Schedule Released For The Polar Express 2024-25 Train Ride

Capturing the magic of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic story, The Polar Express is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 22, 2024, through January 4, 2025. The cherished holiday experience promises the same, magical immersive and festive atmosphere that has made it a holiday favorite. Everyone can enjoy the ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on the equally historic steam locomotive. Read on to find out more about what you can expect on a journey to the North Pole on The Polar Express.

The Polar Express schedule for 2024-25 released

It may only be the fall season right now, but this is the perfect time to think ahead for the holidays. Look forward to taking a ride on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on The Polar Express, starting on Friday, November 22, and running most days through Saturday, January 4, 2025.

As always, this year’s ride will offer the same festive and immersive atmosphere that made The Polar Express a family favorite. Meanwhile, the journey to the North Pole on the historic steam locomotive offers onboard entertainment, dancing chefs and a dazzling light show at the North Pole. Even more important to families, the journey also includes a special visit from Santa Claus, when he presents the first gift of Christmas to each passenger.

About the train journey

The magic experience brings to life the holiday classic, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg with an immersive and theatrical re-creation. Meanwhile, the historic steam train is painted like the one from the book and movie and is perfectly decorated for the upcoming holidays.

The vintage steam locomotive departs from the downtown Durango Depot and transports its passengers through beautiful winter landscapes on the way to the North Pole. While onboard the train, passengers can enjoy readings from the beloved book as dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies.

When the train pulls into the North Pole, guests will enjoy a dazzling light show set to holiday music. Moreover, Santa and his elves board the train for the return trip and visit each coach to offer each passenger the first gift of Christmas.

While the roundtrip train ride lasts around 62 minutes, guests should expect to spend at least two hours to enjoy the full experience, including a holiday-themed display at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, with optional photos with Santa following the train journey.

When can you ride on The Polar Express?

The Polar Express starts its rounds on Friday, November 22, 2024, operating most days through Saturday, January 4, 2025, with several evening departures. However, readers should note that the train will not operate on November 28, December 2-4, December 9-10, or December 25.

Adult ticket prices for The Polar Express range from $39 to $93, while children’s tickets range from $29 to $83, depending on the train, service class and date. Meanwhile, passengers can enjoy savings by booking a “value” day on select dates, subject to availability. Bookings can be made online at durangotrain.com.

About Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Established in Durango in 1881, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad transported miners working in the San Juan Mining District. Since that time, the narrow gauge railway has transported passengers to the rugged wilderness and high-mountain landscapes of the San Juan Mountains for more than 142 years.

The railroad was voted “Best Scenic Train Ride” by USA Today and is deemed a registered historical landmark by the National Park Service. On the train, passengers can experience the historic charm of the 1880s, while discovering Colorado’s colorful pioneering and mining histories while traveling through the state’s most scenic landscapes.

Besides The Polar Express, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad explores year-round excursions to Silverton from May to November, and Cascade Canyon in the winter.

As a reminder, The Polar Express will start again on Friday, November 22, 2024, running through January 4, 2025.