Live the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

Enjoy this magical family event! The evening begins in our passenger station where you will be entertained by Polar Express characters, and then board your train to the North Pole where you will enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat courtesy of our hot chocolate chefs. Once you reach the North Pole, the jolly old elf — Santa himself — will come on board to give each passenger the first gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell.

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2025 CALENDAR

Ticket Information

Departure Dates and Times

All departures will take place from the Central Pacific Passenger Station at 930 Front Street on the Old Sacramento Waterfront in Sacramento, CA.

November 14 - December 21, 2025

Wednesdays - Mondays
3:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:30pm & 8:00pm

First Class: $100 - $110 per passenger

Coach Class: $80 - $85 per passenger

All fees are included in ticket price

Children who have not yet reached their 2nd birthday do not need a ticket if they ride on an adult's lap.

MEMBER PRESALE & PUBLIC ON SALE DATES

Member Presale Dates

September 8-12 – Silver Spike, Gold Spike, and Platinum Spike members

September 15 – Bronze Spike members

September 17 – Trainmaster, Engineer, Yardmaster, and Freight Agent members

September 18 – Conductor, Fireman, Telegrapher, and Hostler members

September 19 – Caboose Club, Brakeman, Handcar Club, and Switchman members

Thank you to our incredible members for your support!

Not a member yet? We have extended our membership deadline to September 7, 2025. Get your membership today to be eligible for Member Presales!

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Car Descriptions

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Sacramento consists of seven separate cars pulled by vintage locomotives from the California State Railroad Museum’s collection. On board you will be seated in either Coach, enclosed Gondola, or First Class according to your ticket purchase. Guests in each car will experience the same excitement and wonder of
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

Enclosed Gondola Car

Sleigh Ride Car

C’mon! It’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you and yours. The Sleigh Ride Car is a unique addition to our Polar Express Train and holds up to 76 passengers. These converted enclosed Gondola cars have translucent plastic window coverings to keep any frightful weather at bay, while still allowing for a magical view. Think of it as your cozy sleigh ride to the North Pole. Tickets are sold by tables of four, and guests are invited to bring along a blanket and snuggle up together like four birds of a feather would be.

$320 - $340 per table of four seats.

Coach Cars

Katy Coach Car

The Katy Car is our largest coach which holds up to 76 passengers. The seats are comfortable loveseat style for groups of four facing each other, two on each side.

$80 - $85 per passenger.

Kris Kringle Coach Car

The seats are comfortable loveseat style for groups of four facing each other, two on each side. The Kris Kringle Car holds up to 64 passengers.

$80 - $85 per passenger.

First Class Cars

Join us in our first class cars where you will ride in our most luxurious and spacious cars and take home a collectible souvenir Polar Express Train Ride™ mug.

Audubon Dining Car

The Dining Car also known as the Audubon - thanks to hand-painted reproductions of the artist/naturalist John James Audubon's bird illustrations - holds 44 passengers. Groups of four passengers are seated around a small table. Tickets are sold by tables of four.

$400 - $440 per table of four seats.

French Quarter Lounge Car

The French Quarter Car was inspired by the New Orleans French Quarter, with wrought iron details and a “Sunset Pink” painted ceiling studded with stars. Complete with its own serving bar, the French Quarter has large windows and a combination of tables, settees and lounge-style chairs. The French Quarter holds 35 passengers.

$100 - $110 per passenger.

El Dorado Observation Car

The beautifully restored First Class Observation Car is called the El Dorado. This handsome 1920s lounge car offers large windows and comfortable seating. The car is divided into two sections: The Parlor and the Lounge.

The El Dorado Parlor

A private interior room decorated with stained glass interior windows and tufted leatherette seats. The Parlor has comfortable seating groups for two, four, or more and holds up to 18 passengers.

$100 - $110 per passenger.

The El Dorado Lounge

A section that seats up to 18 passengers on burgundy sofas and chairs facing each other.

