The V&T Railway Commission is bringing back The Polar Express Train Ride to Carson City this holiday season. Tickets are now available for the one-hour round-trip journey to the North Pole, where families can step into the story with hot cocoa, cookies, holiday music and a visit from Santa.
The adventure begins when the train departs Carson City for a round-trip journey to the North Pole, featuring a fully staged performance with costumed characters, music, narration, hot cocoa and treats. Along the way, the conductor punches golden tickets, the story of The Polar Express unfolds, and Santa boards the train to greet passengers and deliver the first gift of Christmas.
Each guest will also take home a keepsake sleigh bell and souvenir golden ticket. Pajamas are encouraged for the ride.
Seating Options
This year’s The Polar Express Train Ride offers several seating options, allowing guests to choose the experience that works best for their group:
- Polar Express Classic Coach: Traditional bench seating for two.
- Polar Express Deluxe Coach: Plush red seats and an intimate coach atmosphere – seating for two.
- Polar Express Table Car: Historic dining car tables reserved for four.
- Polar Express Table Car Lounge: Up to 15 passengers in a restored 1907 parlor car.
- Polar Express Private Car Sitting Room: Seats groups of up to 18.
- Polar Express Private Car Family Lounge: Exclusive private room for larger families up to 12.
All VIP class tickets include souvenir mugs!
Event Details
- Location: Carson City Eastgate Depot, 4650 Eastgate Siding Road
- Dates: Nov. 13-15, 19-22, 27-29; Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-23
- Tickets: On sale NOW at vtrailway.com/train-excursions/polar-express/
- Pricing: Seating options range from $60 to $1,350 + fees, depending on the experience selected.
- Arrival: Guests should arrive 45 minutes prior to departure for check-in
Seats are limited, and this event is expected to sell out quickly.
About THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) since 2007, Rail Events Inc. has held an exclusive license to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia.
About THE POLAR EXPRESS Book
THE POLAR EXPRESS film is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas picture book, which tells the story of a boy who takes a magical Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa. First published by the Houghton Mifflin Company in 1985, The Polar Express became an instant family favorite and has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. In 1986 it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration.
About Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) is a worldwide leader in the creation, development, licensing and operating of location-based entertainment based on the biggest franchises, stories, and characters from Warner Bros.’ world-renowned film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, Cartoon Network and more. WBDGE is home to the groundbreaking locations of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal theme parks around the world, award-winning Warner Bros. Studio Tour locations in London, Hollywood, and Tokyo, the iconic Harry Potter New York flagship store, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, The WB Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS Experience, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour and countless other experiences inspired by Harry Potter, DC, Looney Tunes, Scooby-Doo, Game of Thrones, FRIENDS and more. WBDGE is part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division.
About Rail Events Inc.
Rail Events Inc. is the industry leader in rail-related special events management. In 2025, the company licensed events that hosted nearly 1.8 million guests at 58 partner railroads in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. Rail Events Inc. and Rail Events Productions are wholly owned subsidiaries of American Heritage Railways, which is the premier operator of heritage railroads in the United States.
