The Polar Express Train Ride from Bryson City runs Nov 5, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, with Coach Class tickets from $50.85 for adults and $33.52 for children ages 2 to 12. Infants under 24 months ride free but need their own seat. Prices below are all-in and were read from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad page on 2026-10-18.
Ticket prices
| Class | Price (from) |
|---|---|
| Coach Class, adult (13+) | $50.85 |
| Coach Class, child (2-12) | $33.52 |
| Coach Class, infant (0-23 months, own seat) | $0.00 |
| First Class tables, per seat | $71.94 |
| Premium Crown, per seat | $66.16 |
| Crown, per seat | $57.50 |
Peak dates, steam dates and Christmas Eve may cost more. The railroad’s events listing shows a $92 headline price that does not match the ticket page; we use the ticket page figures and have not resolved the difference, so check the booking page for your date.
What to know before you go
- Length: a 1 1/4-hour round trip from the Bryson City depot.
- On board: hot cocoa and a cookie, and Santa gives each child a silver bell.
- Lap children: one free lap child (0-23 months) per adult ticket in the table and section classes.
- Times: choose your date and time when you book; no schedule is posted on the page.
- Dogs, strollers, parking: listed in the railroad’s FAQ, which we have not read.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Polar Express in Bryson City?
Coach Class starts at $50.85 for an adult and $33.52 for a child 2 to 12. First Class tables start at $71.94 per seat.
When does the Polar Express run in North Carolina?
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs it from Nov 5, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027.
Do babies need a ticket for the Polar Express?
Infants 0 to 23 months are $0.00 in Coach Class but need their own seat. In the table and section classes, one lap child under 24 months is free per adult ticket.
How long is the ride?
About 1 1/4 hours round trip from the Bryson City depot.
Sources
- Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, The Polar Express, checked 2026-10-18
More holiday events in the mountains: see the Smoky Mountains events page.
Cite this page: It's North Carolina, “Polar Express Bryson City 2026: Tickets, Dates, Prices”, itsnorthcarolina.com/polar-express-bryson-city-great-smoky-mountains-railroad/ (updated ). By the It's North Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.