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NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS

SCENIC TRAIN RIDES NEAR INDIANAPOLIS, IN

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RIDE NOBLESVILLE'S TRAIN: THE NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS

Now booking 2023 trains!

From $54

Get in the holiday spirit with a festive train ride! Enjoy a holiday sweet treat and festive music aboard a historic 1956 dining car. Each ticket will include a special holiday cup to take home!

A Cash bar available on board for this holiday adult only experience! Including wine, beer and fun holiday cocktails.

2023 Reindeer Ride Express FAQs

All aboard the 2023 Reindeer Ride Express. Join Nickel Plate Express for a magical holiday adventure aboard the historic 1950s train. Wear your festive holiday outfits as you board the train to enjoy Northern Hamilton County’s scenic countryside. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, listen to holiday music, and take pictures as the train chugs along its route to a magical holiday experience! Included in each ticket is a festive cookie, a 75-minute train ride, and a chance to write a letter to Santa.

The journey will be even more memorable with a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Enjoy the wonders of the season as you travel through the Hamilton County countryside, and make sure to take plenty of pictures to capture the memories.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE: HELP US PRESERVE RAIL HISTORY!

The Nickel Plate Express was founded in Hamilton County in 2017 with the goal to preserve the rich railroad history of our surrounding communities through educational and entertaining train rides. The Nickel Plate Express welcomes more than 20,000 passengers each year to Noblesville and Northern Hamilton County. We also manage the 150-year-old depot along the former Nickel Plate Road in Arcadia, IN.

Join us for our themed excursions from February-December aboard historic 1956 Santa Fe El Capitan cars. Excursions include wine, beer and dinner rides as well as family-friendly holiday programs including our reindeer express train rides, bourbon tastings, wizard express and much more.

 Make an investment in the future of rail preservation!

Make a tax-deductible donation to keep railroad history alive in Hamilton County.

Click the button below to donate and learn more about how your donation can help here.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, all donations made to Nickel Plate Express are tax-deductible. We appreciate your support of railroad history.

Find us here! Located inside Forest Park. 825 Forest Park Dr., Noblesville, IN 4606

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WHAT’S IT LIKE TO RIDE THE NICKEL PLATE EXPRESS?

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Terrific Experience

Had a terrific experience riding the train this summer (2022) with friends. The staff is very kind and knowledgeable. They work hard to ensure that you have an enjoyable time. They serve tasty lemonade and apple hand pie. It is both scenic, relaxing, and a blast from the past. I highly recommend that you make a reservation soon.

– Laurie C. | Google
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Fantastic Experience

We had a great Caboose Ride, made extra special by Conductor Phil. Our daughter was a bit uncertain about the noises- breaks and horn. He went out of his way to make her comfortable, asking about her toy, inviting her to use the horn, and be the special junior conductor. She went from being nervous to having a blast, talking nonstop about it, and pretending to be a conductor the rest of the day. This was a fantastic family event. Long enough to be worth the price but short enough to keep little ones interested. Plus, we learned interesting details about trains. Would love to check out future events! The whole team from check in to boarding to saying goodbye were friendly and great. BUT- Thanks, Phil- you made the experience fantastic.

– Niki M. | Facebook
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Awesome Experience

Staff was excellent and very friendly. Train ride was extremely comfortable and not the “typical” experience we normally have. Will be visiting more often.

– Corey P. | Facebook
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Wonderful Time with Friend!

I had wanted to go on the train for awhile now since both of my grandfathers worked on the railroad. Was not disappointed! Festive atmosphere and very attentive crew. Will plan to ride again.

– Melanie T. | Facebook