THE POLAR EXPRESS™

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride 2024 FAQ

When do THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride tickets go on sale?

Tickets go on sale:

June 4, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time for Lifetime, Family Platinum, and Family Premium level members
June 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time for all N.C. Transportation Museum members
June 6, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time for everyone

Tickets can be purchased online through this website, or by calling (704) 469-5231. The call center will not be active until June 4. Due to extremely high call volume for THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride events, we strongly encourage placing orders online.

To purchase tickets using the member presale, your membership must be active by 5:00PM Eastern Time on May 1, 2024. To join our membership online, click here: www.nctransportationmuseum.org/membership. Those joining or renewing after May 1 cannot be guaranteed access to the member presale.

What are peak pricing nights?

Pricing will be higher than the “starting at” website price on peak nights and times.

Nights with peak pricing are November 29 and 30, December 6 and 7, December 13 and 14, and December 20-23. Peak pricing will not apply on the 2:30PM or 3:15PM trains on November 29.

All other nights are offered at the prices shown on the website. NC Sales Tax and ticketing fees are added to pricing at the time of processing. Pricing will be correctly displayed on your ticket order for the night of the performance selected.

Where is the North Carolina Transportation Museum?

The museum is located in Spencer, North Carolina off Interstate 85 (Exit 79) between Charlotte and Greensboro.

The physical address is 411 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC 28159.

GPS Address: 1 Samuel Spencer Driver, Spencer, NC.

Where will I be seated?

All seating is assigned. You will choose your seating on the train at the time of ticket purchase. Please refer to the seating charts (coming soon) as to which way the seats face and keep this in mind, especially when buying for three or more people.

The train car you selected and seat numbers will be listed on your tickets. In coach seating, “A” is for “Aisle” and “W” is for “Window.” Table numbers are used for First Class and Parlor Class tickets. You will use your printed or mobile tickets when you arrive. When you arrive at the Barber Junction Visitor Center, there will be queue lines set-up with the train car names. You will line up in those lines and have your tickets scanned by line stewards.

Are there different classes of service?

Yes, there are different classes of service. Please note, whatever class you are in, the show is the same. The difference between classes are the amenities and seating options.

Standard: Passengers receive hot cocoa (served in a quality paper cup), a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket. Tickets are for seats in coaches, without tables.

Deluxe: Passengers receive hot cocoa served in a keepsake tumbler, a treat bag, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket. Tickets are for seats in coaches, without tables.

First Class: Tables available in 2-person, 4-person, andvery limited6-person. Passengers receive hot cocoa served in a keepsake ceramic mug, a treat bag, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, and a golden ticket. Each passenger ages 2 and up must use a seat at the table, and all seats must be purchased at the table. One child under age 2 may ride for free in the lap of a paying adult. No additional seats can be added to tables. If parties exceed the number of ticketed seats at a table, another table must be purchased.

Parlor: 4-person tables. Passengers receive hot cocoa served in a keepsake ceramic mug, a treat bag, a cookie, a silver sleigh bell, a golden ticket, and a hard-bound copy of Chris Van Allsburg’sThe Polar Expressbook signed by Santa Claus (one per table). Each passenger ages 2 and up must use a seat at the table, and all seats must be purchased at the table. One child under age 2 may ride for free in the lap of a paying adult. No additional seats can be added to tables. If parties exceed the number of ticketed seats at a table, another table must be purchased.

How long is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event, including two stage performances and the train ride, will last approximately 70 minutes and will take place entirely on the grounds of the N.C. Transportation Museum. The show starts as the train pulls into the station and ends as it arrives at its final destination of Candy Cane Lane.

Do I have to buy a ticket for a child sitting in my lap?

One lap child, under the age of 2, per adult is allowed. They may ride for free provided they are not occupying a seat. Children ages 2 and up are counted as paying passengers and therefore a seat must be purchased for them. This includes Standard Coach, Deluxe Coach, First Class table seating, and Parlor Class table seating. A small child age 2 and up may be able to ride in a lap but a seat must be purchased for that child. The comfort and safety of all passengers, including other parties around you, may determine whether we allow a child age 2 or up to ride in a lap.

