Edinburgh Waverley Station The Polar Express

Name: Edinburgh Waverley Station The Polar Express
Start: 2026-11-11 12:35:56Z
End: 2027-11-11 12:35:56Z
Location: Platform 2 At Edinburgh Waverley Train Station

Edinburgh

All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh

Golden Tickets at the ready! THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is coming to Edinburgh Waverley Station for Christmas 2026, bringing the much-loved festive story to life on board a real moving train.

Inspired by the classic children’s book and the 2004 motion picture, this immersive Christmas train ride invites families to become part of the story. Pull on your cosiest pyjamas, make your way to Platform 2 and prepare for a festive journey filled with familiar characters, music, storytelling and a very special visitor.

Travel on board a real train from Edinburgh Waverley Station
Watch an immersive theatrical performance unfold inside your carriage
Meet the Conductor, lively Chefs and familiar characters from the story
Enjoy hot chocolate and a sweet treat during the journey
Meet Santa and receive the First Gift of Christmas

Demand is expected to be high, so grab your Golden Tickets early and get ready to answer one very important question: well, are you coming?

Choo-Choo-Choose one of the best Christmas events onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™

Before you climb aboard, here's everything you need to know about your magical journey from Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Dates: Selected dates from November to December 2026
Train Journey: Approximately 1 hour onboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh
Total Visit: Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the full experience
Age Suitability: Designed for families of all ages
Departure Point: Edinburgh Waverley Station, Platform 2, Edinburgh, EH1 1BE
Arrival Time: Arrive in plenty of time before your scheduled departure and follow event check-in instructions
Dress Code: Pyjamas and dressing gowns are encouraged, just like in the story!
Tickets Include: Golden Ticket, approximately 1-hour train journey, immersive theatrical performances, hot chocolate, sweet treat, live entertainment, visit from Santa and a silver sleigh bell as the First Gift of Christmas

Watch the story unfold around you

Once the Conductor calls “All aboard!”, you’ll be welcomed by the Chefs and shown to your seats. Settle in as the train gently leaves the platform and the carriage fills with songs, characters and live performances inspired by THE POLAR EXPRESS™.

Keep your Golden Ticket close, because the Conductor will be making their way through the train. Along the journey, the Chefs will serve hot chocolate and a sweet treat as the sights and sounds of the story unfold around you.

Then listen carefully. A gentle thud overhead and the jingle of sleigh bells can only mean one thing. Santa has arrived! Santa will visit each family and present passengers with the First Gift of Christmas, a beautifully crafted silver sleigh bell to take home.

Make Christmas extra magical in Edinburgh

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station on selected dates during November and December 2026. The experience is officially licensed by Rail Events International and Warner Bros., giving families the chance to enjoy an authentic recreation of the famous festive adventure.

Both little believers and grown-up passengers are encouraged to arrive in their Christmas pyjamas and dressing gowns. Just remember to pair them with sturdy, closed-toe shoes rather than slippers, flip-flops or open-toe footwear.

Book THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh tickets today and prepare for hot chocolate, sleigh bells and plenty of Christmas spirit aboard one of Edinburgh’s biggest festive family experiences.

Location

Platform 2 At Edinburgh Waverley Train Station

Princes St,
Edinburgh,
Scotland,
EH1 1BE

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How to find us

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station, with the event check-in point located on Platform 2. Allow extra time because the station, surrounding roads and nearby parking facilities can be particularly busy during the Christmas period.

By car: Use EH1 3EG for the station area. There is no event-specific parking, but several public car parks serve central Edinburgh. Check opening times and availability before travelling, and leave plenty of time to reach Platform 2.
By train: Edinburgh Waverley is the departure station, so passengers arriving by rail will already be at the venue. Follow signs within the station for Platform 2 and the event check-in area.
By bus: Numerous city bus services stop on Princes Street, North Bridge and surrounding streets. From your stop, continue on foot to Edinburgh Waverley and follow signs for Platform 2.
By foot: Edinburgh Waverley sits in the city centre between Princes Street and Edinburgh’s Old Town. Enter the station and follow the event signage to the Platform 2 check-in point.

Facilities

Standard Class seating, mainly arranged in traditional airline-style pairs
Limited Standard Class table seating
Dedicated pre-bookable wheelchair spaces
Companion seating beside wheelchair spaces
Accessible toilet on board
Hot chocolate and sweet treat service on board
Public car parks available near Edinburgh Waverley Station
Public transport connections at and around Edinburgh Waverley Station

More Info

Is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh wheelchair accessible?

Yes. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh has dedicated wheelchair spaces with companion seating and an accessible toilet on board. Wheelchair spaces are limited and must be selected and confirmed when booking, as wheelchairs cannot be accommodated without an advance reservation.

What age is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh suitable for?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh is designed for families of all ages. Children under 2 travel free when sitting on a parent or guardian's lap. No seat is allocated.

Is there food and drink at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh?

Yes. Hot chocolate and a sweet treat are served during THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh. The event is unable to provide alternative cookies or dairy-free hot chocolate, and products may contain or come into contact with common allergens, including nuts. Guests with allergies should contact the event team before visiting.

What do THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh tickets include?

Standard Class tickets include the immersive theatrical train journey, live performances, familiar characters, hot chocolate, a sweet treat, a visit from Santa and the First Gift of Christmas, a silver sleigh bell.

How long does THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh last?

The on-board journey is planned to last approximately one hour. Please allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for the full experience and additional time for your onward journey, as mainline railway operations may cause delays or changes.

Where does THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh depart from?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The check-in point is located on Platform 2. Please follow the event signage and information supplied with your booking when you arrive.

Can I take a pushchair, car seat or large bag on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh?

No. Pushchairs, car seats, large bags, rucksacks and suitcases cannot be taken on board THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Edinburgh. Bags may be searched before entry, and belongings left near check-in are left at the owner’s risk.