California State Railroad Museum

Photo by Marty Bernard, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

🎄 2026 holiday season

California State Railroad Museum Polar Express 2026

Sacramento, CA

The California State Railroad Museum runs The Polar Express for the 2026 holiday season from Sacramento, CA. The full 2026 calendar isn't published yet — the railroad updates it each summer. Tickets are listed at $80.00+. The most-requested weekend dates routinely sell out within days, so booking the moment seats open is the difference between getting your first-choice night and watching it scroll past.

2026 dates

TBA

🎟 Tickets typically go on sale in late summer — check back or visit the operator's site.

Tickets & Pricing

Tickets typically run Coach from $40/person (group-of-four matinee) plus $6/ticket service charge.

Tickets usually go on sale in October (public on-sale Oct 1 for Old Sacramento).

Group rates

Coach 'as low as $40 per person' priced for a group-of-four matinee departure

Ways to save

  • Foundation membership (~$30/yr) includes advance ticket buying before public on-sale
Check current availability →

Pricing and discounts are published by California State Railroad Museumand subject to change — confirm on the operator's site before booking.

Where to stay

Bookings through this map support usatrainrides at no extra cost.

Rent a car

Most Polar Express stations sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.

Compare rentals on Discover Cars →

Frequently asked

When does California State Railroad Museum run The Polar Express in 2026?
The 2026 season schedule isn't published yet. California State Railroad Museum typically updates its Polar Express calendar in late spring or summer for the November–December run.
How much do Polar Express tickets at California State Railroad Museum cost?
Ticket prices for 2026 are listed at $80.00+, varying by coach class and weekend vs. weekday departures.
When do tickets go on sale?
California State Railroad Museum hasn't announced an on-sale date for 2026. Most operators release tickets in spring for the November–December run; sign up for the railroad's email list to be notified.
Are there any Polar Express discounts at California State Railroad Museum?
California State Railroad Museum doesn't publish a Polar Express discount for 2026. Some operators offer quiet presale windows for past riders or season-pass holders — joining the email list is the most reliable way to catch one.
Where does the train depart from?
Trains depart from California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, CA. See the operator's full schedule and route detail on the linked railroad page.

Keep exploring

Year-round schedule, equipment, and visitor info live on the operator's full page.