The Polar Express™
Every Visit Feels Like the First
Some things you only do once — but this isn’t one of them. Families return year after year to answer the conductor’s call on The Polar Express™. They climb aboard V&T Railway’s diesel-powered train in their pajamas to enjoy the live retelling of their favorite holiday tale.
Your one-hour ride to the North Pole and back includes:
- Fully staged performance with costumed actors, music, and narration.
- Cocoa and treats (including gluten-free options) delivered to your seat.
- The first gift of Christmas: a silver bell from Santa.
- A dazzling North Pole stop, with new lights and décor each year.
This round-trip excursion is always enchanting, always at night, and always filled with moments that turn into cherished memories. Each visit adds a new chapter to your holiday story. Don’t miss the chance to create a holiday tradition.
Seating Options for The Polar Express™
Big families, couples, or groups—there’s a perfect way for everyone to ride The Polar Express™. From cozy benches to private rooms, each seating option comes with festive touches like hot chocolate, holiday treats, a keepsake silver bell, and a special visit from Santa.
Take a look at the choices below and find the right fit for your holiday adventure:
Polar Express Classic Coach
The Classic Coach offers cozy bench seating for two people who want the traditional Polar Express™ experience.
One bench seats two people. Please note: Purchase of the entire bench is required – half benches are not available.
Polar Express Deluxe Coach
The Deluxe Coach is the newest addition to this themed excursion with festive plush red seats and fewer passengers than our regular coach class.
One bench seats two people. Please note: Purchase of the entire bench is required – half benches are not available.
VIP Parlor Car Sitting Room
Immerse yourself in a Victorian-inspired parlor setting with individual seats. It’s a refined, historic touch for your North Pole journey.
Please note: These seats are sold individually.
VIP Family Lounge
Your group of 12 will ride in part of the fully restored 1907 Ardelle Mae, a vintage parlor car that makes this ride feel like a wintery time machine. With this seating option, you’ll receive your hot cocoa in a keepsake ceramic mug.
Please note: A maximum of 12 passengers in one group is allowed, no exceptions. Lap babies do not count as one of the 12.
VIP Private Table
Ideal for families or friends who want to share the magic side by side, you can book a table-for-four inside a historic dining car.
With this seating option, you’ll receive your hot cocoa in a keepsake ceramic mug.
Please note: Only four adults will be seated at a table. Riders are required to purchase the entire table; half tables are not available.
VIP Private Room
Want a more exclusive experience as you ride to the North Pole? Reserve the VIP Private Room for your party of 15.
With this seating option, you’ll receive your hot cocoa in a keepsake ceramic mug.
Please note: Riders are required to purchase the entire room, which includes 15 seats/tickets valid for adults and children.
The Polar Express™ FAQs
Have a question before your North Pole adventure? No problem. Here’s everything you need to know for a stress-free ride.
When do Polar Express™ tickets go on sale?
Tickets typically go on sale in September on our website. For reminders, sign up for our newsletter.
How are tickets sold?
Your ticket to holiday magic is just a click or call away. Book your ticket online or by calling 775 686-9037. Seats fill quickly, so we recommend reserving early.
- VIP Tickets: Step into an intimate, old-world setting that feels straight out of a Victorian Christmas card. You’ll receive a keepsake ceramic mug and a large Christmas cookie to sweeten the ride.
- Coach Class Tickets: Cozy up in our classic Coach cars, each with space for 70 passengers. These seats go quickly, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Every ticket includes hot chocolate and a cookie. Children two and under ride must be held on an adult’s lap unless you’ve purchased a separate ticket for them.
Who needs a ticket?
Guests two years and older require a ticket. Children under 24 months ride free on a parent’s lap.
Are seats assigned?
Yes. When you purchase tickets, you’ll select your seats or benches for your group. If you buy tickets together in the same transaction, you’ll be seated together. For the best selection, we recommend purchasing early, especially during peak times and special events, since seating availability is first-come, first-served at checkout.
That said, we cannot guarantee groups will sit together.
Do you have room for extra or large personal items?
Our seating is limited and cannot accommodate extra baggage (strollers, large diaper bags, etc.). Please leave these items at the depot or in your car.
After purchasing, where can I pick up my tickets?
Thirty minutes before your train departs, you can grab your tickets at the Carson City depot located at 4650 Eastgate Siding Road. Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your departure to make sure you have enough time.
I would like to bring a big group. Are there any group discounts?
Due to the popularity of the event, we’re not able to offer discounts for The Polar Express™.
If I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, will I still have fun and know what’s going on?
Yes! There will be storybooks on board, so you can read along or listen and enjoy as the story unfolds in a live performance around you.
If you are familiar, it’ll feel like you’ve just stepped off the pages as we recreate the story with your child as part of the cast. Our conductor is happy to sign your personal copy of The Polar Express™ for the conductor to sign. If you don’t have one, they’re available for purchase at our depot.
Is the event handicapped accessible?
Wheelchair ramps are available on-site. Contact us before your arrival, and we’ll help you board. Please note that wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers stay at the depot due to narrow aisles and doors as well as limited storage on the train.
What happens if there’s inclement weather?
Weather never stops Santa from delivering presents—and it never stops us either. Our diesel train heads to the North Pole, rain or shine.
Is there more to do in Carson City than experience The Polar Express™ event?
Yes! We recommend making a weekend out of your trip to visit the North Pole aboard The Polar Express, so you can enjoy more of northern Nevada. Carson City also features bowling, outdoor recreation, movies, great restaurants, gaming, and top-notch accommodations.
Are there hotels in town?
You’ll find a variety of lodging options in Carson City and the surrounding area. Many of these hotels offer packages at a discounted room rate if you’re riding The Polar Express™ with V&T Railway. Please contact the individual hotels directly to learn more about this deal.
Do you allow alcohol on The Polar Express™?
Because this is a kids-first, family-friendly ride, there’s a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol. Please do not bring any on the train, or you’ll be asked to leave with no refund.
Am I able to move around during the ride?
Please stay seated on the train at all times and try not to talk over the narration. This is a live performance, and we want you as well as all other guests to have the best time possible!
Before You Board
Here are our tips to help your Polar Express™ ride run as smoothly as Santa’s sleigh:
- Please arrive at least 45 minutes early to check in and pick up your tickets.
- This isn’t like the movies where someone jumps on at the last second! If you’re late to your scheduled departure, the train leaves without refunds.
- All seating is assigned in two-person benches; no half-benches will be sold. Pick your seats carefully to make sure you have enough space reserved to sit near your loved ones.
- To feel like you’ve stepped straight into the story, we encourage you to come in your pajamas or another festive outfit.
- We ask that all guests are respectful to our staff and actors. Please stay seated and speak quietly during the live performance!
Your Ride to the North Pole Awaits
Tickets for this magical experience vanish faster than fresh-baked cookies. Make sure your name is on the passenger list before the train fills up.
Tickets go on sale September 2025.
