The Polar Express Train Ride

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical 80 Minute trip through a rail yard, neighborhoods, and through a tunnel on the way to The North Pole. Once on board, your Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.

Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. On the return trip from the North Pole, Elves on each car lead passengers in caroling, and onboard entertainment – creating memories you will never forget!  Each child will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.

Related Article: Best Holiday Train Rides in Indiana

2023 Dates/Times for the French Lick Polar Express Train Ride

Please keep in mind that tickets do sell out quickly. Book your tickets early to insure a ride! 

• November 3: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 4: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 5: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 10: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm 
• November 11: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm 
• November 12: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 17: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 18: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• November 19: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 24: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• November 25: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• November 26: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 1: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 2: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• December 3: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 8: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 9: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• December 10: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 15: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 16: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• December 17: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 20: 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
• December 21: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• December 22: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm
• December 23: 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, and 7:30 pm

Classes of Service

Coach Class

Coach Class seating is in both 1920’s era and 1960’s era commuter coaches.  These cars typically seat around 80 passengers on padded bench-type seating. Guests will be greated by a conductor, be served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, be presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from The North Pole.

Coach Class Pricing

Value Dates – $35 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $40 (all guests ages 2 & up)

First Class 

First Class seating is in cars that seat less than the coach class cars and provide table seating.  Guests will be greated by a conductor, be served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, be presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from The North Pole.  Guests will also receive a souvenier ceramic Hot Chocolate mug.

First Class Pricing

Value Dates – $60 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $65 (all guests ages 2 & up)

Dome Class

Dome Class seating is in the upper dome of our Northern Pacific Vista-dome coach.  Guests are provided a 360º from the train.  Guests will be greated by a conductor, be served hot chocolate  and a selection of cookies by dancing chefs, be presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from The North Pole.  Guests will also receive both the annual souvenier ceramic Hot Chocolate mug, and the iconic Hot Chocolate mug and saucer to take home.

Dome Class Pricing

Value Dates – $85 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $90 (all guests ages 2 & up)