THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
London Euston
Book Tickets
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at London Euston is returning for another season in 2026. Following on from our sellout season in 2025. Be sure to book your THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets to secure the best seats on the train.
Book Tickets
A highly rated experience
A brilliant Xmas experience for the little ones. Euston station had platform 16 set aside and decorated, along with pop-up gift shop and a stage where singers sung songs and carols. All staff were in costume and very friendly. The Polar Express itself was a proper steam engine with modern carriages that were decked out to a high quality. The show itself was excellent and took place while the train took a short journey north and back again. The kids loved it. One downside was the availability of stock in the gift shop, much of which was permanently sold out on the day. Otherwise, highly recommended.
I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt it was important to share an honest account of what to expect from the Polar Express experience in London at London Euston railway station.
I attended today with my four children (aged 8, 10, 12 and 14) and my partner. We were all really looking forward to it, especially given the high cost and the very positive reviews online. Unfortunately, we all came away feeling quite disappointed.
We were initially excited to board what we thought would be a steam train experience, but this excitement quickly faded when we realised that all the windows had been painted over. Not being able to see outside made the carriage feel quite claustrophobic and removed a huge element of magic. It also meant you were forced to focus entirely on the onboard performance — which, sadly, wasn’t very engaging.
The entertainment consisted mainly of a couple of “chefs” and the conductor singing. It felt quite basic and repetitive. There was also a long period (around 10–15 minutes) where a story was read aloud over the speaker while entertainers walked up and down showing pictures from a large book. Looking around the carriage, most children were restless, distracted, or clearly bored. The story section went on far too long and could have been broken up with more varied, lively interaction.
The hot chocolate was another let-down. It was only half a cup, warm rather than hot, and very powdery and overly strong. My children love hot chocolate, so the fact that none of them enjoyed it says a lot. On a positive note, the cookie was nice.
The Father Christmas part of the experience was just okay. He didn’t spend much time with each family — just enough to hand out bells before returning later for photos. It felt rushed and impersonal.
Overall, the whole experience felt very scripted and robotic, with little genuine interaction. It didn’t feel immersive or magical — more like everyone was sticking rigidly to a routine rather than creating a special moment.
The seating was acceptable but not particularly comfortable. If you’re attending with a disabled passenger, be aware that space is limited, especially under the table, which could make the journey uncomfortable.
Perhaps the most telling feedback came from my autistic 8-year-old, who had been incredibly excited. As we walked off, he said:
“I didn’t really like it that much because I couldn’t look out the window, and I think the people should have brought more treats to us. I want to see another Father Christmas.”
That pretty much sums up our experience.
For the price paid, we expected something far more magical, interactive, and memorable — especially for children. Sadly, it didn’t live up to expectations.
I attended today with my four children (aged 8, 10, 12 and 14) and my partner. We were all really looking forward to it, especially given the high cost and the very positive reviews online. Unfortunately, we all came away feeling quite disappointed.
We were initially excited to board what we thought would be a steam train experience, but this excitement quickly faded when we realised that all the windows had been painted over. Not being able to see outside made the carriage feel quite claustrophobic and removed a huge element of magic. It also meant you were forced to focus entirely on the onboard performance — which, sadly, wasn’t very engaging.
The entertainment consisted mainly of a couple of “chefs” and the conductor singing. It felt quite basic and repetitive. There was also a long period (around 10–15 minutes) where a story was read aloud over the speaker while entertainers walked up and down showing pictures from a large book. Looking around the carriage, most children were restless, distracted, or clearly bored. The story section went on far too long and could have been broken up with more varied, lively interaction.
The hot chocolate was another let-down. It was only half a cup, warm rather than hot, and very powdery and overly strong. My children love hot chocolate, so the fact that none of them enjoyed it says a lot. On a positive note, the cookie was nice.
The Father Christmas part of the experience was just okay. He didn’t spend much time with each family — just enough to hand out bells before returning later for photos. It felt rushed and impersonal.