$100 - $110 per passenger.

The Noel Vodden

Introducing the newest First Class Car: This beautifully restored 1912-vintage car features an Art Deco interior and lounge seating for more than 50, with a bar dispensing cocoa to eager North Pole travelers.

$100 - $110 per passenger.

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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.

All fees are included in the ticket price.

Tickets will be delivered digitally one week prior to scheduled departure date.

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.

Members of the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897 are allowed to purchase THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets in advance of the general public.

Members are not guaranteed to get tickets during Member Advance Ticket Sales, merely the opportunity to try to purchase tickets in advance of the general public.

New, renewing or upgrading memberships should have been active and current as of August 26, 2025, to participate in Member Advance Ticket Sales.

Members must have their member code to purchase presale tickets. Member codes will be emailed to members prior to their specific presale date.

Member households may purchase a maximum of twelve individual tickets or three tables of four, per location, during Member Advance Ticket Sales.

Member sales begin at 9:00 a.m. PST each day.

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.

ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Sacramento is not fully accessible to persons with disabilities, due to historic, limited doorway widths and steep stepwells within the train cars. However, our train crews are always pleased to lend assistance when boarding and alighting from the train (provided wheelchairs or other oversize assistive devices are not required during the trip). Please notify the event crew prior to boarding, so we may best meet your needs.

The California State Railroad Museum and related event activities are fully accessible to persons with disabilities, except as noted above. If you require special accommodation, please notify us in advance of your visit by emailing [email protected]

The California State Railroad Museum Foundation offers accommodations for guests with sensory needs. In order to be sensory inclusive, many staff members and volunteers have been trained in sensory awareness. There are free sensory kits available to be checked out at the Ticketing Office (930 Front Street) to be used on the train and in the station. For other accommodation requests, please email us at [email protected].

Please note that THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride has loud portions of the experience. In the station, guests will hear the train horn as the Polar Express arrives as well as see a short stage show that focuses on getting the crowd excited. There will be short bursts of strobe lights around announcements and boarding. On the train, guests will experience music, the sound of the train horn, and many ringing bells.

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, we encourage you to join the California State Railroad Museum or Railtown 1897 State Historic Park to learn about upcoming events and exhibits. Members receive advance notification and advance purchase opportunities for events such as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride as well as other great benefits (click here for more information on membership). However, all new memberships should be purchased, or existing memberships should be renewed and active, by August 26, 2025 in order to participate in 2025 Member Advance Ticket Sales. If purchasing after the deadline, contact the Membership Department to verify presale eligibility.

Please note - membership does NOT guarantee your purchase of tickets. Members have the opportunity to purchase up to 12 individual tickets or 3 tables of four per member household during Member Advance Ticket Sales. Available tickets are limited and sell out very quickly.

What do THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets include?

Each ticket includes THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride; admission to the Central Pacific Passenger Station where you will pick up your Golden Ticket, shop, and enjoy entertainment while you wait to board the train; and admission to the Eagle Theater 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 the Central Pacific Passenger Station and are free to enjoy our holiday store, take photos, or post a letter to Santa himself! Your pre-boarding stage show will begin 35 minutes prior to departure.

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. As you head back to Old Sacramento, Santa will come aboard and walk through each car to give out the “first gift of Christmas” — the silver sleigh bell — to each passenger. We will all join in and sing Christmas carols as we pull into the station in Old Sacramento. Once you depart the train, walk across the walkway to the Eagle Theatre, where Santa will be available to spend more time and visit with your child.

What can I expect if I am able to get First Class tickets?

First Class tickets are limited in number and usually sell out first. The ticket for the El Dorado Observation Car will indicate whether you are seated in the Parlor or Lounge section. In the Audubon Dining Car, your tickets will entitle you to one table for your party of four. Each ticketed passenger will receive hot chocolate served in a commemorative mug. First Class Stewards are assigned to each section of the cars.

