Tickets for North Pole Express went live this week. Where to buy
Get your golden ticket for the North Pole Express aboard the locomotive, Pere Marquette 1225 — the same train that inspired the 2004 Warner Brothers Christmas Classic, "The Polar Express."
"These beloved excursions sell out quickly every year, so don't miss your chance to make unforgettable memories with family and friends," Steam Railroading Institute posted on Facebook on April 1 — an institute that preserves the old-age technology and educates the public on the steam-railroading industry in Michigan.
Tickets for the four-hour round-trip on the North Pole Express went live on Wednesday, April 1, and remain available for purchase starting at $85 per seat.
On select dates from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, 2026, the North Pole Express will carry passengers from Owosso to Ashley, located in mid-Michigan, for a magical Christmas-themed trip. Guests are served hot chocolate, desserts and are gifted a souvenir ticket and "Believe" bell — which are nods to the movie, "The Polar Express."
The Pere Marquette Berkshire 1225 steam locomotive at Clare, Michigan in 1999.
Here's where to save your seat on the North Pole Express this year and more on the locomotive, Pere Marquette 1225.
What is the North Pole Express?
Starting in November each year and continuing through December, the Steam Railroading Institute's Pere Marquette 1225 steam-powered locomotive pulls a train of historic passenger cars from its Owosso to Ashley on a Christmas trip.
In Ashley, passengers can disembark, visit Santa, various vendors and take part in other activities before boarding the train back to Owosso.
On occasion, the institute has used other trains in its collection to pull the excursions when the 80-plus-year-old train suffers mechanical issues. Institute officials say the PM 1225 is expected to pull this year's excursions.
Where do I buy tickets for 2026 North Pole Express?
North Pole Express tickets for the 2026 season are available for purchase via the official website — the institute does not affiliate with third-party vendors and warns guests of possible scams.
Among the ticket selections, there are four class/club options with different perks, ranging from $85-$3,200 per seat, table or car.
Trip dates and times, and the itinerary are also available to view online.
What is the Pere Marquette 1225?
The 1225 was built in October 1941 at the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima, Ohio for the Pere Marquette Railway, the SRI says on its website.
The locomotive was used for 10 years between Detroit, Toledo, Flint, Saginaw, Grand Rapids and Chicago. The locomotive is one of 39 2-8-4, or “Berkshire," types ordered by the Pere Marquette.
The Pere Marquette 1225 is 15 feet, 8 inches tall, and 101 feet long with a combined engine and tender weight of 401 tons. It can produce 5,000 horsepower.
Why is the Pere Marquette 1225 famous?
It was the model for the animated locomotive in the 2004 Warner Brothers Christmas Classic, "The Polar Express," starring Tom Hanks. The 1225’s blueprints were used as the prototype for the locomotive image, as well as its sounds to bring the train in the animated film to life.
Contact Sarah Moore @ [email protected]