Overall, the whole experience felt very scripted and robotic, with little genuine interaction. It didn’t feel immersive or magical — more like everyone was sticking rigidly to a routine rather than creating a special moment.
The seating was acceptable but not particularly comfortable. If you’re attending with a disabled passenger, be aware that space is limited, especially under the table, which could make the journey uncomfortable.
Perhaps the most telling feedback came from my autistic 8-year-old, who had been incredibly excited. As we walked off, he said:
“I didn’t really like it that much because I couldn’t look out the window, and I think the people should have brought more treats to us. I want to see another Father Christmas.”
That pretty much sums up our experience.
For the price paid, we expected something far more magical, interactive, and memorable — especially for children. Sadly, it didn’t live up to expectations.
The Polar Express London is an absolutely enchanting experience that captures the magic of the holiday season in the most delightful way. From the moment you step on board, you’re transported into a world of Christmas wonder, with festive music, dazzling decorations, and friendly, engaging staff creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
The train journey itself is full of excitement and joy, bringing the beloved story to life through interactive performances, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of festive cheer. The attention to detail is incredible, and the whole experience feels like stepping into a Christmas movie.
Perfect for families, kids, and anyone young at heart, The Polar Express London is a must-visit for making magical memories. It’s a fun, heartwarming, and truly unforgettable experience that’s bound to become a cherished holiday tradition. 🎄🚂✨
The train journey itself is full of excitement and joy, bringing the beloved story to life through interactive performances, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of festive cheer. The attention to detail is incredible, and the whole experience feels like stepping into a Christmas movie.
Perfect for families, kids, and anyone young at heart, The Polar Express London is a must-visit for making magical memories. It’s a fun, heartwarming, and truly unforgettable experience that’s bound to become a cherished holiday tradition. 🎄🚂✨
The Polar Express Experience!!! Great Day Out!!! Yes Expensive, but worth it. story telling.on the train, great fun atmosphere, pre show before boarding the train. Amazing friendly staff, the main songs, the dance, the hot chocolate and Santa were amazing. Thoroughly recommend it at any age..
We took the kids on London’s Polar Express and they absolutely loved it. The atmosphere was magical from the moment we boarded — the music, the decorations, and the staff really brought the story to life.
The hot chocolate wasn’t quite the best we’ve had, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all. The children were completely captivated, especially when the characters came through the carriage and everyone joined in with the singing.
Overall, a fantastic festive outing that really gets you in the Christmas spirit. We’d definitely recommend it for families looking to make some special memories!
The hot chocolate wasn’t quite the best we’ve had, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all. The children were completely captivated, especially when the characters came through the carriage and everyone joined in with the singing.
Overall, a fantastic festive outing that really gets you in the Christmas spirit. We’d definitely recommend it for families looking to make some special memories!
Was an amazing experience absolutely loved it! My son had the best time it was such good fun and felt like we was in the movie! Definitely recommend will go back again in the future
What an incredible experience! The staff are so friendly and helpful. The actors are great and it is so well organised we were pleasantly surprised. We were also rather surprised at the amount of families that actually turn up in matching PJs which really brings the whole movie to life! Santa gave everyone the time for photos and it was as incredibly magical. My son was awestruck and swept away the entire trip and he is a busy toddler at 2,5 years old but loved every minute. So worth the money I would definitely do this again next year than pay the same money at other places that cost just as much.
i also have to add the back office team are so helpful. They answered all questions and managed to seat us all together. We also couldn’t download 1 ticket and they tried their very best to get the ticket up and working for us.
i also have to add the back office team are so helpful. They answered all questions and managed to seat us all together. We also couldn’t download 1 ticket and they tried their very best to get the ticket up and working for us.
