All Aboard the Sullivan Express to the North Pole

All aboard to visit Santa at the North Pole! The Sullivan Express train ride has been a family favorite for years. Tickets go on sale at 4:00 PM on November 1, 2025. Here is what you need to know about this Indianapolis holiday tradition for 2025.

Related Articles: 9 Best Holiday Train Rides in Indiana

What to Expect

The Santa Express departs from Sullivan Hardware & Garden’s 71st and Keystone location, and it is always a fun way to kick off our holiday season. We check in at Central Station in the greenhouse, then the kids and I wander through the store. I like this buffer time because Sullivan has unique Christmas toys and gift ideas, and my kids always start updating their wish lists. Sully’s Grill is steps away, so we plan either a before or after bite. Pat’s Pretzels have become our annual tradition.

The Journey

When the train arrives, our family sits together in one car. If we invite grandparents, I book two cars. We once squeezed four adults and two kids into a single car. It worked, but it felt tight, so that is my personal max. The ride is open-air for about 10 to 15 minutes. Windscreens help, but you still feel the December chill. After learning the hard way, we now bring layers, hats, and a small blanket for the kids.

The route to the North Pole passes festive holiday scenes with animatronic animals, twinkling lights, and Sullivan’s Christmas tree lot. My kids keep an eye out for the dancing bears and point out their favorite displays. It feels like a mini winter wonderland even though the ride is short.

Arriving at the North Pole

At the North Pole, we take turns visiting Santa while the kids play in Santa’s Workshop. When it is not their turn with Santa, my two like to play with the train set or sit and color a picture. There are simple, individually wrapped crafts too, which is a nice touch if someone needs a quiet moment.

In our experience, this has been one of the best Santa visits in Indianapolis. Santa looks traditional, spends meaningful time with each family, and listens closely. Last year he asked my kids about their wish lists and their year, and we never felt rushed. We left with pictures and the kind of memories the kids still bring up in February. When we are finished, we hop back on the train and head to Central Station, usually talking about which scene we liked most and whether we should grab another pretzel.

Related Event: Take a Ride on the Sullivan Express to PumpkinTown

2025 Sullivan Express Dates and Tickets

• On-sale: Friday, November 1, 2025, at 4:00 PM
• Run dates, select dates: November 22–23, 26, 28–30 and December 1–7, 8–16, 17–20, 22–23, 2025. Check the ticket calendar for your preferred date and time.
• Location: 71st and Keystone, 6955 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Choose Your 2025 Experience

• Traditional Sullivan Express — Train ride plus a 15-minute stop at Santa’s Workshop for photos and wish lists. $75 to $95 per train car. Capacity: about 4 adults and 2 small children. Total time: about 30 minutes.
• Santa’s Outpost Experience — Train ride with an in-car hello and photo at Santa’s Outpost. You do not exit the car. A cookie is included. $60 per train car. Total time: about 17 minutes.
• Santa’s Beer and Wine Flight (21+) — Adults-only train to Santa’s Outpost with drink samplings along the way. Additional drinks are available at the Outpost. $125 per train car. Up to four adults per car.

One ticket equals one private train car. Individuals do not need their own tickets.

Insider Tips for Riding the Sullivan Express

• One ticket covers your group. Most families fit about 4 adults and 2 small kids comfortably.
• Meeting up at the North Pole. If your group is too big or someone prefers not to ride, they can meet you at the North Pole on foot.
• Want just the ride? Choose Santa’s Outpost for a shorter experience without deboarding. It is great for littles who prefer a wave to a lap sit.
• Bring your own camera. Photos are do-it-yourself and staff can help.
• Plan for the weather. Cars are open air with windscreens. Layer up and bring blankets, especially for evening rides.
• Accessibility. A wheelchair-designated train car is available. Add a note at checkout.
• Date night idea. The Beer and Wine Flight nights are a fun adults-only option.

How much does the Sullivan Express to the North Pole cost?

2025 pricing:

• Traditional Sullivan Express: $75 to $95 per train car
• Santa’s Outpost: $60 per train car
• Beer and Wine Flight (21+): $125 per train car

Note: One ticket equals one train car. Capacity varies by group size. The typical fit is 4 adults and 2 small children.

Tickets go on sale November 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM. For dates, FAQs, and to purchase, visit the Sullivan Express page or see the ticket calendar.