Reserve Your North Pole Express Train Ride Starting April 1
Christmas might be the last thing on your mind, but if you’re hoping for a chance to hop on the North Pole Express Train located in Owosso, MI, it’s time to fast-forward and look ahead to Christmas now!
This magical Christmas experience is one of our favorite train rides in Michigan and only takes place for a few weekends each year.
Tickets sell out quickly, so now is the time to start planning.
While tickets previously went on sale in June 2025, the schedule shifted to April this year.
North Pole Express tickets go on sale April 1, 2026, at 10 AM.
Steam Railroading Institute
405 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
In this article
2026 North Pole Express Schedule
Friday departures are scheduled for 5:00 PM, while Saturday and Sunday trips depart at both 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Below are the scheduled dates for 2026:
| November 20 – 22 November 27 – 29 |
| December 4 – 6 December 11 – 13 December 18 – 20 |
6 North Pole Express FAQs
1 – What is the North Pole Express train ride?
The North Pole Express is a Christmas journey that will have your family feeling like they’ve entered the pages of The Polar Express.
This four-and-a-half-hour holiday experience includes a train ride from Owosso, MI, to a Christmas festival in Ashley, MI, where you are dropped off to explore.
Your adventure concludes with a train ride back to Owosso.
2 – Where is Owosso, MI?
Owosso, MI, is located centrally in Mid-Michigan, about 35 miles northeast of Lansing.
Grand Rapids, Detroit and Kalamazoo residents are all within about 100 miles of Owosso.
Drive Times to Owosso, MI
Lansing: 40 minutes (35 miles)
Kalamazoo: 1 hour, 45 minutes (110 miles)
Grand Rapids: 1 hour, 30 minutes (95 miles)
Detroit: 1 hour, 40 minutes (90 miles)
3 – What kind of train is the North Pole Express?
The North Pole Express includes a ride in the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive.
Note: If there are mechanical issues with the 1225, the team may need to swap it with a diesel-powered locomotive.
4 – How much does it cost?
The North Pole Express offers different ticket packages, starting at $85 per person.
Children ages two and older are required to have a ticket.
Children 24 months or younger who can sit on a parent’s lap for the entire trip do not need to have a ticket.
5 – How long is the train ride?
The train ride from Owosso to Ashley is just over an hour.
You’ll spend two hours in Ashley exploring the village before boarding the train for the ride back, adding up to a four-and-a-half-hour experience:
Train ride (Owosso MI to Ashley MI): 1 hour, 15 min
Exploring Ashley MI Christmas Village (outside): 2 hours
Train ride (Ashley MI to Owosso MI): 1 hour, 15 min
Total Experience: 4.5 hours
5 Tips to Maximize Your North Pole Express Experience
Whether you’re new to the North Pole Express or a veteran, we’ve got five tips from local parents on how to make your train experience a success.
Tip 1 – Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!
Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” His words ring true for any parent who has traveled with kids, and The North Pole Express is no exception.
Dress Warmly in Layers
The experience is four hours, half of which is outside.
We can’t overstate the importance of layers here. Plan to stand outside to board the train, and you’ll spend about two hours in the village of Ashley.
Snow pants, hats, mittens and warm layers are recommended for all.
Pack Games or a Travel Activity for the Train Ride
The train ride is beautiful, but for small travelers with small attention spans, the beautiful scenery may not be enough to get them through.
The North Pole Express experience includes cocoa and carols on the train, which definitely helps pass the time.
We suggest bringing a few travel games or books to ensure little travelers stay happy for the duration of the ride.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
Concessions are available, but we still recommend packing some favorite snacks for the ride and during your stroll through town.
Bring Cash – And Be Ready to Spend Some
Some places in the town of Ashley are cash only. There are some free activities, but others require payment, and many do not accept credit cards.
Leave Big Strollers at Home
Due to storage limitations on the train, strollers must be of the “umbrella style” and weigh less than 25 lbs.
If the stroller is too big or doesn’t fold, you won’t be able to bring it. Double and triple strollers are not permitted.
Tip 2 – Know What to Expect
Daytime vs. Nighttime Experiences are Different
If you go during the day, the scenery is much more visible.
At night, the festival in town is especially fun, but you do miss out on the snowy train ride views!
The Town of Ashley is Small-Town Sweet
The town of Ashley is truly a small, rustic town. Nothing fancy, but nothing commercialized either!
The Festival has an arts-and-crafts feel that gives the experience of a true small town full of friendly faces and the joy of Christmas.
You Won’t Find Sit-Down Restaurants
If you’re planning on a meal, there are plenty of options, but no sit-down establishments.
Think hot dogs or fish fry to take with you while sitting around a toasty campfire, or to carry around with you while enjoying the festival.
Get Ready for Festival Activities
The festival offers carriage rides, arts and crafts for kids, outdoor fires for gathering around, carolers on the streets, and visits with Santa and his reindeer.
There’s a “Sweet Spot” in Ages for the North Pole Express
The ages and personalities of the crowd you’re with can make a difference on the North Pole Express.
In our experience, the ideal age range for this experience is approximately three to nine years old.
However, kids and adults of all ages can enjoy some Christmas magic through this unique train excursion.
Tip 3 – Choose the Ticket Package That Best Fits Your Family
Tickets start at $85 per person. Different packages offer different seating, souvenir options, levels of service, and amounts of hot chocolate.
Tip 4 – There are Photo Ops Galore
The North Pole Express offers numerous fantastic photo opportunities, so be sure to have your phone or camera ready.
We recommend photos in front of the train, with Santa and during some of the activities in town.
Tip 4.1: If you want a photo with Santa, head there first after you arrive in Ashley. The longer you wait, the longer the line to see the jolly man in the red suit.
Tip 5 – Make the Connection to the Book and Movie
In case you haven’t read the Polar Express book or watched the movie (or both) with the kids in a while, make sure you do this before taking the trip.
The connections your family will make to this classic will make the North Pole Express experience even more magical.
Have You Tried the North Pole Express?
Did you love it? Was there anything you wish you knew ahead of time? Leave a comment and let us know how it went!
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