The Polar Express™ Train Ride
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride returns this holiday season with service to the North Pole. This is the only officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event in the greater Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Dayton areas.
Trains sell out quickly; purchase now for the best selection! Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this holiday favorite with your family.
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of Chris Van Allsburg's classic picture book. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the book, and have their golden ticket punched by the conductor. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves will board the train for the return trip to Connersville. During his brief visit with each family, Santa will present everyone with the first gift of Christmas - a silver bell from his sleigh. Become part of the story and wear your pajamas!
2025 FARES AND SCHEDULE
Early Bird Special trains - all seats $39, ages two and up- Friday, November 14 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Value-priced trains - all seats $47, ages two and up
- Friday, November 21 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Friday, December 5 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Standard-priced trains - all seats $55, ages two and up
- Saturday, November 15 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Saturday, November 22 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Friday, November 28 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Saturday, November 29 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Sunday, November 30 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Friday, December 12 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Friday, December 19 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
- Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are non-refundable. Infants under two years old do not require a ticket if they sit on the lap of a ticketed passenger.
Purchase tickets online HERE or by phone at 765 825-2054.
FAQs
Q: Where do I pick up the book I purchased with my tickets?
Your tickets will include 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 ensure
everyone uses the restroom before boarding the train.
Q: Are the train cars heated?
Yes, all our coaches are steam-heated, and we do our best to keep them comfortable. However, if the
weather is extremely cold, we recommend bringing coats and 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 before boarding time.
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: Where does the train go?
Why to the North Pole of course!
Q: How should we dress?
Dress for the weather. Many families wear pajamas, just like passengers in the book and film. If
wearing pajamas, wear proper footwear and a jacket or coat.
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 will be 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, and soy. We cannot guarantee they have not come in contact with other allergens. Those
with severe food allergies should bring their own beverage and treat for the train ride.
Q: What is seating like?
Seats are not reserved. Passengers are seated two per upholstered bench seat in groups of four. Please
do not bring car seats or carriers for children under two unless you have purchased a ticket for them.
Children under two riding in a lap do not need a ticket.
Q: Is there access for persons with disabilities?
Due to their historic nature, our trains are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. If anyone
in your group requires assistance boarding the train, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the
scheduled boarding time and register your group with the ticket agent inside Grand Central Station.
Crew members will be available to 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 can comfortably accommodate everyone. There
is no charge for parking. We ask that you respect the other businesses around Grand Central Station and
not park in any spaces reserved for their patrons.
Q: Where is Grand Central Station located?
Grand Central Station's address is 455 Market Street, Connersville, IN 47331. You can also find
directions using this Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/y7PyoFCq9kJkUohb6.
Q: How long is the train ride?
The train ride is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes in length.
Q: Do you have a gift shop?
Yes, a full range of gifts and keepsakes will be available at the event.
Q: Are tickets refundable?
No. You may reschedule your reservation to another date within the same calendar year, subject to fees
and availability.
Q: May I bring my pet or emotional support animal?
No. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. Only trained service animals are allowed.
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.
Q: What is the alcohol policy?
This is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is sold or allowed on board the train or on the event
grounds. Intoxicated passengers or those found in possession of alcohol will be removed from the event
without a refund.
THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters ™ & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.