The Polar Express Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who needs a ticket?
Anyone 2 and older will need a ticket. Those under 2 are required to sit on a lap.
How are tickets sold?
Tickets may be purchased at the Railroad Depot in French Lick, via phone with TicketWeb, or online at TicketWeb.com. Tickets for this event are expected to sell out well in advance, so advance purchase is HIGHLY recommended.
First Class Tickets - The majority of First Class seating is sold in tables of two or four. One First Class car features "lounge type" seating.
- Cars A, B, C, E Seating Diagram
- Cars D Seating Diagram
Coach Class Tickets - Each Coach Class car has available seating for 80 passengers (With the exception of Car D which seats 40). All 80 seats will be filled. Please do not bring car seats or other carriers for children under two, as all unticketed passengers (under 2 years old) must be held on an adults lap.
Are seats assigned?
Tickets are assigned by railroad car. Seating within that car is open and groups wishing to sit together should arrive early to ensure they are at the head of the boarding line for their car. If you wish to be certain that your group will all be in the SAME CAR, please purchase all tickets for your group at the same time.
Where are my tickets?
Your tickets will be ready for pickup at the depot in French Lick at 1:00 PM the day of your train. Please arrive at least 45 minutes - 1 hour before your departure to ensure time to pick up tickets and board the train.
Are there any refunds or exchanges?
There are no refunds or exchanges. Please ensure your availability and that of your ENTIRE GROUP prior to purchasing tickets.
I would like to bring a group. Are there group discounts?
Sorry, Due to the popularity of this event, there are no group discounts.
Why should my children dress in their pajamas?
In the story, all the children taking this magical train ride are awakened from their beds on Christmas Eve. Join the fun by bringing your children in their pajamas too. Adults are also welcome to join the PJ party fun.
If I haven't read the book or seen the movie will I still have a good time?
Yes, you can read along or just listen as we read the storybook on our train ride to the North Pole. If you have read the book or seen the movie you will feel like you've just stepped off the pages as we recreate the story with your child as a part of the cast. When purchasing advance tickets online, guests will have the option of ordering a personal copy of the book so that they may follow along with the reading while on the train. Books that have been prepurchased will be available for pick-up on the day of the event at the WILL CALL Booth.
Do you keep a wait list for sold out trains?
Sorry, we do not keep a wait list.
Is the event handicapped accessible?
Yes. A wheelchair lift is available on-site. We encourage you to contact the railroad with any questions.
The following cars are the only cars accessible to wheelchairs:
Car A, Car B, Car C, Car E, Car F
All cars can be accessed if you are mobile enough to stand and walk to your seat after being assisted up the stairs using a lift.
Are there hotels in town?
There are variety of hotel choices in French Lick and the surrounding area. Many of these hotels are offering room packages that will provide rooms and tickets to The Polar Express event. Please contact the individual hotels to learn the specifics of their room packages.
French Lick Resort - 812-936-9300
Big Splash Adventure Water Park - 812-936-3866
Comfort Suites - 812-936-5300
Hamton Inn (located in Jasper, IN) - 812-481-1888
Artist's Inn & Cottages - 812-936-7333
Is there more to do in French Lick than just attend The Polar Express event?
YES! We suggest that you make a weekend out of your trip to visit the North Pole aboard The Polar Express. French Lick also features an indoor water park, indoor Karting track, bowling, movies, and top-notch accommodations. For the older visitors there is a casino and winery as well. Please contact one of the hotels listed above to inquire about hotel packages that will also include your Polar Express tickets.
DAY OF EVENT INFORMATION
When should I arrive for my train?
Trains depart PROMPTLY at their scheduled departure time. Please arrive no less that 45 minutes prior to departure (1 hour if picking up pre-ordered books or tickets from Will Call). Should you miss your train, there are no refunds or exchanges.
How long is the train ride?
The train ride about 70 minutes per round trip.
Will I get to meet the conductor of the train?
Yes, he will call 'All Aboard' when the train is ready to leave the station and he will punch your train ticket during the trip.
Will my child get to meet Santa personally?
Santa will board the train at the North Pole and give a sleigh bell to each child during the return trip.
Will there be other things to do at the train station?
Yes, you will find children's games and activities, drinks available for purchase, and holiday gift ideas at Santa's Gift Shop.
Will there be food service available at the event?
No. There is no food service at the event. There are a variety of restaurants in the French Lick/West Baden area. These include: Chicago's Pizza, Denny's, Row Boat Cafe, Subway, The Black Buggy Amish Buffet, French Lick Winery, and a range of different choices in the French Lick and West Baden Springs Resorts.
Is parking available?
Parking is available in the Blue Lot of the French Lick Resort. Parking is free.
Will there be opportunities for professional pictures?
Yes, A professional photographer from Photos Here and Now will be onsite to take pictures of guests in front of a Polar Express backdrop, Steam Engine and on the train with Santa Claus. Photos will be available for purchase.
Are strollers permitted?
Strollers are welcome at the event, but are not permitted on the train. Stroller parking will be available track-side.
May I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed at the Polar Express event. Service animals are always welcome.
What is the inclement weather policy?
Our policy regarding refunds is that if the State Police close the highways due to a government declaired state of emergency, we will issue refunds. Otherwise, the trains will depart ONTIME. The French Lick Scenic Railway is not responsible for travel delays caused by accidents, road closures, weather, etc... Please use your judgment and allow ample travel time to arrive prior to your departure.