What a great experience to have with your grandkids!!!! Even though they are still a bit too little to truly enjoy it it was still fun! The entertainment was awesome and the Best Hot Chocolate!! The cookies .... A bit hard! They have this process down to a science!!! read more

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It's that time of year! The best kick-off to the holiday season - a ride on the polar express! This year's experience was as great as our previous trips to the North Pole with some added fun - ride on the big wheel! From the time you arrive Christmas is in the air with the beautiful decorations, music and a feeling of fun for all. The ticketing/boarding area is well organized with things to keep the kids busy until your boarding time is called and there is no need to rush to the front of the line or hurry as seats are assigned. Make sure to line up for your assigned train. Also, when making your reservation my recommendation is to get seats on the right side of the train so you can see the North Pole. I also liked having the last seats in the car (Arctic Circle) so I could move around a little for pictures. This is my 3rd Polar Express trip and I've had different classes each time. The Holiday Saver, Coach and First Class. Honestly, it was a great experience each time. First Class provided a four person "pod" with a table which was nice, but not necessary, however the mug was a nice souvenir. As you enter the boarding ramp you'll begin to see characters come to life. The walk to your assigned train may seem a little far, but the signage is very well done and will direct you to your specific car. You'll find a cookie treat and your golden ticket on your seat. Once on board the excitement begins and the characters are super engaging and helpful. Once the train begins to roll it's time for HOT CHOCOLATE which is delivered with everyone singing. On the way to the North Pole the story is told as the chefs come through with books for everyone to follow along. About 20 minutes into the trip you arrive at the North Pole (on the east side of the train) where Santa is waiting and waving. He then arrives on the train to meet and greet everyone. Have your cameras ready for pictures. Bells are passed out to everyone and Christmas Carols are sung. The characters did an amazing job engaging with the children and kept the energy high. The experience was so much fun for all. There are several options for food in Union Station to enjoy before or after your trip. read more

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What an amazing experience at this time of the year !!! Beautiful lightning and decorations. I only had two hours to spend and missed the train by few minutes. Loved the overall decorations, holiday cheers and awesome vibe .. since starting early, with less crowds, was able to take tons of pictures. They have done a fabulous job of picture spots and created a really nice children friendly environment. It's been years that I have heard about the great train ride with Santa in but had lovely and absolutely wonderful experience with the place. The staff were very friendly and warm. Big smiles and holiday cheers flowing around. read more

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I have been on the Polar Express a few times in the past 3-4 years and I love this experience so much! I realize this is mostly for the kiddos, but I am such a big kid and love this experience just as much (if not more)! Pro Tip: arrive in your cute pajamas (and match with your group/family) to really experience the polar express in style! They decorate the space so well and provide such a holiday experience or everyone! Before you line up to board your train, you can explore a little bit and the photo ops are just great! They have a station to write a litter to Santa and they also have some nice coloring pages with crayons for the kiddos to play with while waiting. When it's time to board, the conductor makes an announcement and gets everyone lined up. While waiting to board, the conductor has so many fun activities for the crowd to do and really hypes everyone up! By the time you get on board, you are really feeling the energy from the workers. When you are seated, you have a cookie waiting for you at your table and if you ordered the first class tickets, you will also have a nice hot chocolate mug with a tote bag to carry them in. They really make this experience so magical and it's fun to play pretend. They serve hot hot hot chocolate while riding to the North Pole and they read you the "polar express" book while walking up and down the train cart to show the pages/pictures while reading. Once you get to the North Pole, you get to look at how pretty it is and then the one and only Santa gets on board with you! He passes our bells and talks with everyone on board - all of the Santa's I have interacted with are really good at being Santa and staying in character. They are so jolly! The conductor makes their way around your train car and collects your "ticket" and then they make a fun hole punching design (just like the book/movie)! It's quite a fun time! Everything has been great and I am so glad I have been able to visit! Christmas is such a fun time of year and I am so glad this polar express train ride exists! read more

