The Experience!
All aboard! Come and be part of this magical journey as we depart from the picturesque Rheidol Railway in the heart of Wales.
Golden Ticket in hand, the show will begin from the moment you set foot on the platform. With singing and dancing from our wonderful team of Stewards.
You’ll then be invited to board the train with The Conductor and Hero Boy and depart for the most jolly and joyful ride. Our Chefs and Stewards, promising to get everyone into the festive spirit.
Once everyone is settled back on board, the train will depart back to Rheidol where adults and children will meet the main man himself. Shhhh!
With the help of his elves, Santa will deliver the first gift of Christmas to each and every passenger, an exclusive Polar Express silver bell.
Passengers can expect the experience to last approximately one hour to one hour thirty minutes.
It’s the first time this award-winning experience has come to Wales and offers a festive show like no other! Whether you are one, or one hundred and one, this heartwarming family event is not to be missed!
FAQ’s
We look forward to welcoming you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Vale of Rheidol Railway in Aberystwyth These are our FAQ’s – frequently asked questions! If we have missed anything we will update these FAQs regularly to enhance your experience and knowledge of what to expect on your journey.
Edrychwn ymlaen at eich croesawu ar Daith Trên y POLAR EXPRESS™ ar Reilffordd Cwm Rheidol yn Aberystwyth. Dyma ein Cwestiynau Cyffredin! Os ydym wedi methu unrhywbeth, byddwn yn diweddaru’r Cwestiynau Cyffredin hyn yn rheolaidd i wella’ch profiad a’ch gwybodaeth o’r hyn i’w ddisgwyl ar eich taith.
The experience consists of approximately an hour-long return train journey leaving from the Vale of Rheidol Railway Aberystwyth. The train cannot be boarded at any other station. Please note that the station is separate to the Aberystwyth Mainline station.
The nearest car park is at the Vale of Rheidol Railway, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PG. A parking tariff applies. Alternative car parks are also available a short walk from the station.
On board each train will be actors appearing as characters from the book and film of THE POLAR EXPRESS™. There will be singing, dancing and interaction with our customers both on the train, at event space and on the platform at the station. All customers will receive a Golden Ticket, a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on their experience, and the first gift of Christmas from Father Christmas back at the station.
Mae’r profiad yn cynnwys tua awr o daith dwyffordd ar y trên, yn gadael o orsaf Rheilffordd. Ni ellir mynd ar y trên o unrhyw orsaf arall. Sylwch fod yr orsaf yn Aberystwyth ar wahân i orsaf y brif lein.
Y maes parcio agosaf yw yn Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol, Coedlan y Parc, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PG. Codir tâl am barcio yma. Mae meysydd parcio eraill o fewn pellter cerdded o’r orsaf.
Ar fwrdd pob trên, bydd actorion yn ymddangos fel cymeriadau o lyfr a ffilm THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Bydd canu, dawnsio a rhyngweithio gyda’n cwsmeriaid ar y trên, yn y gofod digwyddiadau ac ar y platfform yn yr orsaf. Bydd pob cwsmer yn derbyn Tocyn Aur, paned o siocled poeth a bisgedyn ar eu profiad, ac anrheg gyntaf y Nadolig gan Siôn Corn yn ôl yn yr orsaf.
Please arrive at the Vale of Rheidol Railway ABERYSTWYTH station no earlier than 10 mins prior to your booked departure time. (Times may be slightly subject to change but we will do our utmost to keep to these timetables).
Please note that we will be running trains based on demand – if a particular train time you prefer is not advertised, please keep following the Vale of Rheidol Polar Express social media channels as extra trains and carriages may be added once demand reaches appropriate levels. Please allow plenty of time for your journey to Aberystwyth, trains cannot be delayed by late arrivals.
Dewch i orsaf ABERYSTWYTH Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol ddim cynharach na 10 munud cyn eich amser gadael. (Efallai y bydd amseroedd yn newid ychydig, ond byddwn yn gwneud ein gorau glas i gadw at yr amserlenni hyn).
