(765) 825-2054
White Water Rail Road
This Holiday Season...Believe.

The Polar Express Train Ride

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride returns this holiday season with service to the North Pole. This is the only officially licensed THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride event in the greater Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Dayton areas.

Tickets will sell out quickly! Don't miss the chance to share this holiday favorite with your family.

THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride is a magical re-creation of Chris Van Allsburg's classic picture book. Passengers are served hot chocolate and a cookie by dancing chefs, enjoy a reading of the book, and have their golden ticket punched by the conductor. At the North Pole, Santa and his elves will board the train for the return trip to Connersville. During his brief visit with each family, Santa will present everyone with the first gift of Christmas - a silver bell from his sleigh. Become part of the story and wear your pajamas!

2025 FARES AND SCHEDULE

Early Bird Special trains - all seats $39, ages two and up

Value-priced trains - all seats $47, ages two and up

Standard-priced trains - all seats $55, ages two and up

Tickets for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride are non-refundable. Infants under the age of two do not require a ticket if they sit on the lap of a ticketed passenger.

Purchase tickets online HERE or by phone at 765 825-2054.

FAQs

Q: Where do I pickup the Polar Express book I purchased with my tickets?
Included with your tickets will be a voucher for each book purchased. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding time and redeem your voucher at the will call window inside Grand Central Station. Additional books will be available for purchase in the gift shop.

Q: Are there restrooms on the train?
There are no restrooms on the train. Restrooms are available inside Grand Central Station and in the heated, portable unit outside the station. The train ride is almost 2 hours long, so please make sure everyone has an opportunity to use the restroom before boarding the train.

Q: Are the train cars heated?
Yes, all of our coaches are steam heated and we do our best to keep them at a comfortable temperature. However, if the weather is extremely cold we do recommend bringing coats and perhaps a blanket for the little ones.

Q: When should I arrive for my train?
The boarding time for your train is in your confirmation email and printed on your tickets. Trains board PROMPTLY at their scheduled boarding times. Please arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to boarding. Allow extra time if you are with a large group, need boarding assistance or are picking up will call tickets or books. Please monitor the weather and traffic conditions along your route and allow sufficient travel time to Connersville. There are no refunds for missed trains!

Q: Where does the train go?
Why to the North Pole of course!

Q: How should we dress?
Dress for the weather. Many families wear pajamas just like passengers from THE POLAR EXPRESS book and film. If wearing pajamas, be sure to wear proper footwear and a jacket or coat.

Q: What is the inclement weather policy?
If the state or local government closes the highways in Fayette county due to weather conditions, trains will be canceled and refunds issued. Otherwise, the trains will run as scheduled.

Q: What allergens are in the hot chocolate and cookies served on the train?
The hot chocolate and cookies served on the train contain the following common allergens: milk, wheat, eggs & soy. For those with special dietary needs, you are welcome to bring your own beverage and treat for the train ride.

Q: What is seating like?
Seats are not reserved. The seats are upholstered bench seats and seat two passengers per bench in groups of four. Please do not bring car seats or carriers for children under 2 unless you have purchased a ticket for them. Children under 2 riding in a lap do not need a ticket.

Q: Is there access for persons with disabilities?
Due to the historic nature of our equipment, train rides on THE POLAR EXPRESS are not fully accessible to persons with disabilities. If anyone in your group will need assistance boarding the train, please arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding time and register your group with the ticket agent inside Grand Central Station. Crew members will assist you at the boarding area and help you to your seats.

Q: Where should I park?
Parking is at Grand Central Station. There will be sufficient parking for everyone, please follow the directions of the railroad staff when parking so that we may comfortably accommodate everyone. There is no charge for parking. We ask that you respect the other business around Grand Central Station and not park in any spaces reserved for their patrons.

Q: What are the GPS coordinates for Grand Central Station?
If you are using your GPS for directions, please use the following address:
455 Market Street
Connersville, IN 47331
Many GPS systems will route you to our maintenance facility if you use "Whitewater Valley Railroad" as your destination. Use this Google Maps link for directions.

Q: How long is the train ride?
The train ride is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes in length.

Q: Do you have a gift shop?
Yes, a full range of gifts and keepsakes will be available for purchase at the event.

Q: Are tickets refundable?
No. You may reschedule your reservation, subject to fees and availability, for another date within the same calendar year.

Q: May I bring my pet or emotional support animal?
No. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted. Only trained service animals are permitted in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Q: Is smoking allowed on the train or at Grand Central Station?
Smoking of any type is prohibited on the train, inside Grand Central Station, on the deck around the station and in the boarding areas. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaping of any kind.

Q: What is the alcohol policy?
This is a family-friendly event and no alcohol is sold or allowed on board the train or on the event grounds. Intoxicated passengers or those found in possession of alcohol will be removed from the event without a refund.

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s25)

Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.