The 2023 holiday season has just ended, but if you want to ride the French Lick Polar Express next winter, you may need to buy your ticket now.
UPDATE: Over 300 seats have been added to every date for the 2024 holiday season.
2024 tickets for the French Lick Polar Express Train Ride are on sale NOW!
2024 French Lick Polar Express Train Ride
One of Indiana’s top holiday train rides is the French Lick Polar Express Train Ride. This magical experience opens on November 1st and runs through December 23rd.
What to expect on the French Lick Polar Express:
Passengers will experience the sights and sounds of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ as they are whisked away on a magical 80-minute trip through a rail yard, neighborhoods, and a tunnel to The North Pole. Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and give each guest the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.
Once you’re on board, your conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your ticket. Then, hot chocolate and a delicious cookie will be served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Each coach features festive holiday décor and color-changing lighting synched with the activities on board.
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers, and every passenger is given the first gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell. On the return trip from the North Pole, Elves provide onboard entertainment and lead passengers in caroling. Each child will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
When does the Polar Express take place in 2023?
The French Lick Scenic Railroad Polar Express Train Ride runs every Friday-Sunday from November 1st through December 22nd plus Monday, December 23. The full schedule with peak and non-peak dates can be found on the website.
How much does the French Lick Polar Express cost?
A ticket on the Polar Express ranges from $35 to $85 depending on the ticket class and date you choose. All children ages 2 and up need their own ticket.
Coach Class
Coach class seating is in both 1920s and 1960s commuter coaches. Typically, these cars seat around 80 passengers on padded bench-type seating.
Coach Class Pricing
Value Dates – $35 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $45 (all guests ages 2 & up)
First Class
First-class passengers on the French Lick Polar Express are seated in cars with fewer seats than those found in Coach. These cars have table seating. Guests will receive a souvenir ceramic hot chocolate mug as well as the silver sleigh bell.
First Class Pricing
Value Dates – $60 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $70 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Dome Class
Dome class seating is in the upper dome of our Northern Pacific Vista-dome coach. Therefore, passengers will have a 360º view of the passing scenery. Additionally, souvenir ceramic hot chocolate mugs will be given to dome class passengers and an iconic mug and saucer to take home.
Dome Class Pricing
Value Dates – $85 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Peak Dates – $95 (all guests ages 2 & up)
Where does the French Lick Polar Express train depart from?
The train departs from the French Lick Depot, located in the heart of French Lick, Indiana. 8594 W. State Road 56, Box 150, French Lick, IN 47432.
