Ride the Flying Scotsman: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Steam Experience from Birmingham Moor Street

Read the full experience

Climb aboard an icon in Birmingham with Flying Scotsman Train Rides departing from Birmingham Moor Street Station. This seasonal mainline steam experience recreates THE POLAR EXPRESS™ with hot chocolate, cookies, live performers, and a silver bell. The locomotive and heritage carriages transform a short trip into a memorable family event. The meeting point at Moor Street sits close to the Bullring shopping district and the Cube, making arrival simple for visitors staying in central Birmingham. Staff issue Golden Tickets at check in and assign reserved seating two to five days before departure. Boarding is strictly timed, so arrive early prepared. Carriages are original 1960s British Rail Mk1 and Mk2 stock. Premium seating places you at tables for two with a Prosecco or soft drink and a grazing bag; standard seats sit around tables of four with light refreshments available. Actors perform in each carriage and children receive the first gift. The locomotive runs under diesel traction to depart but returns under steam at mainline speeds, offering powerful exhaust plumes and authentic whistle notes. Photographers will want carriage windows for framed interior shots and the platform for engine portraits. Expect mainline motion, occasional sensations of vibration, and excellent historical detail preservation. Accessibility has limits because of heritage carriage design. Wheelchairs cannot be carried, though staff can assist passengers able to climb steps and walk short distances. If you have mobility needs or allergies, declare them on booking or email [email protected] so staff can advise and arrange reasonable adjustments where possible promptly. Ticketing organizes seating in groups of two or four because tables are fixed. Families larger than four should request adjacent tables and the operator will try to seat groups together when demand allows. Children aged three and under travel free if not occupying a seat but must be declared online. Premium tickets place guests in restored Mk1 carriages with a drink option and grazing bag; standard class sits in Mk2 carriages with buffet access. Prices include a booking fee applied at checkout. Expect a one hour run with the full performance starting in the station Cube and continuing on board. For photographers and families choose window tables for candid interior storytelling shots or platform locations for dramatic engine portraits. Early evening departures enhance warm carriage light and pick up steam glow against winter skies. Bring a compact camera, a small tripod or stabilizer, and a charged phone for selfies safely. This Birmingham event sustains mechanical heritage, draws visitors into the city centre, and supports volunteer preservation efforts. If you come for holiday theatre, railway history, or a winter family outing, Flying Scotsman Train Rides delivers spectacle, sound, and a living link to Britain’s steam age.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

1–2 hours.

Fitness level

Minimal: suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but requires climbing a step into heritage carriages and short walks on platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What is THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride?

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride leaves Birmingham Moor Street station on heritage carriages hauled on the return journey by a real steam engine, combining a theatrical performance with the children’s tale.

Are the seats the same for adults and children?

Prices are per seat and apply equally to adults and children. Children aged three and under can travel free if they do not occupy a seat but must be added to the booking.

When and how will I receive my Golden Tickets?

Golden Tickets are issued at check-in at Birmingham Moor Street station prior to boarding and are part of the station performance.

What time should we arrive at Birmingham Moor Street station?

Finalised ride times and seat allocations are emailed 2–5 days before travel; arrive as close as possible to your ride time but allow extra time for traffic and parking.

Can I park at the station?

Birmingham Moor Street does not have a dedicated car park; use nearby Selfridges & Bull Ring public car parks and allow extra time during holiday periods as traffic and car parks get busy.

What happens if I miss my performance?

Timings are strict on mainline services; late passengers may miss their train and staff cannot guarantee seats on later services due to limited availability.

Local insights

Wildlife

Canal swans
Urban foxes

History

Flying Scotsman is one of the world’s most famous steam locomotives and these heritage runs offer rare mainline steam operation from Moor Street’s historic terminus.

Conservation

Runs support mechanical heritage conservation by funding maintenance and operational crews for preserved rolling stock; visitors can help by following platform rules and disposing of litter.

About Vintage Trains

Vintage Trains is a Birmingham-based heritage rail operator that runs a programme of steam- and diesel-hauled excursions, dining trips and depot tours across the UK. Founded and based at Tyseley Depot, the company preserves historic locomotives and carriages while operating scheduled special trains such as THE POLAR EXPRESS™, The Shakespeare Express and long-distance explorers to destinations including Manchester, Newcastle and North Wales. Operating from Tyseley Depot in Birmingham, Vintage Trains offers curated day trips, festive events and themed dining experiences designed for families, rail enthusiasts and leisure travellers. Signature journeys include the festive THE POLAR EXPRESS™ family experience, seasonal Christmas market excursions, full dining services such as three-course Sunday lunches and thematic entertainment like Murder on The Shakespeare Express and Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties. Tyseley Depot tours provide behind-the-scenes access to a 1908 Great Western Railway locomotive depot, including the roundhouse, turntable and working locomotives with guided interpretation. Vintage Trains combines heritage conservation with public operations, maintaining restored rolling stock to operate authentic rail experiences. Tickets, seating classes and catering options vary by trip; Tourist seats and Pullman dining are available on selected services. The operator runs both steam-hauled specials and diesel-hauled explorers and highlights regional routes such as the Welsh Highland Railway segment on the Welsh Highland Explorer. Vintage Trains focuses on delivering historically informed, family-friendly excursions and accessible depot tours from its Birmingham base. Booking, safety and accessibility information are published for each trip, and advance reservations are recommended for popular seasonal services and dining experiences during peak travel periods.

Base locationBirmingham, England

Tours offered11+

Adventure tips

Arrive early for check-inBoarding is strictly timed and seats are allocated 2–5 days prior; arrive at Birmingham Moor Street with extra time for parking or transit delays.

Book seating configurationTickets sell in tables of two or four; if you have a larger group request adjacent tables when booking to improve chances of seating together.

Dress for steam and winterCarriages can be warm but platforms and short exterior sections are chilly—bring a warm jacket and hat for photos by the engine.

Note accessibility limitsHeritage carriages cannot carry wheelchairs; if you have mobility needs contact [email protected] before travel to arrange assistance.

Recommended gear

Warm jacket: Keeps you comfortable on platforms and during exterior photo stops.
Compact camera or smartphone: Capture carriage scenes, portraits with the locomotive, and Golden Ticket moments.
Small daypack: Carry snacks, spare layers, tickets, and any allergy medication.
Portable charger: Ensures your phone or camera stays powered for photos and digital tickets.