Polar Express train tickets are on sale in Sacramento. What to know about dates, prices

Ready to hop aboard the Polar Express?

The California State Railroad Museum is bringing back its popular Polar Express Train Ride for another holiday season, and tickets are on sale to the general public.

The Polar Express Train Ride will start running about two weeks before Thanksgiving, according to the event website.

Advertised as a “magical journey,” the hour-long ride features seven cars pulled by vintage locomotives. It’s inspired by the best-selling book “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, which was adapted into a 2004 movie starring Tom Hanks.

Eventgoers will be entertained by “Polar Express” characters, enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats and even spend some time with Santa Claus, the museum said.

When is The Polar Express Train Ride in Sacramento?

The Polar Express Train Ride runs from Saturday, Nov. 16, to Sunday, Dec. 22.

Train rides are available at 3:30 p.m.,5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

However, the train will not be running at 8 p.m. on Dec. 22, the museum said.

Where does the ride start?

The Polar Express Train Ride will depart from the Central Pacific Passenger Station, 930 Front St. in the Old Sacramento Waterfront.

How much are ticket prices?

In 2024, tickets for The Polar Express Train Ride cost $80 to $85 apiece for passengers in coach, and $100 to $110 for first-class passengers.

Children under age 2 are free if they ride on an adult’s lap.

Group seating is also available. Admission costs $320 to $340 for a table of four seats in the Sleigh Ride Car, or $400 to $440 for a table of four in the Audubon Dining Car.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets were on sale for the general public as of Friday, Oct. 25.

For more information, and to buy tickets, visit californiarailroad.museum/events/polar-express.

This story was originally published September 4, 2024 at 10:14 AM.

Sarah Linn

The Tribune

805-781-7907

Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.