Please note that pricing varies by class of service (First, Deluxe, Coach) and date of departure (Value, Standard, Premium). We recommend that guests check out our Value Price dates early in the season for the lowest cost options. Lap infants 23 months and under are $6 regardless of the date and class of service.

Coach Class

Value Departures: $44 Adult, $32 Child (2-11) │ Standard Departures: $54 Adult, $42 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $64 Adult, $52 Child (2-11)

Deluxe Coach

Value Departures: $49 Adult, $39 Child (2-11) │ Standard Departures: $59 Adult, $49 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $69 Adult, $59 Child (2-11)

First Class

Value Departures: $59 Adult, $49 Child (2-11) │ Standard Departures: $69 Adult, $59 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $79 Adult, $69 Child (2-11)

Coach Class Dome

Value Departures: $59 Adult, $49 Child (2-11) │ Standard Departures: $69 Adult, $59 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $79 Adult, $69 Child (2-11)

First Class Dome

Value Departures: $69 Adult, $59 Child (2-11) │ Standard Departures: $79 Adult, $69 Child (2-11) │ Premium Departures: $89 Adult, $79 Child (2-11)

The only differences between Value, Standard, and Premium departures are the dates and/or times of the rides. Lower demand departures are priced lower to offer those on a budget options and higher demand departures are priced accordingly. The event functions exactly the same on all departures and passengers enjoy the same experience.

There are five classes of service to choose from on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Branson:

Coach Class

Coach Class cars are classic railroad coaches from the golden age of rail travel and are adorned in festive holiday decor. Includes a silver sleigh bell from Santa. Seats can be purchased in odd numbers and you may sit with other passengers if you do not purchase all seats in a section.

Deluxe Coach Class

Similar to Coach Class, but seats feature a table. Includes a silver sleigh bell from Santa. Table sizes range from one seat to four seats. Tables where only two seats are required to be purchased will be shared with other passengers unless the entire table is booked.

First Class

Table and chair seating in our lower-level premium cars that includes a collectible ceramic mug and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. Seats must be purchased in sets of two and table tops will be shared with other passengers unless you book all available seats at your table.

Coach Class Dome

Exclusive upper-level dome coach seating that includes a silver sleigh bell from Santa. Seats must be purchased in sets of two and the seating area will be shared with other passengers unless you book all available seats in the section.

First Class Dome

Exclusive upper-level dome table seating that includes a collectible ceramic mug and a silver sleigh bell from Santa. Seats must be purchased in sets of two and table tops will be shared with other passengers unless you book all available seats at your table.

Please review the seating chart carefully during booking. All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout.

Event times listed on schedules and your confirmation email represent the official showtime and beginning of the boarding process. It is required that guests arrive approximately 40 minutes prior to their listed showtime. This allows time to park and check in at the depot. 

The Boarding Platform closes 10 minutes after showtime. Absolutely no passengers will be allowed to board after that time. This includes parties who previously picked up their boarding passes from the Box Office or passengers who have other members of their party already on the train.

The entire experience at the depot and on the train is roughly two hours in length. It is required that guests arrive approximately 40 minutes prior to their listed showtime. This allows time to park and check in at the depot. Trains begin boarding at showtime, and the train ride itself is one hour and fifteen minutes in length.

The Boarding Platform closes 10 minutes after showtime. Absolutely no passengers will be allowed to board after that time. This includes parties who previously picked up their boarding passes from the Box Office or passengers who have other members of their party already on the train.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride departs from the depot in Downtown Branson at 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616. 

Branson Scenic Railway has a designated parking lot which is located directly across the street from the Branson Depot next to the Starbucks located at 201 E Main Street Branson, MO 65616. Parking in our lot is limited and tickets will be checked prior to entry. Additional paid parking can be found on Sycamore Street across from the Branson Convention Center or in the Branson Landing Public Parking Garage on Branson Landing Blvd. Handicap parking is available in the Branson Scenic Railway parking lot across the street from the depot. Handicap placard must be current and valid or you will be ticketed. Guest drop off is available at the depot.

If you were unable to find an answer to your question on our website, need assistance booking tickets, or require help adjusting an existing reservation, please call 1-800-287-2462 (1-800-2-TRAIN-2) to speak with an agent. Our phone hours are from 8:30am to 4:00pm Central Time daily.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a magical re-creation of the classic children’s story led by a cast of talented actors on board a real train. Have your golden tickets ready for the Conductor! Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the classic book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the First Gift of Christmas after Santa boards the train to greet families. Performers engage passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the heartwarming trip back to the station.

A full range of exclusive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ gifts and keepsakes will be available for purchase at the event. The gift shop is located at the depot and is the perfect place to do your holiday shopping before or after your ride.

Is your family ready to arrive in style wearing matching pajamas this holiday season? Would you like to bring your own copy of the book to read along with during the trip? Exclusive, officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ pajamas, books, and DVDs are now available to order online prior to your visit! Whether you are attending our event or enjoying a fun THE POLAR EXPRESS™ party at home, hop on board with our new and unique products. Quantities on popular items are limited so order now and complete your holiday shopping before supplies run out.