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 party 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 or exchanges?

There will be no refunds or exchanges for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

I was unable to purchase tickets. Is there a waitlist?

No. However, a limited number of tickets will occasionally become available through cancellations. Tickets will be placed for sale on our website as they become available, and we recommend checking the website periodically for tickets.

You also have the option to purchase tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at our sister site, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, in Jamestown, CA, starting September 23, 2025.

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 and walking to the Central Pacific Passenger Station. The pre-boarding stage show will start 35 minutes prior to departure.

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. You will be traversing streets with packed granite soil and wooden boardwalks to reach the event’s starting point in the Central Pacific Passenger Station in Old Sacramento. The Passenger Station is covered but not heated and open to the elements. The train cars are nice and warm for your trip.

Where can we park our baby strollers?

Strollers and baby carriers are not allowed aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, due to narrow aisles aboard the train and the need for crews to freely move about during the trip. You may keep your stroller with you while inside the Passenger Station. Stroller parking will be available just prior to boarding of your train. A convenient location is designated for this purpose, and strollers will be guarded while your train is journeying to the North Pole!

Are there restrooms and diaper-changing facilities?

There are no restrooms aboard the train. The ride is one-hour long. Restrooms are available at the Central Pacific Passenger Station. There are diaper-changing facilities in the State Parks restrooms located at the Central Pacific Passenger Station.

Is there preboarding and access for persons with disabilities?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Sacramento is not fully accessible to persons with disabilities, due to historic, narrow doorway widths and steep stepwells within the train cars. If you have specific questions regarding accessibility prior to purchasing tickets, please contact us at [email protected].

The California State Railroad Museum and related event activities are fully accessible to persons with disabilities, except as noted above.

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, there are a variety of restaurants throughout the Old Sacramento Historic District. (click here for places to eat in Old Sacramento)

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. Although under cover, the Central Pacific Passenger Station is an open-sided building and not heated.

How do I get to Old Sacramento?

By Auto: Exit Interstate 5 in Downtown Sacramento at “J” Street, and follow the overhead signs to Old Sacramento (J Street to 5th, left onto 5th, left onto “I”, straight ahead to Old Sacramento). Remember: If you have reserved a weekday departure, please allow sufficient time to reach Old Sacramento regardless of rush hour travel conditions. By Amtrak: the Sacramento train depot is just two blocks from Old Sacramento and the Museum. Amtrak’s Capitols offer frequent service from the Bay Area; San Joaquins from Fresno/Modesto. For routes, fares, and reservations call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit

Where should I park?

On-street metered parking throughout Old Sacramento is time-limited to 90 minutes or less, and is rarely available Therefore, we recommend parking in one of the City of Sacramento’s Downtown/Old Sacramento public parking lots. The nearest and most reasonably priced one is located on “I” Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets, underneath Interstate 5 in Old Sacramento. An online map of City Parking Garages in the Downtown/Old Sacramento area may be accessed here.

We recommend pre-purchasing your parking before you arrive. Reservations for Polar Express event parking can be made here.

Is there local public transportation?

Old Sacramento, the California State Railroad Museum, and all of the City of Sacramento are served by Sacramento Regional Transit busses and Light Rail lines. Light Rail trains travel to and from the Sacramento train depot, just two blocks from Old Sacramento and the Railroad Museum. For details, call Regional Transit at (916) 321-2877 or visit

Where can I stay overnight?

Check out nearby hotels that are within walking distance of Old Sacramento. Additionally, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can recommend a number of hotels and attractions in the area, or the Bureau will be happy to mail you a complete Sacramento Visitors Guide upon request. The Bureau provides callers with information between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. PT Monday-Friday at (916) 264-7777, or visit anytime.

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 regular hours of 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the event. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Sacramento also features a store in the Central Pacific Passenger Station, which is open from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on each day of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. 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 Sacramento. 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.