Polar Express train rides in Oregon.
Oregon has one licensed Polar Express train ride for 2026: Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River. It runs Nov 20 - Jan 2.
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 Oregon
Hood River, OR
Mount Hood Railroad
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 2 · Select days, Nov 20-Jan 2
- Depot
- Hood River depot, 110 Railroad Ave
- Price
- Adults $59-$109, kids 2-12 $49-$99, by day and seat type (Standard, Parlor, Premium, VIP)
- Length
- About 90 minutes round trip
- Lap children
- Infants 0-2 ride on a paying adult's lap for $10; every rider needs a ticket
- Included
- Cocoa and cookies on board and a silver bell for each child; VIP adds a ceramic mug, Premium a tumbler
A 90-minute ride from Hood River in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Portland. Every seat type gets the same show.
Booking: Arrive 45-60 minutes early. Park at the overflow lot at 113 Portway Ave and take the shuttle to the depot. Will Call opens 1 hour before the first train. The platform is not heated.
Parent tip: The show is the same on every date, so value days save money with no trade-off.
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.
Rides in nearby states
Jamestown, CA
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 20 · Fridays to Sundays, Nov 27-Dec 20, at 4:30, 6:00 and 7:30 pm
- Depot
- Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
- Price
- $85 per person in coach, fees included
- Length
- About 1 hour
- Lap children
- Under 2 rides free on an adult's lap (no ticket needed)
- Included
- Train ride, hot chocolate and a treat, park entry to pick up your Golden Ticket, and a visit with Santa in the Roundhouse
A one-hour weekend ride at a state historic rail park. After the ride, kids meet Santa in the old Roundhouse. Pajamas are welcome.
Booking: Arrive at least 1 hour early to park. Strollers go in the stroller parking area in the Ticket Office. No restrooms on the train. No refunds or exchanges.
Parent tip: There are no bathrooms on board. Take little ones to the restrooms on the depot deck before you line up.
Perris, CA
Southern California Railway Museum
- Dates
- Nov 11 - Dec 31 · Select days, Nov 11-Dec 31; afternoon and evening rides
- Depot
- Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 South A St
- Price
- Adults $56.25-$88.25, kids 2-11 $49.25-$81.25 by date, fees included; parking $6 per car
- Length
- Train show about 1 hour; about 2 hours in all
- Lap children
- Under 2 rides free on a lap; pick the free infant ticket at checkout and add the child's name
- Included
- Hot chocolate and a shortbread cookie, a reading of the book, Santa with the first gift of Christmas, and caroling on the way back
A one-hour ride at a large rail museum in Riverside County, with the book read on board and Santa handing out bells. Plan on about 2 hours from parking to the end.
Booking: Arrive about 60 minutes before showtime to park and check in. The box office closes at showtime and no one boards after that. The platform is not heated. Sensory-friendly rides Nov 24 at 4 and 6 pm.
Parent tip: Value-price rides run mostly on weeknights in mid-November. They cost $32 less per adult than premium nights.
Sacramento, CA
California State Railroad Museum
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Dec 21 · Select November days, then Wednesdays to Mondays after Thanksgiving, Nov 13-Dec 21; 3:30, 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm
- Depot
- Central Pacific Passenger Station, 930 Front St, Old Sacramento
- Price
- Coach $80-$85, First Class $100-$110 per person; table cars $320-$440 for four; fees included
- Length
- About 1 hour on the train
- Lap children
- Under 2 rides free on an adult's lap (no ticket needed)
- Included
- Train ride, entry to the passenger station pre-show, and entry to the Eagle Theater to meet Santa
A one-hour ride from Old Sacramento with a short show in the station before you board. After the ride, families meet Santa at a nearby theater.
Booking: Arrive at least 1 hour early. The pre-boarding show starts 35 minutes before departure. Strollers and baby carriers are not allowed on the train; they are watched in the station. Missed trains can't be rebooked.
Parent tip: The station is covered but not heated. Put a warm layer over the pajamas for the wait.
Chehalis, WA
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum
- Dates
- Nov 14 - Dec 20 · Weekends Nov 14-Dec 20, plus Fridays Dec 4, 11 and 18; 2:00, 4:30 and 7:00 pm (no 2 pm on Fridays)
- Depot
- Chehalis depot, 1101 SW Sylvenus St
- Price
- Coach $69 per person; First Class sold out
- Length
- About 75 minutes round trip
- Lap children
- Children 2 and under are free on an adult's lap
- Included
- Cocoa, a cookie and a sleigh bell; you keep the golden ticket; First Class adds a souvenir mug
A 75-minute ride in 1920s-style cars through the Chehalis River Valley. A diesel engine pulls the train while the steam engine is being fixed.
Booking: Arrive 30 minutes early to get your boarding pass. Strollers and infant car seats must stay at the depot. Online sales only, all sales final. Not wheelchair accessible.
Parent tip: The old cars have little heat. Bring a blanket and warm pajamas.
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 Oregon?
Mount Hood Railroad runs it from Hood River depot, 110 Railroad Ave in Hood River.
When does the Polar Express run in Oregon in 2026?
Mount Hood Railroad: Nov 20 - Jan 2 (Select days, Nov 20-Jan 2).
How much is the Polar Express train ride in Oregon?
Mount Hood Railroad: Adults $59-$109, kids 2-12 $49-$99, by day and seat type (Standard, Parlor, Premium, VIP). Check the official site for the price on your date.
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