THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

We operate on select dates between Sunday, November 17 and Monday, December 23. Departure times depend on the day, with most departures taking place in the mid-afternoon to evening.

Presidential Class: $99 per person | First Class: $60 per person | Coach Class: $35 per person

There may be a premium added to high-demand departures.

We are following all city, state, and federal guidelines for the safe operation of The Polar Express Train Ride™. For the latest info, please visit Maine.gov/covid19.

Yes, on select days. Matinee trips offer an opportunity for those with small children to enjoy an earlier departure. Please note that given the presence of sunlight, the North Pole and nighttime illumination will not be available. Matinee train rides are a great choice for families with young children who wish to experience the Polar Express™ Train Ride and have time for an early dinner and bedtime. Aside from it being daylight, all other aspects of this magical train ride remain the same.

There is no will-call for 2024. All passengers receive an email with a link to view and download the tickets. Please bring your ticket, or a mobile device with your ticket on it, to the train ride.

The terminal at Portland’s Ocean Gateway is where you’ll find a well-stocked gift shop, restrooms, and the gathering point before each train departure.

Each passenger receives a complimentary mug of hot, hot chocolate, plus a delicious cookie! First Class and Presidential Class passengers get a limited-edition commemorative ceramic mug with their ticket.

Before the train departs, passengers are served hot, hot chocolate and each given a cookie by magical Chefs. The steam engine pushes the cheerfully-decorated train from the station all the way to the North Pole!

Along the way, passengers hear a telling of the timeless Polar Express story by Chris Van Allsburg while passing beautiful illuminated displays.

Once the train arrives at the North Pole, Santa and his helpers board the train, greet every passengers, and give every child on the train the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.

On the return trip, Santa’s elves lead the train in carols and singalongs, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Presidential Class is our brand-new, most deluxe level of service on a newly-restored train car. These passengers enjoy reserved premium cushioned individual seating, each get a limited-edition commemorative ceramic mug, and every grouping of 4 (or fewer) receives a copy of the Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg, signed by Santa Claus, on loan from the North Pole Library.

First Class tickets give each rider a ride on a turn-of-the-century restored train car (with reserved individual padded seating) and a commemorative limited-edition ceramic mug.

Coach Class tickets give each rider a general admission ride on the festive train.

All passengers receive a cup of “hot, hot chocolate” and a cookie treat. Kids get to take home a sweet-sounding silver sleigh bell.

Coach Class is primarily long wooden benches that run the length of each Coach Class train car. Note that the benches run along the walls of each coach and face inward toward the car’s interior.

First Class is a mix of old-fashioned 1×1 “railroad-style” individual padded chairs or padded armchairs. These seats are parallel to the windows.

Presidential Class is entirely contemporary padded armchairs, parallel to the windows.

Maine Narrow Gauge does not provide parking, but free street parking and a number of lots are available in a short walking distance. Visit PortlandMaine.gov for parking information.

Yes, the Polar Express™ operates rain, snow, or shine. Please be sure to dress for the weather on your trip.

Unfortunately, all tickets are non-exchangeable, non-transferrable, and non-refundable. This includes if the train is operational but the guest for any reason chooses not to ride or is prevented from attending their ticketed departure.

The Polar Express operates on a very tight schedule. All trains leave exactly on time. No latecomers can be admitted, and no refunds, exchanges, or vouchers can be given for guests who miss their scheduled departure. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes before your departure time.

Our train is equipped with a wheelchair lift and 4 ADA-accessible seats per train.

If you need an ADA-accessible seat, please select the “Silver Bell” car only. The ADA seats in this car are priced for Coach-Class pricing. 

“Silver Bell” is the only ADA-accessible car on the train. All other cars require a step to get onboard.

Yes! The train stops briefly at the North Pole, where Santa and his helpers board the train. Santa will make his way through all the train cars and greet each guest. Please be advised that due to the number of riders who Santa wants to meet, he will be unable to stop and pose for individual photos.

Children age 2 and under who sit on a lap do not require a ticket. However, if the child requires a seat of their own to sit in, a ticket is required.

The Polar Express trip lasts for approximately 50 minutes.

The Polar Express train ride is the biggest annual fundraiser for Maine Narrow Gauge. Tickets help ensure that our non-profit organization can continue preserving and operating Maine’s historic two-foot narrow gauge railroad equipment for the enjoyment and education of the public.

During your train ride, you will enjoy all butter “finger” shortbread cookies provided by Walkers Shortbread. Walkers Shortbread cookies are baked in Scotland and have a delicious crunchy yet crumbly texture achieved through a 125-year-old family recipe, using only four of the finest natural ingredients. Find out more at us.walkersshortbread.com. 

Use code PEXME to save 20% off your next purchase from the Walkers online store! Offer expires 12/31/22. Not valid on Sale Items.

Wheat flour (wheat flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamin), butter (milk) (32%), sugar, salt.

Milk, liquid sugar (sugar, water), less than 1% of cocoa, nonfat milk, salt, carrageenan, guar gum, natural and artificial flavor, vitamin d3. Contains: milk.

A lactose-free hot chocolate option is available. Please inform Maine Narrow Gauge in advance if anyone in your party requires the lactose-free option. Email [email protected].

Lactose-free hot chocolate ingredients: pure cane sugar, (Glucose syrup, unhydrogenate coconut oil, emulsifier: e472e, stabilizer: E340 (ii) anticaking agent E551), maltodextrin, cocoa (processed with alkali), contains 2% or less of: cellulose gum; natural and artificial flavor, salt, silicon dioxide.

Volunteers make the Polar Express train ride happen! Please email [email protected] if you’d like to be part of this very special event.

All questions related to ticketing can be directed to eTix. Please call toll-free at 1-800-514-3849. Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am to 8pm EST. Sundays: 12pm to 8pm EST.

You can also visit the eTix Support Center at support.eTix.com or visit this link for a helpful Customer Support Form.