Special Event Trains

Due to the continuing global pandemic, we have had to make the difficult choice to forgo offering the 2020 Polar Express Train Ride. We are heartbroken that we won't be able to share this magical experience with you and your family this year.

Check back in July when we will have more details about 2021 The Polar Express™ Train Ride.

Relive the magical journey of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ on an hour-long train ride to the North Pole. Enjoy hot chocolate and delicious cookies as you ride along with many of the story’s characters; such as the Conductor, the Dancing Chefs and a ghostly Hobo. Once you reach the North Pole, Santa will come on board to give each passenger a silver sleigh bell, the “first gift of Christmas”. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride runs in November and December.

Check back in July when we will have more details about Farm-to-Fork 2021.

Celebrate Farm-to-Fork in rail-related style! Showcasing the rich history and deep connection between agriculture and the railroad, the annual Farm-to-Fork Cocktail Trains are held in September. Guests will enjoy a leisurely first-class train ride as well as exquisite locally prepared appetizers and beverages. Space is limited for this special event and all train ride guests must be at least 21-years-old.

Check back in August when we will have more details about Spookomotive 2021.

This delightful, not frightful train ride is just the ticket for the whole family. On weekends in October, guests will enjoy exciting on-board entertainment and a tasty Halloween treat. The whimsically decorated and diesel-powered train ride is crawling with spiders, cobwebs and cornstalks, and staffed by a “skeleton crew.” Train ride guests are encouraged to get in the spirit and dress up according to these fun weekly themes: Superheroes & Villains, Pirates & Princesses and Witches & Wizards. For guests desiring a VIP experience, ride in the First Class Mad Scientist Laboratory! Members receive discounted pricing.

Check back in January when we will have more details about Tuesday Train Rides in 2021.

As an expansion of the weekday train ride program for local school groups, the California State Railroad Museum offers excursion train rides to the general public on Tuesdays in March, April and October. Two train ride departures are available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

All excursion trains depart from the Central Pacific Passenger Station in Old Sacramento. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $8 for youth (ages 6-17) and free for children ages 5 and under. Weekday train ride tickets are only available in person on a first-come, first-served basis at 10 a.m. the day of the train ride at the Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located in the Central Pacific Passenger Station.

Click here for a google map link showing the depot location.