The Polar Express™

polar banner

The Polar Express™ is back!  And this year, we've added an early train time (2:45 PM) and another First Class car!

The Polar Express™ will come to life when the Maine Narrow Gauge train departs its Ocean Gateway depot for a journey to the “North Pole.”  Holiday decorations inside the train will add to the festive atmosphere as guests on board meet the conductor, have hot chocolate and a treat, listen to a reading of the enchanting story over our sound system, and sing carols.  Santa will ride back with everyone to the train station from a special outpost of the North Pole and every child will receive their special bell on board the train.  

polar banner For Moms, Dads, Grandparents and other Christmas shoppers, there will be Polar Express™ merchandise available at the station.  And bring your camera for a photo op with the conductor inside the station!

This year, light concessions will be offered inside the Ocean Gateway terminal.

We've expanded our FIRST CLASS this year to include 3 cars and more seating.  In these beautifully refurbished cars everyone drinks their hot chocolate in official Polar Express™ mugs (not available for sale), which become theirs to keep.  Plus, we have added an early train at 2:45 PM.

Children are encouraged to wear PJ's!  And this year the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad expects Steam Engine #4 will be back in service for the Polar Express train rides, bringing with it heated train cars for the enjoyment and comfort of passengers!

Groups of 20+ may qualify for 10% off their order.  Please contact RJ McComish at 207-842-0800 x222 to make a group reservation.

Be ready to board 15 minutes prior to the train's departure!  The Polar Express leaves right on time.

This event is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad's biggest annual fund raiser - thank you for your support!

The MNGRR preserves, interprets and operates a valuable collection of historic two-foot narrow gauge railroad stock that was the economic development engine of interior Maine from the 1880's to the 1930's.

The Polar Express train leaves from the Hancock Street platform next to the Ocean Gateway Pier, which serves as the train depot for this event.  The train then travels east along the Casco Bay on the Eastern Promenade of the Portland Peninsula toward the "North Pole."  Holiday decorations inside the train will add to the festive atmosphere as guests on board meet the conductor, have hot chocolate and a treat, listen to a reading of the enchanting story over our sound system and sing carols.  The train will pick up Santa from a special outpost of the North Pole and he will ride back with everyone to the train station.  While on board, Santa will greet the children as helpers make sure every child receives a special bell.  And back at the station, those who want a festive photo with the Conductor may remain with their cameras while others head home with their bell and special memories of a delightful ride.

The train ride lasts about 40 minutes (allow 90 minutes for entire experience).

Be ready to board 15 minutes prior to the train's departure.  The Polar Express™ leaves right on time.

Directions to 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, Maine 04101:

  •  From I-295, take EXIT 7 (Franklin Street).
  • On Franklin Street, go to the 7th traffic light and turn LEFT onto Commercial Street.
  • Continue STRAIGHT through the stop sign at India Streets (Commercial becomes Thames Street).
  • For parking at the Ocean Gateway Garage (167 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101):  At next stop sign, turn LEFT onto Hancock Street. (Look to the right/water to see the Ocean Gateway Pier - building with clock tower. This is where you'll board the train).
  • At next stop sign, turn LEFT onto Fore Street. Entrance to garage is on the right (alternate entrance for garage around the block on the opposite side of the building - Middle Street). Fee for parking.

14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, ME 04101 via MapQuest

14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, ME 04101 via Google Maps

Maine Narrow Gauge's Polar Express Cancellation Policy:

All ticket sales are non-refundable, unless a train is cancelled.  As a rule, Maine Narrow Gauge will cancel a train only if the City of Portland declares a snow emergency or in the case of equipment failure.  Should that happen, cancellation information will be available on the PortTIX website, on the MNGRR website, on local television and radio stations, and via PortTix at 207-842-0800.  If a train is cancelled, ticket-holders may choose to exchange into another train (sbuject to availability) or donate the ticket value to the MNGRR and receive a tax donation receipt for the value of the tickets.  Refund and donation requests must be made through the Maine Narrow Gauge RR.  Please note that handling fees are not returnable in any form.

Any decision to cancel a train will be made by 12:00pm on the day of the event.

We thank customers for their patience and understanding as the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad navigates the decision to cancel and process of communicating to all patrons!

If you've purchased tickets to The Polar Express and they are being held at "Will-Call," the following are your pick-up options:

1.  On the day of the event you may pick up your tickets inside the Ocean Gateway Pier beginning at 1:30 PM.  (Please allow 30 minutes for pick up).

2.  If you wish to pick up your tickets in advance, please call the PortTIX box office at 207-842-0800.

 

Stay tuned for info!