We look forward to welcoming you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Swanage Railway. 

The Experience 

All aboard! Come and be part of this magical journey as we depart from the picturesque Swanage Railway in the heart of Dorset.

Golden Ticket in hand, the show will begin from the moment you set foot on the platform. With singing and dancing from our wonderful team of Stewards.  

You'll then be invited to board the train with The Conductor, Hero Boy and Hero Girl before departing for the most jolly and joyful ride. Our Chefs and Stewards, promising to get everyone into the festive spirit. 

As the train rolls through the Dorset countryside, guests will be served a delicious HOT, HOT, HOT Chocolate and cookie. Keep your eyes peeled for a mysterious character along the way. 

Adults and children will then meet the main man himself. Shhhh!  

With the help of his elves, Santa will deliver the first gift of Christmas to each and every person onboard, an exclusive Polar Express silver bell. 

Passengers can expect the experience to last approximately one hour to one hour thirty minutes. Official Polar Express merchandise will be available to buy at the station.

This award-winning experience offers a festive show like no other! Whether you are one, or one hundred and one, this heartwarming family event is not to be missed!  

The experience consists of approximately an hour-long return train journey leaving from Swanage Railway Station. The train cannot be boarded at any other station. The nearest long-stay car park (Pay and Display) is in Victoria Avenue, BH19 1AP, which is a ten-minute walk.  We regret there is no parking available at the station. 

ARRIVAL

Please arrive at SWANAGE station no earlier than 30 mins prior to your booked departure time. (Times may be slightly subject to change but we will do our utmost to keep to these timetables). Please note that we will be running trains based on demand – if a particular train time you prefer is not advertised, please keep following the Swanage Polar Express social media channels as extra trains and carriages may be added once demand reaches appropriate levels. Please allow plenty of time for your journey to Swanage, trains cannot be delayed by late arrivals.

TICKETS

Your seating details will be emailed to the address provided at the time of booking, approximately 7 days prior to travel. Please bring this with you on the day.

Your E-ticket will be scanned on arrival at the station and exchanged for a Golden Ticket to board the train. We will not be sending out any Golden Tickets in the post. 

Please arrive at the time stated on your E-ticket, and on the correct day! We are selling multiple rides/carriages/train rides daily so do please check before you leave for Swanage!