Awesome trip! My sister and I took her girls, my two youngest nieces, and they loved it! This is my second time doing the Polar Express, and I noticed a few things... First, this time around, we did the Santa's Express, which was a more exclusive car - loved that! The seating was super comfy with an exclusive 4 seat table and mini couches, and better with fewer folks in our car area. We each also got a fun Polar Express keepsake mug. It was much, much better for the girls, who were a little wild from all the excitement -- the quieter car was good. Plus they got more 1:1 attention from the staff, who did great in character! The girls got to help read the story with the characters... Santa spent several minutes 1:1 with them, the hot chocolate was HOT! HOT! HOT! (In a good way like the song says LOL), and the dance party was AWESOME! The upgraded tickets were definitely worth it! Second, I notice the pre-board area is a bit smaller and more compact. It was a little crowded and chaotic than our first trip a few years ago. I'd like to see them spread out a bit more - which is why I give it 4 vs 5 stars. It was definitely loud, crowded, and over-stimulating for my little group. There are not enough spots for anyone who needs to sit or chill, if elderly or dealing with cranky kiddos who need a moment. Overall, we loved the Letters to Santa ride! We enjoyed getting our photo as a keepsake... and it was very convenient to download it online after our trip. Santa's "elves" were super helpful, and the decorations were really festive and joyful - loved the look! As soon as we walked in the experience started with Santa's elves at the door checking our tickets, elves stopping by to say hi and take photos...and of course, a gift shop where you could buy Polar Express goodies like conductor hats, trains, etc! I really do love this St. Louis holiday experience, and I'm so glad we had a chance to do this again -- but buy tickets early, early (before Black Friday)!! The best seats sell out quick!! PS I hear they added an adult beverage, adult only train car option. Guess which kid at heart is going back in 2023 to go do this?!? read more

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I have had 2 different experiences on the train in Union Station: After Christmas in 2022, they offered an adults-only experience. The pre-ride tent was set up with decorations and plenty of photo ops. But, there were zero children running around, and no-one was writing letter to Santa. The experience on the train was awesome. There were train actors, but they didn't read the book, do any dances, or songs. We had unlimited beverages (beer, wine, and some spiked hot chocolate) and could stand up and walk around as we pleased. "Vacation" Santa hopped on the train at the North Pole and visited with everyone. He was super chill and friendly, and still looked very authentic. November 2023, I got to have my first experience on The Polar Express. Children were everywhere enjoying the pre-ride activities: letters to Santa, playing on the playground, and posing for photos. My recommendation is to get there at least 45-30 minutes before your ride to enjoy all the activities. When you board the train, the crew dances hot chocolate to your table. It's one half-filled insulated cup of luke warn hot chocolate. There are no refills, there are no alcoholic options for adults. I recommend bringing a water bottle or something else to keep your and your kids hydrated. The crew walks the the book around the traincar while it's being read over the loud speakers. You may not be able to hear because the kids on the car and general talking are just so loud. When you arrive at the North Pole (near the Landing) Santa jumps on board and interacts with everyone. The crew offers to take photos, too. Some people mention they can see homeless along the riverfront. Yes, there are homeless people, but they are mostly in the dark. If you are looking out the window, you will likely only see your reflection in the glass. But, if you WANT to see homeless people and make it a big deal, you will see them. read more

Trying to secure tickets online is a nightmare! All of my credit cards got flagged for fraud and had to do all sorts of rigamarole to get them replaced and my accounts straightened out. Could not reach a living person over the phone. Ticket window was closed the one time i was able to swing bye, when getting into the city is a special trip anyway. This is the third year I've tried like hell to get a train ride and the obstacles persist. I'd hoped they'd have worked these kinks out by now. read more

We got the silver bells train and it just wasn't worth the money. Everything went smoothly and the kids had fun but I was expecting a lot more. read more