Sylwch y byddwn yn rhedeg trenau yn ôl y galw – os nad yw amser trên penodol sydd orau gennych yn cael ei hysbysebu, dilynwch sianeli cyfryngau cymdeithasol Polar Express Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol oherwydd efallai y bydd trenau a cherbydau ychwanegol yn cael eu hychwanegu unwaith y bydd y galw yn cyrraedd lefelau priodol. Caniatewch ddigon o amser ar gyfer eich taith i Aberystwyth; ni all trenau gael eu gohirio oherwydd cyrraedd yn hwyr.
Your seats are reserved at time of booking, your seating details will be emailed to the address provided at the time of booking, approximately 7 days prior to travel. Please bring this with you on the day.
Your E-ticket will be scanned on arrival at the station and exchanged for a Golden Ticket to board the train. We will not be sending out any Golden Tickets in the post.
Please arrive at the time stated on your E-ticket, and on the correct day! We are selling multiple rides/carriages/train rides daily so do please check before you leave for Aberystwyth!
Bydd eich seddi yn cael eu cadw pan fyddwch chi’n archebu, a bydd manylion y seddi’n cael eu hanfon drwy e-bost i’r cyfeiriad a ddarparwyd ar yr adeg archebu tua 7 diwrnod cyn teithio. Dewch â hwn gyda chi ar y diwrnod.
Bydd eich e-docyn yn cael ei sganio wrth gyrraedd yr orsaf a’i gyfnewid am Docyn Aur i fynd ar y trên. Ni fyddwn yn anfon unrhyw Docynnau Aur yn y post.
Cyrhaeddwch yr amser a nodir ar eich e-docyn, ac ar y diwrnod cywir! Rydym yn gwerthu nifer o deithiau bob dydd felly cofiwch wirio cyn gadael am Aberystwyth!
The nearest parking to the station is Vale of Rheidol Railway, Park Avenue, Aberystwyth. What3Words users can use the following to find the car park: ///aside.firewall.newer This car park is directly adjacent to the station. A parking tariff applies payable at the machine at the end of your visit. Numberplate recognition is in place.
Other local car parks are available close to the station.
If dropping off, there is no charge for short visits to the car park less than 30 minutes duration
Y maes parcio agosaf yw yn Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol, Coedlan y Parc, Aberystwyth. Gall ddefnyddwyr What3Words ddefnyddio’r canlynol i gyrraedd y maes parcio: ///aside.firewall.newer Mae’r maes parcio yn syth ar bwys yr orsaf. Codir tâl am barcio yma; gellir dalu ar bwys y peiriant wrth adael. Mae system darllen rhif plât mewn defnydd yma.
Mae meysydd parcio eraill i gael gerllaw.
Os byddwch yn gollwng pobl i ffwrdd, ni chodir tâl am ymweliadau byr â’r maes parcio am lai na 30 munud.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is a short 5-minute walk from the Aberystwyth mainline railway station along a footpath linking the two stations. Transport for Wales operate regular services from Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Machynlleth.
The Aberystwyth bus station is close by and is served by local buses from a variety of destinations.
If for any reason you arrive too late to board the train you are booked on, we will do our best to accommodate you on the next available train, but we cannot always guarantee this will be possible on the same day due to the large demand expected for the experience.
Mae Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol yn 5 munud ar droed o brif orsaf reilffordd Aberystwyth ar hyd llwybr troed sy’n cysylltu’r ddwy orsaf. Mae Trafnidiaeth Cymru yn rhedeg gwasanaethau rheolaidd o Birmingham, yr Amwythig a Machynlleth.
Mae gorsaf fysiau Aberystwyth gerllaw ac yn cael ei gwasanaethu gan fysiau lleol o amrywiaeth o gyrchfannau.
Os byddwch am unrhyw reswm yn cyrraedd yn rhy hwyr i fynd ar y trên rydych wedi archebu lle arno, byddwn yn gwneud ein gorau i ddarparu ar eich cyfer ar y trên nesaf sydd ar gael, ond ni allwn bob amser warantu y bydd hyn yn bosibl ar yr un diwrnod oherwydd y galw mawr sy’n ddisgwyliedig am y profiad.
