What Is Seating Like on Board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride?

If you’re booking this year’s magical festive experience and wondering how seating works on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, you’re in exactly the right place.

Whether you’re travelling with little ones, grandparents, or the whole extended family, understanding the seating arrangements can make all the difference. A little planning ahead means you can relax, settle in comfortably, and focus on enjoying the journey together.

In this guide, we’ll break down the seating layout, explain how family groups are arranged, and walk you through exactly what to expect when you step aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at London Euston, so the magic can begin from the moment you arrive.

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conductor talking to passengers on board the polar express train rideImage

How Is the Seating on Board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Arranged?

Seating on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is designed to be comfortable, social, and family-friendly. There are two main seating formats:

  • Tables of four – two guests facing two others

  • Pairs of two – side-by-side seating, ideal for couples or smaller groups

Most carriages feature tables of four, so groups of four will usually be seated together at their own table. For smaller or larger parties, seating is arranged with care. The team always does their best to seat everyone together or directly across the aisle, just 17 inches apart, so you’re never far from the rest of your group.

Every seat is cushioned and comfortable, creating the perfect setting to sip hot chocolate, enjoy the onboard entertainment, and count down the moments until Santa’s arrival.

Learn More about the experience

Will My Family Be Seated Together?

One of the most common questions families ask is whether everyone will be seated together and the short answer is yes. Our team always makes every effort to keep groups together wherever possible.

For parties larger than four, additional members are usually seated directly across the aisle. This means you can still see each other, chat easily, and share the experience throughout the journey.

Most importantly, children are never seated without an adult. Regardless of the size of your booking, little ones will always be seated next to someone they know and trust, so you can relax and enjoy the magic together.

To give yourself the best chance of securing your preferred seating arrangement, we recommend booking as early as possible. The earlier you book, the more flexibility our team has when organising seating on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, helping everything run smoothly on the day.

hobo on board the polar express train rideImage
chef on the polar express train rideImage

Can I Choose My Seats?

Seats can’t be selected manually at the time of booking. Instead, you simply choose the number of tickets you need, and our team will automatically allocate your seating.

Seating is assigned in the order bookings are received, which means early bookers have the widest choice of seating arrangements another great reason to plan ahead.

If you have a specific seating requirement, such as accessibility needs or another special request, you’re very welcome to contact the team after booking. They’ll be happy to help where possible, so everyone can relax and enjoy the magic on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.

What Are the Carriages Like?

All carriages used for the London Euston experience are heritage railway stock, giving the seating on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride plenty of character and nostalgia.

Due to their age and original design, seating styles may vary slightly between carriages, and you may notice some natural wear and tear, all part of the charm that makes the experience feel truly authentic.

No matter which carriage you’re seated in, the festive magic is everywhere: cosy lighting, music, costumed performers, and magical moments that feel as though they’ve stepped straight out of the film.

chef on board the polar express train rideImage
conductor with book on board the polar express train rideImage

Can Seating Be Changed?

All carriages used for the London Euston experience are heritage railway stock, giving the seating on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride plenty of character and nostalgia.

Due to their age and original design, seating styles may vary slightly between carriages, and you may notice some natural wear and tear,  all part of the charm that makes the experience feel truly authentic.

No matter which carriage you’re seated in, the festive magic is everywhere: cosy lighting, music, costumed performers, and magical moments that feel as though they’ve stepped straight out of the film.

close up of tickets being clipped on board the polar express train rideImage

Summary: What to Expect from the Seating on Board THE POLAR EXPRESS™

  • Seating is arranged in tables of four and pairs of two

  • Families are seated together or directly across the aisle

  • Children are always seated with an adult

  • Carriages are heritage railway stock, so seating styles may vary

  • Seating is automatically allocated, booking early gives you the best chance of your preferred arrangement

Now that you know what to expect when it comes to seating on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, all that’s left to do is book your journey, start the countdown, and get ready for a Christmas experience your family will never forget.