After spending six months in the hot, humid Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, our family was more than ready for a change of pace. By the time the holiday season rolled around, we traded palm trees for pine trees and found ourselves in downtown Durango, Colorado.

We were house sitting just a short walk from Main Avenue, while the owners took a trip to La Paz, one of our favorite cities in Baja Mexico. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, snow had transformed the streets into a winter wonderland, and the Polar Express Durango train ride was waiting to make the holidays feel extra magical.

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Why We Finally Booked the Polar Express in Durango And OMG, It Was Worth It

Our journey brought us to Durango mid-day, fresh off our fall road trip through Page, Arizona (full Southern Utah family road trip guide linked here), we didn’t waste any time soaking in Durango’s charm. That very night, the conductor’s whistle of the vintage steam train echoed through the beautifully historic downtown, and from just four blocks away, we were instantly intrigued. For nights afterward, the sound of the Polar Express train ride cutting through the heart of town kept calling to us.

At first, we thought we’d simply admire the historic steam train from afar, but the magic was impossible to resist. The more we explored, the more we realized just how iconic these scenic train rides are to Durango. And then came the nudge that sealed the deal: our daughter Audrey had been inching closer to asking the dreaded question, is Santa Claus real?

We’ve always tried to stretch the magic of Christmas for her as long as we can. With our busy travel schedule, it hasn’t always been easy to keep the Christmas spirit alive, but we knew this was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences we couldn’t skip. So, we booked the Polar Express Durango train ride, a ticket straight to the North Pole.

And honestly? It was everything we hoped it would be. Audrey’s face lit up at every detail, from the hot cocoa and cookies to meeting Santa himself. For us, it wasn’t just a scenic train ride, it was a chance to hold onto the magic just a little longer, and that alone made it worth every second.

Polar Express Train Ride 101: Schedule, Times & What to Expect

If you’re planning to experience the Polar Express Train Ride in Durango for the first time, here’s everything you need to know. Since this was our first time too, we had plenty of surprises along the way and trust me, it’s the kind of adventure your kids will never forget.

The train departs from the Durango Depot, which sits at the end of Main Ave in downtown Durango. You can’t miss it, the bright yellow building is iconic and signals you’re in the right place. 

The train schedule runs November 21 through January 3 (closed December 25), with departure times at 4:55, 6:30, and 8:00 p.m. We chose the 4:55 ride, and don’t worry, by the time you’re rolling toward the North Pole, it’s already dark enough to make the whole journey magical.

You can easily make this ride the first gift of Christmas for your kids, and it’s one they’ll remember forever.

Train Car Types & Prices

The train cars are divided into different experiences and price points:

• First Class (All Ages)
  
  • Adult (12+): $100.44
  • Child (2–11): $89.64
    
    
• Deluxe Class
  
  • Adult (12+): $83.16
  • Child (2–11): $72.36
    
    
• Coach Class
  
  • Adult (12+): $66.96
  • Child (2–11): $56.16
    
    

We were lucky to score seats in a first-class train car at the last minute, but the trains are almost always full. If you can, I’d recommend booking tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot. If not, you can try your luck at the depot’s ticket kiosk.

Before You Board

Once you’ve got your ticket, you can browse the gift shop or wait in your boarding area next to the tracks. Boarding usually happens 5–10 minutes after the scheduled time, so being a little late won’t ruin your night.

The entire experience is based on the award-winning book, and once the steam train pulls into the station, the story comes alive with the little boy, the conductor, and of course Santa Claus himself.

Quick Facts

• Dates: November 21 – January 3 (closed November 27 & December 25)
  
• Departure Times: 4:55, 6:30, 8:00 p.m.
  
• Location: Durango Train Depot, end of Main Ave
  
• Theme: The Polar Express book brought to life

Train Station Antics: PJ-Wearers, Performances & Pre-Boarding Vibes

We arrived at the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Station extra early, probably overcompensating from our travel trauma of once watching a couple miss their train in Paris thanks to too many bags blocking the entrance to the train heading to Charles de Gaulle airport. Long story short, we didn’t want to be those people standing there stunned and sad.

Getting to the station early turned out to be a win. We grabbed a few photos of the gift shop, scoped out our train car’s boarding spot, and settled into a line that was more “vibe” than actual line. 

As the pre-show began, we noticed something: people everywhere were wearing pajamas. Like, full-on Polar Express cosplay, slippers, robes, and holiday PJs. We definitely missed the memo, but here’s the scoop: if you want the full experience, show up in pajamas. It’s the way to channel the holiday spirit and step into the story, just like the Hero Boy in the book and movie.

