Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride for a magical 75-minute trip through forests and a magical tunnel on the way to the North Pole. Once on board, your Conductor will work their way through the coach and punch your ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.
Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers, and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. On the return trip from the North Pole, Elves on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment – creating magical memories you will never forget! Â
Passengers are encouraged to arrive approximately ONE HOUR before their listed departure time to pick up their tickets from the Will Call Booth and explore the festivities onsite. Further event information is available in Frequently Asked Questions or by messaging our reservations agents .
Lower Level Coach Class includes seating in our Bi-Level cars and on the lower level of our DMU commuter coaches. Bi-Level cars seat approximately 80 guests on padded bench seating, while lower-level DMU coaches offer comfortable high-back seats, including ADA-accessible seating. Guests are welcomed aboard by a conductor, served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from the North Pole!
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*Bi-Level seating may be purchased per seat. Cars 704, 7001, and 7002 must be purchased per section. Most sections include 4 seats.
Upper Coach Class offers seating exclusively on the upper level of our DMU commuter coaches. These cars accommodate over 100 guests in comfortable high-back seating and provide an elevated view of the journey to the North Pole. Guests are welcomed aboard by a conductor, served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and delighted by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from the North Pole!
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Please note: access to the upper-level DMU coach area requires climbing approximately 13 steps. Upper-level tickets must also be purchased per section. Most sections include 4 seats.
First Class offers table seating in a more intimate setting with fewer passengers than Coach Class. Guests are welcomed by a conductor, served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, presented with the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from the North Pole! Each guest will also take home a souvenir ceramic Hot Chocolate mug.
Ride in the upper dome of our Northern Pacific Vista-Dome coach for a stunning 360° view from the train. Guests are welcomed by a conductor, served hot chocolate and a selection of cookies served by dancing chefs, presented the first gift of Christmas by Santa himself, and then entertained by singing and dancing elves on the return journey from the North Pole! Each guest will take home the annual souvenir ceramic Hot Chocolate mug AND an exclusive special gift!
Coach Class: $45
Upper Coach: $55
First Class: $70
Dome Class: $105
Coach Class: $50
Upper Coach: $60
First Class: $75
Dome Class: $110
Coach Class: $55
Upper Coach: $65
First Class: $80
Dome Class: $115
Many dates sell out very early and tickets for your desired time may not be available. Questions? Please don’t hesitate to message the reservations office.  Keep in mind, trains depart on EASTERN TIME.
Boarding will begin 15 minutes prior to departure, and doors will officially close 5 minutes before departure. Once doors are closed, it is at the Train Master’s discretion whether they may be reopened to allow late arrivals to board.
Unfortunately, there are no group or other discounts available for this event.  Large families or other groups attending together should purchase their tickets for the same car.  For ADA seating assistance, please message the reservations office.
Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are non-refundable/non-exchangable.
For ticketing assistance please contact our reservations office at 1-800-74-TRAIN
       French Lick & West Baden was once known as the home to “America’s Laxative”. The Pluto Water slogan was “When nature wont, Pluto will.” At one point in time, 40-50 train cars were used to ship Pluto Water across the country. This “healing” water naturally contained sodium, magnesium sulfate, and lithium which produced a foul odor. This odor prompted people to say that the underworld couldn’t be far away.
       Pluto, the Roman God of the Underworld became a staple symbol in our area. Ultimately, Pluto Water sales were stopped in 1971 when lithium became a controlled substance and was no longer allowed to be sold publicly. However, the Pluto symbol remains and can still be found in many areas locally.
