Holiday Express

Quick Facts

The Experience

Portland's beloved steam train tradition since 2005. Board the historic 1912 Polson #2 steam locomotive—one of Oregon's operational museum trains—for a festive 45-minute round-trip journey along the Willamette River. This affordable train vacation stays right in the city, making it one of the easiest day trips by train with kids in the Pacific Northwest. Santa Claus and his elves greet every passenger, and the heated vintage rail cars are decorated with garland, ornaments, and twinkling lights for maximum holiday cheer. Daytime and evening options for different experiences. Daytime trains (10am-4pm slots) offer beautiful river scenery and potential wildlife sightings—eagles, herons, and yes, maybe even reindeer! Evening departures (5:30pm-7pm) showcase the decorated train and Portland's city lights aglow against the winter darkness. Hot chocolate, hot cider, and cookies are served at the station after your ride, with a gift shop offering holiday memorabilia and train-themed toys. Educational rail travel at a working train museum. The Oregon Rail Heritage Center provides free admission to explore historic locomotives and exhibits before or after your ride, making this an interactive train travel experience with genuine educational value. At $25 children/$34 adults, or $105 family pass (2 adults + 2 kids), this represents exceptional value for family-friendly train excursions. The convenient Southeast Portland location (2250 SE Water Ave) near the Tilikum Bridge makes this accessible for local families and tourists. Perfect for train museums near me searches—this is a real working preservation facility keeping Oregon's railroad history alive.

Schedule & Dates