The Polar Express Train Ride 2023

All aboard to the North Pole!

Step aboard our train for a magical journey this holiday season. The classic POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film comes to life before your eyes in Portland, Maine! 

Start your trip in the beautifully-decorated Ocean Gateway Terminal building on Portland's waterfront. The powerful steam engine soon appears, pulling nine passenger coaches brimming with holiday cheer. Take your seat and warm up as Chefs and Stewards serve fresh-brewed hot, hot chocolate, and delicious cookies to you and your party. 

Presidential Class is our most deluxe level of service on a beautifully-restored 1880s-era train car. Presidential Class passengers enjoy reserved premium cushioned individual armchair seating, each gets a limited-edition commemorative ceramic mug, and every grouping of 4 (or fewer) receives a copy of the Polar Express book, 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 bench seating.

All passengers receive a cup of "hot, hot chocolate" and a cookie treat. Kids receive a singalong/activity book and get to take home a sweet-sounding silver sleigh bell.

Soon, the train departs for its roundtrip to the North Pole. You'll hear a telling of the timeless POLAR EXPRESS story along the way. Once you arrive at the North Pole, a special visitors comes aboard to meet every passenger and give the first gift of Christmas to every child on the train. 

On the return trip, Chefs and Stewards lead your train car in holiday carols, creating cherished moments you'll never forget! Before you know it, the train has returned to the station, but the memories you've made will last a lifetime. 

"One thing about trains: It doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on." 

The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is the largest annual fundraiser for the non-profit Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum. We welcome you aboard this holiday season!

Tickets for The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are non-refundable/non-exchangeable. Trains leave promptly at the listed departure time. Please be sure you and your entire party are aboard when it's train time!

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?Date: December 1 – 23, 2023

Time: 1:30 pm, 2:45 pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm and 7:45 pm (Train depot at various time)

Location: Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum

49 Thames Street Portland, ME 04101

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