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–$71.94 per seat depending on coach class and travel night. On-sale date: April 2026.
2026 dates
November 5, 2026 – January 3, 2027
🎟 2026 tickets are on sale now
Tickets & Pricing
2026 Polar Express tickets are listed at Coach starts at $33.52 child / $50.85 adult; Crown $57.50; Premium Crown $66.16; First Class $62.25-$71.94; peak, steam, and Christmas Eve may be higher.
Check current availability →Verified August 21, 2026 for Great Smoky Mountains Railroad 2026 Polar Express coach, Crown, Premium Crown, and First Class starting prices. Operator source. Confirm at checkout 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?↓
The operator's current 2026 Polar Express pricing is listed at $33.52 - $71.94 published starting prices; peak, steam, and Christmas Eve departures may be higher. Check the linked operator page before purchase because availability and checkout totals can change.
When do tickets go on sale?↓
The published on-sale timing for the 2026 season is April 2026. Check the linked operator page for current availability.
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.