The beloved Christmas movie has come to life throughout New York State. The classic movie features a magical train ride to the North Pole where children can meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas. Along the way they receive hot chocolate, dance and sing and learn what it means to believe!
Thanks to some scenic railways, you can ride the Polar Express yourself! And you can take Amtrak to get there!
Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express
The Polar Express is back in Kingston! With the officially licensed Warner Bros™. train, this winter spectacular is a perfect replication of the movie. The conductors punch tickets in the same fashion as Tom Hanks’ “The Polar Express” character, hot chocolate is served to passengers and there is a sing-along! During the ride, there will also be a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s book that inspired it all!
Dates for the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express:
November 15 – 17, 22 – 24, 29 – 30
December 1, 6 – 8, 13 – 15, 18 – 23, 27 – 29
There are a variety of departure times every day the Polar Express is running. On Fridays the train departs at 4:00 pm, 6:00pm and 8:00 pm, on Saturdays there are departures at 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Finally, on Sundays there are trains at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
Ticket prices vary depending if the date is peak or off peak.
Adults (off peak): $46
Children (off peak): $36
Adults (peak): $55
Children (peak): $45
Take Amtrak to the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express
Experience the Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express via Amtrak to Rhinecliff-Kingston Station in the Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The Catskill Mountain Railroad Polar Express Ride is 13.8 miles from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak Station.
Get picked up from the Rhinecliff-Kingston Amtrak Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the office today at 845-336-4700.
Adirondack Railroad Polar Express
Travel north from Utica’s Union Station and become engulfed in the Christmas magic! Passengers will enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, and they will even get to meet the cocoa chefs. Families are encouraged to show up in their pajamas for this magical ride. For an even greater experience, try the First Class Car! Mrs. Claus and the Chefs will be there for a meet and greet. All passengers will get to listen to a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic!
Dates for the Adirondack Railroad Polar Express:
November: 15 – 17, 22- 24, 29
December: 1, 5 – 8, 12 – 15, 19 – 22
Departure Times vary from day to day with departures at 1:00 pm, 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm.
Ticket Prices vary for Coach and First Class Seating.
Coach: Adults $47, Children (2 – 12) $39
First Class: Adults $68, Children (2 -12) $58
Take Amtrak to the Adirondack Railroad Polar Express
Experience the Adirondack Scenic Railway Polar Express via Amtrak to Utica Station in the Central New York—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The Adirondack Scenic Railway Polar Express is located at the Utica Amtrak Station.
Looking for a getaway? Explore the area with an Enterprise rental. Get picked up from the Utica Amtrak Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at 315-736-0002.
Adirondack Scenic Railway Parking: Utica Train Station, 321 Main St, Utica, NY 15301
Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express
Not only will you and the family have a chance to view the educational and historic Medina Railroad Museum, but you will also get a chance to ride the Polar Express train! Halfway through the trip, children can expect a visit from Santa! Characters on board will provide entertainment, hot cocoa and cookies will be served and there will be a read along of the book. When the train arrives at the North Pole, the children will be greeted by dancing elves and Christmas music. The friendly staff of the Medina Railroad Museum makes this experience more enjoyable for parents and families.
Dates for the Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express:
November: 30
December: 1, 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22
The Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express departs approximately every hour from 11:20 am to 6:00pm. Times include 11:20 am, 12:40 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:20 pm, 4:40 pm and 6:00 pm.
Ticket options include First Class table seating and Coach class which is normal train car seating.
First Class: $220 per table of 4 seats
Coach Class: $40 per person age 1 and up, children under 1 can ride for free on a lap.
Take Amtrak to the Medina Railroad Museum Polar Express
Experience the Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express via Amtrak to Buffalo-Depew Station in Buffalo, NY—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount! The Medina Railroad Museum’s Polar Express is located 35.2 miles from the Buffalo-Depew Amtrak Station.
Get picked up from the Buffalo-Depew Amtrak Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car.
Medina Railroad Museum Parking: 698 Gwinn St, Medina, NY 14103
Try to arrive one hour prior to your train departure to allow time for parking and to ticket pick-up in the museum. The Polar Express will start boarding 15 minutes prior to departure time and the train will leave promptly.
Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad Santa Express and North Pole Express
The Santa Claus Express is an afternoon train ride with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their helpers as they entertain kids of all ages on board. The train is strung with lights and ornament, Holiday music will be playing and plenty of snacks and goodies will be available.
The North Pole Express is aboard the beautifully decorated Milford Depot passenger train. Enjoy a lovely nighttime ride along the Susquehanna River while enjoying track side light displays, holiday music and a stop at the North Pole Station. Snack on some holiday treats and refreshments along the way.
The Santa Claus Express dates:
November 30
December 1, 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22
The Santa Claus Express departs at 1:00 pm.
The North Pole Express dates:
December: 6 – 7, 14, 21
The North Pole Express departs at 6:30 pm.
Ticket prices are:
Adult: $33
Senior (62+): $25
Child (3 – 12): $25
Children under 3 can ride for free on a lap
Take Amtrak to the Cooperstown and Charlotte Valley Railroad
Experience the Coopertown & Charlotte Valley Railroad via Amtrak to Utica’s Union Station in Central New York or Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer—Don’t forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
The Coopertown & Charlotte Valley Railroad is located 40.0 miles from Union Station. Get picked up from Utica Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Click here to reserve your car or call the Utica office today at: 315-736-0002.
The Coopertown & Charlotte Valley Railroad is located 74.4miles from the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station.
Pick up your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car at the Albany-Rensselaer Station. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at 518-427-3893.
