There are many Christmas steam train experiences in the UK but the most well known of all of them are the Polar Express train rides.
The Polar Express Christmas train ride is based on a lovely Christmas story by Chris Van Allsburg (also one of the best Christmas movies for kids), The Polar Express. These Santa steam train journeys offer a fabulously festive Christmas family day out.
If you and your little ones love the Polar Express Movie, you are bound to love this Polar Express experience. Want the ultimate Polar Experience? Here’s how to book a DIY Lapland trip on a budget.
If you happen to be visiting the US this year, we also have a complete guide to the US Polar Express train rides – there are 34 of them!
Most of the 2023 Polar Express train dates have now been released. We will update the remaining UK Polar Express Train Rides when they are released. Look out for the new Polar Express ride in Scotland for 2023 AND the new Embsay & Bolton Abbey ride and the Swanage Polar Express. Details below….be quick though. Polar Express 2023 tickets will sell FAST..
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The Polar Express Train Ride | Photo Credit Wensleydale Railway
The Polar Express 2023 tickets will sell quickly. If the Polar Express train rides that you are looking at are all booked up or cancelled, here are some alternative Santa Train Rides to check out**.
Or, if you prefer a traditional Santa’s Grotto, check out our post on 100+ Santa’s Grottos and Santa Experiences in the UK. We also have a Complete Guide to the Christmas Light Trails in the UK**
There are a number of Polar Express train ride UK locations which we have detailed below but first…here are a few quick frequently asked questions.
Do I have to book Polar Express tickets in advance?
Yes, you need to book tickets in advance. Due to current safety guidelines, ticket sales have been limited so it is best to book as soon as you can as they sell out quickly. Also, you cannot buy tickets on the day.
Do you have to wear pyjamas on the Polar Express?
You don’t have to wear pyjamas, but if you really want to get into the spirit of the Polar Express experience, why not wear pyjamas like the little boy in the film? Wearing pyjamas is encouraged by the Polar Express.
To make the experience extra special, how about Polar Express PJs? Here are some cute options on Etsy:
Polar Express PJs with long sleeves
Polar Express PJs with short sleeves
Personalised Polar Express Pyjamas
This Polar Express onesie is also really cute or you may prefer this raglan Polar Express set.
If you don’t fancy wearing Christmas pyjamas, a Christmas jumper is a great alternative!
What to expect from a Polar Express Train ride
Each train ride offers a unique experience, but they will follow a similar format. See below for each Polar Express location, but in general, the experience will closely follow the Polar Express story.
During the journey, you will meet characters from the film, most notably the Polar Express conductor and, of course, Santa. There will be singing and dancing and each passenger will receive a gift.
What age is best for the Polar Express train ride?
The Polar Express train rides are perfect for families with children of all ages. Everyone will be entertained. Children aged 4+ will probably get the most out of the experience.
Do I have to watch the Polar Express film to enjoy the experience?
You don’t have to have watched the movie to enjoy the experience, but watching the movie before your day out can add to the experience. If you haven’t yet seen the film or you have watched it a while ago, you can rent it on Amazon Prime for £3.49.
The book is also lovely and you may want to take along a copy to join in with some of the story telling on certain trains. If you are lucky, Santa may even sign your copy.
Where is the Polar Express Train Ride UK?
There are currently 12 locations across the UK where you can find a UK Polar Express Train Experience. If you happen to be in the US, there are many more US Polar Express locations there!
Here are the Polar Express Train ride UK locations 2023…
Wensleydale Railway
The Polar Express train picks you up at Leeming Bar station and transports you to the ‘North Pole’. During the journey you meet characters from the Polar Express movie, starting with the Polar Express conductor who welcomes you on board.
The characters will entertain you with singing and dancing and serve cookies and hot chocolate. There will also be a reading of the Polar Express story.
When you arrive in the ‘North Pole’, you meet Santa who gifts a silver sleigh bell (just like the Polar Express bell in the movie) to all kids on the nice list!
Dates: 10th November to 23rd December 2023. Check all dates here.
Polar Express Ticket Prices: From £31.95 (standard) to £44.95 (premium) per person.
Location: Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, DL7 9AR.
Duration: The train journey lasts about one hour, but it is recommended to allow 2 – 2.5 hours for the whole experience.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family friendly accommodation near the Polar Express Train Ride at Wensleydale? Check out The Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton which has family rooms for 4 people.
South Devon Railway
The first sighting of the South Devon Polar Express sets the scene for the experience. It is a large, black steam train that puffs out huge clouds of steam as it pulls into the station.