Had an amazing time, this was a last minute decision and I couldn't of made a better choice you really feel like your involved in the production... Sing, laughing and reading the story all whilst enjoying your hot chocolate and cookie
Great experience for all of the family! Staff on board are very welcoming and accommodating! Great entertainment and tasty treats during your journey 🤗
We had the best experience from start to finish last year, the show was so interactive and there was Never a dull moment
Fantastic experience. Kids absolutely loved it. Very magical, and a special treat actually taking a ride on a steam train!
Best time ever absoluty loved it the staff really played there part in the film even the cookie was in polor exspress theme and got chocolate and got a amazing picture with santa on the train we so badly want to go again loved it that much I highly recommend it. We love the film to this was played out like the film was absolutely perfect christmas thank you to all the staff that made it magical and loved our bell to next time want to go with all my kids
I bougjt tickets for myself and my sons he has been a lover of the film since he was little i took him as a surprise christmas present on the polar express he is 20 years old but you cant take the kid out of you he was over the moon he said it was the best present ever and i have to say i really loved it just as much as he did the train was amazzzzing the staff were fantastic and it run as tho you when in the film i would recommend this to all families it makes christmas much more exciting what a wonderful experience love to go again this time i would love to take my godson and grandson
We took our 2 year old last year and WOW, what a magical experience for the whole family, regardless of age. The staff and actors were amazing and I wouldn't hesitate to book it again.
Took our son on the polar express ride last year and we all absolutely loved it! Wonderful experience that we would love to do again.
It was a magical experience for all of us. The costumes and actors were amazing and really made it special.
What a fantastic experience - our two boys loved it! We went on the Polar Express in December 2024 and from the excitement of queuing and the show before we boarded, through to the music and hot chocolate on board, not to mention Santa’s visit and the gifts, the boys were wrapped up in the magic. We loved it too. Great touches like getting the tickets stamped really added to the experience. What better a way to bring in the Christmas cheer!
Thoroughly enjoyed our experience on the Polar express with the family. My 2 sons and their wives together with our : grandsons. They loved their conductors caps & were mesmerised by the staff telling their stories. I wish there could have been snow to view outside the carriage with maybe a decorated false station stop but we still had a great time.
Fantastic experience, I decided to try something different Christmas 2024 for my 3 daughters and it was so magical, my girls were on cloud 9. From start to finish the ticket being hole punched and the hot chocolate and cookies were excellent additions to a magical adventure.
Also SEN friendly, my daughter has sensory processing and autism and thrived here: nothing was to much to ask from Queue waiting to helping prepare me with what was coming next for prompts to my daughter.
I was so pleased with the experience overall and my daughter still talk about it to this day.
Worth every penny and so special in time for Christmas
Also SEN friendly, my daughter has sensory processing and autism and thrived here: nothing was to much to ask from Queue waiting to helping prepare me with what was coming next for prompts to my daughter.
I was so pleased with the experience overall and my daughter still talk about it to this day.
Worth every penny and so special in time for Christmas
We had an amazing time - absolutely great experience and atmosphere - highly recommended for all ages- we will book again
We have been to visit the polar express twice now and looking to go again this year! our son absolutely loves it!! would definitely recommend visiting with the children for such a magical experience close to christmas!
Absolutely delightful experience which created wonder and awe. Magic for all the family. We were very lucky to have spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon in 2024 experiencing this magical story (on our wedding anniversary too). Everyone was brilliant, from the boarding staff to the performers in our carriage a brilliant experience for our 6 year old and us. What a lovely way to bring this to life.
From the moment we arrived in our matching Xmas pjs, we were taken on an unforgettable unique ride. From the hot chocolate and cookies, to the singing and dancing, this was truly an unforgettable family memory. Santa was incredible, and all the performers got you involved. We had the best few hours.
Thank you so much for giving us, as a family something to look back on as our children are getting older now and it’s getting harder to find something that we can all do together. I recommend this to everyone
Thank you so much for giving us, as a family something to look back on as our children are getting older now and it’s getting harder to find something that we can all do together. I recommend this to everyone
An amazing experience from start to finish. I went with my son, niece, sister, brother in law and parents. The actors and interaction was wonderful and genuinely felt like you were in the story. We had a lovely time.
