TF4 2NF
Telford Steam Railway Polar Express .
Welcome to The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Telford Steam Railway, an immersive re-creation inspired by the iconic 2004 Polar Express™ film.
Embrace the spirit of Christmas on your wonder-filled trip. Why not wear your PJ’s? Most passengers do!
On arrival, you will be welcomed by the friendly helpers. Explore the Polar Express™ stalls that are laden with clothing, gifts, food and souvenirs, including the beautifully illustrated Chris Van Allsburg Polar Express™ book and why not ask Santa to stamp it for you on the train?
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Telford Steam Railway FB Page
Ticket Price: Price is for 2 people, you can only buy in pairs prices from £63.99 to £107.99
Dates: Various dates from Friday 22nd November to Monday 23rd December 2024.
Timescale : The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
For further information and to book your 2024 Polar Express Tickets CLICK HERE
Wensleydale Railway Polar Express
Location : Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, DL7 9AR
Polar Express Yorkshire is one of the best Yorkshire Christmas experiences, surrounded by the magic and wonder of the season.
You can almost hear the faint sound of sleigh bells in the distance as you take in the festive decorations at the station at Leeming Bar.
In the distance, out in the cold night, too much excitement, you hear the familiar sound of the steam train that is THE POLAR EXPRESS™!
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Polar Express Train Ride at Wensleydale FB Page
Ticket Price: Standard from £36.95 and Premium from £51.95
Dates: From Saturday 9th November 2024 – Monday 23rd December 2024
Timescale : We recommend allowing 2 – 2.5 hours for the whole experience. You are on the train for around an hour and can visit our shop afterwards. Please do not arrive at the park and ride more than 45 minutes before your booked time.
For further information and to book your 2024 Polar Express Tickets CLICK HERE
Caledonian Railway Polar Express
Location : Brechin Station, Park Road, Brechin, DD9 7AF.
Following the great success of the previous years, the Polar Express will once again come to the Caledonian Railway in Brechin for Christmas 2024.
Ticket Prices per person plus booking fee TBC for this wonderful theatrical extravaganza on board the Polar Express steam train as it travels from Brechin to the North Pole.
To find out more and book tickets to reserve your place, click on the Book Tickets button.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Caledonian Railway FB page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale : The actual train ride lasts around an hour (approximately 30 minutes in each direction), however, there is some pre-boarding activity so we suggest you allow 2 hours for the whole experience and make sure to turn up with sufficient time to park and get to the train.
Isle Of Man Railway Polar Express
Location : 4 Railway Terrace, Douglas, Isle of Man
Join us on Isle of Man THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for a magical Christmas experience.
Your journey begins just like the 2004 motion picture when THE POLAR EXPRESS™ will pick you up at Douglas station to take you to the North Pole. You will get to meet the characters from the film including the conductor,the singing chefs, the hobo and of course the main man himself Father Christmas.
You and your family, hopefully dressed in PJs, will experience a fun filled theatrical adventure as you make your way to the North Pole. Throughout your journey, you may tangle with the caribou and other magical happenings, as you have the original story of The Polar Express told to you.
Don’t forget to have a bite of your cookie and authentic hot chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Santa will join you on board and, if you are on the nice list, hand you your first gift of Christmas, a Silver Sleigh Bell just as in the motion picture we all love.
Once you arrive back at the station your journey is not at its end. Next you can write a letter to Santa and buy a little souvenir of your experience. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is truly the most magical Christmas adventure.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Isle of Man Transport FB page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale : The return journey lasts around 1 hour.
Birmingham Polar Express Vintage Trains
Location : 670 Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2HL, GB
Polar Express Birmingham is back!
Join us at Vintage Trains for festive fun this Christmas!
Do you believe? We at Vintage Trains certainly do and that is why we are proud to be hosting an exciting magical experience like no other.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is returning to Vintage Trains again in 2023 with the magic of the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Vintage Trains FB page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale : The performance takes place on the train. The performance is scheduled to last approximately one hour. After the performance you will have an opportunity to take selfies with some of the performance cast in front of the steam engine.
So, that’s the eleven Polar Express Train Rides for you to choose from this year, do you have one you’d like to book for ?
Edinburgh Waverley Polar Express
Location : Edinburgh EH1 3EG
This November and December join them on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh.
Arriving for the first time at Waverley station, from the team behind the hugely successful event at Wensleydale Railway, South Devon Railway and Spa Valley Railway.
This officially licensed experience sees The Polar Express™ arrive in the Scottish capital! The experience enjoyed by thousands across the UK now has a new home, bringing a magical Christmas tale to a beautiful historic city.
The fully immersive theatrical event lets you and your family, from little ones to Granny and Grandpa, experience what it would be like to journey on board The Polar Express.
