Polar Express train rides are a great magical Christmas experience. Why not book one of the many Christmas trains across the UK to make those festive days out really special.
The Polar Express trains are located across the UK, and are a very popular festive trip out. Tickets often sell out very quickly, so it’s advisable to book early to secure your space and avoid disappointment.
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The Polar Express Story
The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who boards a train to go to the North Pole. On board, there are lots of children dressed in their pyjamas. Not quite sure if he still believes in the magic of Christmas and Santa, he finds himself on a journey of self discovery with plenty of adventure along the way.
The book was written by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1985. It was first made into a film in 2004, and today is considered to be a classic Christmas film favourite.
Why not try our Polar Express Trivia Quiz
What Happens On A Polar Express Train Ride
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. Along your journey, you’ll be told the original story of the Polar Express by the singing chefs.
The train conductor will be travelling round the train to punch those train tickets, so don’t forget them! Santa will join you on board and hand all the children on the nice list their very own gift. (Psst everyone will receive the iconic silver sleigh bell, just don’t tell the kids!)
Back at the station, you can write your very own letter to Santa and check if you’re on the naughty or nice list.
Popular Polar Express Questions
Do I have to wear pyjamas on the Polar Express train ride?
Wearing pyjamas is definitely encouraged when riding the Polar Express train ride. It isn’t a requirement, but if you’d like your own pair, check out these great Polar Express themed pyjamas.
What happens if I haven’t read the Polar Express book before we visit?
You can still have a great time and listen to the Polar Express story during your visit. You can always buy a copy of the book before you go to read at home.
What age is best for the Polar Express train ride?
A Polar express train ride is perfect for the whole family. Children from the age of four years old will get the best out of this magical experience.
Do I have to book Polar Express tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of Polar Express train rides in the UK, tickets are best booked in advance. Some of the Polar Express locations in the UK sell tickets from Spring time.
How much are ticket for the Polar Express?
Ticket prices for Polar Express train rides in the UK do vary depending on how close to Christmas you travel. Generally the prices start from £29.95 for a standard ticket and £36 for a Premium ticket.
Polar Express Train Ride UK Locations 2024
Swanage Railway Polar Express
Location: Your Polar Express experience in Dorset departs from Swanage Railway station, BH19 1HB
Dates: 2024 TBC
Parking: There is no parking at Swanage Railway station, but there are plenty of places to park in Swanage nearby.
Prices: Train tickets depend on your chosen time and date.
Duration: Your Dorset Polar Express experience lasts for around an hour on a return journey.
Caledonian Railway Polar Express
Location: Your Polar Express Train ride in Scotland departs from Brechin Station, Park Road, Brechin. DD9 7AF.
Dates: 23RD, 24TH, 30TH November, 1ST, 7TH, 8TH, 14TH, 15TH, 21ST, 22ND December
Parking: There is street parking and council car parking as well as event parking. The details are provided to you once your ticket has been purchased.
Prices: Train tickets depend on your chosen time and date.
Duration: Each leg of the train ride to and from the North Pole lasts around thirty minutes each way. There is plenty of time to soak up the magic at the station as well.
Cholsey And Wallingford Railway Polar Express Train Ride
Dates: 2024 TBC
Location: Your journey departs from Wallington station, which is just over an hour from Central London.
Parking: There is a park and ride service in operation for guests of the Polar Express train. The address is Benson Lane, Crowmarsh, Gifford, Wallingford, OX10 8ED.
Prices: Ticket prices vary according to chosen travel date.
Duration: You are on board the train for around an hour, but allow two hours for the whole Polar Express experience.
Churnet Valley Polar Express
Staffordshire Polar Express tickets for 2024 are on sale NOW
Mid Norfolk Railway Polar Express
Dates: 9th, 10th, 15th – 17th, 20th – 24th, 27th – 30th November, 1st, 4th – 8th, 11th – 15th, 18th – 23rd December 2024
Polar Express Birmingham 2024
Location: The Birmingham Polar Express train leaves from Moor Street station in the centre of the City. The event is run by Vintage Trains.
