The Polar Express runs from Tunbridge Wells West on 32 days, 6 November to 30 December. Every date, the five daily start times, the fees and the parking catch.

The Polar Express Train Ride is on at the Spa Valley Railway on 32 days this year, from Friday 6 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026. Every journey starts at Tunbridge Wells West station, and tickets are on sale now. The railway’s own event page lists every date and start time (Spa Valley Railway).

The quick answer

  • Dates: Friday 6 November to Wednesday 30 December 2026: Friday to Sunday on the first two weekends, Thursday to Sunday from 19 November to 13 December, then every day from 18 to 24 December and 28 to 30 December.
  • Times: most days have five start times, 10.40am, 12.25pm, 2.30pm, 4.15pm and 5.55pm. The opening Friday has evening starts only, and Christmas Eve ends at 2.30pm.
  • Where: Tunbridge Wells West station, Nevill Terrace, TN2 5QY.
  • Price: adults and children pay the same per ticket. Babies under two sit on a lap with their own cheaper ticket. The operator publishes the prices for each date in its booking calendar, not on its information pages.
  • Parking: none at the station and none in the surrounding streets. Use a town car park.

Every date

The dates below are copied from the railway’s event page on 3 October 2026.

Month Dates
November Fri 6, Sat 7, Sun 8; Fri 13, Sat 14, Sun 15; Thu 19 to Sun 22; Thu 26 to Sun 29
December Thu 3 to Sun 6; Thu 10 to Sun 13; Fri 18 to Thu 24; Mon 28 to Wed 30

There is nothing on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or Sunday 27 December, and nothing on Thursday 17 December.

Start times. On a normal day there are five: 10.40am, 12.25pm, 2.30pm, 4.15pm and 5.55pm. The exceptions:

  • Friday 6 November: 5pm and 7pm only.
  • Saturday 7 November: 11am, 12.25pm, 2.30pm, 4.15pm and 5.55pm. That is also the night of the Dunorlan Park and Benenden fireworks, so the town will be busy in the early evening: see our fireworks page.
  • Christmas Eve: three starts, 10.40am, 12.25pm and 2.30pm.

The time on the ticket is when the experience begins, not when the train leaves. The operator asks people to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early to check in, and says the boarding cut-offs are strict: “The doors will be locked at these times and cannot be reopened for late arrivals”. It also says the event runs in rain or snow, and that it gives no refunds to people who miss the train because of the weather or traffic (Polar Express FAQs).

What you get

The ride is the licensed stage version of the book and film, run by PNP Events with the Spa Valley Railway. According to the operator’s ticket page, every adult and child ticket covers the ride with the cast on board, a light show, hot chocolate served by the dancing chefs, a read-along of the story, and a visit from Santa, who gives each passenger a silver sleigh bell (ticket options). The railway’s page adds a sweet treat and a visit from the Caribou.

Allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours in total, the operator says, including 15 to 30 minutes in the gift shop at the end. Pyjamas are encouraged; slippers are not, because the station floors are uneven and can be muddy.

Tickets and prices

Adults and children pay the same, because, in the operator’s words, “you both get the same great experience”. The ticket page does not give a price, and the operator’s FAQ sends readers to the booking calendar for “dates, times and prices”, so check the price for your date when you book.

The fees and rules that are published:

  • A compulsory £3 booking fee per order, which is not refundable.
  • Babies under two sit on an adult’s lap with a “baby on lap” ticket. They get a bell from Santa but no hot chocolate or snack. The FAQ describes the price two ways, as £5 and as “£5 more expensive”, so check the figure at checkout.
  • Carers: buy at full price, then send customer services the booking number and proof of entitlement, and 50% of one ticket is refunded, less the booking fee. There must be at least one full-paying adult on the booking.
  • Changes cost £20 up to 60 days before the event, and no changes are allowed within 30 days.
  • E-tickets arrive 14 days before the visit, by email from ETIX. Look in the spam folder first if they have not come.
  • Klarna is offered for spreading the cost.

Getting there and parking

This is where most complaints come from, and the operator says it plainly: “we do not offer on-site parking at the railway, and there is no parking available in the streets around the station.” Disabled passengers can be dropped at the station, and the operator points to the council’s own car parks for everyone else. Charges, evening rates and the car parks nearest the bottom of the town are on our parking page, and current road closures are on roadworks and travel.

Pushchairs and car seats are not allowed on the train. Leave them on the platform, where marshals look after them until you get back. A wheelchair friendly carriage is available, and the operator asks anyone who needs help or adjustments to talk to staff on arrival.

Other Christmas trains and trails

The town’s other festive dates, including the lights switch-on on 14 November, The Pantiles Christmas market and Christmas at Bedgebury, are on our Christmas lights and festive dates page. The theatre shows are on our pantomime page.

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