Holiday favorite Polar Express rides return to Sacramento. Train tickets on sale
The Polar Express, a winter-themed train ride inspired by the 2004 film starring Tom Hanks, is returning to Sacramento this holiday season. Tickets went on sale to the general public Tuesday.
The Sacramento train ride features seven vintage passenger cars pulled by locomotives from the California State Railroad Museum’s collection, according to the museum’s website.
Passengers will board at the Central Pacific Passenger Station at 930 Front St. in Old Sacramento. There, characters from “The Polar Express” movie greet riders during a pre-boarding stage show that begins 35 minutes before departure.
The one-hour train ride includes hot chocolate, sweet treats, a visit with Santa Claus at the “North Pole,” and a silver sleigh bell for each guest.
.jpg "img-25-09-23-72581 (1).jpg")
.jpg "img-25-09-23-C2E42 (1).jpg")
Rides run from Nov. 14 through Dec. 21, operating Wednesday through Monday. Trains depart at 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Seating options include Coach, enclosed Gondola, and First Class. Coach seats range from $80 to $85 per passenger, while First Class tickets cost $100 to $110, the museum’s website said.
Children under age 2 do not require a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap.
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM.