Polar Express train rides in North Carolina.
North Carolina has 2 licensed Polar Express train rides for 2026: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City and North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer.
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 North Carolina
Bryson City, NC
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Jan 3 · Most days, Nov 6, 2026-Jan 3, 2027
- Depot
- Bryson City Depot (parking across the street at 45 Mitchell Street)
- Price
- Coach from $50.85 adult, $33.52 child (2-12), infants $0; Crown from $57.50; First Class from $71.94 a seat; peak, steam and Christmas Eve trains cost more
- Length
- About 75 minutes round trip
- Lap children
- Under 2 free. Table and section classes allow one lap child per adult ticket; Coach lists a $0 infant ticket
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a cookie in every class (higher classes add a tumbler or mug and treats), and a silver bell from Santa for each child
A 75-minute round trip from Bryson City in the Smoky Mountains. Chefs serve cocoa and treats, and on the way back Santa walks through every car with a bell for each child.
Booking: Arrive 1 hour early to pick up tickets. Pajamas are fine, but closed-toe shoes are required.
Parent tip: This ride runs into early January, so it can work for a trip after Christmas.
Spencer, NC
North Carolina Transportation Museum
- Dates
- Nov 6 - Dec 23 · Nov 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, Dec 4-6, then daily Dec 10-23
- Depot
- N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive
- Price
- See the official site (Standard, Deluxe, First and Parlor classes)
- Lap children
- One free lap infant under 2 per paying adult; everyone 2 and up needs a ticket and seat
- Included
- Cocoa, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell and a golden ticket in every class. Deluxe, First and Parlor add a cup or mug and a treat
The state transportation museum near Salisbury runs two Polar Express trains. Every rider gets cocoa, a cookie, a golden ticket and a sleigh bell.
Booking: Two trains run, Train A and Train B. Parlor class is on Train A only.
Parent tip: Pick your train by departure time first, then by class, since Parlor seats are only on Train A.
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 North Carolina?
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs it from Bryson City Depot (parking across the street at 45 Mitchell Street) in Bryson City. North Carolina Transportation Museum runs it from N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive in Spencer.
When does the Polar Express run in North Carolina in 2026?
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Nov 6 - Jan 3 (Most days, Nov 6, 2026-Jan 3, 2027). North Carolina Transportation Museum: Nov 6 - Dec 23 (Nov 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, Dec 4-6, then daily Dec 10-23).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in North Carolina?
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Coach from $50.85 adult, $33.52 child (2-12), infants $0; Crown from $57.50; First Class from $71.94 a seat; peak, steam and Christmas Eve trains cost more. North Carolina Transportation Museum: See the official site (Standard, Deluxe, First and Parlor classes). Check the official site for the price on your date.
See every Polar Express train ride in the US or Christmas in Charlotte.
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