LIVE THE MAGICAL JOURNEY OF THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE
Relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf – Santa himself – will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleighbell, the “first gift of Christmas.”
2026 CALENDAR
Ticket Information
Departure Dates and Times
November 27 - December 20, 2026
Friday - Sunday
4:30pm, 6:00pm & 7:30pm
Prices
Coach Seating: $85 per person*
All fees are included in ticket price.
*Children who have not yet reached their 2nd birthday do not need a ticket if they are seated on an adult's lap while on board.
TICKET SALE DATES
Public Sales Begin Friday, September 18, 2026 at 9 AM
Member Presale Dates September 14 - 17
Policies and Rules
- All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
- Purchasers who wish to donate unused tickets back to the nonprofit CSRM Foundation will be given a tax letter of donation for the full amount of the tickets.
General Ticket Policies
- All fees are included in the ticket price.
- Tickets will be held at the ticket window for pickup on the day of departure.
- Children who have not yet reached their 2nd birthday do not require a ticket but must be seated on the lap of an adult while on board the train.
- No pets allowed with the exception of ADA qualified service dogs.
Resale & Monetization
Our policy strictly prohibits the resale or attempted resale of any tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for personal profit. Additionally, the use of public advertising – such as but not limited to eBay and Craigslist – to resell tickets is not permitted. Either action will result in the immediate cancellation of the tickets. Tickets may not be raffled, used as auction items or otherwise monetized without the express written permission of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation.
FAQs
When do THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale to the general public on September 23, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Tickets can only be purchased online through this website.
Can I become a member to participate in Member Advance Ticket Sales?
Yes, members get exclusive access to all of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation's events (click here for more information on membership).
What do THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Tickets include?
Each ticket includes THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride; admission to Railtown 1897 where you will pick up your Golden Ticket, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere; and admission to the Roundhouse where you may meet Santa.
What can I expect on the Train Ride?
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will last approximately one hour. You will enter your designated Tent area to board the Polar Express. Once on board the train, you will travel to the North Pole while we read the story of The Polar Express. You will enjoy hot chocolate and a yummy treat delivered by our onboard chefs. As the train passes the North Pole, you will catch a glimpse of Santa and his elves while the train readies for the return trip. Each guest will receive the “first gift of Christmas.” We will all join in and sing Christmas carols as we pull into Jamestown Station. Once you depart the train, walk along the lighted walkway to the Historic Roundhouse, where Santa and his elves will be available to spend more time and visit with your child.
How do I receive my tickets?
Tickets are digital this year and will be emailed out to passengers one week out from their departure date. Every person will receive a Golden Ticket when they check in for their train ride. Additional ticketing details will be included when you receive your e-tickets prior to your train ride.
Are there refunds our exchanges?
There will be no refunds or exchanges for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
What if we miss our train?
Departure times for your ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are exact. Missed train rides cannot be taken later and will not be eligible for a refund. We suggest you arrive at least 1 hour prior to your departure time to allow for parking.
Can we wear pajamas and bring our copy of the book?
Of course, that’s part of the fun! We encourage the whole family to dress in your warmest pajamas and bring your book for the Conductor to sign if you wish. Do be sure to dress warmly enough to walk comfortably to and from your car, and make sure that everyone in your party is wearing appropriate footwear.
Where can we park baby strollers?
Designated stroller parking is located in the Ticket Office.
Are there restrooms and diaper-changing facilities?
There are no restrooms aboard the train. The ride is one-hour long. There are permanent restrooms on the Depot Deck with changing tables available, and Porta potties available throughout the park.
Is there preboarding and access for persons with disabilities?
Railtown does have a wheelchair lift for the Blitzen Car. To purchase tickets, click on the “Purchase Tickets Here” button and select the date and time you would like to ride. Click on the link that says “Purchase accessible seats” confirm that you or somebody in your party requires a seat for their wheelchair. Fill out the form on the next page, and our Ticketing Department will contact you to complete your purchase. Please note that this is reserving a space for a wheelchair.
Railtown also offers preboarding for our guests who need additional time to board and deboard. Preboard is allowed 1 designated visitor to accompany them.
Railtown also offers preboarding for our guests who need additional time to board and deboard. Preboard is allowed 1 designated visitor to accompany them.
Will food be available at this event?
Food will not be available at the actual event site — except for the hot chocolate and small treat aboard the train during the ride. If you wish to come early or stay later after the ride, please visit Visit Tuolumne for places to eat nearby.
Please note that food or drinks, except for what is provided on board, are not allowed on board. For allergy concerns, please reach out to [email protected].
Please note that food or drinks, except for what is provided on board, are not allowed on board. For allergy concerns, please reach out to [email protected].
What happens if the weather conditions are bad?
Winter wind, rain or other adverse conditions are possible. Please check weather conditions prior to your visit, and dress accordingly. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will operate as scheduled, regardless of weather.
Where do I park?
Railtown has 2 designated parking areas. Please see Parking attendants for available parking spaces.
Do you sell official merchandise for The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride?
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event will feature a variety of themed merchandise. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted. An extensive selection of railroad-related merchandise is also available from the California State Railroad Museum Store, along with souvenirs, books, videos, posters and gifts. The Museum Store will operate its extended hours 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the event. To order before or after your visit, call (916) 324-4950 or visit the Museum Store online.
Is there reserved seating?
There is no reserved seating onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Jamestown. You will be led out to the train by festive line leaders and will be assisted with seating by onboard staff and volunteers. Seating is first-come-first serve, and all coach class cars are grouped in clusters that accommodate four adults. Since the trains operate at full capacity, we do ask that you do not take up more seats than your party requires. If you have more or less than a group of four, there is a likelihood that you will have others seated in your section. If you have a larger group, it is recommended that you arrive and line up together for the best chance to be seated near one another. Our crew will do our best to accommodate groups of all sizes sitting close to one another.