We offer adorable matching family pajamas with iconic THE POLAR EXPRESS™ images that adorn both youth and adult sizes. Soft and cozy fleece styles will keep you warm on your train ride and throughout the season at home. Be sure to add the classic hardcover book and DVD to your order!

Visit raileventsretail.com to shop now!

Yes. In order to offer the best experience for all guests, seating is assigned on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. You will select your own seats during the online checkout process as you would on an airline. Please review our seating chart carefully before booking.

It is recommended that reservations are made as soon as your group knows which date and time you would like to attend. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly for this popular event.

Groups of 20+ must be booked over the phone at 1-800-287-2462. Please note that the name of each member of your party is required to complete the check-out process so please have these prepared prior to speaking with a reservation agent. Group discounts are not offered. 

Upon arrival, a single member of the group is responsible for picking up all of the boarding passes and Golden Tickets from the depot. That person will then distribute those items to the rest of the group.

If a member of your party has a disability and requires a wheelchair space, please select the designated space/companion seats online or contact a reservation agent to assist with additional needs. These seats are comprised of a designated wheelchair space (no seat) and companion seats located across the aisle. It is important to note that there are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms located on the train. However, there are wheelchair-accessible restrooms located on the event grounds.

Our doorways are only wide enough to fit a 24” wheelchair, so if your wheelchair is wider than this you will need to be able to transfer to one of our provided wheelchairs or walk onto the train while your wheelchair is broken down to fit through the doorways. If you or a member of your party use a wheelchair, please contact our ticket office directly for additional assistance with your reservation at 1-800-287-2462.

A limited number of restrooms are available on board the train. Please alert a staff member if a member of your party needs to use the restroom, as they may need to be escorted to another car to access the nearest one. It is important to note that there are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms located on the train. However, there are wheelchair-accessible restrooms located on the event grounds.

Families are encouraged to wear warm pajamas just like passengers from THE POLAR EXPRESS™ book and film. Passengers will spend time on an unheated platform as they board and disembark from the train, so appropriate winter attire is also recommended.

Want to arrive at the event in style? Officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride pajamas and the original book by Chris Van Allsburg are available for order at raileventsretail.com.

The train follows a point-to-point route through woods and neighborhoods surrounding Downtown Branson during its trip to meet Santa. This route includes several changes in direction that are incorporated into the onboard presentation.

If you have made an error in your reservation or wish to change or cancel, please call us directly at 1-800-287-2462. Cancellations and changes to existing reservations cannot be processed using the online system.

Cancellations of Special and Licensed Events (including THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride) are non-refundable if cancelled within 60 days of departure. Tickets for all other trains are non-refundable if cancelled less than 5 days prior to your train departure.

Trains will continue to run in snow and other weather conditions. However, trains may be canceled or postponed at the railroad’s discretion due to weather or operational considerations. The event may also be canceled or postponed if major roads and highways are closed near the event due to snow or natural disasters. Full refunds will be offered in these cancelation scenarios.

No. For the comfort and safety of all guests, pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Only trained service animals are permitted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Missouri law.

Concealed or open carry weapons are not permitted at this event. Branson Scenic Railway is a federally regulated passenger railroad operator similar to an airline.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is sold or allowed on board the train or on the event grounds. Intoxicated passengers or those found in possession of alcohol will be removed from the event without a refund. This is a zero-tolerance policy. 

Your ticket purchase and/or participation in any train ride or event grants BSR, its licensing partners, officers, and employees permission to use your image, voice, and/or likeness as follows in its promotional materials: BSR shall have the right to photograph, publish, re-publish, adapt, exhibit, perform, reproduce, edit, modify, make derivative works, distribute, display or otherwise use or reuse the attendee’s image, voice, and/or likeness in connection with any product or service in all markets, media or technology now known or hereafter developed in BSR’s products or services. BSR may exercise any of these rights itself or through any successors, transferees, licensees, distributors or other parties, commercial or nonprofit.

By using this ticket, the passenger agrees (for himself/herself or his/her successors, heirs, executors, administrators, agents, contractors or other persons claiming through him/her):

To hold harmless, release, waive and indemnify Railroad, its predecessors, parent, subsidiaries and affiliates, officers and employees from any and all injuries, liabilities or damages from participation in the trip, including but not limited to those occasioned in whole or in part by any act or omission of the passenger; or whether or not it is contended that the Railroad contributed thereto in whole or in part; or whether the Railroad was responsible by reason of a non-delegable duty;

To accept the dangers associated with being on Railroad’s property or tracks and aboard the Branson Scenic Railway passenger trains; passengers and property are in danger of possible injury, death or destruction incident to freight operations or other operations of the Railroad, whether by Railroad or others; and

Passenger agrees that by purchasing and using the ticket, he/she:

Shall comply with all stated and customary terms, posted safety signs, rules and/or verbal instructions given before, during or after the trip; and

Has read the above paragraphs/provisions and herby knowingly and freely asserts that said participation in the trip is voluntary and assumes all risk of any injury to mind and body whatsoever arising out of, during or in connection with participation or attempted participation in the trip, even if arising out of or in connection with any negligence of the Railroad. For purposes of the above paragraphs/provisions, “Railroad” shall mean Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad Company, Inc. and any other owner of the tracks.