The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station | Family Christmas Getaway Guide
The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station
The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station
Going on the Polar Express has become one of our favourite family traditions — and this year we took it next level by heading to St. Louis Union Station for the exclusive Polar Express™ Train Ride. If you’re planning a magical holiday getaway with kids who love trains (hello, Bo!), this guide gives you everything you need: ticket types, what to expect, what to wear, and what else there is to do at the station beyond the ride.
We have been to St. Louis before {check out our trip
HERE} & stayed at St. Louis Union Station, they had mentioned they wanted us to come back as they were undergoing a major renovation. It has changed SO much since we were there in 2019! It was already great but now there are a million things to do right on the property! Things like, an aquarium, more restaurants, a giant Ferris wheel, mirror maze, and during November & December they offer the Polar Express!
The St. Louis Polar Express is Disney-level magic! It was so so well organized & the actors were amazing! We had the most magical time!
1. Book Your Tickets Early (and Choose the Right Tier)
Ticket sales for the Polar Express at St. Louis Union Station open well before Thanksgiving — prime dates sell out fast.
Visit the official site (stlpolarexpressride.com) to sign up for notifications.
The St. Louis Union Station Polar Express go on sale well before Thanksgiving, and trust me — they sell out fast.
The ride is hosted on a real train that departs from the historic station, complete with dancing chefs serving hot chocolate, a live reading of The Polar Express, and Santa himself handing out the famous silver sleigh bell — “the first gift of Christmas.”
The experience lasts about 45 minutes, but the real secret is to arrive at least an hour early. The train leaves right on time, and there’s so much to see before you even board. You’ll get your wristbands, explore photo ops, and watch the excitement build as families line up in their matching pajamas.
We booked a hotel-and-ride package right at Union Station, which made it even more special. The lobby alone was worth it — decked in garland, twinkling lights, and a massive Christmas tree. Staying onsite meant no rushing, no parking stress, and plenty of time to explore the rest of the station afterward.
St. Louis Polar Express Ticket Prices:
Tickets starts at $40
TRAIN CAR TIERS
COACH: Forward-facing (airline style) seating. Rows of 4, 2 seats on either side of the aisle.
FIRST CLASS: Pods of four seats facing each other with a small table in between. Sold in groups of four with a commemorative Polar Express mug (must purchase a seat for everyone in your party). Includes complimentary digital photo download.
PREMIUM UPPER DOME CAR: Mix of Booth Seating and set of Captain’s Chairs. Seats are located on the 2nd Level. Full 360-degree view with glass windows in the Dome area. Each seat comes with a commemorative Polar Express mug (must purchase a seat for everyone in your party. Includes complimentary digital photo download and Polar Express Gift Shop Retail Credit
PREMIUM DOME CAR: Lower Lounge: Lower-level premium seating with lounge-style seating in a spacious area. Each ticket comes with a commemorative Polar Express mug (must purchase a seat for everyone in your party). Includes complimentary digital photo download and Polar Express Gift Shop Retail Credit
Assigned
Car selection: When you arrive you are given a wrist band & that band tells you what car you are in & how to line up accordingly.
Are Polar Express tickets refundable?
Really think about the dates when you book, as you more than likely are making them months or a year out. Tickets are non-refundable and not transferable to a different date.
3. What to Wear to the Polar Express Train Ride
If you’ve never been before, yes pajamas are encouraged. Families go all in on the cozy Christmas vibe, and it adds to the magic. The weather can swing wildly in December, so I recommend layers: pajama sets with slippers for photos and a warm jacket for the waiting area. You’ll thank me later when the wind whips through the platform and you’re standing there clutching your cocoa.
4. What happens? Where do we go?
From their website :
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a re-creation of the classic children’s story on board a real train. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a treat by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the book by Chris Van Allsburg, and receive the first gift of Christmas (a silver sleigh bell) after Santa boards the train to greet families. Elves lead passengers in caroling and fun holiday activities on the return trip to Union Station.
Where do we go:
Why the north pole of course! :)
How long is the ride:
The ride itself is about 45 mins long.
Please please do arrive early. There is fun stuff to do ahead of time & plenty of photo ops. They depart promptly at your reserved time. They will not wait for you. If you are traveling to get here, like us, leave with ample time! We leave with wanting to get there a little over an hour early.
Our Experience on the St Louis Polar Express
Once we boarded, it was pure Christmas joy. The car attendants burst into song, cocoa was poured, and the story began to unfold , complete with sound effects and laughter echoing through the train. Watching my kids press their faces to the windows, wide-eyed as Santa stepped aboard, was one of those parenting moments you just tuck away forever.
At the end of the ride, every child receives their own silver sleigh bell — a perfect keepsake that somehow feels just as magical as the book describes.
5. Extra Fun
-The ride itself is enough. But, after you pick Santa up at the North Pole he comes on board & you are able to grab a photo with him on the train. Then, he gives the first gift a Christmas. Just as he did in the Polar Express, it's a bell. It's great quality & engraved with the "Polar Express" on it.
-They have a gift shop full of amazing souvenirs. Like the conductor's hat, light-up wands, you can buy the actual book there, ornaments, etc.
-There are a few photo opportunities while you are there. In the gift shop, they have where you can buy prints on-site or buy them digitally.
6. What else is there to do?
We didn't leave St. Louis station the few days we were there & had a ton of stuff to do! Here is all that is offered:
The Train Shed
This is a restaurant on property at St. Louis station, decked to the NINES in Christmas decor. I had some kind of decor hanging from every inch of this place. They even have a fun festive drink menu. No reservations are needed, first come first serve.
- Build A Bear Headquarters
Again, right at St. Louis Union Station they have the build a bear headquarters! You can make a bear {they even have a polar express one available}
Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel! The cars are climate-controlled so you don't have to worry about being cold! You get a great view of St. Louis Union Station & can even see the arch!
- Lobby projection show
This was one of our favorite things on our last visit, now for Christmas they have a Christmas Projection show. It is so much fun!
- St. Louis Station Aquarium
It sounds crazy but there is an actual aquarium here there on property to visit!
- Fire ShowThis was another family favorite on our last visit! This time the pyrotechnics were set to Christmas music! Was so so cool!
There is STILL more to do, like a rope course, mini golf & mirror maze that was didn't even get to!
I can't remember the St. Louis Union Station enough it was the most magical time!
Is The Polar Express Train Ride at St Louis Union Station worth It?
Absolutely. For our family, this trip felt like Christmas magic bottled up into one weekend. Between the vintage train ride, the Santa meet-and-greet, and all the extra holiday fun around St. Louis Union Station, it was more than just a seasonal outing — it was a memory. If you’re looking for a holiday getaway that blends nostalgia and modern fun, this is it.
