A 90-minute evening holiday train ride from Williams to a lit-up North Pole, with hot chocolate, cookies and the story read aloud, running on select dates from early November through late December.
Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway turns its evening trains into The Polar Express, based on the children's book. It is a separate trip from the daytime train to the canyon. You board in Williams at the station directly behind the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, ride out into the dark pine forest for about 90 minutes round trip, and return to the same platform. The train does not go to the Grand Canyon, so treat this as a holiday outing that pairs with a canyon day, not a replacement for one.
On board, crew in character serve hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while the story is read along the way. The train then reaches the North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer are waiting to greet riders. Departures run nightly on season dates at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Standard tickets use one class of service, Pullman-style 1923 Harriman cars. An upgraded Ultimate Polar Express Experience uses historic first-class cars for groups who want a private car.
Demand is the main thing to plan around. The railway opens each season's dates on November 1 of the year before, and weekends close to Christmas go first. If your dates are flexible, early-season and midweek trains are easier to book. Plan to be in Williams well ahead of departure: the railway asks train-only guests to arrive at least an hour and a half early to collect tickets, and package guests can check in at the hotel from 3:00 p.m.
Winter driving matters here too. Williams sits at almost 7,000 feet on Interstate 40, and snow can slow the drive from Phoenix, Flagstaff or Las Vegas. Check road conditions before you set off, and if you are combining this with a canyon day, consider staying in Williams so you are not driving an icy road after a late train. Not every car is ADA accessible, so contact the railway in advance if anyone in your group has mobility needs.
What to expect
The experience
Trains leave from the station behind the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Boarding begins about 15 minutes before departure, and train-only guests should arrive at least 90 minutes early to pick up tickets. The round trip lasts about 90 minutes. Hot chocolate and cookies are served while the story is read aloud. The train reaches a lit North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer are waiting to greet riders.
Best time
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Select dates from early November through late December, with departures at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Exact dates vary each year and are posted on the railway's calendar.
How long
Plan for about 90 minutes.
Tips
Williams is high and cold in winter. Dress warmly for the platform and check road conditions before you drive. Book as early as you can for weekends in December. Midweek November trains are the easiest to get. This train stays near Williams. It does not visit the Grand Canyon.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with young children visiting northern Arizona between November and Christmas.
- Families
- Built for children: pajamas are welcome, there is cocoa and a cookie, and Santa visits each car. Book early for weekends.
- Couples
- A cosy, festive evening out, but pitched at young children, so expect a family crowd.
- Pair with
- Spend the day on the daytime Grand Canyon Railway or driving to the South Rim, then ride the evening train.
- Time needed
- About 90 minutes.
Good questions
Does The Polar Express go to the Grand Canyon?+
No. It is an evening ride from Williams to a North Pole set and back, about 90 minutes in total. The daytime Grand Canyon Railway is the train that goes to the South Rim.
When does it run?+
On select dates from early November through late December, with departures at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Check the railway's calendar for the current year's dates.
What is included?+
The train ride, hot chocolate, a cookie, the story on board and a visit from Santa at the North Pole. Packages with a night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel are also sold.
What is the refund policy?+
Refund terms depend on when you buy and how close to departure you cancel, with fuller refunds for earlier cancellations. Check the policy shown when you book, as terms can change.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?+
Not all of the historic cars are ADA accessible. Contact the railway at least seven days before your trip and add requests such as a wheelchair lift during checkout.
