Step aboard The Polar Express™ Train Ride at Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells for a fully immersive retelling of the festive film, departing from Tunbridge Wells West Station. Meet the Conductor, dancing chefs and a ghostly hobo, and enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie served by the on-board chefs*. Listen to the story before Santa himself boards to present each child with the first gift of Christmas - a silver sleigh bell. A visit to the exclusive gift shop rounds off the journey.
Please Note: *They offer an alternative hot chocolate and a snack free from many allergens - speak to a member of staff on the train if you require an allergy-friendly alternative.

Prices
Adult and child ticket: £37.95-£73.95
Child - under 2 years sitting on an adult's lap: £5
Carer's discount: 50%
Prices shown include all fees.

Dates & Times
7th November to 30th December 2026
7th, 8th, 13th to 15th, 19th to 22nd and 26th to 30th November
3rd to 6th, 10th to 13th, 18th to 23rd, and 28th to 30th December
Sessions: 11am, 1pm, 3.15pm, 5.30pm and 7.15pm
24th December
11am-3.15pm.

Runtime & Schedule
Runtime: End time TBC - our calendar shows the start and end booking slot times. The train ride: 1 hour; whole experience: 1.5-2 hours.
Schedule Note: Prices are set per date and time slot rather than a single ticket price - book via the venue's calendar for your preferred session.

Accessibility
A wheelchair-friendly carriage is available (maximum wheelchair width 27in/68cm) but must be pre-booked - contact the railway in advance to arrange this.
Disabled Parking: Tunbridge Wells West has level access from the Sainsbury's car park, with the ticket office, shop and toilets all on the same level; blue badge parking is limited and not close to the entrance, so accessible guests are best dropped off before parking nearby.
Each carriage holds up to 64 people, and 500-1000 visit the venue at a time. It may be easier to board the train once everyone has found their seats. There are loud noises and flashing lights, but not strobe lighting.

Dogs
Dogs (other than assistance dogs) aren't accommodated on this experience, though they're welcome on Spa Valley's standard service trains at other times.

Parking
No parking on site - see the local council parking page for details.

Good To Know
Seating is arranged by groups of four around a table, or in pairs. For larger groups, you can link a booking, but there's no guarantee that separate bookings will be seated together. Arrive 30-45 minutes before your scheduled start time to allow enough time for check-in and boarding, so you don’t miss any of the festive fun.

Top Tip
Just like the film’s characters, you’re encouraged to come along in your pyjamas and dressing gown! Slippers aren’t suitable, though, as this is a working railway with some uneven surfaces and it can get a little muddy. Don’t forget your coat, brolly and sturdy shoes!

📍 Spa Valley Railway Visitor Details
Check out our main Spa Valley Railway listing for more visitor information.

⭐ Ready to book? Click on the Website link above to go directly to the Polar Express Train Ride booking page ⭐

🔗 More Like This
Love a bit of festive magic? Explore our Seasonal category for all our Christmas listings, or discover more Christmas in Kent experiences with our guides.

Picture Credit: © Spa Valley Railway.

See Kent, Know Kent
🌹 Discover this part of Kent with our guide to Tunbridge Wells, under our Area Guides in Kent menu, or browse the sections below to plan your perfect time in the Garden of England.

🏛️ Things to do in Kent: Explore our listings for more attractions and activities.
🎤 What's On In Kent: Check our events menu for the latest updates.
💡 Ideas & Inspiration: Don't miss our features and themed articles.
🏰🦒 Top Guides: Uncover our tips to top attractions in Kent, adventure activities, animal experiences, the best Festivals, and much more in the Garden of England.
❄️ Seasonal Spotlight: From Easter and school holiday adventures to Halloween and more festive family fun.
📧 Sign up for the Free See Kent E-Newsletter.