Polar Express Train Ride in Bryson City NC

Well known as a Western North Carolina holiday tradition for many families is a ride on the POLAR EXPRESS train ride at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMRR) in Bryson City, NC. 

The POLAR EXPRESS is a 1.5 hour train ride from the primary station in Bryson City, NC, to the North Pole. Along the way, you'll experience the magic of the POLAR EXPRESS book and story, including singing, dancing, hot chocolate, cookies, golden tickets, and a visit from Santa Claus!

We took a train ride on the POLAR EXPRESS and found it to be a magical way to kick off the holiday season and experience firsthand the enchanting story from the world famous book and movie.

This guide will share our entire experience with you and share some tips we learned along the way to make your experience even better.

A ride on the Polar Express train ride in Bryson City, NC has been on our holiday bucket list for years. We're a little embarrassed to admit that we've never actually ridden this holiday train until this year (2024).  

We either waited too late to get tickets, or always had other things going on. But this year was different. We ordered our tickets early and booked a first-class train ride on the Polar Express for the 8:20pm ride.  Our ride for 2024 was on 11/13/2024.

We had an amazing time, and we're kicking ourselves for not riding it sooner!

Video of our Polar Express Train Ride

Purchasing Tickets

Your first step to taking a ride on the polar express is booking your tickets, which should be done as early as possible. Tickets sell out quickly, especially for dates and times closer to Christmas.   

For 2024, the event begins on November 7 and runs through December 31, 2024.

Tickets are booked online at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website, and will be sent in an eTicket format to your mobile device and email.

Seating Class Options

You'll first want to pick a date and time that works for you. Then you'll need to choose the class of service you prefer. Classes offered include:

• First Class - Plush and comfortable furniture, large picture windows, and climate control for comfort. All guests receive hot cocoa in a souvenir ceramic mug, a cookie, surprise treat, and a souvenir tote. The first class cars are just gorgeous and really deliver a luxury experience. There are 4-seat and 2-seat options.
• Premium Crown Class - Windows that can open for fresh-air, ceiling fans, and heat for cooler evenings. These classic cars are very similar to the types of cars seen in the Polar Express movie. They have restored wooden in interiors, bench seats and tables. All guests will receive cocoa in a souvenir tumbler, a cookie, and a surprise treat.
• Crown Class - plush seating, large picture windows, and climate control for comfort. All guests will receive cocoa in a souvenir tumbler and a cookie 
• Coach Class - windows that can open for fresh air, ceiling fans, and heat for cooler evenings. All guests will receive cocoa and a cookie.

For all classes, Santa Claus will present each child with the first gift of Christmas; a silver bell from his sleigh. 

Steam or Diesel Locomotive

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad also has both steam and diesel engines. The steam locomotive only runs during the day and has more limited options on dates and times.   

We wanted to go at night so we could better see the lights, so we chose a diesel locomotive.

Tips for purchasing tickets:

• Again, get your tickets early. The event sells out very quickly each year.
• For the best views of the North Pole, sit on the left side of the train (farthest side from the station). But there are lights on both sides, and you can see from the right side as well.
• Purchase the parking pass option. It will allow you to park in the GSMRR all-day parking lot across from the station. Bryson City street parking is limited to 2-hours.

What to Wear?

All passengers, regardless of age, are encouraged to wear pajamas!

We did, and it made the experience more fun and enjoyable. It was fun to see everyone in their own unique and often matching PJs.

We do recommend either wearing layers or bringing a coat, though. It was in the 40s during our trip. Even the waiting area was pretty cool.   

The train cars are heated, but we didn't feel any heat during our trip. It was a bit chilly in the cars, so an extra jacket was nice to have.

What to Expect

We had watched a few videos and read some guides about the Polar Express train ride, but didn't know exactly what to expect. Here's the rundown without giving too much away:

• Fun staff and actors - The actors, from the conductors to the Hobo did a wonderful job engaging guests and making the whole train ride fun. They were also able to really make you feel like you were experiencing the whole Polar Express book and movie.
• Treats - Everyone gets hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie.  
• Music - You'll experience music and sounds from the Polar Express movie. We challenge you to not smile when the Hot Chocolate song comes on.
• A Visit from Santa - Santa boards the train and gives everyone a special gift
• Fun for all ages - While the ride is geared for children, adults have fun as well. We had no kids in our section for the ride, but still had a great time and some good laughs. The ride is full of serious moments, fun times, and, of course, some silliness along the way.
• The experience of a train ride - Not only do you experience the book and movie, but you get to ride on a real train! The whistle, the clacking of the cars as the train goes down the tracks all combine to make this a wonderful, fun, and historic experience.

