While geographically, the North Pole is located at the northernmost point of the Earth, in the heart of the Arctic Ocean, for many, the “North Pole” is synonymous with holiday magic, Santa Claus, and festive cheer. If you’re wondering “Where Is North Pole” in the spirit of Christmas joy and unforgettable family experiences, look no further than Bertram, Texas! Each year, the historic Bertram Depot transforms into a gateway to holiday enchantment with the beloved North Pole Flyer train ride.
Get ready to embark on a memorable journey aboard the North Pole Flyer in 2024, departing from the charming 1912 Bertram Depot. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s an immersive holiday experience filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of Christmas.
Mark Your Calendars for Ticket Sales:
- August 14, 2024, 10am: Car and Train Charters go live! Perfect for large families or groups wanting a private experience.
- August 28, 2024, 10am: Group sales open for groups of 20 or more. Ideal for school groups, community organizations, or large family gatherings.
- September 11, 2024, 10am: Individual tickets become available to the general public. Popular options like Rippling Stream and Nambe cars are expected to sell out quickly, so don’t delay!
North Pole Flyer Train Event Image
Kids on North Pole Flyer Train Waving
Experience the Magic of the North Pole Flyer
The North Pole Flyer is more than just a train ride; it’s a 2-hour holiday excursion designed to create lasting memories for families and individuals of all ages. Departing from the beautifully preserved Bertram Depot, this classic event is back in 2024 with all your favorite activities and entertainers.
Imagine stepping aboard a real train, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. As you settle into your seats, the festive atmosphere comes alive with:
- A Visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus: No trip to the “North Pole” is complete without meeting the jolly man himself! Santa and Mrs. Claus will stroll through each car, spreading cheer, posing for photos, and listening to Christmas wishes. Santa will also have a special gift for each child aged 13 and under.
- Unlimited Hot Cocoa: Warm up with all-you-can-drink hot chocolate throughout your journey and even at the depot! A perfect treat for a festive train ride.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy captivating live balloon twisters creating fun balloon art for children, and on-board caroling filling the air with classic holiday tunes.
- The North Pole Flyer Story: Each car will host a live reading of the “North Pole Flyer” book, the railroad’s very own heartwarming Christmas story. Immerse yourselves in the tale as you journey towards holiday magic.
- Holiday Cookie: Savor a delicious, locally baked holiday cookie, adding a sweet touch to your Christmas adventure.
Friendly Elf on North Pole Flyer Train
Mrs. Claus on North Pole Flyer Train
Your Ticket to Holiday Fun Includes:
- A 2-hour round-trip train excursion.
- A personal visit and photo opportunity with Santa Claus (Santa will be seated for photos in the lounge cars).
- A special Christmas gift for each child 13 and under, presented by Santa or his elf.
- A visit and a cookie from Mrs. Claus.
- On-board caroling and sing-alongs to get you in the Christmas spirit.
- Opportunities to write letters to Santa.
- Festive coloring sheets and crayons for creative fun.
- Unlimited hot chocolate, both on the train and at the Bertram Depot.
- Live balloon twisting with balloon art for every child 13 and under.
- A live reading of the enchanting “North Pole Flyer” book.
- Private compartment passengers are also invited to join the festivities in the main lounge car, although standing space might be limited.
Family enjoying Private Compartment on North Pole Flyer Train
Important Ride Information:
- All North Pole Flyer rides are powered by a diesel locomotive, departing from the Bertram Depot in Bertram, Texas.
- This is a 2-hour round trip experience with no stops or layovers along the route.
- Please note that due to the non-profit nature of the railroad, tickets for the North Pole Flyer are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Be sure to review the Terms and Conditions before purchasing your tickets.
- To ensure comfortable seating arrangements for all guests, please reserve seats that are side-by-side when booking. If seats are booked across from each other or in a way that hinders side-by-side bookings for others, reassignment might be necessary.
Reindeer Decoration on North Pole Flyer Train
Accessibility and Seating:
- Children under 3 years old can ride for free on an adult’s lap. However, everyone aged 3 and older requires their own ticket and seat.
- All ages are welcome in all car classes for this special event.
- Passengers booking private compartments are welcome to join the story time and other activities in the main lounge car, though standing room may be limited.
- You can now select your preferred train car and even specific seats when booking! Whether you desire a specific spot, wish to sit with another group, or need booking assistance, contact the reservation team at 512-915-2340 or email [email protected] Wednesday to Friday, 10am-4pm.
Finding the Bertram Depot:
All North Pole Flyer adventures begin at the Bertram Depot. For directions and address, please click here. Remember, there are no departures for the North Pole Flyer from Cedar Park.
North Pole Flyer Train at Bertram Depot
Inside North Pole Flyer Train Car with Decorations
Ready to Learn More?
For more detailed information, jump to the North Pole Flyer FAQ Below.
If you have further questions, feel free to call during business hours at 512-915-2340, or after hours and on weekends at 512-402-3830.
Featured Partner: Hyatt Place, Austin/Cedar Park
For those traveling from out of town or wanting to extend their festive experience, the Hyatt Place Austin/Cedar Park is a wonderful partner. Located in Cedar Park, it offers modern accommodations and amenities perfect for families.
1315 East New Hope Drive Cedar Park, TX 78641 Phone: 512.379.0313
Hyatt Place Austin Cedar Park Hotel Visit Website
Enjoy comfortable guestrooms, a swimming pool, fitness center, and more at this conveniently located hotel.
