Where is your train departing from?
Trains depart from our Elbe Depot, located at 54124 Mountain Highway E, Elbe, WA 98330. Please arrive 20 – 30 minutes prior to departure.
Where do we park?
Parking is available across the tracks to the right of the Historic Elbe Church. Please follow the signs and keep an eye out for our parking attendants.
Do we need to print our tickets? Where do we pick them up?
You don’t need to print anything at home! Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time. After parking, please follow signs and to our ticket booth. Please have the reserving party’s last name and order ID handy. We’ll hand your your golden tickets and car and seat assignments for boarding.
Will there be hot chocolate and cookies? What if I have dietary restrictions?
But of course! After a song and dance number, our waiters and chefs serve hot chocolate and cookies to all guests. We do have gluten-free, nut-free, allergen-free cookies and (dairy free) hot cider available upon request. If you have other dietary concerns, please shoot us an email at info@wfim.org and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
How long is the ride? What should we expect?
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride offers the unique experience of live theater and train ride all in one. Our performances begin with the train’s arrival in the station at Elbe. After boarding, guests will listen to a short audio production of Chris Van Allsburg’s book, The Polar Express. During THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, passengers are served hot cocoa and a cookie, delight in lively songs and dance. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers will remain on the train as Santa boards, visiting with passengers on the way back and presenting the first gift of Christmas. The entire journey takes approximately 75 minutes.
What is the difference between coach and first class?
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is a great experience, regardless of where you sit! Coach seats are bench seating (with two people to a bench), whereas first class features table seating (4 people to a table). First class passengers receive a souvenir mug to taken home, and the cars feature more festive decor.
What should we wear?
We highly encourage guests to wear their pajamas aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Our depot is very small and guests will be waiting outside under a tent/cover, but we do encourage guests to dress warmly and prepare for rain.
Is the train ADA accessible?
Yes, please select our ADA seating when you book. We do have a wheelchair lift to accommodate those with mobility issues, walkers and wheelchairs. Due to constraints with our wheelchair lift and the size of doorways in our historic equipment, we recommend wheelchairs and scooters are less than 27” wide. Please note, there are various lips and bumps in doorways and between train cars, which may make it difficult to move between cars.
Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, one restroom is available in each first class car. Coach cars do not have restrooms but have a restroom available one car away in our concession car. All restrooms have changing tables.
Which locomotive is pulling the train?
Most excursions will be pulled by Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s Polson Logging No. 70, a 70-ton 2-8-2 “Mikado” type steam locomotive, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1922 for the Polson Logging Company.
Upon occasion, the Polson 70 may need unscheduled maintenance. During these times, Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad may choose to substitute a diesel engine for motive power.
What if I need to change the date or time of departure?
Rescheduling or other changes to a booking may be made through our ticket office (253) 900-7245 and info@mtrainierrailroad.com are subject to availability. Ticketing changes are subject to a per-ticket change fee, equal to the processing fees of the order. Rescheduling 72 hours (about 3 days) to one week ahead of the scheduled departure time will result in a rebooking fee equal to 30% of the order total. We are unable to reschedule trips within 72 hours (about 3 days) of the scheduled departure time.
What if I need to change my date or departure time?
Rescheduling or other changes to a booking may be made through our ticket office (253) 900-7245 and info@mtrainierrailroad.com and are subject to availability. Ticketing changes are subject to a per-ticket change fee, equal to the processing fees of the order. Rescheduling 72 hours to one week ahead of the scheduled departure time will result in a rebooking fee equal to 30% of the order total. We are unable to reschedule trips within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time.
What is your refund policy?
All refund requests are subject to current per-ticket handling fee, equal to the processing fees of the order. Partial refunds (70%) will be issued for cancellations made between 72 hours and one week in advance of the scheduled departure. Cancellations made within 72 hours of departure are ineligible for a refund.
Can I bring alcohol on board?
No. Due to liquor regulations, no alcohol is allowed on board the train.
Can I bring firearms?
Passengers are not allowed to carry firearms of any kind on the train. Due to federal regulations, we do not allow open or concealed carry on the train rides.