During the one hour journey, you’ll meet the conductor (who will clip your ticket) and his crew as well as Santa.
Remember to be on their best behaviour as the elves will be scanning little ones to see if they’re on the nice list this year. Don’t miss the 20-minute pre-show before the train ride.
Dates: 24th November – 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £33.95 to £46.95 per person.
Location: South Devon Railway, The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ.
Duration: The train journey lasts about one hour.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the South Devon Railway Polar Express? Check out this gorgeous holiday home in Staverton which can accommodate 4 people.
Santa on the South Devon Railway Polar Express | Photo Credit South Devon Railway
Seaton Tramway
The Seaton Polar Express Tram ride is, as the name suggests, a tram instead of a train but the experience is similar. The journey lasts around 2 – 2 1/2 hours during which there will be hot chocolate, Christmas carols and a light show once you reach the ‘North Pole’.
Each passenger will receive a silver sleigh bell as a gift from Father Christmas who you will meet during the train ride.
Dates: 24th November – 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £24.95 – £39.95 per person (under 2 free). .
Location: Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NQ.
Duration: The train journey lasts about 2 – 2.5 hours.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the Seaton Tramway Polar Express? Check out this lovely 3 bedroom holiday home in Seaton which can accommodate 6 people.
Telford Steam Railway
Telford Polar Express is a lovely Christmas experience with the re-telling of the story whilst drinking hot chocolate and eating a cookie. The Polar Express characters entertain the carriage which is decorated festively.
Watch out for the Polar Express ghost! The conductor passes through and clips your golden ticket with your first initial, just like the film.
The train passes through a tunnel where you’ll experience the magic of the Northern Lights. On arrival at the ‘North Pole’ you can look out at the lights of the Elf village and you will see Santa.
Everyone receives a silver sleigh bell gifts and when the train ride is over, there are festive activities to enjoy.
The Telford Polar Express 2023 tickets are on sale now.
Dates: 24th November to 21st December 2023. See dates here.
Ticket Price: Standard Class for 2 passengers – from £61.99 to £75.99.
Location: The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford, Shropshire, TF4 3UH.
Duration: The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the Telford Steam Railway Polar Express? Check out thisHoliday Home which accommodates up to 7 people.
Mid Norfolk Railway Polar Express
Firstly, it should be noted that the the Polar Express Norfolk is not a steam train experience.
That said, the whole experience is very similar to all of the other Polar Express train rides with singing and dancing Polar Express characters.
There will be hot chocolate and a cookie served during the train ride and a gift of a silver sleigh bell.
Dates: 11th November to 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: Standard tickets from £31.95 to £39.95. You can book tickets here.
Location: The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF.
Duration: The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the Norfolk Polar Express? Check out thisHoliday Glendower Guest Apartment which accommodates up to 4 people.
You might also like to read our post on Christmas events in Norfolk for ideas for more festive days out in Norfolk or find out where to find the best Christmas light displays in Norfolk. We also have a guide to the Norfolk Christmas markets happening this yer.
And if you’re in Norfolk, you’re not far from some of the Christmas things going on in Suffolk.
Churnet Valley Railway Polar Express
Polar Express Train Ride at Churnet Valley Railway
You will be served a hot chocolate and a cookie by the singing chefs. The conductor will punch tickets and then rejoin the show as you pass through the Northern Lights on the way to the North Pole where Santa will be waiting for you with a gift of a silver sleigh bell.
Dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2023. You can check exact dates here.
Ticket Price: From £22.95 – £49.95 per person (under 2 free). You can book tickets here. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.
Location: Churnet Valley Railway, Kingsley and Froghall Station, Froghall, Staffordshire, ST10 2HA.
Duration: The Staffordshire Polar Express Train Ride lasts about an hour with the whole experience lasting about 2 hours.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the Churnet Valley Polar Express? Check out this nearby 2 bedroom Holiday Cottage which accommodates up to 4 people.
Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Polar Express
The Polar Express Train Ride at Cholsey and Wallingford
The journey on the Polar Express at Cholsey and Wallingford starts out as the movie starts and during the journey you will meet all of the main characters and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. The slight twist to this journey comes in the form of a stray Caribou on the track!
If you’re on the nice list, there will be a silver sleigh bell for you to take home. Once back at the station you can visit Santa’s workshop and write him a letter.
The Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Polar Express 2023 tickets will be on sale soon.
Dates: 2023 Cholsey and Wallingford Polar Express will not run in 2023.
Ticket Price: N/A
Location: Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, Wallingford Station, 5 Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9GQ.
Duration: The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the Cholsey and Wallingford Polar Express? Check out this nearby Holiday Cottage which accommodates up to 4 people or this pub with a family room for 4 people.
