This Holiday Season...Believe.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns this holiday season with service to the North Pole. This is the only licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event in the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Indianapolis areas. Tickets will sell out quickly! Don't miss the chance to share this holiday favorite with your family!

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children's story. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the first gift of Christmas (a silver sleigh bell) after Santa and his elves board the train at the North Pole. During the trip, the conductor will punch everyone's golden ticket and Santa will briefly visit with each family.

Dates for the 2024 event are November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29 & 30 and December 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20 & 21.

Tickets are $47.00 per person for all departures through December 1. Tickets for all departures after December 1 are $55.00 per person. Infants under two do not need a ticket if riding in a ticketed passenger's lap. Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride are non-refundable, non-returnable, non-exchangeable, and non-transferable.

Event Length is 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Train Boarding Location: 455 Market Street, Connersville, Indiana 47331

Use this Google Maps link for directions.

Purchase tickets online HERE or by phone at 765 825-2054.

FAQs

Q: Where do I pickup the Polar Express book I purchased with my tickets?
Included with your tickets will be a voucher for each book purchased. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding time and redeem your voucher at the will call window inside Grand Central Station. Additional books will be available for purchase in the gift shop.

Q: Are there restrooms on the train?
There are no restrooms on the train. Restrooms are available inside Grand Central Station and in the heated, portable unit outside the station. The train ride is almost 2 hours long, so please make sure everyone has an opportunity to use the restroom before boarding the train.

Q: Are the train cars heated?
Yes, all of our coaches are steam heated and we do our best to keep them at a comfortable temperature. However, if the weather is extremely cold we do recommend bringing coats and perhaps a blanket for the little ones.

Q: When should I arrive for my train?
The boarding time for your train is in your confirmation email and printed on your tickets. Trains board PROMPTLY at their scheduled boarding times. Please arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to boarding. Allow extra time if you are with a large group, need boarding assistance or are picking up will call tickets or books. Please monitor the weather and traffic conditions along your route and allow sufficient travel time to Connersville. There are no refunds for missed trains!

Q: What is the inclement weather policy?
If the state or local government closes the highways in Fayette county due to weather conditions, trains will be canceled and refunds issued. Otherwise, the trains will run as scheduled.

Q: What allergens are in the hot chocolate and cookies served on the train?
The hot chocolate and cookies served on the train contain the following common allergens: milk, wheat, eggs & soy. For those with special dietary needs, you are welcome to bring your own beverage and treat for the train ride.

Q: What is seating like?
Seats are not reserved. The seats are upholstered bench seats and seat two passengers per bench in groups of four. Please do not bring car seats or carriers for children under 2 unless you have purchased a ticket for them. Children under 2 riding in a lap do not need a ticket.

Q: Is there access for persons with disabilities?
Due to the historic nature of our equipment, train rides on The Polar Express are not fully accessible to persons with disabilities. If anyone in your group will need assistance boarding the train, please arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding time and register your group with the ticket agent inside Grand Central Station. Crew members will assist you at the boarding area and help you to your seats.

Q: Where should I park?
Parking is at Grand Central Station. There will be sufficient parking for everyone, please follow the directions of the railroad staff when parking so that we may comfortably accommodate everyone. There is no charge for parking. We ask that you respect the other business around Grand Central Station and not park in any spaces reserved for their patrons.

Q: What are the GPS coordinates for Grand Central Station?
If you are using your GPS for directions, please use the following address:
455 Market Street
Connersville, IN 47331
Many GPS systems will route you to our maintenance facility if you use "Whitewater Valley Railroad" as your destination.
Use this Google Maps link for directions.

Q: Are strollers permitted?
Strollers are welcome at the event, but are not permitted on the train. Stroller parking will be available at the station.

Q: May I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed at The Polar Express event. Service animals are always welcome.

Q: Is smoking allowed on the train or at Grand Central Station?
Smoking of any type is prohibited on the train, inside Grand Central Station, on the deck around the station and in the boarding areas. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaping of any kind.