As the Polar Express Book by Chris Van Allsburg is simply my favorite book of all time, I have been very hesitant to The Polar Express at Union Station. Everyone including myself had a wonderful time in our large party ranging in Ages from 1 1/2 to 75. Bring your Holiday Cheer aboard the Polar Express. Make sure you pull out your best Holiday Themed Pajamas, Ugly Christmas Sweaters, or other Holiday Wear. Everyone you meet from employees to fellow riders are jolly and outgoing. There are plenty of free things to do while you wait to board the Train. Inside the heated tent is a family friendly wonderland. Photo opportunities are around every corner. Be sure to arrive on the early side to enjoy this area. Escorts to actual Train Cars are friendly and helpful. Steps are outside each car to make boarding easier. Train Cars are decorated for the Polar Express and Christmas. From the moment you sit down Characters are in each train car performing. This makes the whole ride even more exciting. It is worthwhile to read or reread The Polar Express Book before your trip. The bell still rings for me....I will be back next Holiday Season. read more

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We had an amazing experience! I've read all the reviews for this experience and we were weary about going and we are all so glad did. Our conductor and storytellers loved doing what the did, the hot chocolate was hot, Santa was so friendly and personable. We will be going again! Thank you to all who worked hard to put this on and making our experience one so amazing. read more

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Me and my husband took the kids (5 & 7 yo's) to this last night. The pre-boarding area was more fun than the actual train ride itself. It was very festive with lights and Xmas decorations with activities for the kids to do beforehand. Many picture opportunities. I am glad we went on a week night because it was cheaper and less crowded than a weekend. Once we boarded, we were seated in our the first class area that we chose. These tickets were $59 per seat and had to be bought in groups of 4. My group got to face one another with a small table and we each got hot chocolate and a cookie. The kids were excited about this. The cookie was not very good and hot chocolate was cold. The ride took about 30-40 minutes. During the ride the crew danced and sang which was fun and festive. They tried reading part of the Polar express book but no one in my group could hear it. The train goes through downtown and through the landing. My 7 yo step son was more interested in the homeless people on the riverfront than the train ride. Towards the end of ride Santa gets on the train and hands out bells. One of the crew punched the kids golden tickets which they enjoyed. The kids had a decent time but I don't think we would do it again. Probably not worth $239 for 4 tickets and then the $5 parking. The kids had more fun afterwards doing the merry go round which was an additional $10 for two kids and playing on the playground. read more

I'm sure it's tough to run this through covid so certainly some understanding there. It was distanced and masked. It still didn't feel Covid safe (walking through the train cars behind a crowd). Overall I wouldn't pay for it again. The actors did their best, but it was a quick walk through a few train cars with underwhelming props read more

The entertainers were really good especially the conductor and the chef. They spent lots of time with our two grandchildren. Santa made a personal stop too. Unfortunately the train ride goes past some areas of downtown that need TLC. During the holiday season explaining how people who are homeless live in tents is a hard conversation. Plus the designated North Pole is pretty sad place indeed. On the positive side, our ticket included mugs with cup of hot chocolate (made to perfection) and a huge cookie (gluten free and dairy free). Our granddaughter also was able to pick out a big stuffed polar bear as part of the package which was really sweet. read more

It appears from reading the reviews that every year is a little different. We are obviously riding the polar express train on December 2017. I was pretty happy with the experience. The party was pretty full but not impossible to find. We ordered our tickets online and the delivery system was perfect. There is also good instructions. While we were waiting for the train to leave, there were a few things to do including a lot of photo opportunities for the kids. The hobo kept the crowd, especially kids, fairly well entertained. Once we boarded the train, the characters did a very good job. It was about a 30 minute train ride. They continually sang, dance and interacted with the kids. They were happy and friendly. They serve hot chocolate that was just about the perfect temperature for kids. There was also a large cookie. Our train was clean and very well decorated. Near the end of the ride they also passed out Silver bells. Santa was on the train and interacted with the kids as well. I was very happy with the experience. The train did not stop per se at the Northport. We drove through the north pole so the kids could see it outside the windows. The train itself did not go at high-speed. It was very comfortable for the kids to ride. read more