We have a total of 6 carriages and one Premium carriage – Rudolph is the Premium carriage, along with Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Prancer and Vixen. Rudolph is our accessible carriage (details below).
Our stewards will direct you to the correct carriage, your seat numbers will be on your E-ticket. Please direct any queries regarding seating to the onboard stewards who are there to help you. Due to the high demand for tickets, it is likely you will be sharing the fun of your THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride with another family. If you wish to be seated with another family, please make one booking, otherwise we cannot guarantee you will be seated in the same vicinity. We retain the authority to modify carriage configuration and your seating arrangements without prior notice.
Mae gennym gyfanswm o 6 cerbyd ac un cerbyd Premiwm – Rudolph yw’r cerbyd Premiwm, ynghyd â Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Prancer a Vixen. Rudolph yw hefyd ein cerbyd hygyrch (manylion isod).
Bydd ein stiwardiaid yn eich cyfeirio at y cerbyd cywir; bydd rhif eich seddi ar eich e-docyn. Cyfeiriwch unrhyw ymholiadau ynghylch seddi at y stiwardiaid sydd yno i’ch helpu. Oherwydd y galw mawr am docynnau, mae’n debygol y byddwch yn rhannu hwyl eich Taith Trên POLAR EXPRESS™ gyda theulu arall. Os ydych yn dymuno eistedd gyda theulu arall penodol, gwnewch un archeb, fel arall ni allwn warantu y byddwch yn eistedd yn yr un lle. Rydym yn cadw’r awdurdod i addasu ffurfweddiad eich cerbyd a’ch trefniadau eistedd heb rybudd ymlaen llaw.
Accessible tickets are available to purchase on all rides, there is one wheelchair space per train. We have an accessible area attached to the Rudolph carriage that can accommodate one wheelchair position and one other passenger/carer, maximum on each performance. One accompanying carer travels free. There is an option when a full paying ticket holder purchases ticket, of upgrading to pay for Premium and receiving a limited-edition mug and bag. If the carer wanted to upgrade and receive this at a cost of £4.95, please contact us to arrange, and for us to have your gift ready for your departure. Owing to narrow carriage doors there is only space for one wheelchair, due to the age of our trainset.
A ramp is available at the stations to provide wheelchair access, and our stewards and train crews will be happy to assist.
Please note that our ramps have a safe weight limit of 300kg. The maximum dimensions of any wheelchair or electronic scooter is Length: 1200mm (3ft 11in approx.) Width: 700mm (2ft 3in approx.) Maximum combined weight of user and scooter: 300kg (47st 3lb approx.)
If a customer is able to transfer from a wheelchair to a standard seat, then please purchase a standard ticket, and our stewards will be on hand to help you to your seat in the relevant carriage.
Mae tocynnau hygyrch ar gael i’w prynu ar bob taith; mae un lle cadair olwyn i bob trên. Gall ein cerbyd hygyrch Rudolph gynnwys un cadair olwyn ac un teithiwr/gofalwr arall, sef yr uchafswm am bob perfformiad. Mae un gofalwr yn teithio am ddim. Mae opsiwn o ddeiliad tocyn llawn yn uwchraddio i dalu am Premiwm a derbyn mwg a bag amser-cyfyngedig. Os oedd y gofalwr am uwchraddio a derbyn rhain am gost o £4.95, cysylltwch â ni i drefnu, ac i ni gael eich anrheg yn barod. Dim ond lle i un gadair olwyn sydd ar gael oherwydd y drysau cul ar ein cerbydau hanesyddol.
Mae ramp ar gael yn y gorsafoedd i ddarparu mynediad i gadeiriau olwyn, a bydd ein stiwardiaid a chriwiau trên yn hapus i helpu.
