How to Book Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London

Each Christmas, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride brings the magic of the classic children’s book and movie to life across the UK, including a special experience in London. Families get to hop aboard a beautifully decorated train for a festive journey filled with holiday cheer. If you’re planning to attend THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in London, this guide will help you navigate the ticket booking process if you're wondering how to book tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London and share some top tips to ensure your day is full of magical memories.

Believe ticket graphic
Chef waving on board The Polar Express Train Ride Image

What to Expect at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London

Hosted at various heritage railways across the UK, the London edition of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride provides an unforgettable Christmas experience. The event is an immersive re-creation of the beloved story, complete with live actors, festive treats, and a visit from Santa Claus.

The magic begins the moment you arrive at the station. As you board the train, you’ll be greeted by the Conductor, who checks your golden ticket, just like in the film. Throughout the journey, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies while narrating the enchanting story of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. You’ll also enjoy live performances featuring characters from the film, including the conductor and the boy in his pyjamas.

The train travels to the "North Pole," where Santa boards and presents each child with a silver sleigh bell as a keepsake, echoing the moment in the story when belief in the Christmas spirit is rewarded. It’s a joyous and heartwarming ride, full of carols, laughter, and Christmas magic.

Santa on board The Polar Express Train Ride Christmas Image
Chef on board The Polar Express Train Ride Image

How to Book Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London

Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in London are always in high demand, so it’s important to book early. Here’s how to secure your tickets:

Visit the Official Website: The first step is to head to the official website for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride London. From here, you can check the event dates, departure times, and ticket availability. The event typically runs from mid-November to late December.

Choose a Date and Time: Pick the best date for you and your family. Evening rides tend to be the most popular, as the night-time setting adds to the Christmas atmosphere, but there are also daytime departures if that suits your schedule better. If you have younger children, an earlier time may be more convenient.

Book Early: Tickets tend to sell out quickly, especially for peak times like weekends and evening rides. Keep an eye on ticket release dates, which are typically announced in the summer, and book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Chef on board The Polar Express Train Ride Image
Image

Top Tips for a Magical Experience

Wear Your Pyjamas: One of the best parts of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is that guests are encouraged to wear pyjamas, just like in the movie! Dressing in cosy PJs adds to the fun and festive spirit of the event. Don’t forget to bring warm layers too, as it can be chilly on winter evenings.

Arrive Early: Arriving at the station 30-45 minutes before your scheduled departure gives you enough time to park, explore the station, and take photos with the train. This also allows for a relaxed boarding process and ensures you won’t miss any pre-ride fun.

Bring a Camera: There are plenty of photo opportunities during the ride, from meeting Santa to interacting with the train’s staff and characters. However, don’t forget to put the camera down from time to time to fully soak in the magical experience.

Image

Top Tips for a Magical Experience

Prepare for Cold Weather: Since the event takes place during winter, it’s essential to dress warmly. Even though the train is heated, the wait outside and some parts of the station might be chilly, so hats, gloves, and scarves are recommended.

Consider Staying Overnight: If you’re travelling from outside of London or just want to make a weekend of it, consider booking accommodation nearby. London at Christmas is filled with festive activities, from ice skating to Christmas markets, making it a great destination for a holiday getaway.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in London offers a magical, family-friendly experience that brings the holiday spirit to life. From the festive train ride to meeting Santa, it’s a joyous adventure that creates lasting memories. By booking your tickets early and following these tips, you can ensure that your trip on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is as smooth and magical as possible. So, gather your golden tickets, put on your pyjamas, and get ready to believe in the magic of Christmas!