My 2 yo and I had so much fun. My son loves trains and the show on the train kept us entertained the entire time. The buffet at the union station was amazing as well with the light show and the Tom hank conductor. Our night was magical. read more

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It was falsely advertised that they would require masks on their website. Less than 50% of people were masked, and there was no social distancing whatsoever. Kind of ruined the whole experience, as we were worried the whole time about our children or their grandparents being exposed to COVID. We honestly can't believe they were not diligent about masking with this being essentially the same as public transit. I would not have booked this experience if I had known masks were only suggested. read more

Garbage waste of money. We went to Chicago last year and enjoyed it thoroughly. In Chicago, they acted out the book and had the performers dancing and reading posts. St. Louis Polar express simply had a recording of the book while they flipped the pages. The "hot" chocolate was garbage luke-warm water with a splash of chocolate. The train ride went through a graffiti ridden area with crappy Christmas decorations at the end with Santa at the stop to turn around and go back. Definitely a disappointment. Don't waste your money on this one. Go to Chicago. read more

I'm writing this in November 20017 in hopes that some other adoring grandparents don't waste their money on this "attraction". Took the four-year-old on his first Polar Express in 2015. We opted for the first class car. It was a magical ride. The conductor, elves and cook were attractive and very professional. They sang and acted the entire train ride. This was good, because the scenery outside the window was pretty awful. The "North Pole" was disappointing for the adults, but the boy loved it. They handed out hot chocolate in nice souvenir mugs. At the end of the ride, when the story was over, we were all given silver bells to take home. We had such a nice time, we took the, now, five-year-old, in 2016. The whole experience was awful. Someone decided that quantity was better than quality. "Come early", the ads said. "There's so much to do." They added activities that cost more money. The ice skating rink was closed and the other activities were a waste of time. This time we opted for the premier first class car. The conductor and the elf were old and creepy. I think they might even have been high or drunk. They were extremely animated and maintained a presence at the table with the teenage girls. They acted like clowns instead of entertainers. There was no hot chocolate this time. I had hoped they would have enhanced the "North Pole" but I was wrong. When the ride ended, no silver bells were given out. We had to go to a room inside the station to get the hot chocolate. In 2016, we at least, waited inside instead of out in the cold. We were so disappointed. read more

We took the same journey last year and the difference was night and day. This is an expensive experience and I was so disappointed. Last year the staff appeared to be enthusiastic performers. They danced and sang to music while serving you your hot chocolate. The story book reading was uninterrupted and engaging. This year it appeared to be kids going through the motions of just dumping stuff in the table. The story telling had the book presenter interrupted by the conductor. The conductor was so animated and mimicked Tom Hanks movie performance last year. She made all types of Christmas tree and reindeer designs on the tickets. This years conductor was nice but we had a general conversation at the table while he punched our initials into the tickets. No performance at all. The Santa this year was more realistic but wasn't very outgoing with the kids as was last years Santa. Last year each rider got a silver bell. This year they were only given to the kids. You set the bar high last year so this years trip was a huge disappointment. The 45 minute journey was not worth the $400. read more

We rode on the Polar Express last night (11/24/18) for the second time. The first experience was wonderful, but we were disappointed last night. To begin with, our seats that we bookend paid for we're given to someone else. We were told that they gav us an upgrade for giving our seats away, this is not what happened. We were put on the caboose which does have a dome tp look out, albeit there isn't much to look at. Second, the characters do not perform on the caboose like on the rest of the train. Very disappointed when I had talked so well about our previous experience. Should have offered a refund when they decided to give our seats away that I booked specifically for that experience. This will be my last time on the Polar Express. read more

The ride was great, we had a very lively and entertaining group of people working in our car. Now the downside, told to be early, very little to do for kids. My 3yr. old got restless as did alot of other children. Most of our waiting was in outside areas, got pretty cold. No place to get a drink or snack. We had "first class" tickets, but I'm pretty sure the coach had the same experience just without tables. Not what you have in mind for the price. And seriously please put A LOT more effort in scenery. All in all would not do it again. Nice to experience it for 1 time only. read more

