Polar Express St. Louis at Union Station
The Polar Express St. Louis at Union Station is a holiday wonderland that your family will talk about for years to come! Read all about our Polar Express Train ride experience and answer any questions you might have below!
Polar Express Train Review
My family had so much fun at our first Polar Express experience at Union Station. It was my 3 year old’s first time on a train and he absolutely loved it. The cookies were huge and delicious and we each got our own hot (but not too hot) cocoa with a commemorative mug.
The actors on board were so much fun and stayed in character the whole time. My 6 year old kept trying to get them to break by asking over and over whether they were the real elves and Santa Claus but they stayed committed.
Both of my boys were won over by the magic of Union Station decorated with thousands of Christmas lights. They had several beautiful photo ops set up for family pictures before boarding the train. It was a magical evening we all enjoyed. Be sure to check out my Instagram @annacarwile.stl to see the reel from that evening as well as more daily updates.
After boarding the beautifully decorated train we enjoyed the audio from the Polar Express Movie playing along with a real picture book held by one of the actors. She answered questions and added to the story while it was playing. After that we got our hot chocolates and giant cookies delivered along with some dancing and singing of the famous hot hot! song from the movie.
Finally the train was on it’s way to the North Pole! We saw city lights and rivers and eventually Santa outside with all his Christmas decorations at the North Pole. My kids were so excited when he boarded the train and they could tell him everything they wanted for Christmas this year. After spending some time with Old Saint Nick we headed back to Union Station.
Common Polar Express Questions:
How long is the Polar Express ride in St. Louis?
It took us about an hour and a half to get to the North Pole and back, with some time beforehand for photos.
Where does the St. Louis Polar Express Train take you?
To the North Pole of course! But for real it crosses the Mississippi River to the land of Illinois then crosses back to Missouri and onward to Union Station in St. Louis.
How much do Polar Express tickets cost?
The tickets range in price from $40 to over $100 depending on which train car you want to sit in.
What time does the Polar Express Train leave Union Station?
They have multiple departure times: 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:15pm, and 8:30pm
Where do you park to ride the Polar Express Train?
Park in one of the Union Station parking lots. Its the same lots you park in when you visit the St. Louis Aquarium.
How much does it cost to park at Union Station?
For the Polar Express riders, obtain a parking voucher from the ticket depot to get a discounted parking token. With the discount it’s only $5 to park in one of the Union Station lots.
The Polar Express at Union Station
The Polar Express runs from November 18 to December 30th 2022 at St. Louis Union Station and you can purchase anywhere from coach tickets up to Premium Car tickets. Visit www.stlpolarexpressride.com to book your tickets today!
