The Polar Express ™ Train Ride Tickets for 2024 on sale midnight April 10, 2024!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For The Polar Express™
Click Here for Tickets & Schedule
| Q: | What if I need to cancel? |
| A: | Sorry, tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride ™ are non-refundable/non-transferable. |
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| Q: | What is this? What do you do? How long does it last? |
| A: | This is a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. During the trip the book "The Polar Express ™" is read aloud and Hot Chocolate and Cookies are served by the Chefs. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car giving each passenger a special gift. Christmas Carolers and the Hobo are also on board the train. The ride lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. |
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| Q: | Where do we catch the train? Is there parking? |
| A: | The depot is located at 206 East Main Street in downtown Branson, Missouri. It is situated between the Hilton Hotel Convention Center and the Branson Landing shopping center. There is free parking across from the depot (on Main Street) in a large lot next door to Starbucks Coffee. Covered parking is available at the Branson Landing or at The Hilton Convention Center for a fee. Click here to see a map |
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| Q: | Where do you go? Do you go into Arkansas? |
| A: | This is not a sightseeing excursion. This is a ride to the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus. It does not operate on the same route as the regular daytime excursions. |
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| Q: | Do we get food? Is there anything to eat on board? |
| A: | Meal service/concession car is not available during The Polar Express Train Ride ™. |
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| Q: | Is there a Gift Shop? Is there anything to do while waiting for the train? |
| A: | There is a gift shop inside the depot. The gift shop will remain open after the last train returns so guests can shop. Additional shopping, restaurants, and activities are within walking distance of the train station in Historic Downtown Branson and the Branson Landing shopping center. |
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| Q: | Is it enclosed? Do you go in bad weather? What amenities are on board? |
| A: | The train is fully enclosed and climate controlled. The rides depart regardless of inclement weather. There are bathroom facilities on board the train. |
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| Q: | When does THE POLAR EXPRESS™ depart? Is it dark enough to see the lights at the earlier runs? |
| A: | The rides depart Thursday through Sunday on select dates in November and most every day in December the through Sunday before Christmas. Click HERE for a direct link to the schedule. Yes, it is dark enough to enjoy the ride at all departure times, except on the 3 pm run which goes to Crest Tunnel. |
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| Q: | Do we need a reservation? |
| A: | YES. Tickets sell out very quickly, especially Saturdays and the weekends around the holidays. |
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| Q: | When do tickets go on sale? |
| A: | Now on sale. |
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| Q: | We have a large group. How do we guarantee we will be able to sit together? |
| A: | Groups wishing to sit together need to book together as a group. Separate reservations cannot be guaranteed seats together. |
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| Q: | What is included? |
| A: | All ticket holders receive Hot Chocolate and Cookies. Coach seating will receive a single serving of Hot Chocolate and a Cookie. (Lap children are excluded) Premium Seating receives unlimited Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a souvenir ceramic mug for the current year. (Lap children are excluded.) No outside food or beverages can be carried on however, lap rider (infants/toddlers) beverages/snacks may be brought on board. If your child has allergies please contact the reservations office directly. |
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| Q: | What if someone riding has a food allergy? |
| A: | If anyone in your party has a food allergy please contact the reservations office directly. |
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| Q: | What are the prices? What age is a child? |
| A: | Click HERE to go to our pricing and schedule. |
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| Q: | Are there any discounts? Where do we buy tickets? |
| A: | There are NO discounts of any kind for The Polar Express Train Ride™. Tickets can be purchased ONLY through Branson Scenic Railway © via phone or company website. No ticket outlets or companies can legally sell tickets. Tickets found to be purchased through a second party (including Craigslist, EBay, Facebook, and other online methods) will be deemed invalid. Tickets are non-refundable/transferable. |
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| Q: | Do we get to select our seats? How do we get the dome car? |
| A: | >>Coach passengers will be assigned a specific car but there are no assigned seats inside the cars. The cars are assigned automatically as reservations are received. Please note it is important that those wanting to be seated together should book at the same time as well as be ready to board at the same time. Steps are required to board Coach Seating. >>Premium Lower Level passengers have reserved seats at one of the dining tables. Premium seating is sold ONLY in even in numbers so families can be kept together as much as possible. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple tables and will share a table with another family. Every effort is made to keep family groups together. >>Premium Dome Car Passengers have reserved seats at a booth style dining table. Premium Dome seating is sold ONLY in even numbers so families/groups can be kept together as much as possible. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple booths and will share a booth with other passengers. Every effort is made to keep family groups together. Steps are required to board Premium Dome Seating. |
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| Q: | What is the difference between Premium Lower Level, Premium Dome Car, & Coach seating? |
