guides

Holiday Train Rides within Three Hours of Binghamton

We've compiled a list trains where you can find Santa and visit the North Pole this season!

By Kate Fletcher, Macaroni KID Binghamton Publisher November 11, 2024

All aboard! Hop on a magical train ride and embark on a winter wonderland adventure! With the holiday season just around the corner, it's the perfect time to create lasting memories with your family. We've rounded up some of the most enchanting holiday train rides within a 3-hour drive of Binghamton.

From the classic Polar Express to festive Santa Claus trains, there's something for everyone. Whether you're dreaming of sipping hot chocolate while watching snow-covered landscapes or meeting your favorite holiday characters, these train rides promise a truly magical experience.

As some of these train rides book up quickly, be sure to plan ahead and purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment. If they're already sold out for this year, start making plans for next year's holiday season! LAST UPDATED: 11/16/24

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad 

136 East Main Street, Milford, NY  13807
~1 hour from Binghamton
Santa Claus Express / North Pole Express
DATES: November 30, December 1, 6-8, 14-15, 21-22
COST: Adult: $30, Seniors (ages 62+): $25, Children (ages 3-12): $25, Toddlers (under 3): Free
DURATION: 2.5 hours
https://www.lrhs.com/

Electric City Trolley Museum

300 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503
~1 hour from Binghamton
Elf on the Shelf Trolley Ride / Santa on the Trolley
DATES: November 29-30, Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
COST: Adult: $12-$14, Children: $10-$12, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 45 minutes
https://www.ectma.org/

Reading & Northern Railroad at Tunkhannock Riverside Park

112 River St. Tunkhannock, PA 18657
~1 hour from Binghamton
Santa Claus Special Train Ride
DATES: November 30 & December 1
COST: Adult: $22, Child (age 3-12): $9, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 80 minutes
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/santa-tunkhannock

The Iron Horse Society

350 Cliff St, Scranton, PA 18503
~1 hour from Binghamton
North Pole Limited
DATES: December 8, 14-15, 21
COST: Adult: $24, Child (age 3-12): $14, Children 2 and under: $5
DURATION: 1 hour
https://www.theironhorsesociety.org/santa

Reading & Northern Railroad at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station

718 North Main St. Pittston, PA 18640
~1.25 hour from Binghamton
Santa Claus Special Train Ride
DATES: December 7, 8, 21, 22, 23, & 24
COST: Adult: $22, Child (age 3-12): $9, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 80 minutes
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/santa-pittston

Reading & Northern Railroad Nesquehoning Regional Railroad Station

1 Iron Horse Way, Nesquehoning, PA 18240
~2 hours from Binghamton
Santa Claus Special Train Ride
DATES: November 30 & December 1
COST: Adult: $22-$32, Child (age 3-12): $9-$21, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 80 minutes
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/santa-nesquehoning

Adirondack Railroad at Utica's Union Station

321 Main Street, Utica NY 13501
~2 hours from Binghamton
The Polar Express Train Ride
DATES: November 15-17, 22-24, 29-30, December 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22
COST: Adult (Ages 13+): $47-$68, Child (Ages 2-12): $39-$58, Children under 2 are free
DURATION: 2 hours
https://adirondackrr.com/utica/polar-express/

Reading & Northern Railroad at Tamaqua Train Station

18 N. Railroad St. Tamaqua, PA 18252
~2 hours from Binghamton
Santa Claus Special Train Ride
DATES: December 7 & 8
COST: Adult: $22-$32, Child (age 3-12): $9-$21, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 80 minutes
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/santa-tamaqua

Delaware River Railroad Excursions

38 Market Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
~2 hours from Binghamton
The Polar Express Train Ride
DATES: Nov. 29,30 Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
COST: Adult: $48, Child: $38, Lapsitter under 2: $8
DURATION: 90 minutes
https://www.877trainride.com/polarexpress.htm

Santa's Magical Express (Double Decker Trolley Ride)

569 3rd Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144
~2.25 hours from Binghamton
DATES: November 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 12-15, 19-23
COST: $29+/person
DURATION: 90 minutes
https://www.santasmagicalexpress.com/

Reading & Northern Railroad at Minersville Train Station

113 E Sunbury St. Minersville, PA 17954
~2.25 hours from Binghamton
Santa Claus Special Train Ride
DATES: December 14 & 15
COST: Adult: $22, Child (age 3-12): $9, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 80 minutes
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/santa-minersville

Allentown & Auburn Railroad Kutztown Train Station

232 Railroad St. Kutztown, PA 19530
~2.25 hours from Binghamton
Santa Trains / Hot Chocolate Trains
DATES: November 30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
COST: Adult: $18, Child (ages 3-11): $12, Toddler 2 and under: Free
DURATION: 60-120 minutes
https://allentownandauburnrr.com/2024-train-schedule/

Catskill Mountain Railroad

55 Kingston Plaza Rd, Kingston, NY 12401
~2.5 hours from Binghamton
The Polar Express Train Ride
DATES: November 16-17, 22-24, 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 18-23, 27-29
COST: Adult: $46-$55, Child: $36-$45
DURATION: 90 minutes
https://catskillmountainrailroad.com/event/the-polar-express/

Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

282 Rush Scottsville Rd. Rush, NY 14543
~2.5 hours from Binghamton
Real Santa Train Rides to the North PoleDATES: December 6-7, 13-14
COST: $28/person, Lapsitters: Free
DURATION: 60 minutes
https://rochestertrainrides.com/

Colebrookdale Railroad

64 S Washington St, Boyertown, PA 19512
~2.75 hours from Binghamton
Winter Wonderland Adventure / Santa's Polar Bear Express / Twas the Night Before Christmas
DATES: November 29-30, December 1, 6-12, 14-24
COST: Adult: $50+, Child: $40+, Toddler: $15+
DURATION: 60-90 minutes
https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/excursions/

Reading & Northern Railroad at Reading Outer Station

3501 Pottsville Pike, Reading, PA 19605
~2.75 hours from Binghamton
Santa Claus Special Train Ride
DATES: December 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, & 24
COST: Adult: $22-$32, Child (age 3-12): $9-$21, Children 2 and under free
DURATION: 80 minutes
https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/santa-reading

Arcade & Attica Railroad

278 Main Street, Arcade, NY 14009
~2.75 hours from Binghamton
Santa’s Wonderland Express Train Ride
DATES: November 23-24, 29-30, December 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22
COST: $33-$36/person, Infants under 2 are free
DURATION: 2 hours 20 minutes
https://www.aarailroad.com/train-rides/wonderland-express/

West Chester Railroad

230 East Market St. West Chester, PA 19380
~3 hours from Binghamton
Santa's Express / Christmas Tree Train
DATES: November 23-24, 29-30 December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22
COST: Adults: $30+, Children: $25+
DURATION: 75 minutes - 2 hours
https://wcrailroad.com/

New Hope Railroad

32 West Bridge St. New Hope, PA 18938
~3 hours from Binghamton
Santa's Steam Train Ride / Santa's North Pole Express Train
DATES: November 16-17, 23-27, 29-30, December 1-3, 5-24, 26-30
COST: Adult: $76+, Child (ages 3-11): $74+, Infant: $14
DURATION: 1 hour
https://www.newhoperailroad.com/

With so many enchanting train rides to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect holiday adventure for your family. So, gather your loved ones, book your tickets, and let the holiday magic unfold. Create lasting memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.


Is Something Missing? Do you know of a train ride that we should include on this list? Let us know!

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