My wife purchased four 730 first class tickets for the train. We arrived at 5 because we were told to get there early and go the Vip elves lounge and there was lots to do! Lies!! There is maybe 30-45 minutes of nothing to do a good example is the "santas maze room" you walk in to a room with mirrors and a little decor walk in a circle and leave??? So at the exit I ask the attendant that's a maze? She kindly replies yes I respond it's just a circle her response yes but there are mirrors. The vip elves lounge means you wasted $20 more a person to get undrinkable hot chocolate and a plastic coffee cup souvenir garbage. Delays excuses errors bla bla bla it's 830 now and we still haven't boarded. I have two young children and it's getting late and COLD! I asked if there was any compensation for there delays.... of course not I asked if we could just get a refund or exchange for another day "no". We finally get on the train at 9pm. The first class rudolf car is a nicely decorated car with some garland, swag, and lights. To describe the train ride "disappointing". The train goes 20-25 minutes down the track slowly passing abandoned buildings and graffiti. I can not understand how they could charge more for any of the tickets to get a better view? Of what? They serve hot chocolate on the way well not really more like warm water with a splash of chocolate not even my kids drank more then one sip. At the end of 25 min ride there is a sign that says North Pole 2-3 minutes of cheesy decorations then a live santa in a sleigh then the train stops and a few workers walk around saying i hope santa gets on the train. For the 25 min ride back through the hood santa goes table to table and takes pictures with the kids. So the final family results are 6 year old boy liked it - 11 year old hated it - wife didn't like it - I hated it and felt robbed. If you a a follower of mine you know I have no issue spending money but $200 for that was terrible i would have rather hired a santa to come to my hotel for an hour and talk to my kids. read more

We had a horrible experience at the Polar Express train ride in St Louis 12-22-15 and horrible customer service. We attempted to purchase out tickets through the hotel package. However when I entered in our AAA membership it allowed us to have the hotel but kicked out the tickets for the train ride without my knowledge. We drove 2 hours to St Louis and they did not have our tickets for the train. Instead of just saying it was full or explaining the only tickets they had available were crappy they happily took our money and gave us tickets making us think the tickets would be just fine. We get to our seats and we are in a train car by ourselves which isn't decorated. The car next to us was where all the action was so we didn't see any of it. Our seats were next to the boxes they use to keep the cookies and mugs in. When we rode by the "North Pole" we missed it because we couldn't see it out the window over the boxes. We complained and were told we would get our money back, receive complementary tickets to come back to the dinner and another train ride. I have called 3 times since our train ride. We have yet to get our money back or the complementary tickets to come back. No one has contacted me from the St Louis train station. This experience is done 12-30-15 so we probably won't get those complementary tickets. I thought this whole experience was unprofessional, disappointing, and frustrating. read more

The Polar Express Train Ride - This was the view from my seat. - Local Flavor Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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If I could give zero stars, I would. The whole experience, from purchasing the tickets online to getting off of the nasty, stink train car was a huge disappointment. I took my daughter and grandsons and hyped it up because I had heard it was a really cool experience. Found out they were talking about the Polar Express in Branson, not Union Station. Directions to the parking area were wrong, it trainshed area was dark, very poor lighting and hard to find the tent where you were supposed to get the wristbands. It was freezing cold and the tent they herded everyone into to await the trains was not heated very well. Then we were told the bathrooms on the trains weren't working, so directed us to porta potties. Great! Then climb onboard the train and the first thing my 5-year old grandson said was that "this train stinks!" Served lukewarm, tasteless hot chocolate and a cookie, then the train left the station to destination North Pole. What a joke. What bothers me is that Union Station is beautiful, and this could have been such a classy, fun experience if more effort had been put into it. The train cars need to be CLEAN with working restroooms, and decorated much more. read more