NC Transportation Museum's Polar Express Train Ride

When and where

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride runs at the NC Transportation Museum, 1 Samuel Spencer Drive in Spencer, off I-85 at Exit 79 between Charlotte and Greensboro. 2026 dates are November 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29, then December 4-6 and 10-23, on late afternoons and evenings. Two stage shows plus the ride take about 70 minutes, all on the museum grounds. Train A and Train B leave at different times but put on the same show.

Cost

Fun4RaleighKids lists tickets at $45.50. The museum says its prices include ticket fees, adds NC sales tax, and charges more at peak times. One child under 2 rides free on each paying adult's lap; everyone 2 and up needs a seat. Code BELIEVE26 takes 15% off November 6-8 and 13-15. Groups of 15 or more booked by phone get $3 off each Standard or Deluxe seat. Higher classes add keepsake mugs and table seating, and First Class and Parlor tables must be bought whole.

Getting there and parking

Parking is free on site, with an overflow lot you pass on the way in; skip the Park Plaza lot across the road, where cars may be towed. Arrive about 45 minutes early. The ride ends at Candy Cane Lane, so you walk or take a trolley shuttle back to your car.

Good to know with kids

• Pajamas and your own copy of the book are encouraged, but the two live scenes are outdoors, so the museum asks for warm clothes, rain gear if wet, and closed-toe shoes.
• Strollers and car seats stay off the train. There is a stroller parking area.
• Everyone gets hot cocoa, a cookie and a silver sleigh bell; Santa appears at the North Pole stop. Families with allergies may bring their own snack to hand to the onboard chef.
• Use the restrooms with changing tables by the Barber Junction Visitor Center first. Train restrooms are limited and the North Pole has none.
• Food vendors and fire pits with s'mores kits are on site, and Santa photos run in Candy Cane Lane before and after rides.
• Only the Jingle car on Train A and the Noel car on Train B take wheelchairs.
• Tickets are non-refundable, and rides run as scheduled unless the museum posts otherwise.