Promotional poster for the Polar Express train ride in Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, featuring an icy mountain with a train on a track and Santa's sleigh with reindeer flying across a large moon in a wintery landscape.

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The Polar Express™ Train Ride

POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE QUICK DETAILS

  • Duration: 1 hour

  • Ages: All ages

  • Dates: November 21st - December 23rd, 2025

  • Motive Power: Steam (Nov 21–23), Diesel (Nov 28–Dec 23)

    All steam-powered excursions will include a $10 Heritage Fee, which helps support the preservation and operation of our historic locomotives and equipment

All Aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride!

This Christmas season, step into the magic of The Polar Express™—a beloved holiday tradition brought to life! Inspired by the classic film, this immersive train ride is the ultimate family experience. Sing along to the iconic soundtrack, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy fresh-baked cookies as you journey to the North Pole—all in your favorite pajamas!

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Experience the magic of The Polar Express™ Train Ride, where the beloved holiday story comes to life with music, treats, and a festive journey to the North Pole!

What to Expect

Climb aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, Maryland, for a magical, 60-minute holiday journey to the North Pole! Inspired by the beloved book and hit movie, this family-friendly experience brings the story to life with festive fun and heartwarming holiday spirit. Enjoy a live reading of The Polar Express™, sing along to songs from the film, and relive favorite scenes—right from your seat. Passengers are treated to hot chocolate and a cookie served on board, and everyone receives a commemorative silver sleigh bell to remember the journey. Wear your favorite pajamas, dance with your loved ones, and make unforgettable holiday memories with Santa himself. Seating is limited and popular dates sell quickly, so be sure to book your ride today!

Classes of Service

Two young girls sitting on a bench inside a room with wood paneling, smiling and looking up at a person holding a yellow card or booklet above them. A yellow lantern is hanging nearby. The image features the text 'DC Coach Class' at the bottom.

Coach Class

$40

Passengers in Coach Class will receive a complimentary hot chocolate and cookie, along with a commemorative silver bell for passengers.

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Empty train car decorated with Christmas lights and garland, window views of a winter landscape, with the words 'FIRST CLASS' and a small train conductor hat icon in the lower corner.

First Class

$90 (Lounge)

$375 (4-Top)

Passengers with First Class tickets will receive a souvenir mug, hot chocolate, and a cookie, as well as a silver bell and a special ornament.

Festively decorated train car interior with Christmas stockings hanging from a bar, a lit Christmas tree, and holiday lights, featuring a mirrored wall and warm lighting.
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Table Class

$153 (2-Top)

$305 (4-Top)

Passengers with Table Class tickets will receive hot chocolate, and a cookie, as well as a silver bell and a special ornament. 4-top and 2-top tables are available.

Interior of a vehicle with green lighting and string lights, featuring seats and tables, labeled 'Polar Dome' with a logo of a polar bear helmet.
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Dome Class

$535 (4-Top)

$1,070 (8-Top)

Passengers with Dome Class tickets will receive a souvenir mug, hot chocolate, and a cookie, as well as a silver bell and a special ornament.

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Holly Creek Observation Car

Step aboard the Holly Creek Observation Car—once built for the legendary New York Central System—and experience the magic of the Polar Express™ Train Ride in timeless style.

Families ride in comfort and wonder all the way to the North Pole, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive for children of every age.

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Cancellation Policy

Polar Express Tickets are non-refundable. Trains can operate regardless of weather and we ask all passengers to plan accordingly, no refunds will be issued for missed trains or weather concerns. If you need to cancel your tickets, an in-house credit will be issued. In-house credits can be used on other Western Maryland Scenic Railroad trains, such as our Frostburg Flyer, Winter Brunch Trains, or Summertime Ice Cream Trains. Credits cannot be used to re-book Polar Express Tickets for the following years.  Credits will not expire and can be held onto till used.  

Please review our full cancellation policies here.

ADA Needs

Unfortunately, due to the historic nature of our equipment, not all of our train cars are ADA-accessible. Wheelchairs can only be accommodated in Standard Coach at our Cumberland Depot (13 Canal Street). Please contact our ticketing office prior to booking for wheelchair/mobility accommodations.

Our Other Excursions

  • A black steam locomotive train with the number 1309 on the front and top, emitting white smoke, traveling through a wooded area with autumn-colored trees. There is a person and a bicycle on the right side near a small wooden barrier at the train crossing.

    Frostburg Flyer

    Our signature train service includes a scenic journey between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland on board the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

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  • Family enjoying ice cream on board the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad's ice cream trains.

    Cumberland Ice Cream Train

    Beat the Summer heat on one of our ice cream trains departing from Cumberland Station.

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  • Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Allegheny Mountain Dinner Train with chef-prepared meals and full bar for you to enjoy.

    Allegheny Winter Express

    Winter is the true hidden gem of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. Come take a ride through through the snow, enjoy a freshly cooked brunch on board. Train runs Jan -April.

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