Have you read The Polar Express book or seen the movie? Have you wanted to drink hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols, while headed to the North Pole? The Polar Express train ride in Florida is ready to take you.  Designed to put you in the Christmas spirit by recreating all the fun elements from the book and movie with even more added. 

Major Update: September 2024*

The Polar Express train ride that originated in Mt. Dora, Florida which then moved to Eustis, Florida has now officially closed. The official Polar Express train ride experience has now been taken over by GoBrightline and runs out of the Miami Central Station. *Although there will be no Polar Express Experience for 2024*

There are numerous Christmas/Santa trains that run throughout Florida which I will include in this blog post, but these are NOT the official Polar Express Experience as from the book or movie. The only official one in Florida is now out of Miami. You can find other Official Polar Express train rides throughout the United States here. 

Now I have not personally ridden the new Brightline train or the new Polar Express Experience out of Miami. Below is my experience with the one that was located in Eustis, Florida previously. Although I would imagine that the new one is even better, since the Brightline trains are all brand new, but likely the view and scenery are a little different as you are in Miami-South Florida.

Check out the updated sections below marked with an *

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

My History with The Polar Express Book

As a child, I loved reading. Even before I could read, I would memorize the stories being read to me by page and recite them back word for word. Consequently, I loved watching the popular 80’s TV show on PBS, Reading Rainbow. My mom would frequently buy books that were being read on the show. She would also buy books that were Caldecott Medal winners. This special award goes to “the most distinguished American picture book for children.” In 1985, The Polar Express book was published and won the award in 1986.  I still have my copy from that year. It’s kept with all my Christmas things and makes its way out every year.

The Polar Express Over The Years

In 2004, The Polar Express movie was released. All my childhood Christmas memories came to life on the big screen. The music from the soundtrack is incredible and to this day still makes me cry. Train travel was so much a part of my childhood, and continues to be a part of my life like our ride on the St Marys Railroad Express which is why I think this movie and the music resonates with me. Fast forward a couple of years and I’m on the real life train taking me to the real life North Pole.

To clarify, in 2006, I was able to complete one month of my last year of pharmacy school training in North Pole, Alaska. But instead of just flying there directly, I flew into Anchorage took the Alaska Railroad to Denali then to Fairbanks and a short drive later to the North Pole. I couldn't get enough of Alaska, so I went back there again years later via an Alaska cruise with my husband. One of the excursions was the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (another train ride)!

Our Polar Express Christmases

In the years following, I always found places that were featuring The Polar Express. When Michael and I were dating, Sea World had The Polar Express Christmas experience.

As of recently, there’s been was a Polar Express Christmas experience (outdoor nighttime movie screening, meet the conductor, ride the kiddie train, and drink hot chocolate) put on nearby our home. We took Roman to it and he loved it despite our photos. Lol.

My mom, myself, and my son all have December birthdays and it’s our tradition to do something special together to celebrate. So, for our birthday celebration this year, we decided we are going on The Polar Express train ride in Eustis, Florida. You can read about last year’s celebration in Jekyll Island, Georgia.  In preparation, I’ve been reading the book to my son and we’re watching the movie regularly. The day is finally here though and it’s time.

The Polar Express Train Ride previously in Eustis, Florida

I purchased The Polar Express tickets online in advance and we arrived at Fountain Park Downtown Eustis one hour prior to departure. This was a Mt. Dora train ride, but now it's a Eustis train ride (just 5 miles North of original location) due to repairs to the track. Fountain Park is located right across from Lake Eustis which is where the train departs from. Once inside the big top tent, get your golden tickets, and stop for your official photo op before heading to the gift shop for some official Polar Express souvenirs. Seats and standing room are limited in the tent, so make sure you are able to find a way to see the stage, since it “sets the stage” for your train ride. At the end of the show, follow your conductor to your train car. The actual train ride portion is approximately a hour and a half long. 

All Aboard The Polar Express Train

Once on The Polar Express train, you straightaway get to experience every portion of the movie. Particularly, all the characters: the conductor, the hobo, the two engineers, the kids, the waiters, the elves, and of course Santa Clause. You sing songs from the movie as well as Christmas carols along with the characters. The waiters come through to serve you hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. The movie is re-enacted and you are the child being transported to the North Pole. At the end of the line, look out your window to see Santa and his elves waving you on.

As the train heads back to the station, be prepared for Santa Clause to come aboard and give you the first gift of Christmas: the infamous sleigh bell. To be sure, this bell is the real deal. It is engraved The Polar Express, a commemoration of your special train ride. 

The Polar Express Train Ride NEWLY out of Miami, Florida*

The Polar Express Tickets

As of 11/30/23, they are not running The Polar Express train ride due to recent extended Brightline services. You can keep checking back here for updates. 

Previous Pricing was as follows: 

• Value Departures: Adult $50, Child (2-11) $45
• Standard Departures: Adult $65, Child (2-11) $60
• Premium Departures: Adult $75 Adult, Child (2-11) $65

Table Seat Pricing:

• Value Departures: $50 per seat
• Standard Departures: $65 per seat
• Premium Departures: $75 per seat
• For tablet seating, require that parties buy all seats at a table. There is a seating chart to assist since all seats are assigned prior to boarding.
• Service Fees and Taxes are in addition to all above pricing. 

You can read more about the ride and review the most frequently asked questions here to learn more about the Miami Polar Express Train Ride. From review, it appears that much of the information I included above is similar with the exception of location and scenery, and the train itself. I hope I'll have a Brightline train blog post coming soon knowing how much I love trains. 

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Allergy Information*

The two major food items served onboard are shortbread cookies and hot chocolate. Both have ingredients listed on the website. Neither is safe for those with gluten or dairy sensitivities. It’s a good thing my mom came prepared when I went on my train ride with non-dairy chocolate milk and allergy friendly chocolate chip cookies for me to partake in. So be sure to bring your allergy friendly treats with you.

The Polar Express Gear and Memorabilia*

Similarly to the movie, wearing pajamas (both kids and adults) is not only allowed, but encouraged on the train ride. We did not wear pajamas, because even in December the temperature was still in the 80’s. You can buy them in advance at the link above, or they sell them at the train station prior to departure.

If you need more Polar Express gear, we have our Polar Express Christmas train set running underneath our Christmas tree now every Christmas and so can you. A wonderful memory of the fun had on this themed train. Also, check out some of these fun Polar Express themed items like this conductor hat, shirts, sweaters and even this kids conductor costume. You can even by official Polar Express memorabilia at the train station gift shop either before or after your ride.

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.