THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is an immersive family-oriented experience at the Galveston Railroad Museum held every year during the holiday season.
To get the full experience, we recommend allowing 2 hours for the entire event. The round-trip train time to the North Pole and back is 60 minutes. You’ll want to be at the Galveston Railroad Museum Train Depot 30 minutes before actual departure time in order to experience the performance that occurs as the train STEAMS into the station! Final boarding is 10 minutes before departure. After the train arrives at the North Pole, you will enjoy live entertainment and pick up Santa and his elves for the return trip.
For best seating we recommend you book your seats as soon as you are able to finalize your date. Certain departure times and certain cars book quickly! If you are in town during THE POLAR EXPRESS™ and have not made a reservation, please check with the Galveston Railroad Museum staff, as they often have tickets available on the same day!
There are Standard, Deluxe, and Premium-class seating to choose from every night. All cars are heated. ALL children receive a bell. ALL cars are decorated for Christmas.
Yes, their wheelchair-friendly coach has a hydraulic lift to load a passenger in their wheelchair into the coach to ride right along with family and friends. It also features an ADA restroom.
Limited parking is available in the museum parking lot and overflow parking is located at an adjacent parking lot on Santa Fe Place. Parking fee is $20 advance and may be purchased online or $25 at the gate.
We ask that you arrive 30 minutes before your departure time. Don’t miss the pre-boarding show!