Was an amazing experience for my 6 year old daughter and her friend (and me!).
We watched the movie in advance and then my daughter was overjoyed to then be going to the North Pole herself! (All dressed up in her PJ's).
The train looked amazing, and the actors were brilliant. So engaged and interacted with everyone on the train, it really felt like being in the movie! Ps, the hot chocolate was delicious too. Amazing, thank you.
Would love to take her again!
We watched the movie in advance and then my daughter was overjoyed to then be going to the North Pole herself! (All dressed up in her PJ's).
The train looked amazing, and the actors were brilliant. So engaged and interacted with everyone on the train, it really felt like being in the movie! Ps, the hot chocolate was delicious too. Amazing, thank you.
Would love to take her again!
✨ A Truly Magical Experience! ✨
My son and I visited The Polar Express just before last Christmas, and it remains one of the most heart-warming, magical experiences we’ve ever had.
From the moment we stepped aboard, the atmosphere was absolutely enchanting – it genuinely felt as though we’d stepped straight into the beloved film. The attention to detail was wonderful: our tickets were checked just like on a real train, and we were treated to delicious hot chocolate and warm cookies.
🎅 The highlight, of course, was meeting Santa himself. Each child received a silver bell – just like in the story – and it was truly special. Our son still keeps his bell and personalised golden ticket with his initial as treasured keepsakes.
It was a beautifully organised experience that brought the spirit of Christmas to life. A huge thank you to everyone involved for creating such festive magic – we’ll definitely be back! 💫
My son and I visited The Polar Express just before last Christmas, and it remains one of the most heart-warming, magical experiences we’ve ever had.
From the moment we stepped aboard, the atmosphere was absolutely enchanting – it genuinely felt as though we’d stepped straight into the beloved film. The attention to detail was wonderful: our tickets were checked just like on a real train, and we were treated to delicious hot chocolate and warm cookies.
🎅 The highlight, of course, was meeting Santa himself. Each child received a silver bell – just like in the story – and it was truly special. Our son still keeps his bell and personalised golden ticket with his initial as treasured keepsakes.
It was a beautifully organised experience that brought the spirit of Christmas to life. A huge thank you to everyone involved for creating such festive magic – we’ll definitely be back! 💫
Absolutely Amazing experience!! We took our 4 year old and it was Enjoyed by us all! They really go all out with the performance. Worth every penny ❤️
I went on this trip last year. It was a really good experience. The only downside was that they didn’t cater for gluten free or soya free on the train. They should have informed these people before they got on the train so they could get something before boarding. This would have cost extra whereas the cookie and hot chocolate on board was included in the price!
Such an amazing experience!! Crew captured all the iconic moments so well. Very enjoyable even for the adults!
Rated 4.4 / 5 from Facebook reviews.
Experience
This December, step on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London as the magical Christmas experience returns to London Euston for another unforgettable season. After another sell out year, this officially licensed experience is back, bringing the much-loved festive story to the heart of the capital once again.
Enjoyed by thousands of families last year, the experience returns to one of England’s most iconic historic cities, transforming a simple train journey into a truly magical Christmas adventure. Our fully immersive theatrical production invites everyone to take part, from wide-eyed little ones to Granny and Grandpa , as you experience what it feels like to journey on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride together.
Based on the beloved 2004 motion picture THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London is a heart-warming theatrical experience designed for the whole family. Filled with storytelling, festive moments and Christmas cheer, it promises to create wonderful memories you’ll treasure long after the season ends.
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FAQs
Have a question? We probably have the answer you need! Head over to our FAQs for the most frequent questions we are asked, like where do I buy my THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets!
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Guests with additional needs
We wish for everyone to feel welcome when visiting our experience at the London, Euston Station, see Tell Me More for more information!
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Official Merchandise
Official THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride merchandise is available to purchase from North Pole Trading.
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