Polar Express | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel

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  • 2026 Polar Express

    The childhood Christmas classic comes to life at the Grand Canyon Railway

  • The Ultimate Polar Express Experience

    Experience The Ultimate Polar Express Experience aboard your own private charter train to the North Pole!

    Learn More
  • Hotel Packages Available

    Fully embrace the holiday spirit with an overnight stay in our winter wonderland in addition to your trip to the North Pole.

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Polar Express

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All Aboard to the North Pole!

Press “Play” to Hear if You Believe…

The Polar Express

What is the Polar Express Ride?

For the last 25 years, every winter, the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”, where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story.

Make this a family holiday tradition and call today or book online to make your reservations. The ride lasts a little over an hour, with the train leaving each night at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. With the sun setting before 5:30 p.m. for the duration of the dates when the Polar Express train runs, you can rest assured that you will witness the spirit of the season done up in lights during every departure time.

Departure Location

The Grand Canyon Railway Polar Express departs from Williams, Arizona. The train station is located directly behind the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel.

Departure Times

Nightly at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m (Arizona Mountain Standard Time).

TOTAL ROUND-TRIP TIME: Approximately 90 minutes.

Accessibility

Not all rail cars are ADA accessible. Contact 1-800-TheTrain (800-843-8724) at least 7 days prior to your arrival for arrangements. ADA requests can be noted during online checkout (wheelchair, lift, scooter, seat transfer).

BOOK POLAR EXPRESS 2026

25th Anniversary Date Additions
Join Us January 2-3, 2026!

We have exciting news! Due to overwhelming demand, we have opened up bookings for January 2 and 3, 2026 giving you more opportunities to experience the magic. Picture the pure joy on your children’s faces as they sip rich hot chocolate, listen to the timeless tale, and meet Santa Claus himself. These are the moments that define the holiday spirit, but they won’t wait forever.

POLAR EXPRESS™ Testimonials

2026 Polar Express Train Rates
Rate TypeAdult Ticket Price (Ages 16+)
Price does not include taxes and fees
Child Ticket Price (Ages 2-15)
Price does not include taxes and fees
Applicable Dates
Value Rate$64.99$49.99November 6 – 8; November 12 – 16; November 18 – 19; November 30; December 2
Standard Rate$74.99$59.99November 22 – 23; November 25; November 29; December 3; December 6 – 7; December 9 – 10; December 13 – 17; January 2 – 3
**New** Holiday Limited$84.99$69.99November 20 – 21; November 27 – 28; December 4 – 5; December 11 – 12;
December 18 – 24; December 26 – 30

The 2026 Polar Express Train Ride

Here is a very special chance for you and the entire family to experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

The Polar Express Package

A true Polar Express adventure including tickets to the North Pole, accommodations at the Railway Hotel, and meals for everyone! There’s no better way to bundle and save. The package features:

  • Overnight stay for 1-night in a hotel room or suite – save 10%
  • One dinner in the Fred Harvey Restaurant per person – save 10%
  • One breakfast in the Fred Harvey Restaurant per person – save 10%
  • Roundtrip tickets for the Polar Express train
  • Memories to last a lifetime

Terms & Conditions

Hotel package rates are based on adult double occupancy, and do not include tax. Train-only tickets are per person, and prices do not include tax. Valid for select dates from early November through late December. Dates vary annually. Refer to the Polar Express page for exact dates. Rates subject to change without notice. Cancellations for Polar Express train only reservations are non-refundable, and cancellations for Polar Express packages are subject to the forfeiture of 50% of the deposit. Cancellations are considered to be a reduction to the number of guests or a cancellation of the entire reservation.

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or call 1-888-848-3511

TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s26)