Spa Valley Railway Polar Express
Polar Express Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway
The Polar Express steam train departs from Spa Valley Railway on a magical journey to the North Pole. The whole experience is very similar to all of the other Polar Express train rides with singing and dancing Polar Express characters.
There will be hot chocolate and a cookie served during the train ride and upon meeting Father Christmas at his home in the North Pole, a gift of a silver sleigh bell will be presented and the whole family will get to talk to him.
Once back at the station you can visit Santa’s workshop and write him a letter.
This is the closest Polar Express Train ride to London. Check out our post for more things to do at Christmas in Kent.
Dates: 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: Standard from £36.95 to £46.95.
Location: Wealden Railway Co. Ltd, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY.
Duration: The whole experience lasts about 2 hours.
FAQs: Check here for any more FAQs on the train ride.
Looking for family accommodation near the Spa Valley Polar Express? Check out this nearby hotel with family rooms which accommodates 4 people.
Caledonian Railway Polar Express
Polar Express Train Ride at the Caledonian Railway
The anticipation will build as you hear “All aboooooard!”. You will be escorted to your seat by the Chefs from the film who will then proceed to sing, dance and serve cookies.
While the train travels to the North Pole you can listen to the story of The Polar Express.
On arrival at the North Pole, you’ll catch a sighting of Santa’s sleigh, a bag of toys and a giant Christmas tree and, of course, the man himself, Santa who willpresent each passenger with their very own “First Gift of Christmas”, a silver bell from his sleigh.
Dates: 18th November to 17th December 2023.
Ticket Price: Tickets start from £24.95 for standard and £36.95 for premium.
Location: Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd, The Station, Park Road, Brechin, DD9 7AF.
Duration: The Scottish Polar Express Train ride lasts about 30 minutes each way but allow 2 hours for the whole experience.
FAQs: See here for Polar Express Train ride FAQs.
Looking for family accommodation near the Caledonian Railway Polar Express? Check out this nearby hotel with family rooms which accommodates 4 people.
Polar Express Birmingham
From receiving the Golden Ticket to boarding the train to watching the Polar Express characters, the whole experience is magical. Hot chocolate and cookies are served, the Polar Express story is played and there is a lot of festive energy.
On arrival at the ‘North Pole’ you will see festive lights and Santa will board the train giving out gifts.
Birmingham is one of the best cities in the UK to visit at Christmas with kids and your visit would not be complete without a ride on the Polar Express.
Dates: Weekends in December to 23rd December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £98 for 2 seats in tourist class to £118 for 2 seats in Pullman class.
Location: Birmingham Moor Street, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7UL.
Duration: The return journey lasts around 1 hour.
Edinburgh Polar Express
New for 2023 is the Polar Express Train Ride Edinburgh.
Meeting your favourite Polar Express characters on this magical journey to the North Pole will be a truly memorable experience.
There will be hot chocolate and singing and a gift of a silver bell as a memento of your special day.
Edinburgh is a beautiful city to visit at Christmas. If you are visiting on a festive break, make sure to check out the light trails, Christmas market and other festive events in Edinburgh.
Dates: 30th November to 22nd December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £59.95 to £65.95 (plus £6.95 booking fee).
Location: Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG.
Duration: The return journey lasts around 1 hour.
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express Train Ride
Polar Express Train Ride at Embsay & Bolton Abbey
Enjoy a 30 minute performance in a heated marquee before setting off on your 60 minute Polar Express train ride.
There will be singing and dancing chefs and you will be encouraged to recount your own Christmas memories.
You will be served hot chocolate and cookies as you settle in and enjoy the storytelling of Chris van Allsberg’s ‘ The Polar Express’.
Santa and his Elf will appear to present every guest with a silver bell.
Dates: 18th November to 24th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £33.95 (Standard) up to £54.95 (Premium).
Location: Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express location: Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF.
Duration: The return journey lasts around 1 hour with a 30 minute performance beforehand.
Swanage Railway Polar Express
The Polar Express Train Ride in Swanage is the newest train ride in 2023.
The train ride will last approximately one hour and will include dancing and singing characters from the Polar Express movie.
Hot chocolate and cookies will be served and singing and each customer will receive a special present on the return journey.
Dates: 17th November to 30th December 2023.
Ticket Price: From £39.50 per person (plus booking fee). Tickets available via See Tickets.
Location: Swanage Railway Station, Railway Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB.
Duration: The return journey lasts around 1 hour.
Map of the UK Polar Express Train Rides
Click here to view the Google map of the Polar Express train rides in the UK.
