Maine Narrow Gauge warmly invites you to experience the Polar Express™ Train Ride! This magical train runs on select dates every holiday season.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride is the largest annual fundraiser for the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum. This theatrically-driven Christmas train has become an annual tradition for thousands of families, drawing over 23,000 passengers in 2023!

The fun begins at Portland’s Ocean Gateway Marine Terminal. Browse holiday and train-themed souvenirs. Before you know it, an enchanting scene is enacted at the station with live actors – they set the scene before your journey to the North Pole and invite you to come on the train.

The Conductor boards passengers onto the nine historic passenger coaches decked out for the holidays. Once on board, children are handed authentic golden tickets by the Conductor. Costumed chefs appear and serve hot chocolate and cookies to everybody on the train. Christmas music fills the cars as the steam locomotive blows its whistle, the wheels start turning, and your roundtrip ride to the North Pole begins.

Once at the North Pole, a very special guest boards the train and hands out the first gift of Christmas. The train begins its return journey back to Portland. Upon arrival, the atmosphere feels a little more magical, and passengers are inspired to believe in things that they can’t see.

Multiple times:

Sunday, November 17: 
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Friday, November 22: 
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, November 23:
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Sunday, November 24:
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Friday, November 29:
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, November 30:
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm| 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 1:
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Friday, December 6
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, December 7
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 8
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Thursday, December 12 
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Friday, December 13
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, December 14
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 15
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm

Thursday, December 19
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Friday, December 20
4:00pm | 5:15pm | 6:30pm | 7:45pm

Saturday, December 21
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

Sunday, December 22
1:30pm | 2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm

Monday, December 23
2:45pm | 4:00pm | 5:15pm* | 6:30pm* | 7:45pm

* denotes peak night pricing. Experience the magic on peak nights: join us on our most popular Polar Express departures and enjoy a festive atmosphere unlike any other! Due to high demand, these select dates are premium priced. Book early to guarantee your spot for the most enchanting Polar Express ride.