Experiencing the magic of the Polar Express Train Ride has been on our holiday bucket list for years. It is a must do if you live in South Florida.
Brightline Polar Express Train Ride Florida
What to Expect with Brightline Polar Express Train Ride Miami
The Polar Express Train Ride starts at Brightline's state of the art Miami station. They recommend arriving an hour before your departure time. The experience is very popular so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to park, check in and go through security. This year we took the Brightline train from Fort Lauderdale to Miami.
We did a similar ride last month for a Heat game and it is a game changer!!! I highly recommend getting the PREMIUM seating which includes a lounge with food and drink included. The kids were in heaven and Kurt and I had a change to relax since the area had a gate.
If you drive when you arrive you can park in the garage just West of the station. Look for the signs saying Polar Express parking. You check-in downstairs at the station and get your wristbands and golden tickets for everyone. Once upstairs you go through security.
While you are waiting they also have a full bar and yummy drink options for adults and kids too. Some of the holiday coffee drinks include Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, White Chocolate Mocha & Cookie Butter Latte & Hot Chocolate + Signature Polar Snowball, Smoked Spiced Apple Whisky Mule, and Winter Wonderland Cranberry Bramble.
Once on board you find your seat and the train ride starts. The polar express train ride is set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack. On board you get to relive the magic of the classic story as you are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ for a magical one-hour trip to meet Santa.
The car hosts and conductor put on an incredible show. They do a great job of making you feel special. By the end of the trip they all knew B by name. Throughout the experience they dance and sing their way through the train cars. From punching your golden ticket to serving hot chocolate and shortbread cookies. 
They also read along with the classic children’s book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. 
Santa and his helpers board the train and spends time with each guest. He handed out a keepsake sleigh bell in addition to the wonderful memories made on this magical trip.
Location: Brightline Miami Central
Parking: MiamiCentral Parking Garage
161 NW 6th Street
Miami, FL 33136
What to wear: We wore our Christmas pjs and I was happy that I did. It added to the fun of the experience and we were not alone. Most people also had on Christmas pjs.
Seating Options for Polar Express Train Ride Florida
Standard Seating
We loved how each of the Brightline cars were decorated for Christmas. Each coach seats between 48 and 64 passengers (depending on the car). Seating is arranged in a 2-2 configuration in all cars but Herpolsheimers (1) and Aurora Borealis (5), which feature a 2-1 seating arrangement. Each seat features a folding tray for hot chocolate and cookies.
If you need wheelchair access you can call a reservations agent at (754) 209-0214.
Not all seats face the same direction, so please review seating charts carefully when booking. All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own seats during checkout. Since the train heads North and then back South at some point you will be facing the direct the train is traveling.
2022 Standard Seat Pricing
They have three different pricing levels depending on the departure times:
- Value Departures: $50 Adult, $45 Child
- Standard Departures: $65 Adult, $60 Child
- Premium Departures: $75 Adult, $65 Child
Additional ticketing service fee and local tax will apply
Table Seating
A limited number of table seats are available in each coach and seat parties of two or four. Seats are arranged to face each other with a small table in between for hot chocolate and cookies.
They require parties to buy all seats at a table so you know everyone you are sitting with. The only premium charged is all table seats are at the Adult rate. Children and infants are still welcome at table seating.
All seats on board the train are assigned and you will select your own table seats during the checkout process.
Buy tickets today here.
Pin for Later: Polar Express Train Ride Florida
Gloria Scalise says
Thanks for the review. Is there a certain car you’d recommend? We’re deciding between the first or last car? Wondering if the experience is any different between the two? Thanks for your input!
Cristy says
All the cars of the same. I like to book seats with a table. If not try to be in the middle of the train car.