All Aboard the Magic: Find a Polar Express train ride near you, choosing among 12 locations from Scotland in the north to Devon in the south. Embark on a magical journey to the North Pole with these awesome Christmas trains using our Polar Express Train Map covering the UK.
In the UK, there are certain Christmas events that are in high demand and sell out rapidly, which means you should try to book as early as possible. Among these are the enchanting Santa’s Grottos in London and the beloved Polar Express Train Rides. To ensure you don’t miss out, here’s the comprehensive list of Christmas trains updated in 2023:
Polar Express Train Map
Use our interactive map to find a Polar Express experience close to you:
1. Telford Steam Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 24th November to 21st December 2023.
- 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.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
All Aboard the Telford Polar Express!
The Telford Polar Express offers a heartwarming Christmas experience complete with a captivating retelling of the beloved story, all while sipping on hot chocolate and savouring delicious cookies. The train carriage is festively decorated, setting the perfect atmosphere for your adventure.
Watch for the Polar Express ghost, and don’t forget to show your golden ticket, just like in the film. As the train passes through a tunnel, you’ll be mesmerized by the magic of the Northern Lights. And when you arrive at the ‘North Pole,’ you’ll have a chance to gaze at the Elf village’s twinkling lights and meet Santa himself. Every passenger receives a cherished silver sleigh bell as a gift.
During the journey back, join in the festive carol singing. Once you return to the station, be sure to explore the Christmas Workshop and even write a letter to Santa. The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
2. Embsay & Bolton Abbey Polar Express Train Ride
- Dates: 18th November to 24th December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: From £33.95 – £54.95 per person (children under 2 are free). Book your tickets here.
- Location: Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
Magical Moments Await at Embsay & Bolton Abbey!
Start your Polar Express journey with a 30-minute performance in a heated marquee, setting the stage for an unforgettable 60-minute train ride to meet Father Christmas. While onboard, indulge in hot chocolate and cookies as you immerse yourself in the storytelling of Chris van Allsberg’s ‘The Polar Express.’
Santa and his trusty Elf will make a special appearance to present each guest with a treasured silver bell.
3. Churnet Valley Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 18th November to 23rd December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: From £22.95 – £49.95 per person (children under 2 are free). Book your tickets here.
- Location: Churnet Valley Railway, Kingsley and Froghall Station, Froghall, Staffordshire, ST10 2HA.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
All Aboard the Churnet Valley Polar Express!
Upon boarding, the conductor will punch your tickets and then join the show as you venture through the Northern Lights en route to the North Pole. The journey is complemented by a delightful serving of hot chocolate and cookies by the singing chefs.
At the North Pole, a heartwarming encounter with Santa awaits, complete with a gift of a silver sleigh bell. The Staffordshire Polar Express Train Ride lasts approximately an hour, with the entire experience spanning about 2 hours.
4. Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Polar Express
- Dates: Not available in 2023.
- Ticket Prices: Not available in 2023.
- Location: Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, Wallingford Station, 5 Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 9GQ.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
The Polar Express Adventure at Cholsey and Wallingford – NOT AVAILABLE IN 2023.
Although not available in 2023, the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway’s Polar Express journey offers a unique twist. Relive the movie’s magic as you meet all the main characters, savour hot chocolate and cookies, and even encounter a stray Caribou on the tracks!
Those on the nice list receive a precious silver sleigh bell to take home. After the adventure, you can visit Santa’s workshop and pen a letter to the man in red. The entire experience typically lasts about 2 hours.
5. Spa Valley Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: Prices range from £24.95 to £36.95.
- Location: Wealden Railway Co. Ltd, West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
All Aboard the Spa Valley Polar Express!
The Spa Valley Polar Express departs on a wondrous journey to the North Pole, offering an experience similar to other Polar Express train rides. Sing and dance along with Polar Express characters and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies during the ride.
Upon reaching Father Christmas’s home in the North Pole, each family member receives a silver sleigh bell as a keepsake. After returning to the station, explore Santa’s workshop and pen a letter to him. The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours.
This Polar Express ride is the closest to London, making it a convenient choice for visitors to the city.
6. Caledonian Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 19th November to 17th December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: Tickets start from £24.95 for standard and £36.95 for premium.
- Location: Caledonian Railway Brechin Ltd, The Station, Park Road, Brechin, DD9 7AF.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
All Aboard the Caledonian Polar Express!
Get ready for an unforgettable journey as you hear the call, “All aboooooard!” Chefs from the film will escort you to your seat and then proceed to entertain you with singing, dancing, and cookie service.
