North Pole Flyer
Passengers embark on a round-trip vintage train excursion through the scenic countryside in uniquely decorated, themed cars. The festive journey features visits and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, a Christmas story reading, all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, and locally baked cookies. Children under 13 receive a wooden train whistle and Christmas coloring sheets, alongside live balloon twisting on the platform.
What to Expect
Vintage holiday train ride through the countryside featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Event Details
Duration
Each ride is two hours long.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Austin Steam Train Association
Food & Drink
Enjoy all-you-can-drink hot cocoa and a locally baked holiday cookie.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with young children
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Charter bookings: entire Lounge car, $59.50 per ticket; entire Coach car, $48.50 per ticket. Group bookings for 20 or more: Lounge $61.50 per ticket and Coach $51.50 per ticket. Standard individual tickets: Lounge $67 and Coach $57. Children under 3 may ride on a lap for $12. The page gives no separate Private Compartment price. – Get tickets
- Hours: Saturday: 8:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. Sunday: the ticket listings show 8:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. The page also says rides will run four times each day.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair seating is very limited, assigned ahead of time, and must be reserved in advance.
Tips & Advice
- Book as early as you can, because North Pole Flyer tickets sell quickly and seats are assigned ahead of time for each departure.
- Choose seats next to each other, because if your party leaves gaps, the rest of that section may be shared with other passengers.
- Buy a ticket for every person in your group, because each guest needs their own ticket, even inside a private compartment.
- If your plans change, email reservations by the Friday before your ride, because that is the only way to get a gift card for a future trip.
- Choose a daytime departure if you want to see the countryside, because it may be too dark to see much scenery on the Saturday evening ride.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: themed train cars, each with its own Christmas decorations.
- Group rates for parties of 20 or more.
- Charter an entire Lounge or Coach car for just your group.
- Saturday-evening departures run after dark, with the cars lit up inside.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the North Pole Flyer for?
It's for all ages, kids and adults alike. Children under 3 can ride on a lap.
What's included in the ride?
You get a two-hour round trip on a vintage train and a visit and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There's all-you-can-drink hot cocoa, a locally baked holiday cookie, caroling and a Christmas story reading. Balloon twisting is on the platform. Every child under 13 gets a wooden train whistle and Christmas coloring sheets.
What seating can I choose from?
There are three choices. Lounge cars have tables, booths and chairs and suit snacking and chatting. Private compartments are old sleeper rooms and barber shops, and each guest still needs a ticket. Coach cars have bus- or airplane-style seats that suit large families and groups.
Is there wheelchair seating?
Yes, but it's very limited and must be reserved in advance by email or phone. Seating is assigned ahead of time, so unannounced wheelchair seating can't be handled on the day of the ride.
What if I can't make my ride?
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. You can't move to another 2026 North Pole Flyer. If you email reservations by the Friday before your ride, you can get a gift card for a future ticket.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.