About the Ride

What to Expect

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the classic story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to the North Pole. Once on board, your car hosts will work their way through the coach and punch your golden ticket before hot chocolate and a delicious cookie are served by dancing chefs. Passengers then read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg.

Santa and his helpers board the train to greet passengers and each guest is given the first gift of Christmas – a silver sleigh bell. During the trip, characters on each car lead passengers in caroling and onboard entertainment – just like in the film! Each guest will take home a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip. First Class passengers also take home a collectible THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mug issued with their hot chocolate.

Passengers are required to arrive approximately 45 minutes before their listed departure time to park and check in at Midland Railway, 1515 High Street, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Further event information is available in Frequently Asked Questions.

Classes of Service

Coach Class

Coach Class cars seat approximately 56 passengers inside coaches adorned in festive holiday decor. Seating is arranged in a 2-2 configuration with two seats on each side of the aisle. Coach seating is not assigned. Please board with your group to be sure that everyone is seated together.

2018 Coach Class Pricing

Value Departures: $45 Adult, $40 Child │ Standard Departures: $55 Adult, $50 Child │ Peak Departures: $65 Adult, $60 Child

Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply

First Class

First Class cars seat 52 passengers inside of beautifully restored 1940’s era dining coaches from the golden age of rail travel. First Class cars feature festive holiday decor, ample legroom, dining tables for four, and large windows for the best view of the North Pole. In addition to more comfortable accommodations, First Class passengers are served their hot chocolate in a collectible THE POLAR EXPRESS™ ceramic mug which is theirs to take home. All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own seats when contacted a month before your departure date. Midland Railway reserves the right to change seating assignments but will keep all riders together that are purchased in the same transaction. First Class is assigned seating. Guests will be contacted a week prior to their departure date to select seats. Seats will be selected in the order that tickets were purchased. The tickets purchased at the earliest date select first followed in that order.

2018 First Class Pricing

Value Departures: $65 Adult, $60 Child │ Standard Departures: $70 Adult, $65 Child │ Peak Departures: $75 Adult, $70 Child