Dates: 2024 TBC
Birmingham Polar Express tickets for 2023 are on sale NOW
Parking: There is a decent amount of parking near to Moor Street station including car parks and road parking.
Prices: Ticket prices will vary depending on whether you’re travelling in Pullman class or Tourist class.
Duration: Your Birmingham Polar Express experience between Moor Street station and Dorridge will last around an hour.
Seaton Tramway Polar Express
Location: The Polar Express In Devon departs from Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2WD
Dates: 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th November, 1st, 6th – 8th, 13th – 15th, 17th – 24th December 2024
Parking: The nearest car park to Seaton Tramway is Underfleet Car Park,The Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD.
Prices: Ticket prices range between £24.95 and £39.95 depending on your chosen dates.
Duration: Your Polar Express experience will last around two and a half hours
South Devon Railway Polar Express Train Ride
Location: The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ. Your Polar Express train journey in Devon begins at Buckfastleigh Station.
Dates: 29th, 30th November, 1st, 6th – 8th, 13th – 15th, 18th – 23rd, 28th – 29th December 2024
South Devon Polar Express tickets for 2024 are on sale NOW
Parking: There is a free park and ride service for all guests of the Polar Express in Devon. There is no parking at the station. The address is River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7NP.
Prices: Prices vary according to your chosen travel dates.
Duration: The length of the whole Polar Express experience lasts around two hours, with the train journey lasting an hour.
Spa Valley Railway Polar Express
Dates: November, 9th, 10th, 15th – 17th, 22nd – 24th, 28th – 30th / December 1st, 5th – 8th, 11th – 15th, 18th – 23rd – 2024
Location: The Polar Express train ride in Kent departs from West Station in Tunbridge Wells on the Spa Valley Railway.
Parking: There are a choice of car parks near the railway. All are pay and display, with the recommended car park being Meadow Road Car Park – TN1 2EN. There are free shuttle buses between here and the railway.
Prices: Polar Express train tickets vary in price according to your travel dates.
Duration: The whole Polar Express experience lasts for between two and two and a half hours.
Throughout the year, Spa Valley Railway have some great experiences and events including Easter.
Telford Steam Railway Polar Express
Location: The Polar Express Telford is located at Bridge Rd, Horsehay, Telford,, Shropshire, TF4 2NF
Dates: 22nd – 24th, 29th – 30th November / 1st, 3rd – 8th, 10th – 15th, 17th – 20th December 2024
Telford Polar Express tickets for 2024 are on sale NOW
Parking: Telford Steam Railway does not have any dedicated car parking at the site, but is easily accessible from the park and ride carpark and a free shuttle service to and from the event is provided.
Prices: Ticket prices for the Polar Express vary according to date travelling.
Duration: Your whole experience will last around two hours.
Wensleydale Railway Polar Express Train Ride
Location: The Polar Express Yorkshire train departs from Leeming Bar station at the Wensleydale Railway in Yorkshire.
Dates: November, 9th, 10th, 16th – 17th, 22nd – 24th, 28th – 30th / December 1st, 5th – 8th, 11th – 15th, 17th – 23rd – 2024
Tickets on sale now for 2024 Wensleydale Railway Polar Express
Parking: There is a park and ride service in operation for the Wensleydale Railway Polar Express experience. The details are provided with your tickets.
Prices: Ticket prices vary according to dates travelling.
Duration: Your train experience will last around an hour on board.
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express Train Ride
Location: Your Yorkshire Polar Express train ride departs from Bolton Abbey station.
Dates: 15th – 17th, 22nd – 24th, 29th, 30th November / 1st, 5th – 8th, 12th – 15th, 17th – 24th December 2024
Duration: The performance and music in the heated and decorated marquee lasts for 30 minutes, and the journey itself lasts for 60 minutes.
Why not also check out the Polar Express experiences in the US