How do I purchase tickets (once they go on sale starting June 4 for members)?

Tickets can be purchased online at this link. If you need assistance with your purchase, please call (704) 469-5231. NC state sales tax and convenience fees are required for all tickets and will be added in the final step of your ticket purchase (but before you are charged). All ticket purchasers must agree to the terms and conditions of purchase, including the “no refunds or exchanges” policy, before their payment method is billed. Ticket purchase links and call center representatives will not be available until June 6, but general information is available on our website.

What can I expect?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride offers the unique experience of live theater and train ride all in one. Our performances begin with the train’s arrival in the station at the Barber Junction Visitor Center. After watching a short live production taken from Chris Van Allsburg’s book, The Polar Express, all guests are invited aboard the train. During THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, passengers are served hot cocoa and a cookie, delight in lively songs and dance, and enjoy a reading of the holiday classic, The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers deboard to watch Santa present the first gift of Christmas. Please note that we cannot unload wheelchairs at the North Pole. However, we will position the train in such a way to provide the best view of the North Pole performance as possible. After re-boarding the train at the North Pole, each passenger on the train receives a silver sleigh bell before exiting at Candy Cane Lane. The entire journey takes place on the 60-acre grounds of the N.C. Transportation Museum and lasts approximately 70 minutes.

How many people can sit at a table, and can I add anyone if our party is larger?

Seating at tables in First Class and Parlor Class is limited to the number of seats shown at the table. Two-top tables (First Class Only) are limited to two passengers ages 2 and up. Four-top tables (First Class and Parlor Class) are limited to four passengers ages 2 and up. Six-top tables (First Class, only in the Comet car and very limited) are limited to six passengers ages 2 and up. One lap child, under the age of 2, per adult is allowed at each of these tables and may ride for free provided they are not occupying a seat. A child age 2 and up must be included in the seat count when ordering tickets. All seats at a table must be purchased, whether they are occupied or not. Additional seats cannot be added to tables and tables cannot be moved. Parties larger than the allowed number of seated passengers will need to purchase additional tables to accommodate other members of the party. The “Holly” and “Comet” cars on Train A have the most number of four-top and two-top table combinations, which are often used to accommodate parties of five. Tables across the aisle from each other or next to each other sell rapidly and availability is limited. We encourage purchasing as early as possible to ensure getting the tables that you need.

When are THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides times?

THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride runs on selected late afternoons and evenings from Friday, November 8 through Saturday, December 23. Please check the N.C. Transportation Museum website for detailed information on performance times and different classes of service by using this link.

Train A has the following classes of service:

Parlor (most exclusive class)
First Class: Holly, Clarice and Comet
Deluxe: Donner and Blitzen, and Rudolph
Standard: Jingle

Train B has the following classes of service:

First Class: Cupid
Deluxe: Dasher and Sugarplum
Standard: Vixen, Prancer, Dancer and Peppermint

**INDICATES PEAK PRICING PERFORMANCE TIMES

Guests are encouraged to arrive 45-minutes prior to the performance, allowing ample time for parking and to locate their respective boarding line. Guests may also arrive early for pictures with Santa in Candy Cane Lane near the Gift Station. Trains cannot be held for late-arriving passengers and no refunds are issued for missed trains.

Does my ticket include museum admission?

Since this event is offered after the museum’s regular operating hours, museum admission is not included in THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride ticket purchase.

You are welcome to visit the museum earlier in the day and tour the exhibits with the additional purchase of regular admission tickets. You may purchase tickets the day of your visit at the Barber Junction Visitor Center. Members may visit the museum free of charge, but still need to check in at the Barber Junction Visitor Center to receive their wristband.

Please note that the museum has shortened hours on days when THE POLAR EXPRESS™Train Ride is offered Tuesday-Sunday.

Museum Hours on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride days: Tuesdays-Saturdays 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Sundays 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.

The regular day-time museum train will not be operating between October 30 and December 25.