Sylwch fod gan ein rampiau derfyn pwysau diogel o 300kg. Uchafswm dimensiynau unrhyw gadair olwyn neu sgwter electronig yw; Hyd: 1200mm (tua 3 troedfedd 11 modfedd) Lled: 700mm (tua 2 troedfedd 3 modfedd) Pwysau cyfun uchaf y defnyddiwr a’r sgwter: 300kg (47st 3in approx.)
Os yw cwsmer yn gallu trosglwyddo o gadair olwyn i sedd safonol, yna prynwch docyn safonol a bydd ein stiwardiaid wrth law i’ch helpu i’ch sedd yn y cerbyd perthnasol.
For any bookings over 15 seats, please contact us direct and we will try to accommodate your requests.
Ar gyfer unrhyw archebion dros 15 sedd, cysylltwch â [email protected] a byddwn yn ceisio darparu ar gyfer eich ceisiadau.
Just for clarification the train DOES move! It leaves from the Vale of Rheidol Aberystwyth station then travels for approximately 20 minutes before reaching Capel Bangor station before returning to Aberystwyth. In case of mechanical malfunction, we reserve the right to replace the steam engine with a diesel alternative and in extreme cases the show may take place on a static train – but rest assured we will be doing our utmost to make sure this does not happen!
Er eglurhad, MAE’R trên YN symud! Mae’n gadael o orsaf Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol Aberystwyth ac yna’n teithio am dua 20 munud cyn cyrraedd gorsaf Capel Bangor. Mewn achos o ddiffyg mecanyddol, rydym yn cadw’r hawl i newid yr injan stêm gyda pheiriant disel ac mewn achosion eithafol gall y sioe gael ei chynnal ar drên sefydlog – ond byddwch yn dawel eich meddwl y byddwn yn gwneud ein gorau glas i sicrhau na fydd hyn yn digwydd!
No luggage is allowed on board. Pushchairs and car seats are also not allowed on board but can be stored on the platform at your own risk. Just speak to one of our stewards at the station for assistance.
Ni chaniateir unrhyw fagiau mawr ar y trên. Ni chaniateir ychwaith i gadeiriau gwthio a seddi ceir fod ar y trên, ond gellir eu storio ar y platfform ar eich menter eich hun. Siaradwch ag un o’n stiwardiaid yn yr orsaf am gymorth.
We will allow guide dogs and assistance dogs on all trains. We will also allow therapy/emotional support dogs on certain trains, but these need to be discussed with us directly at Vale of Rheidol Railway and we reserve the right to not allow these dogs access to the station if our staff deem their behaviours unsuitable for a busy train carrying many customers and children.
All dogs must stay under seats and not in the aisles, as the aisles are busy with the show performance.
Byddwn yn caniatáu cŵn tywys a chŵn cymorth ar bob trê Byddwn hefyd yn caniatáu cŵn therapi/cymorth emosiynol ar rai trenau, ond mae angen trafod y rhain yn uniongyrchol â ni ar Reilffordd Cwm Rheidol ac rydym yn cadw’r hawl i beidio â chaniatáu i’r cŵn hyn fynd i’r orsaf os yw ein staff yn ystyried bod eu hymddygiad yn anaddas ar gyfer trên prysur yn cludo llawer o gwsmeriaid a phlant.
Rhaid i bob ci aros o dan seddi ac nid yn yr eiliau, gan fod yr eiliau yn brysur gyda pherfformiad y sioe.
Please note that due to the age of our train set, no toilets or baby changing facilities are available on board the train. All toilets are on the station platform, so please make sure to use the toilet facilities at the station before we leave as the train ride lasts an hour. There will be portable toilets up at Capel Bangor station if needed.
Sylwch, oherwydd oedran y cerbydau, nid oes toiledau na chyfleusterau newid cewynnau ar gael ar y trên. Mae pob toiled ar blatfform yr orsaf, felly gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod chi’n defnyddio’r cyfleusterau yn yr orsaf cyn i ni adael gan fod y daith trên yn para awr. Bydd toiledau cludadwy i fyny yng ngorsaf Capel Bangor os oes angen.
