My family and I went on The Polar Express™ train ride in Carson City. This was our 4th time attending. The Polar Express™ comes to Northern Nevada annually in November and runs through December 23. It’s about a one-hour train ride that is filled with entertainment from the start to the end.
It was a fun evening and I am glad we have made it a tradition. In 2023 my kids were 9, 6, and 5 and they all 3 had a wonderful time! I’m sharing my review and offering a few tips from our experience.
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Table of Contents
The Polar Express™
2025 Season Dates
For the 2025 season dates are the following:
- November 14–16, 20–23, 28–30 & December 4–7, 11–14, 18–23
Tickets
Long story short – you should buy your tickets well in advance! Tickets go on sale each year around August/September and many of the preferred dates sell out very FAST, as do VIP tickets. Something new this year is that attendees can choose their seats so be sure to plan ahead. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram where we always share when tickets go on sale.
If you are hoping to go closer to Christmas or in the VIP Parlor Car, plan on buying your tickets during the summer. It’s also good to know that infants 24 months and under ride free when sitting on a parent’s lap.
If your kids are on the younger side and you can swing it, I suggest booking the 5:00 train, simply because you’d be the first passengers of the evening so ideally, won’t have to worry about any delays and can still get home for bedtime!
Ticket Prices
Here is a breakdown of ticket prices and seating options for the season. Please note that a $12 historical fee is added to each ticket, whether you choose VIP or regular. VIP tickets also come with a souvenir mug!
VIP PRIVATE ROOM
Exclusive private room for larger families up to 15 people.
Tickets: $1,100–$1,350 for room + Historical Fee
*Required to purchase the entire room, which includes 15 seats/tickets available for adults and kids.
VIP PRIVATE TABLE
Historic dining car tables reserved for four people.
Tickets: $240–$280 per table + Historical Fee
*No more than 4 seats per table available. Required to purchase whole table, half tables are not available.
VIP FAMILY LOUNGE
Up to 12 passengers in one group riding in a fully restored 1907 vintage parlor car.
Tickets: $720–$840 + Historical Fee
*12 people maximum allowed, no exceptions. Lap babies do not count as one of the 12.
VIP PARLOR CAR SITTING ROOM
18 individual Victorian-style seats for a premium experience.
Tickets: $60–$70 + Historical Fee
*Seats are sold individually.
POLAR EXPRESS DELUXE COACH
Bench seating for two with plush red seats and an intimate coach atmosphere.
Tickets: $62–$82 + Historical Fee
*Purchase of the entire bench is required, half benches are not available. No exceptions.
POLAR EXPRESS CLASSIC COACH
Traditional bench seating for two.
Tickets: $60–$80 + Historical Fee
*Purchase of the entire bench is required, half benches are not available. No exceptions.
Parking
For your convenience, all parking is at Eastgate Depot is available for free this year. Handicapped passengers can be dropped off at the entrance and they have plenty of handicapped spaces available that are free to those with handicapped Placards.
Seating
Seating is not assigned unless you are in a VIP area. When you pick up your tickets you are assigned to a car. If you are with a large group, arrive ahead of time and request the same car. We would also recommend getting in line early (approx. 30/45 minutes early).
Attire
In The Polar Express™ story, the train picks up the children in the middle of the night so they are all dressed in their pajamas. They encourage kids and adults to follow suit and come dressed in pajamas.
I naturally jump at any reason to match my kids, so we all wore matching pajamas. It’s pretty easy nowadays to find matching pajamas and we found ours at Target.
On our train, nearly all of the kids were in pajamas and probably 75% of adults were as well.
The waiting area before you board the train is cold so definitely come wearing jackets and hats to keep warm before you board. If you have a baby, baby wearing is also a great option, no strollers.
It was not too loud or overstimulating for my kids so I do not think earphones are needed but if you have a child you may be more sensitive it never hurts to pack them.
Train Ride
The train ride is about 60 minutes long and they do a great job at following the story. During the train ride, the entertainment includes songs and acting. Different scenes from the story are shown, from punching the tickets to serving hot cocoa and cookies. They also read the story during the ride.
Santa
At the North Pole Santa gets on the train and gives everyone a bell and an opportunity to snap a quick picture with your group.
Professional pictures with Santa are also available for purchase and start at $25 at the depot, we stopped in to say hi to Santa there and they were great and said they really make it a full experience when you see Santa and try to help even the shyest visitors!
Restrooms
There are no restrooms on the train (unless its an emergency), make sure you and your kiddos use the restroom at the depot before boarding.
North Pole
About 30 minutes into the train ride you arrive at the “North Pole”.
They have some small built buildings lit and a handful of elves waving as well as Santa and his sleigh.
You are only at the North Pole to pick up Santa, so the train is only stopped for a few minutes (you stay on the train), and then the train heads back to the depot.
The Depot
At the depot, there is The Polar Express™ souvenir shop. They had for sale items such as snow globes, conductor hats, board games, or even The Polar Express™ Train set, and more. They accept both cash or card.
A different Santa is also at the depot for your kids to take pictures for an additional cost.
Food
No food available for purchase. I do suggest bringing a water bottle on the train as my kids always get thirsty after the hot cocoa and cookies!
A New Tradition
Overall my family had a great time and experience aboard The Polar Express™. We watched the movie the night before and I am so glad we did because it made the train ride more exciting and they followed along with the storyline.
If you are going, I recommend you watch the movie or read the book prior. My kids loved how the tickets looked just like the ones in the movie too, and they point out other similarities as well.
I think ages 3 and up are ideal for the train ride. If you have other kids younger than 3 they are free to sit on your lap so I still would bring them!
I would definitely recommend it to any family at least 1 time, but can totally see how families make it a yearly tradition as well!
Have you ridden The Polar Express™ before?
What other tips would you give? What was your favorite part about the experience?