The museum will close at 2PM and all guests will be asked to leave so we are able to prepare for the event. Gates will reopen at 3PM for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride event only, and museum exhibit buildings will be closed. When visiting with small children during the day, we encourage you to avoid the Bob Julian Roundhouse area because a key scene of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride performance takes place there… we want all of those who Believe to be able to experience the magic during the event.

Highlights of the museum’s exhibits include:

Largest operational Roundhouse in the country, featuring an assortment of authentic locomotives and railcars
Aviation exhibits, including a life-size replica of the Wright Brothers Flyer
Bumper to Bumper exhibit, chronicling automotive history from horseless carriages through the 20th century.

Do groups receive a discounted rate?

Groups purchasing 15 or more tickets, in one transaction, will receive a $3/ticket discount on Standard or Deluxe tickets. Groups must be booked by phone to receive the group rate. Group rates are not available online.

For group reservations, please call (704) 469-5231.

How do I receive my tickets after purchasing?

Our system offers “Print at Home” or “Mobile Ticket” options, which allow you to either print your tickets from your home printer or have them sent to your phone. Your ticket confirmation will be emailed to you from etix.com immediately after purchase and will include a link to view your tickets. Please check your spam folder if you do not see your tickets immediately. You will use your printed or mobile tickets when you arrive on site by showing them to our line stewards for scanning.

Do you sell official Polar Express merchandise?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride features a variety of themed merchandise available for purchase when you buy your tickets. Your purchases will be available for pick-up at the outdoor Gift Station tent before you board the train. The easiest way to purchase merchandise online is during your ticket purchase process. Should you forget or want to add merchandise later, you can do so by clicking here!

Conductor Hat 16.00 plus tax and fees)
All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride! Your favorite passenger can look just like the conductor in this classic holiday story with this POLAR EXPRESS™ conductor’s hat. Available in small (21-1/8” head circumference or US hat size 6-3/4) or large (22-5/8” head diameter or US hat size 7-1/4.)

THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Book ($20.00 plus tax and fees)
Reading 1986’s Caldecott Medal winner, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, by Chris Van Allsburg has become a beloved holiday tradition for generations of families. In 2004, this holiday classic came to life on screen when the animated feature film starring Tom Hanks was produced. This sturdy, oversized hardcover special edition features the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg, highlighted with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes an author’s note and downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson. This special pre-sale edition comes signed by Santa Claus himself!

(New!)Conductor Bear ($35.00 plus tax and fees)
This polar bear in a conductor’s uniform will delight all ages. The cute die-cut bear has PVC glasses, embroidered buttons, lapel charms, and a chain on the jacket and vest.12” height X 10” width X 9” depth.

(New! Snow Globe Spinning Light Wand ($14.00 plus tax and fees)
This spinning light wand has swirling foam balls that mimic a snow globe along with a center ticket that spins. 8.5” tall. AA batteries included.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

A limited number of seats are wheelchair accessible and our staff will assist those in wheelchairs with boarding. Our wheelchair accessible rail cars feature a combination of traditional coach seats and spaces to accommodate a wheelchair, and a wheelchair lift. This seating is ideal for wheelchair-bound passengers, as they can stay seated in their chair and not have to transfer to a seat.

When making your ticket purchase please reserveWheelchair Seatingonly for the members of your group who will actually be in a wheelchair andADA and Companion Seating – Standard or Deluxe Coachfor up to four members of the rest of your party. We will ensure everyone is seated together. Limited wheelchair spaces are available only on Train A’s “Jingle” car (standard coach) and Train B’s “Dasher” car (deluxe coach.) First Class, Parlor Class, and all other standard and deluxe coach cars are not wheelchair accessible and will require boarding and deboarding by climbing stairs and walking through rail cars to and from seating locations.

Please note that we cannot unload wheelchairs at the North Pole. However, we will position the train in such a way to provide the best view of the North Pole performance as possible.

IMPORTANT NOTES:Wheelchairs should not exceed 30” in width. Some rail cars in use for this event are not wheelchair accessible due to the use of historic and antiquated rail passenger equipment, which is exempt from ADA regulations under US Code: Title 42: Section 12184.

