Quick Details
Open Air Car • Car 2374
All Ages + • This coach is not climate-controlled, and restrooms are available in the adjoining car.
$ 60
First Class Tavern Seat • Bay Biscayne Car
Ages 21+ • Climate controlled, 8 individual chairs and room for 8 guests on a cushioned bench, tickets are per person
$ 95
First Class Observation Seat • Bay Biscayne Car
Ages 21+
$ 105
Private Clewiston Car
Private Luxury Car for up to 14 Passengers
$ 1,800
Child - Deluxe Coach
Ages 4-14
$ 50
Adult - Deluxe Coach
Ages 15+
$ 60
First Class • Palmdale Family Package (Seats Four)
Reserves one table for four guests
$ 340
South Central Florida’s Newest Holiday Tradition
Step into a rolling holiday wonderland aboard the Santa Express, a joyful 2-hour roundtrip train ride with no particular destination — just the magic of the journey as your train ride departs either Clewiston or Sebring.
Twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the sounds of classic carols set the stage as you settle into a historic passenger car aglow with holiday cheer. The aroma of cookies fills the train while Florida’s sugarcane countryside glides past your window.
Midway through the trip, Santa Claus himself climbs aboard, greeting every child with warm holiday wishes, cookies, and a commemorative gift to take home. Families will delight in this unforgettable ride, while First Class guests enjoy an elevated celebration with locally made sweets, rich hot chocolate, and desserts. After Santa’s visit, take a trip to the open-air car Miami Locks for a spirited glimpse at the passing scenery.
Ticket Types
Open Air Car Seating
Ride in bench-style seating with semi-enclosed sides and sweeping, 360-degree views of the passing scenery and Florida countryside. This car is perfect for sightseers and railfans who want to experience the sounds, sights, and speed of historic railroading. Please note: this coach is not climate-controlled. Beverages are available for purchase onboard (credit/debit only).
Deluxe Coach Seating
This ticket provides one seat in Deluxe Coach No. 1002, a recently restored, climate-controlled passenger car featuring classic walk-over seats that can be reversed to face the direction of travel. Seating is open and unassigned, and these seats can be arranged in pairs and quads to accommodate both couples and groups. Beverages are available for purchase onboard (credit/debit only).
First Class Table Package
This ticket accommodates four guests at a First Class table in our vintage dining car, Palmdale, where passengers enjoy appetizers and light refreshments served onboard. Individual tickets cannot be added to this package. Drinks are available for purchase onboard (credit/debit only).
First Class Lounge Seating
This ticket provides a First Class seat in the lounge section of our vintage Bay Biscayne car. Guests enjoy appetizers and light refreshments served onboard in a relaxed, elegant setting. Drinks are available for purchase onboard (credit/debit only).
First Class Observation Seat
This is a first-class ticket for the observation section in the Bay Biscayne. Appetizers and light refreshments are included. Drinks are available for purchase onboard (credit/debit only).
Private Pullman Car Clewiston
Ride like a railroad executive or Hollywood celebrity from the 19230s aboard our private Pullman business car! Enjoy the day aboard in the Clewiston’s climate-controlled lounge, dining room, and private suites, all reserved exclusively for your group of up to 12 guests. Includes all First Class amenities with added privacy and comfort. A small catering kitchen is available for parties and groups that wish to bring additional food and light refreshments.
What’s not included
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Additional food and dirnk is available to purchase on board.
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Check-in details
Passengers must arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure time to allow adequate time for parking and boarding. We cannot hold the train for late arrivals.
What to bring
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all guests must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops, sandals, and high heels are not permitted.
Special requirements
Because of the unique railroad environment, all guests must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Flip-flops, sandals, and high heels are not permitted.
Extras
The Santa Express offers seating choices for every type of holiday traveler. Families can ride together in our comfortable Deluxe Coaches, which are climate-controlled with restrooms, or enjoy the open-air excitement of our Open Air Coach with panoramic countryside views. Special packages include the First Class Family Table in the vintage Palmdale dining car, which includes sweets, hot chocolate, and desserts.
Adults looking for a festive but relaxed atmosphere can reserve the First Class Lounge or Observation in the elegant Bay Biscayne. For groups wanting privacy, the Clewiston private car offers First Class amenities in a classic lounge and observation setting reserved exclusively for up to 12 guests.
Disclaimers
Our excursion train includes steep steps, narrow hallways and doorways, and small restrooms, which may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Passengers should plan accordingly and contact us in advance to discuss any special needs or assistance.
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Is your train climate-controlled?
Each of our ticketed passenger cars has heating and air conditioning.
Are there restrooms on the train
Yes
Can I bring my own food/drink?
Yes, you can bring your own items aboard with you.
Is your train handicap accessible?
Due to the historic nature of our passenger train, none of our cars are ADA accessible. Our train can accommodate guests who utilize walkers and scooters if they can navigate the steps with assistance from our staff.
Can I bring my dog/pet?
Due to the historic nature of our train and the number of small openings, narrow walkways, and pinch points for paws, we only permit designated service animals aboard our trains.
Does Sugar Express operate a real steam train?
Yes! Sometimes you can even see puffs of white steam (water vapor) emerging from different parts of the locomotive. On occasion, we also utilize a diesel locomotive from the U.S. Sugar fleet, and some trips may be operated by a diesel locomotive exclusively. This will be noted specifically in the trip description.
Does Sugar Express run in inclement weather?
Sugar Express operates rain or shine. Except for our open-air souvenir car, Miami Locks, and the open-air passenger car Lake Placid, all coaches are fully covered, enclosed from the elements, and are climate-controlled. In the event of a hurricane advisory for our region, trips may be annulled and rescheduled.
If we are running late, will you hold the train for us?
Passengers must arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure time to allow adequate time for parking and boarding. We cannot hold the train for late arrivals.
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Refunds or cancellations are only applicable 30 days before an event.
Refunds are not applicable in the event of missed or late trains. Passengers are responsible for being at the boarding site at least 30 minutes before departure time. Delayed and “No show” guests are not entitled to a refund. Reserved tickets will be released for resale 10 minutes before departure.
Any refund is subject to a 25% service charge and is only issued if there is a waitlist for that particular class of tickets.
Sugar Express has the right of refusal to any passenger who refuses to obey safety rules or whose behavior has been or may be detrimental to other passengers and/or crew. In the unlikely event of a cancellation, refunds will be issued less any ticketing fees.