Get Tickets Now! Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express in Bryson City, NC — 2026 Season

Wondering about the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Polar Express in Bryson City?
This is one of the most magical experiences of a kid’s life. It’s a themed train ride based on the book The Polar Express. Whether you love an early beginning to the holiday season or wish you could put it off, this North Carolina attraction is one very good reason to start your own planning early this year. KAG Contributor Liene has all the information you need to know about this very popular holiday attraction.

The Polar Express: Bryson City, NC

Bryson City is a gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but is it also home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot, with scenic rail excursions through the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Beginning November 6, 2026, a very special train will be departing from the historic Bryson City depot: The Polar Express. This is one of two very popular train rides on the Polar Express near Greenville, SC, so get your tickets soon!

Based on the popular children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, this magical train ride recreates the journey to the North Pole complete with hot cocoa and a warm cookie.  At the end of the train ride, Santa Claus himself will be waiting at Santa’s Village to board the train and present each child with their very own silver sleigh bell.

Want to check out another Polar Express train ride? There’s one in Spencer, NC, too!

Things to Know About the Ride on the Polar Express

You’ll want to arrive in Bryson City at least an hour before your departure time. This will give you time to park, which is not an easy task in this little town, which draws tens of thousands of Polar Express passengers over the eight-week season. Parking is located across the street from the depot at 45 Mitchell Street, and parking fees are already charged to your reservation (RVs pay a separate $16 cash fee). Parking attendants are on hand to direct traffic.

Once you’ve walked to the depot you might want to explore the GSMR train museum, and you’ll find a dozen little souvenir and snack shops lining the street to explore while waiting for your train’s boarding time. Tip; the Smoky Mountain trains museum is free with tickets, but you can purchase pictures with Santa if you arrive early.

When it is time to climb on board, passengers join the queue at their assigned boarding station, which correlates to the train car in which you will be riding.   The beautifully restored vintage coaches date from the 1920s to the 1940s, and the interior has been festively decorated in the holiday spirit. Friendly employees are on hand to help the boarding process and get everyone situated, and before you know it, the whistle blows, and the Polar Express is off, headed for the North Pole!

While music plays in the background (from the motion picture The Polar Express), the conductor comes through to stamp the ‘golden train tickets.’  These tickets, based on the book, make a cherished souvenir for the children. Hint: make sure to bring your copy of “The Polar Express” on the trip so that you can read along while enjoying the hot chocolate brought to you by the singing and dancing chef.  

Like most parents, we had changed the kids into their pajamas so that they would be cozy and comfortable on the journey.  And, the singing of Christmas carols and antics of the Polar Express characters kept them mesmerized the entire trip.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip

With four different ticket options (First, Premium Crown, Crown, and Coach), families have a variety of choices concerning seating, snacks, and memorabilia – only reserve your tickets soon. GSMR’s 2026 tickets are on sale now, and the railroad’s own advice is that “certain dates and car types will sell quickly,” so weekend and Christmas-week departures are the ones to book first. We opted for Coach and were completely satisfied with the seating, the service, and the benefits that came with our package.

We purchased tickets on the 5 pm train, meaning it would still be light out for the first 1/2 hour of the journey (and we could watch the gorgeous mountain scenery roll by). The sun had set and darkness descended just before our arrival at the North Pole, and so the Christmas lights adorning ‘Santa’s Village’ twinkled in the darkness, helping convince reluctant believers… On our return trip, lights from homes along the route sparkled in the distance, adding a magical dimension to the ride.

When selecting seats, you might want to choose to be on the left side of the train (that would be the opposite side where you board the Polar Express), as the river and the majority of North Pole lights will be on that side. Also, Santa boards on the front of the train, so be prepared for him to come through rather soon after stopping if you’re in Coach; have your copy of “The Polar Express” ready for him to sign, and the kids ready to tell him what they would like for Christmas.  He even makes some time to ask some disbelieving adults about what they would like under the tree – so make that list and check it twice!

More information on the Polar Express: Bryson City, NC

The first Polar Express departure is on November 6, 2026, and the train operates through January 3, 2027. It doesn’t run every single day: in November it’s dark on Tuesdays (November 10 and 17) and on Thanksgiving (November 26), and in December the only day off is Christmas Day. They do run on Christmas Eve if you want a truly memorable night. Departures are at 5 pm, 6:40 pm, and 8:20 pm — most dates offer all three, while Mondays and Wednesdays typically run just the 5 pm and 6:40 pm trains. Tickets sell out quickly.

For detailed information on the different seating available, visit the Polar Express website.

Bryson City is about 2 ½ hours by car from both Greenville and Spartanburg, optimally a weekend destination, but doable in a day (since the kids will sleep on the way home!).

There are several classes to choose from, with Coach Class the cheapest, starting at $33.52 for kids ages 2-12 and $50.85 for adults (ages 13 and up). Infants under 24 months ride free in Coach but still need their own seat. Moving up, Crown Class starts at $57.50 per seat, Premium Crown at $66.16 per seat, and First Class at $71.94 per seat, with the upper classes sold as whole 2- or 4-seat tables and sections. Those are GSMR’s all-in prices, which already include the Historic Preservation Fee and Ticket Fee — but the railroad notes that peak dates, steam-engine service, and Christmas Eve can run higher. Depending on what ticket class you choose, you’ll receive a cookie, hot chocolate, and a souvenir of some type for a full Polar Express experience.

You can book tickets by calling 800.872.4681 or you can book them online.

Where to Stay Near the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC

This Stay22 Affiliate links map will help you find the perfect place to stay during your visit!

Sky Ridge Yurts

If you want to enhance your Polar Express experience with a super cool place to stay in town, try Sky Ridge Yurts, only about 20 minutes away from the city center and the railroad. The yurts are spacious, clean, and very comfortable. We tried them out over the summer and fell in love with the unique structures. Enjoy some warm cocoa and the mountain views during your trip!

For other Great Smoky Mountains Railroad family-friendly adventures, check out the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad website.

Polar Express Bryson City FAQs

When does the Polar Express run in Bryson City?

The 2026 season runs from November 6, 2026 through January 3, 2027. The train doesn’t run on Tuesdays in November (November 10 and 17), on Thanksgiving, or on Christmas Day, but it does run on Christmas Eve.

How long is the Polar Express train ride?

It’s a 1¼-hour round trip from the Bryson City depot to the North Pole and back. GSMR asks guests to arrive one hour before departure to pick up tickets, and we’d give yourself even a little more than that for parking and the shops.

How much do Polar Express tickets cost?

Coach Class starts at $33.52 for children ages 2–12 and $50.85 for adults. Crown Class starts at $57.50 per seat, Premium Crown at $66.16, and First Class at $71.94. Those are all-in prices including the Historic Preservation Fee and Ticket Fee; peak dates, steam service, and Christmas Eve cost more.

Can kids wear pajamas on the Polar Express?

Yes — GSMR encourages passengers to dress warmly, and pajamas are welcome. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Is the train museum included with a Polar Express ticket?

Yes. Admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum is complimentary with any train ticket purchase. Without a train ticket, admission is $9 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 3–11, and free for under 3.

What happens if there’s bad winter weather?

GSMR runs all trains, including special event trains, through winter weather. If the North Carolina Highway Patrol or DMV closes I-40 or Highway 74, call reservations at 1-800-872-4681 — rescheduling is available for a nominal fee.

“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”

From The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg

Would a ride on The Polar Express be a trip your kids would cherish?

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See our list of Western NC Day Trips and our list of Holiday Day Trips for even more suggestions for fun around the holidays.

This post was originally published on Femme au foyer and is republished with permission.