Polar Express. Photo Provided by Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum

The Polar Express Train Ride

The Polar Express™ Train Ride is the largest annual fundraiser for the non-profit Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum. This theatrically-driven holiday train has become an annual tradition for thousands of families, drawing over 21,000 passengers in 2022!

Events > The Polar Express Train Ride
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
49 Thames Street
Portland, ME 04101 United States
(207) 828-0814
About the Event
Presented by
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum
(207) 828-0814
November 16, 2024 through December 15, 2024

The fun begins at Portland’s Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal, warm and glowing with festive holiday cheer. The Conductor arrives and leads passengers onto the nine historic passenger coaches decked out for the holidays. Once on board, magical chefs and stewards serve hot chocolate and cookies. Christmas music fills the cars as the steam locomotive blows its whistle, the wheels start turning, and your roundtrip ride begins to the North Pole. You never know what – or who – you’ll encounter along the way!

Seating Details:
Passengers riding “Presidential Class” receive our most deluxe level of service! These passengers enjoy reserved premium individual cushioned seating in an exquisite 1880s-era train car, get a commemorative limited-edition ceramic mug to remember their train ride, and can take home a copy of the Polar Express book that has been signed by Santa Claus, on loan from the North Pole Library. (1 copy per grouping of 4 [or fewer] guests).

First Class passengers get to ride in one of Maine Narrow Gauge’s restored turn-of-the-century train cars (with reserved individual padded seating), as well as receive a limited-edition ceramic mug as a unique souvenir of their train ride to the North Pole.

All passengers get the experience of riding on a brilliantly decorated train powered by an authentic steam engine, as well as receive hot chocolate, a cookie, a brief visit from Santa, and for kids, the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell.

Be ready to board at least 20 minutes prior to the train’s departure! The Polar Express™ Train Ride leaves exactly on time. The train must leave on time in order to reach the North Pole before Christmas!

Ticketing terms: all tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged for reasons including, but not limited to, illness, weather, traffic, or a change in the ticketed party’s plans. All ticket sales are final. The ticketing party agrees to abide by all Maine Narrow Gauge rider terms and conditions.

Dates & Times:
Friday, November 24: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Saturday, November 25: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Sunday, November 26: 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm
Friday, December 1: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Saturday, December 2: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Sunday, December 3: 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm
Friday, December 8: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Saturday, December 9: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Sunday, December 10: 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm
Friday, December 15: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Saturday, December 16: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Sunday, December 17: 1:30pm, 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm
Tuesday, December 19: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Wednesday, December 20: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Thursday, December 21: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Friday, December 22: 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm
Saturday, December 23: 2:45pm, 4:00pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm, 7:45pm