Polar Express train rides in Colorado.
Colorado has 2 licensed Polar Express train rides for 2026: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango and Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.
On the ride, kids hear the story, get hot chocolate and a treat, and meet Santa. Each railroad sets its own dates, prices, and rules for lap kids and strollers, so check the details below. Rides often sell out, so book early.
Polar Express rides in Colorado
Durango, CO
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 2 · Most nights, Nov 20-Jan 2 (none on Thanksgiving, Christmas or a few early-December weeknights); 4:55, 6:30 and 8:00 pm, some 9:10 pm
- Depot
- Durango Depot, 479 Main Ave
- Price
- Coach from $42.12 adult, $31.32 child (2-11); Deluxe and First Class cost more, up to $100.44
- Length
- About 65 minutes; allow 2 hours in all
- Included
- Hot cocoa and a cookie, a reading of the book, and Santa handing out the first gift of Christmas on the way back; Deluxe and First Class add a souvenir mug and tote
A 65-minute narrow gauge ride out of downtown Durango. Staff sing and dance in the aisles, and Santa gives each rider a gift on the way back.
Booking: Tickets are sold online ahead of time. Cars are heated, but the North Pole air is cold, so dress in layers.
Parent tip: Value nights fall mostly in late November, on a few early-December weeknights and on Dec 28-29. Peak nights near Christmas cost about $25 more per adult in coach.
Golden, CO
Colorado Railroad Museum
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Dec 23 · Select November evenings, then nightly Nov 27-Dec 23; shows at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm
- Depot
- Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave
- Price
- Standard $80 (ages 2-15), $100 (16+); First Class $475-$505 per table of four; 10% off before Thanksgiving
- Length
- About 2 to 2½ hours in all, including the pre-show and Santa
- Lap children
- Under 2 free as a lap rider; lap riders don't get their own seat
- Included
- Hot cocoa, a cookie and a silver bell; a live retelling of the story in the pavilion; Santa hands out the first gift of Christmas and offers a visit after the ride
The evening starts with a short live show in a heated pavilion, then a steam train ride to the North Pole. Kids get cocoa, a cookie and a bell, and can see Santa after.
Booking: Arrive 30-45 minutes before showtime, but not more than 1 hour early. Free parking on site. Tickets have sold out ahead every year since 2020.
Parent tip: Pick a show before Thanksgiving to save 10% and to have a better chance at tickets.
Dates and prices were checked on each railroad's official site. Rides often sell out, and details can change, so check the official site before you go. THE POLAR EXPRESS is a trademark of Warner Bros.; rides are run by individual railroads under license.
Questions parents ask
Where is the Polar Express train ride in Colorado?
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs it from Durango Depot, 479 Main Ave in Durango. Colorado Railroad Museum runs it from Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave in Golden.
When does the Polar Express run in Colorado in 2026?
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Nov 20 - Jan 2 (Most nights, Nov 20-Jan 2 (none on Thanksgiving, Christmas or a few early-December weeknights); 4:55, 6:30 and 8:00 pm, some 9:10 pm). Colorado Railroad Museum: Nov 6 - Dec 23 (Select November evenings, then nightly Nov 27-Dec 23; shows at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in Colorado?
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Coach from $42.12 adult, $31.32 child (2-11); Deluxe and First Class cost more, up to $100.44. Colorado Railroad Museum: Standard $80 (ages 2-15), $100 (16+); First Class $475-$505 per table of four; 10% off before Thanksgiving. Check the official site for the price on your date.
See every Polar Express train ride in the US or Christmas in Denver.
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