How soon should I book tickets?

For best seating, we recommend you book your seats as soon as you are able to finalize your date. Certain departure times and cars sell-out quickly!

Are there refunds or exchanges?

All ticket sales for THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. All sales are final. Should you be unable to use your tickets for any reason, you are welcome to allow someone else to use them in your place.

The event you are purchasing is at the N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC 28159. Tickets are valid ONLY for that location and cannot be transferred or refunded if you should arrive at the wrong location.

Can I bring my dog or pet?

Animals are not allowed in visitor centers, museums or historic structures, unless the animal qualifies as a service animal under federal or State law. Therefore, only service animals are allowed on board the train.

What are the appropriate ages for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a family event that welcomes visitors of all ages.

What if I go to the wrong railroad venue for my Polar Express ride?

See the answer to, “Are there refunds or exchanges?”

If you arrive with tickets for another venue, your tickets willNOTbe honored at the N.C. Transportation Museum. Tickets for the N.C. Transportation Museum will NOT be honored at other venues. There are no refunds or exchanges due to holding tickets for the incorrect location or arriving at the incorrect venue.

Please check the location carefully before purchasing.It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser to ensure the tickets are purchased for the correct location prior to completing the order. The event takes place at the N.C. Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive, Spencer, NC 28159. The museum is located along Interstate 85 off Exit 79, approximately halfway between Charlotte and Greensboro.

Can I take photos during the event?

Yes, you can take photos.There are several opportunities for photo-ops during the train ride and at Candy Cane Lane. Cameras are certainly welcome.

Professional pictures with Santa will be available in Candy Cane Lane before and after THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides. Carolina Portrait Designs will provide photography and several different photo packages. You are under no obligation to purchase.During these photos, one guest is allowed to take pictures using a single device (phone or camera).

Photo Package options and pricing will be updated on our website when determined.

Is the train heated?

Yes, all passenger cars are heated. Because outdoor temperatures can vary greatly, we cannot guarantee that the temperature of the cars will be suitable to your specific preferences. Very cold temperatures can result in colder train cars even when the heat is running. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Will food be available at the event?

A number of food and beverage vendors will be on site for you to enjoy something before or after your train ride, schedule dependent, with kettle corn, snacks, hot dogs, hamburgers, and the like. Fire pits are set-up in multiple locations with s’more kits available for purchase. We also encourage you to visit our local restaurants in Spencer and neighboring Downtown Salisbury. For more info on local dining options, please visit the Rowan County Tourism website.

There are no meal options on board the train. All passengers will receive hot chocolate and a cookie as part of the experience.

Can we wear pajamas and bring our own copies of The Polar Express?

Of course, that’s part of the fun! We encourage the whole family to dress in their warmest pajamas and bring their book to read along.Be sure to dress warmly enough to walk comfortably to and from your car, to wait for boarding, and to watch the two outdoor live performances. We suggest you wear closed-toe shoes with non-slick bottoms. Please make sure you (and your little ones) are dressed appropriately for the weather.

Are there restrooms and diaper changing facilities?

Restrooms with changing stations are available adjacent to the Barber Junction Visitor Center and on the train.The restrooms are limited on the train and there are no facilities at the North Pole, so we highly suggest you use the restrooms before boarding.

Are strollers allowed on the train?

Neither strollers nor car seats are allowed on the train; however, there will be a designated area for stroller parking. We advise leaving car seats in your vehicle. Please make sure that you keep all valuables with you.

Please note that the train will load at the Barber Junction Visitor Center, but the ride will end at Candy Cane Lane, behind the Gift Station at the Master Mechanic’s Office. Returning to the parking lot will require walking or you may ride our trolley shuttle.

What if my child has food allergies?

We cannot ensure our special hot cocoa and cookies do not contain ingredients your family member may be allergic to. Guests are welcome to bring their own snack options. Please give this to your chef when you board the train. We cannot prepare anything onboard, so please bring something that can be given directly to the passenger. For a link to the cookie, hot cocoa, and whipped cream ingredients click here. Please note that only First Class and Parlor will receive whipped cream on their hot cocoa.

