Polar Express Train Ride at Mount Rainier Railroad

The Polar Express is a classic Christmas movie I’m sure everyone in your family has seen. This movie comes to life at the Mount Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum. Here is our fun experience on the train and traveling all the way to the North Pole!

Please excuse how horrible these photos are. The train ride takes place at night when it is pitch black outside and the train had low lighting mixed with the rocking of the ride itself.

The Mount Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum is about an hour and a half from base. The Train becomes the Polar Express Experience from the end of November each year through December 31st.

Tickets range anywhere from $38-$60 for kids and $50-$70 for adults. This range is based on “First Class” or “Coach” for the car you are in on the train. We had First Class tickets and were seated in a car that had tables with 4 chairs per table. From what I can tell is that Coach cars have standard seating (no tables).

We each received a souvenir mug to take home with hot cocoa and cookies during the trip. Coach cars do not receive these. They are very nice quality and are huge!

When we arrived we were directed on where to park and it was suggested to arrive early since parking is limited. You must pay $4 for parking upon arrival. Dress warm because it is FREEZING! Like under 30 degrees the night we went. You will be waiting outside in the cold while you wait to board the train. Most kids wear pajamas so just pack a big jacket, gloves, and blankets for them. Travis and I did not wear pajamas but there were lots of adults dressed in jammies!

If you ordered tickets online then you will pick them up at Will Call. These are your actual golden Polar Express tickets, just like the movie!

They have a small gift shop (which is heated if you want to escape the cold) and restrooms. The gift shop has snacks, drinks, and lots of souvenirs including train items and Polar Express themed items. You are allowed to bring your own food and drink aboard.

Before you board, the characters from the book will come out and start from the beginning telling the tale of the Polar Express. Once directed, you will board the train according to your assigned car. Train cars are heated but we were still a bit chilly on board. Lots of people brought blankets to snuggle up in!

Once on board you are entertained pretty much the whole time. From singing Christmas songs, to interacting with the characters, and of course seeing Santa. Aurora loved all of the interaction and got up to dance with the servers.

Since we were in first class we were served hot cocoa and a sugar cookie. They will read the story, The Polar Express, and let you know when we are about to arrive at the North Pole. You’ll be able to see Santa and the Elves out the window waving when you arrive. They will board the train and then you will head back to the station.

Santa makes his way through all the cars and he will give each person a bell, the first gift of Christmas. Just keep in mind this isn’t a Santa meet and greet! You don’t have time to snap photos with Santa since its a quick greeting. Aurora loves her bell, and she really enjoyed seeing Santa.

I get nauseous pretty easily, like I cant ride in the backseat of a car. If you get nauseous easily then please take a motion sickness pill beforehand!
I honestly didn’t think about it but I felt a little sick in the beginning when we first got moving with the train rocking.

We had a blast and Aurora asked us before we even got off if we could do it again next year! It is a really neat holiday experience. The train also has other seasonal rides and we want to check it out in the summer for sure.
For more info about the Polar Express Train Ride, click here.
To book reservations for the Polar Express, click here.

Finding the fun everywhere life takes us!
Love, Olivia Michelle