The pre-boarding vibes were festive but chill. They pumped cheerful music throughout the station, building anticipation. Then came the announcement, and the live show began, mirroring the book exactly, with a boy walking up to the conductor and asking where the train passage leads. At that point, you can feel the excitement ripple through the crowd.

This isn’t just waiting around for your ride, it’s part of the magic, and one of those little details that makes the Polar Express Durango experience so unforgettable.

Inside the Train: Cookies, Cocoa, Confetti & Christmas Carols

The holiday music doesn’t skip a beat, it follows you right onto the train as you find your seat inside this vintage, narrower-than-modern carriage. The magic kicks in immediately: the conductors take your golden ticket and transform it into confetti, sprinkling it through the air like snow for an instant Christmas vibe that feels straight out of the book.

Then comes the surprise, your special gift and keepsake mug, which is filled with steaming hot chocolate once the train begins rolling toward the North Pole. Alongside the hot cocoa, attendants serve up Walkers Shortbread Fingers, a simple but perfect sweet treat to enjoy while you cozy up.

All around, the train glitters with festive details: one-of-a-kind ornaments, twinkling lights, and garlands strung from end to end. Soon the car fills with singing, dancing, and laughter as your car attendants perform Christmas carols and re-create scenes from the story. For kids (and honestly, adults too), it feels like stepping directly into the Polar Express book.

By the time you take that last sip of hot cocoa, you’ll be humming along with the carols, clutching your keepsake mug, and feeling fully immersed in the magic of Christmas.

The Ride in Real-Time & Why It Didn’t Feel Like Just an Hour

As the vintage steam train moves along the tracks and the sun sets over Durango, the atmosphere feels exactly like what Chris Van Allsburg captured in his award-winning book. The crew walks through the cars holding a life-sized copy of the Polar Express book, reading the Polar Express story aloud as the passengers follow along.

If you don’t already know the tale, it’s a story of a child who begins to doubt Santa Claus’s existence. On Christmas Eve, he’s awakened by the sound of a mysterious train, the Polar Express, waiting outside his house. Invited aboard, he joins other children on a magical journey to the North Pole. Along the way, there are lessons about courage, friendship, and wonder.

At the North Pole, the boy is chosen by Santa himself to receive the very first gift of Christmas, a silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. While adults can’t hear its sound, those who believe in the magic can. It’s a reminder that the magic of Christmas never fades if you hold it in your heart.

This part of the journey is what makes the ride feel so much longer than just an hour, it’s not just about covering distance, but about being pulled into a story that’s lived on for generations.

Mom Hack Tips: What We Wish We Knew Before Showing Up

• Eat before you board – The train departure times (4:55, 6:30, 8:00 pm) fall right around dinner, so either have an early meal or bring a few snacks for the train passage. Trust me, your little ones will thank you.

• Layer up – While the steam locomotive is heated, it’s still chilly once the sun dips behind the mountains. Bring sweaters, cozy blankets, or extra layers to keep everyone warm and happy.

• Plan for after the ride – Once the train pulls back into the station, don’t rush off! The adjacent railroad museum is open and worth exploring. Inside, you’ll find historic locomotives, old cars, and yes—Santa Claus waiting for picture opportunities. It’s like bonus holiday magic after the main event.

These small hacks can turn a fun ride into a stress-free, magical family memory.

Why Durango’s Train Feels Like a Holiday Hug, Not Just a Ride

We’ve been on plenty of trains before, whether winding through Glenwood Canyon or zipping across Japan, but those rides are all about selling the views. The Polar Express Durango train ride is something different. It doesn’t just take you through the mountains; it takes you on a magical journey straight into the heart of Christmas.

This isn’t just a train, it’s a holiday classic brought to life. From the music to the story to the cozy carols echoing through the cars, it’s the fun of the Christmas season wrapped into an experience your whole family will never forget. 

Sure, it’s loud like any train, but the laughter, the cocoa, the storytelling, and the sparkle in the kids’ eyes transform it into something else entirely, something that keeps the holiday spirit alive for years to come.

Our Family’s Takeaway: Full Hearts & Holiday Feels

We would love to make the Polar Express in Durango an annual holiday tradition for our family. It truly feels like a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas cheer and holiday vibes. The experience is perfect for the whole family, because the entire adventure, from the moment the train whistle blows to the magic at the North Pole, creates memories we’ll hold onto forever.

If you’re looking for other train excursions in Colorado that bring the same kind of magic, check out the Royal Gorge holiday train ride called the Santa Express. We did the regular route there and loved it, our full review can be found here if you want another option to add to your holiday plans.

If you’re spending a few days in Durango and wondering what else to do in the area, we’ve got a full guide for you here.