How do I get to the N.C. Transportation Museum?

Your GPS will pick up 1 Samuel Spencer Drive Spencer, NC better than our physical address.

The N.C. Transportation Museum is located at 411 S. Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, NC, just a few minutes from I-85 in Spencer, N.C., within an hour’s drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem. From I-85 take exit 79 and travel north along Andrews St. for 1.5 miles, to the second stoplight. Turn left onto Hwy. 29 (Salisbury Avenue). The museum entrance will be about 1/3 mile on your left.

From Statesville, take I-40 to I-77 South (Exit 152). From I-77, take exit 49A (G. Bagnal Blvd.) which is Highway 70. Travel Hwy. 70 for 23 miles to the West End Plaza in Salisbury. Continue straight past West End Plaza, drive about 2.5 miles and you will pass Novant Health Rowan Medical Center on the right. About 2 blocks beyond the Medical Center, turn right onto Clubhouse Drive (at the “To Main Street” sign). Follow Clubhouse Drive, veering left at the curve. Clubhouse Drive becomes 11^th Street. At the light, turn left onto Main Street and travel for 2 miles, passing through downtown Spencer. You will pass downtown shops on the left, and the museum entrance will be on the right, just beyond 1^st Street. (Approximate drive time from Statesville:45 minutes)

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

Winter wind, rain and other adverse conditions are possible. Please check weather conditions prior to your visit and dress accordingly. Portions of the event will take place outside, so if it is raining, please bring appropriate rain gear. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will operate as scheduled unless noted on our website: www.nctransportationmuseum.org. There are no refunds or exchanges due to weather conditions unless the event is cancelled, at which point customers will be advised of their options.

Is parking available on site?

The N.C. Transportation Museum has free on-site parking. Follow the entrance drive all the way up to the main lot near the Barber Junction Visitor Center. If the main lot is full, there is an overflow lot, which you will have passed on your way to the main lot. You may circle back and find a space there. There is also parking in town, across the street from the museum.

Where can I stay overnight?

Information about lodging in Salisbury and Rowan County, as well as other area attractions, is available at www.visitrowancountync.com. The Rowan County Convention & Visitor Bureau will also be happy to mail you a local Visitor Guide.

Special packages are available providing free tickets or Visa gift cards for those who take advantage of lodging in Salisbury or Rowan County. CLICK HERE for more information or call 800-332-2343.

What engine will be pulling THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride?

A diesel locomotive will pull each train.

Can I bring alcohol to the event?

The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a family friendly event. NO alcohol is sold or allowed on the train or on the museum grounds. Intoxicated passengers or those found possessing alcohol will be asked to leave the event with no refund.

What is the weapons policy?

Concealed or open carry weapons are not permitted. The North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation is a federally regulated passenger railroad operator similar to an airline. The North Carolina Transportation Museum is an entity of the State of North Carolina and operates on state property.

What if the event is not cancelled, but we want to cancel our tickets?

For refund requests initiated by the customer, there are no refunds or exchanges. As the ticket purchaser, you must agree to those terms and conditions before payment is processed. Once you have checked the boxes to agree to the terms and conditions and submit your order, there are no refunds or exchanges. If you are unable to use your tickets for any reason, you are welcome to allow someone else to use them.

What if the event is cancelled? Is ticket insurance available or will refunds be processed?

Ticket insurance is not offered as a part of the ticket purchasing process. If the event is cancelled by the North Carolina Transportation Museum as a result of weather, equipment failure, or any other reason that would prevent it from operating, customers will be contacted regarding their options for refunds or rescheduling.

Are there different classes of service?

Yes, there are different classes of service. Please note, whatever class you are in, the show is the same.
The difference between classes are the amenities and seating options.

The above images are representative examples showing the types of seating available. Each train car and its decorations will vary. The NC Transportation Museum can make no guarantee regarding any specific train car used for each level of service.

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ - FAQ (2024)