- Train Rides
- All Ages
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride from London Euston
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride London · London, Greater London · 5th December to 23rd December 2026
About this event
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride London runs from London Euston on 11 dates in December 2026: 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. There are five departures each day, at 11:00, 13:00, 15:20, 17:20 and 19:15, and the ride is a licensed experience based on the story, run on the Network Rail mainline rather than on a heritage branch line.
You travel in heritage carriages, which vary in style, age and condition. Seating is allocated by the operator in tables of four or in pairs, with the earliest bookers getting the best seats, families seated together where possible and children never seated without at least one adult. Santa gives a bell to each child, and the operator notes that lap infants get the bell but not the hot chocolate or cookie served to full ticket holders.
Because the train runs on the mainline, Network Rail scheduling can move departure times by up to an hour either way, and the operator tells passengers closer to the date if their times change. Cancellations are sent by text and other updates by email, so keep an eye on both.
Weekends are very busy. When checked, all of the 11:00, 13:00 and 15:20 trains on 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 December were sold out, along with several more, while the Friday, Monday and Tuesday trains had the most seats left.
Leave from a mainline London terminus
This version of the ride leaves from London Euston on the Network Rail mainline, rather than from a heritage line outside the city. The trade off is that Network Rail scheduling can move departure times by up to an hour.
A bell from Santa for every child
Every child gets a bell from Santa, and the operator notes that full ticket holders are served a hot chocolate and a cookie, which lap infants miss out on. Seats are allocated in tables of four or in pairs, and children are never seated without at least one adult from their group.
Go on a weekday for the best chance
Weekend trains sell out first, and when checked the Friday 11, Friday 18, Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 December trains had the most seats. At £69 per ticket including fees, a family of four is £276, or £5 for a lap infant under 2.
Plan your visit
Dates and times
5th December to 23rd December 2026
5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 December 2026
Departures 11:00, 13:00, 15:20, 17:20 and 19:15
Times may move by up to an hour either way because of Network Rail scheduling
No journey length is publishedAges
All Ages
Getting there
VIP Pass
Members save at selected Christmas days out
Frequently Asked Questions
Most asked questions relating to Christmas.
From Santa's grottos and magical light trails to winter farm parks, theme park celebrations and immersive festive experiences, the UK has plenty of Christmas days out for all ages. Our Christmas Events hub highlights the most popular and top-rated options to help you choose the perfect adventure.
