‘Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure’ train ride departing this year
September 1st is known as “Back to Hogwarts Day,” as it’s the day in the Harry Potter stories when the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 ¾ (at precisely 11 a.m.) for another school year. Starting this summer, fans will have the exclusive opportunity to board the wizarding train themselves for the Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure.
Originally published in September 2025, updated April 2026 by Dani Meyering
First teased during the 2024 Back to Hogwarts Showcase, a few magical details were revealed in recent months about what to expect when the rail experience debuts this summer.
“We’ve been hard at work developing an incredible train-based experience,” said Jamie Ryan, director of marketing for Rail Events Inc., creators of themed rail-based events, including Polar Express and Peanuts. “And the highlight is that most of the experience takes place on a real moving train.”
Harry Potter™: A Hogwarts Express Experience
According to Ryan, when Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express adventure hits the rails, passengers will enjoy a pre-boarding experience featuring nods to Platform 9 ¾ that will lead up to the special moment when the Hogwarts Express departs.
Once onboard, Harry Potter fans will be able to participate in interactive competitions with Hogwarts hosts; after their journey, they can enjoy a delicious Butterbeer and shop for exclusive merchandise.
Dates, tickets, and locations
The first dates and locations have been announced for Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure, but the company’s Polar Express-themed train rides take place across the country.
Summer experiences will take place in Southern California, on select dates July 24 – Sept. 27, 2026. The exact location is the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, CA. Tickets go on sale April 28, 2026.
Tickets are $77 for adults, $67 for children ages 2-11; during peak times tickets are $88 for adults, $78 for children.
Click here to sign up to receive information about this new magical experience.
Follow us:
More Attractions Magazine stories:
No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