All customers are offered a cup of hot chocolate and a cookie on board. We will offer an alternative to anyone with allergies. Please select your correct allergy preferences for your entire party at time of booking tickets. If you have any questions with this process, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Please note because of the large number of people using the train each day, we cannot guarantee the train will be free from nut products for anyone suffering from nut allergies.
Cynigir cwpanaid o siocled poeth a bisgedyn i bob cwsmer ar y trên. Byddwn yn cynnig dewis arall i unrhyw un ag alergeddau. Dewiswch eich dewisiadau alergedd cywir ar gyfer eich parti cyfan ar adeg archebu tocynnau. Os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau am y broses hon, mae croeso i chi gysylltu â ni.
Sylwch, oherwydd y nifer fawr o bobl sy’n defnyddio’r trên bob dydd, ni allwn warantu y bydd y trên yn rhydd o gynhyrchion cnau i unrhywun sy’n dioddef o alergeddau cnau.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway operates Heritage Trains from the 1920s and 30s. The train you will be travelling will be hauled by THE POLAR EXPRESS™ steam locomotive.
Our carriages are Great Western Railway carriages from the 1920s. Please be aware that all our carriages are heritage stock, so they may vary in style, age, seating, and exhibit signs of wear and tear.
Mae Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol yn rhedeg trenau treftadaeth o’r 1920au a’r 30au. Bydd y trên y byddwch yn teithio yn cael ei gludo gan locomotif stêm THE POLAR EXPRESS™.
Mae ein cerbydau yn rai Great Western Railway o’r 1920au. Byddwch yn ymwybodol bod ein holl gerbydau yn stoc treftadaeth, felly gallant amrywio o ran arddull, oedran, seddi, ac arddangos arwyddion o draul.
We encourage all our customers to wear pyjamas and dressing gowns as in the film. This adds to the overall magical experience, but we suggest wearing closed shoes, not slippers or open-toed shoes/sliders/flip-flops.
The Vale of Rheidol Railway operates Heritage Trains. Please dress for the potential inclement British weather in November and December.
Rydym yn annog ein holl gwsmeriaid i wisgo pyjamas a gynau gwisgo fel yn y ffilm. Mae hyn yn ychwanegu at y profiad, ond rydym yn awgrymu gwisgo esgidiau caeedig, nid sliperi neu esgidiau blaen-agored/fflip-flops.
Mae Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol yn rhedeg trenau treftadaeth. Gwisgwch ar gyfer y tywydd garw posib ym mis Tachwedd a Rhagfyr.
Event organisers will be offering a selection of drinks and snacks available to purchase from the station. The hot chocolate and cookie are included in your ticket price and will be served during the performance onboard the train. No other food with be available to purchase once the show has started.
Bydd trefnwyr y digwyddiad yn cynnig dewis o ddiodydd a byrbrydau sydd ar gael i’w prynu o’r orsaf. Mae’r siocled poeth a’r bisgedyn wedi’u cynnwys ym mhris eich tocyn a byddant yn cael eu gweini yn ystod y perfformiad ar y trên. Nid oes bwyd ar gael i’w brynu unwaith bydd y sioe wedi dechrau.
There will be the opportunity to buy official merchandise before and after the performance. This will be available at designated merchandise points around the station. Card payments will be accepted.
Bydd cyfle i brynu nwyddau swyddogol cyn ac ar ôl y perfformiad. Bydd hyn ar gael mewn mannau nwyddau dynodedig o amgylch yr orsaf. Derbynnir taliadau cerdyn.
If there are any questions you cannot find here or on the Vale of Rheidol Railway website link, www.rheidolrailway.co.uk then please contact us by emailing [email protected]
Os oes unrhyw gwestiynau na allwch ddod o hyd iddynt yma neu ar wefan Rheilffordd Cwm Rheidol, www.rheidolrailway.co.uk, yna cysylltwch â ni drwy e-bostio [email protected]
Getting Here