Arrival and Boarding

We arrived about an hour before our train's departure time, mainly so we could record some extra video and explore a bit before the train ride. The POLAR EXPRESS begins boarding 30 minutes before the departure time.

We enjoyed walking the streets of Bryson City, NC, and see all the holiday lights. There is also a village area around the train station with shops and live music. Be sure to visit Uncle Bunky's Christmas Cottage, which is full of fun Christmas items.

We ate a home prior to arriving in Bryson City, since we're only 40 minutes away. There are a number of good restaurant options in Bryson City, and the train station itself serves some pretty good looking food as well.

About 30 minutes before your departure time, the POLAR EXPRESS will return from its prior run. The locomotive stops right in front of the station. There are signs all around that show what section you need to be at for boarding. Your seats and car are noted on your ticket.

The order is by seating class. First class is right behind the locomotive, following by crown class through to coach, which is on the end.

If you are in coach, it's a bit of a walk down to the end, so keep that in mind when boarding. The GSMRR also provides golf carts to assist passengers if needed. They additionally have devices for lifting those in wheelchairs onto the train cars.

Tickets are checked as you board, and it's the only time you will need them.

There is plenty of time to get lots of photos of the train in front of the station prior to boarding. The whole train is decorated in lights, and the locomotive as "Polar Express" on the side, making for some beautiful photo opportunities.

After taking some photos, we headed to our boarding location, and began our magical adventure on the Polar Express!

Riding the Polar Express

The train leaves promptly at the departure time, and heads in the direction of Dillsboro from Bryson City. You'll travel at a pretty slow pace from Bryson City to Whittier, NC, where the "North Pole" is located. The ride out takes about 40-45 minutes.

We chose to sit in first class to get the full experience, and to allow a little more room for our camera gear. Two young ladies were assigned to our section of the car, and they help us find our seats, which where two very comfortable chairs at a table next to a large window.

On our table was a souvenir bag, chocolate bar, and our large golden Polar Express tickets. The first-class car we were in was very roomy and just plain gorgeous, with a gold colored roof, large windows and plush seating.

Bryson City NC Travel GuideA photographer was walking around taking photos of passengers. You can purchase these later. Ours turned out pretty well. The full package for all the versions and digital copies was around $40.

After long whistle, the train began to move, and the show began as the two staff members came out introduced themselves and met everyone.   

Shortly after, we were asking if "We were in need of refreshment", to which we shouted "YES!" and the music and dancing began "Hot hot hot ... we got it ...". Well, you know the song, and our hot chocolate arrived on our tables, complete with thick whip cream topping.

During the ride, you'll experience many of the events from the book, including the train stopping due to caribou blocking the way. You'll have to chant loudly to help clear the way.  

You'll also get a visit from the mysterious hobo, who confirms everyone can see him before interacting.

The staff did a great job keeping everyone engaged, singing, and dancing during the ride. The skits are fun and humorous for all ages.

We even had a contest to see who could do the best "Ho ho ho" and the winner received a special cookie!

Just prior to reaching the North Pole, a recording of the author of Polar Express reads a portion of the story to you, as the staff holds a large picture version of the book.

The North Pole

The North Pole set is located on the left side of the train and features buildings with lights, a large Christmas tree, and of course, Santa and the Elves.

The train stops, and Santa boards the train to visit with everyone and gives everyone a gift, a silver bell.

Returning to Bryson City

After Santa boards, the train heads back to Bryson City. On the way back, you'll sing Christmas Carols and get a last visit from the Hobo.

The songs and laughter were a great way to wrap up our Polar Express train ride experience and a great way to kick off the Christmas and Holiday season!

Tips:

Here are a few tips we learned during our visit that we think you'll find helpful:

• The Smoky Mountain Train Museum is included with your tickets - Be sure to visit before or after your ride. The museum has model trains and exhibits to explore. Kids can even press buttons to control the trains.
• The Polar Express trains run regardless of weather
• You can change your tickets at least 48 hours in advance for a fee and if other times/dates are available.
• Arrive an hour before your departure time. The train leaves promptly at the departure time and begins boarding 30 minutes before.
• For passengers requiring help or with accessibility needs, call early to let them know, and make them aware on your arrival.    
• Dress in layers and bring a jacket. This is a winter event, and it can be very cold and even snow!

Where to stay and eat in Bryson City

If you are planning to stay or eat in Bryson City, check out our Bryson City, NC town guide for details on where to stay, where to eat, and other things to see and do in the area.