North Pole Flyer FAQs
1. The Locomotive
Currently, the North Pole Flyer is powered by the impressive #3134 diesel engine, making its debut in 2017. While the Austin Steam Train Association strives to maintain consistent equipment, specific engine or locomotive styles cannot be guaranteed.
2. Departure Location and Ride
All North Pole Flyer rides depart from the historic 1912 Bertram Depot (170 S. Gabriel St., Bertram, TX 78605). Please double-check your departure location and allow ample travel time, arriving 30-45 minutes before departure. Train doors close for seating 10 minutes prior to departure for safety. The ride is a 2-hour round trip with no stops for de-boarding along the route.
3. Temporary Train Stops
The train may make brief stops during the ride for crew to attend to operational needs. These stops vary in length, and your Car Attendant or Crew Chief can answer any questions you may have.
4. Refunds and Exchanges
North Pole Flyer tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. If you can no longer attend your scheduled ride, and notify [email protected] by 4pm on the Friday before your ride, you will receive a gift certificate (mailed in January 2025) valid for any 2025 or 2026 ride (excluding Day Out With Thomas or fundraising events). Rescheduling for another 2024 North Pole Flyer ride is not possible. Please review the Terms and Conditions page for complete details.
5. Visits with Santa
Santa Claus is a special guest on every North Pole Flyer! He greets passengers in each car and provides a gift to every child. He will spend time interacting with children and pausing for photos in each car, with a slightly longer photo opportunity in the lounge cars. Private compartment passengers are welcome to join the Santa visit in the main lounge car (standing room may be limited).
Santa Claus Waving on North Pole Flyer Train
6. Hot Chocolate
Lounge Car and Private Compartment passengers enjoy complimentary unlimited hot chocolate served by their car attendant. Coach Car passengers can collect their hot chocolate before boarding at Bertram Depot and obtain refills in the Cedar Park Concession Car during designated times (your Car Attendant will advise).
7. The Story – For Lounge and Coach Passengers
A Story Teller Elf will read “The North Pole Flyer” story aloud in each car, allowing families to enjoy the tale together. Books are available for purchase for $10 during ticket purchase or at Bertram Depot. On select departures, books may be available in the Cedar Park Concession Car.
8. The Story – For Private Compartment Passengers
Private compartment passengers can join the storyteller in the general lounge area for story time (standing room limited, no floor seating). Alternatively, they can enjoy reading the “North Pole Flyer” book privately within their compartment. Books are available for purchase as described above. Compartment tickets are per person, not per compartment.
9. Other Entertainment
In addition to Santa and the story, enjoy:
a. Complimentary cookies for all passengers.
b. A visit from Mrs. Claus.
c. Coloring sheets and crayons.
d. Assistance with letters to Santa from car attendants.
e. Live balloon twisting and balloon art for children.
f. Caroling elves leading sing-alongs.
North Pole Flyer Concession Car
10. Walking through the train
Due to onboard activities, passengers are requested to remain in their seats or compartments unless using the restroom or visiting the Cedar Park Concession Car (your Car Attendant will announce designated times).
11. Tickets
Please carefully review the Terms and Conditions before purchasing tickets. Tickets are required for all passengers aged 3 and up (Adult and Child tickets are the same price). Children under 3 may ride on a lap. Private Compartment tickets are per person.
12. Wheelchair Seating
Wheelchair seating is very limited and must be booked in advance by contacting [email protected] or 512-915-2340 during business hours. Advance notice is essential to accommodate wheelchair seating needs.
13. The Cars
All cars are family-friendly for the North Pole Flyer. Three classes of service are available: Coach, Lounge, and Private Compartments. Car availability varies per departure. Each car is climate-controlled and has a restroom (except Maurice Beckham, currently under restoration). Coach cars feature bus or airplane-style seating. Lounge cars offer restaurant-style seating with tables, booths, or lounge chairs. Restroom availability may vary due to vintage equipment; please ask your Car Attendant for assistance. Passengers should remain in their assigned seats/compartments except for restroom or Concession Car visits.
14. Private Compartments
Private Compartments offer a unique experience in reconfigured vintage spaces (formerly sleeper stalls or barber shops). Compartment features vary and may include permanent walls or removable partitions, windows on one side, doors for privacy, window size, furniture type, car location, decoration style, and entertainment level. Compartment tickets are per person. Contact [email protected] or 512-915-2340 for compartment booking assistance.
15. Night Rides
The 7 pm ride occurs after dark. Onboard lighting cannot be dimmed due to safety, limiting visibility outside the train. A “trail of lights” is not part of the route, as decorations are at the discretion of individual property owners along the rural route. The Cedar Park car offers games and entertainment items for purchase for children.
16. What We Do Not Offer
While providing a nostalgic Christmas experience, the North Pole Flyer is not non-stop entertainment. It offers opportunities for relaxation, conversation, and family time. Passengers are welcome to bring their own quiet entertainment like cards, books, or games. Electronic devices with earphones are also permitted.
17. Thank You
Your participation in the North Pole Flyer supports the Austin Steam Train Association’s mission to preserve and maintain vintage railway equipment, including the 1916 SP 786 steam locomotive and historic passenger cars. Your ticket purchase helps keep vintage railroading alive in Central Texas for future generations.
North Pole Flyer Sponsors
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our North Pole Flyer Sponsors.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact Zena at [email protected].