As the Polar Express Scotland train travels to the North Pole, enjoy listening to the enchanting story of The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, catch a glimpse of Santa’s sleigh, a bag of toys, and a towering Christmas tree. The highlight of your adventure is meeting Santa himself, who will present each passenger with their very own “First Gift of Christmas” – a silver bell from his sleigh.
The Scottish Polar Express Train ride typically lasts about 30 minutes each way, with the entire experience spanning about 2 hours.
7. Polar Express Birmingham
- Dates: Weekends in December to 23rd December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: From £98 for 2 seats in tourist class to £118 for 2 seats in Pullman class.
- Location: Birmingham Moor Street Station, Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7UL.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
Journey to the North Pole with the Birmingham Polar Express!
From receiving the Golden Ticket to boarding the train and encountering the Polar Express characters, the Birmingham Polar Express promises pure magic. Indulge in hot chocolate, savour cookies, and immerse yourself in the Polar Express story. The festive energy is contagious.
Upon reaching the ‘North Pole,’ witness the dazzling festive lights and meet Santa, who boards the train to distribute gifts. The return journey takes approximately 80 minutes.
8. Edinburgh Polar Express
- Dates: 30th November to 22nd December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: From £59.95 to £65.95 (plus £6.95 booking fee).
- Location: Edinburgh Waverley Station, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
Experience the Magic of the Edinburgh Polar Express!
The Edinburgh Polar Express is the newest addition in 2023, offering a one-hour train ride to the North Pole. During the journey, you’ll meet your favourite Polar Express characters, including the singing chefs and the hobo. Enjoy hot chocolate, and singing, and receive a special gift of a silver bell to commemorate your special day.
9. South Devon Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 24th November – 23rd December 2023.
- Ticket Price: Ranging from £33.95 to £46.95 per person. Pre-booked car parking is available for £5.
- Location: South Devon Railway, The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
Experience the Magic of the South Devon Polar Express
Picture a magnificent, large, black steam train, billowing out clouds of steam as it gracefully pulls into the station. The South Devon Polar Express is a sight to behold.
Warmly greeted by chefs leaning out of the windows, you’ll soon find yourself on board, embarking on a journey filled with festive cheer. Meet the conductor, who will clip your ticket, and other beloved Polar Express characters, including Santa himself.
During the ride, singing chefs will serve you hot chocolate and cookies, creating a delightful atmosphere to share your Christmas stories. Keep an eye out for Santa’s Elves, busy scanning the little ones to see if they’ve made it onto the nice list this year. And for a cherished keepsake, every guest receives a silver bell.
The journey lasts approximately 1 hour, but do not miss the 20-minute pre-show before the train ride.
10. Mid-Norfolk Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 11th November – 23rd December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: Standard tickets start at £27.50, while premium tickets are available from £41.95.
- Location: The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
Experience Christmas Magic with the Mid Norfolk Polar Express
While the Polar Express in Norfolk may not be a steam train experience, it offers a similar enchantment that makes it truly special.
Expect singing and dancing Polar Express characters to keep you entertained throughout the journey. Sip on hot chocolate, savor cookies, and receive a gift of a silver sleigh bell, a symbol of your memorable adventure.
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, creating lasting holiday memories.
11. Wensleydale Railway Polar Express
- Dates: 10th November – 23rd December 2023. Check all dates here.
- Ticket Prices: Ranging from £31.95 (standard) to £44.95 (premium) per person.
- Location: Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, DL7 9AR.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
Journey to the ‘North Pole’ with the Wensleydale Polar Express
The Wensleydale Polar Express begins its magical adventure at Leeming Bar station, taking you on a captivating journey to the ‘North Pole.’
As you step on board, you’ll be welcomed by characters from the Polar Express story, starting with the conductor. These characters will delight you with singing, dancing, and serving cookies and hot chocolate. Get ready for a heartwarming reading of the Polar Express story.
Upon reaching the ‘North Pole,’ you’ll have the joy of meeting Santa, who will gift a silver sleigh bell to all the good kids on your journey.
While the train ride itself lasts about an hour, it’s recommended to allow 2 to 2.5 hours for the entire experience.
12. Seaton Tramway Polar Express
- Dates: 24th November – 24th December 2023.
- Ticket Prices: Ranging from £24.95 to £39.95 per person (children under 2 are free).
- Location: Seaton Tramway, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NQ.
- How to book:Clickherefor booking information.
A Unique Tram Adventure with the Seaton Polar Express
While not a steam train, the Seaton Polar Express Tram Ride offers a unique and enchanting experience.
During the 2 to 2.5-hour journey, you’ll be treated to hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols, and even a delightful light show to explore once you reach the ‘North Pole.’ To commemorate this magical trip, each passenger will receive a silver sleigh bell as a gift from Father Christmas.
For convenient parking, head to the Underfleet Car Park in Seaton.
