Photo by Trainsfan13, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs The Polar Express for the 2026 holiday season from Bryson City, NC. The published season window is November 5, 2026 – January 3, 2027. Tickets are listed at $33.52–$92.45 per seat depending on coach class and travel night. On-sale date: April 2026. 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
November 5, 2026 – January 3, 2027
🎟 2026 tickets are on sale now
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets typically run Coach from $50.85 adult / $33.52 child; First Class $62.25-$71.94 (starting rates).
Group rates
Discount pricing for groups of 20+ for most excursions (not stated for Polar Express)
Pricing and discounts are published by Great Smoky Mountains Railroadand subject to change — confirm on the operator's site before booking.
Where to stay
Bookings through this map support usatrainrides at no extra cost.
Frequently asked
When does Great Smoky Mountains Railroad run The Polar Express in 2026?↓
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad runs The Polar Express November 5, 2026 – January 3, 2027. Trains depart from Bryson City, NC.
How much do Polar Express tickets at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad cost?↓
Ticket prices for 2026 are listed at $33.52 - $92.45, varying by coach class and weekend vs. weekday departures.
When do tickets go on sale?↓
Tickets for the 2026 season go on sale April 2026. The most-popular weekend nights routinely sell out within hours of release.
Are there any Polar Express discounts at Great Smoky Mountains Railroad?↓
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad 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 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC. 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.