Based on the 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh is a magical theatrical experience that is fun for the whole family and promises to make wonderful Christmas memories for all.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Polar Express Edinburgh Facebook Page
Ticket Price: TBC for 2024
Dates: TBC for 2024
Timescale : You are on board the train for approximately 1 hour. They ask guests to arrive at the check-in time shown on your e-ticket
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express
Location : Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6AF
Do you believe? We certainly do and that is why we are proud to be hosting an exciting magical experience like no other.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway with the magic of the 2004 motion picture.
Chris Van Allsburg’s story will be theatrically recreated, so families can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the Christmas season!
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departs from Bolton Abbey Station, It runs from November through to December 24th, A more relaxed sensory performance is available for those with Special Educational Needs. Premium & Standard Class Experiences.
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway Facebook Page
Ticket Price: Prices range from £33.95 to £60.95
Dates: Various dates from Friday 15th November to Tuesday 24th December 2024
Timescale: The performance and music in the heated and decorated marquee lasts for 30 minutes, and the journey itself lasts for 60 minutes – i.e a total of 90 minutes for the entire POLAR EXPRESS™ experience.
The time on your ticket is the performance time, this is the time we would like you to be in the marquee at the start of THE POLAR EXPRESS™.
You should aim to arrive at the site 15 minutes before the performance time indicated on your ticket. They will allow you into the marquee a maximum of 30 mins before the performance starts.
For further information and to book your 2024 Polar Express Tickets CLICK HERE
Swanage Railway Polar Express
Location : Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB
Polar Express Social media Updates : Find out the latest news on Swanage Railway
Ticket Price : TBC for 2024
Dates : TBC for 2024
Timescale : The train journey itself takes approximately one hour in total.
FAQS
Before your journey begins, you will probably have lots of questions, most of which will be answered on the website FAQs, but here are just a few of the popular questions that we can answer.
How Do I Book Polar Express Tickets ?
Tickets must be booked in advance, you can only book them online, not in person or over the telephone, and you are not able to purchase tickets on the day.
Adult tickets are for 18 and over, a child is aged 2 years to 17 years and babies under 2 years can travel for a small charge of £3 but must be held on an adult’s lap at all times when on the train.
You will need to book an “adult with baby” ticket. Each baby will receive a silver bell from Santa.
Do I Have To Book Polar Express Tickets in Advance ?
You are unable to purchase Polar Express tickets on the day you wish to travel, all tickets are sold online, you cannot order in person or over the telephone, they must be purchased in advance and they will be sent to you in the post.
What Age is Best for The Polar Express Train Rides ?
The Polar Express advertises from 0 -100 but realistically the young children will love the atmosphere and the lights, the motion may well send them to sleep!
But it depends on the individual person, you know your children, after speaking with mine they have vivid memories of things that happened when they were abut 4 years old.
So in terms of making memories that they will remember when they are older, this seems like the age they start to store them, and there is no upper age limit, because the joy of watching your child or grandchild cannot ever be beaten.
Which Polar express Train Ride is the Best?
All of the Polar express train rides follow the same format but they are all quite different experiences, with three new ones added to the timetable this year, it will be interesting to see how they all compare, but whichever you visit will be a magical journey for the entire family.
How much is the Polar express Train Ride?
Prices vary for each experience depending on which type of seating you choose and what date, prices tend to start off at approximately £25 per person for a standard seating and at the earliest date.
How Do I Receive my Polar Express Tickets ?
The Polar Express tickets are sent direct to your home address, two weeks before the event.
How Do I Prepare For A Polar Express Experience ?
All members of the party are encouraged to wear pyjamas, although not essential, it does add to the magic of the experience, but it will be quite cold, so make sure they’re warm PJs and make sure you wear sensible, closed in footwear, slippers wouldn’t be a good idea! If you don’t fancy pyjamas, you could always wear a Christmas jumper.
Watching The Polar Express before the train ride is not required but it will make the day a little bit more real, and you may want to take the story with you to read along with the conductor.
Don’t forget your A4 paper ticket with details of your carriage and seat numbers, and you will also need your golden tickets on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ so don’t forget those.
And don’t forget your phone or camera to capture unforgettable memories.
How many are allowed in a carriage..? As there is myself and Granddaughter aged 9
the website states “Our carriages have seating arranged in 4’s around a table or in pairs. Due to the high demand for tickets, it is likely you will be sharing the fun of your Polar Express trip with another family. Parties of over 4 will be seated as near to each other as possible, priority given to earliest booking.” hope that helps
Are you ever going to have a polar express experience in south wales, i would love to take the kids but all the area’s are too far away
I agree, they definitely need to offer one somewhere in Wales and Scotland too, hopefully the fact they have added new ones this year, its very popular, so maybe they will look to expand x
When will the tickets go on sale for Birmingham