| A: | All passengers are on the same train and going to the same place. Everyone sees Santa and each passenger receives a gift. All cars are enclosed and climate controlled and have access to bathroom facilities. >>Coach seating: Guests are assigned a specific coach car but there are no assigned seats in that car. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. Dome car seating is not guaranteed in Coach. Coach seating ticket holders receive a single serving of Hot Chocolate and a Cookie. Lap children are excluded. Steps are required to board into Coach Seating. >>Premium Lower Level passengers have reserved seats at one of the dining tables / booths. Premium Lower Level seating is SOLD ONLY IN EVEN NUMBERS so groups can be kept together as much as possible. Parties that do not have an even number who want to ride in Premium Lower Level will be required to purchase an extra ticket. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple tables and will share a table with other passengers. Every effort is made to keep groups together. Premium Lower Level passengers receive unlimited servings of Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a ceramic souvenir mug for the current year. Lap children are excluded. >>Premium Dome Passengers have reserved seats at a booth style dining table. Premium Dome seating is SOLD ONLY IN EVEN NUMBERS so groups can be kept together as much as possible. Parties that do not have an even number who want to ride in Premium Dome Car will be required to purchase an extra ticket. The seating is in groups of four. Parties with 6 or more will be divided up among multiple booths and will share a booth with other passengers. Every effort is made to keep groups together. Steps are required to board into Premium Dome Car Seating. Premium Dome passengers receive unlimited servings of Hot Chocolate and Cookies and a ceramic souvenir mug for the current year. Lap children are excluded. |
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| Q: | Do children wear pajamas? |
| A: | Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas, just like the children in the book did. Many Adults wear theirs too! |
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| Q: | Does everyone see Santa? Does everyone get a bell? |
| A: | Santa visits all the cars and each passenger receives a bell. |
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| Q: | If the date we want is Sold Out is there a Wait List? |
| A: | No. There will not be a wait list as tickets are non-refundable. |
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| Q: | What if I need to change my reservation? |
| A: | Sorry, tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride™ are non-refundable/non-transferable. |
FAQs
The Polar Express experience in Branson, Missouri is a must-do during the festive season. It's a journey that brings to life the cherished tale of the Polar Express, creating magical moments for all who embark on this enchanting train ride.
How long is the Branson Polar Express train ride? ›
During the trip the book "The Polar Express ™" is read aloud and Hot Chocolate and Cookies are served by the Chefs. Santa joins the ride at the North Pole and visits each car giving each passenger a special gift. Christmas Carolers and the Hobo are also on board the train. The ride lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.
What is the famous quote from The Polar Express? ›
The quote from The Polar Express, "Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe," encapsulates the timeless message of the power of belief and the magic of Christmas.
How long is the Branson Scenic Railway Dinner Train? ›
You can enjoy a scenic ride or a four-course candlelight dinner excursion, departing from the historic 1905 depot in downtown Branson; scenic tours take about one hour and 45 minutes, while the dinner excursion is two hours and 15 minutes.
Is Polar Express better at night or day? ›
DEFINITELY at night. The lights are amazing and it is so much more of a Polar Express experience! Go on another excursion sometime during the day!
Is there a toilet on The Polar Express? ›
The carriages are stationed so you can't see either end of the train. The carriages were decorated with tinsel and lights and there are toilets on the train. The journey was entertaining with music, dancing chefs, ghost hobo and the conductor.
Why was Polar Express controversial? ›
The Polar Express is controversial and “creepy” to some viewers thanks to its animation style, which created a phenomenon known as “Uncanny Valley.”
What is the main point of The Polar Express? ›
Summaries. On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
What is the moral of The Polar Express? ›
Parents need to know that, like the book that inspired it, the The Polar Express has wonderful messages about the importance of believing, the value of friendship, respect for leadership and courage, and the beauty of being kind to others.
How much does it cost to ride the Branson train? ›
Ticket Prices & Discounts
Excluding the Dinner Train and THE POLAR EXPRESS, regular excursion tickets range from $29.00 plus tax for adults (ages 13 and up), $18.50 plus tax for children (ages 3 to 12) and $2.00 for children ages two and under and do not require a seat.
1. Coast Starlight. A train adventure spanning from Washington to Southern California, the Coast Starlight is a daily route between Los Angeles and Seattle that passes through beautiful Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Portland.
Where does the Branson train go? ›
ABOUT the TRIP: The northern route goes as far as Galena, Missouri, to the James River Valley; and the southern route extends into Arkansas to the Barren Fork Trestle.
What is the best age for Polar Express? ›
Because of its suspenseful scenes, The Polar Express isn't suitable for children under 6-7 years. We also recommend parental guidance for children aged 8-13 years. These are the main messages from The Polar Express: Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.
What is the point of The Polar Express train? ›
In the movie, a doubting young boy didn't believe in the spirit of Christmas like everyone else. The Polar Express train saw this as a possibility to change the boy's life to show the true meaning behind this holiday with a train ride to the North Pole.
What is the difference between standard and premium tickets on The Polar Express? ›
Premium class passengers will each receive the special limited edition ceramic POLAR EXPRESS™ mug and a POLAR EXPRESS™ bag for each pair of seats.
What is so good about The Polar Express? ›
The movie is trying to convey to the audience that it's not about what you see and how things work, it's about choosing to believe in the magic of the world. The power that choice to believe has is where the magic of childlike wonder comes from and is something people seem to forget when they grow into adulthood.
