THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride

What the Ride Is Actually Like

The train leaves the Bryson City depot for about an hour and fifteen minutes, and on the evening runs there is nothing out the window but dark woods. That is not the point. Chefs and elves work the aisle with hot chocolate and a cookie, the movie soundtrack plays, and the Chris Van Allsburg story is read aloud while the car sings along. The North Pole appears out of the black as a lit Christmas village, Santa boards for the return leg, and every child gets a silver sleigh bell. Pajamas are encouraged, but closed-toe shoes are required.

Choosing a Class of Service

Coach has windows that open, ceiling fans and heat, and sells by the individual seat, so your section may be shared with another party. Crown Class is climate controlled with plush seats and picture windows, sold in sections of two or four that you buy in full. Premium Crown puts you in the restored wooden-interior cars that look most like the film. First Class adds a ceramic souvenir mug, an extra treat and a tote per reservation.

What Tickets Cost

• Coach adult, age 13 and up: from $50.85 per seat
• Coach child, ages 2 to 12: from $33.52 per seat
• Coach infant, under 24 months: free, but must have their own seat
• Crown Class: from $57.50 per seat, in sections of two or four
• Premium Crown: from $66.16 per seat, four-top tables from $264.64
• First Class: from $71.94 per seat, two-tops from $143.88

Those are starting prices from the railroad’s own page and include the ticket fee and historic preservation fee. Steam dates, peak dates and Christmas Eve run higher, so check the figure for your date. In the table classes, one lap child under 24 months rides free per adult ticket.

Departure Times and Dates It Skips

Most nights run at 5:00 PM, 6:40 PM and 8:20 PM, though a few early-November weeknights drop the 8:20 PM. Saturdays from November 21 add 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM matinees, December Sundays add a 1:00 PM, and December 21 through 23 add a 3:00 PM. November 5 and December 31 keep their own times of 5:30 PM and 7:05 PM. No trains run November 10, November 17, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.

Parking and Arrival

Be at the depot an hour before departure to collect tickets. Parking is across the street at 45 Mitchell Street and the fee is already charged to your reservation; RVs pay $16 in cash. Downtown street parking is capped at two hours, which will not cover the visit. Your ticket also covers the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, worth the walk beforehand.

Fine Print Worth Knowing

Seats are assigned and you choose them at checkout, and a party has to book adjacent seats. The train runs in winter weather. Reservations are refundable less a fee until 60 days out and nonrefundable after that, though you can reschedule within the same calendar year for a small fee. No alcohol is allowed on board or on the grounds. December weekends sell out first, and several already show sold out for 2026.