Illustration of a toy train with a waving engineer in a red hat on a snowy hill beside pine trees and glowing houses (Christmas-Express)

Christmas-Express

Passengers step aboard historic steam-heated train carriages hauled by two large steam locomotives and attended by conductors in vintage attire. The train travels between Arnhem and Nijmegen, crossing the Rhine Bridge at Oosterbeek and the Waal Bridge. Guests enjoy scenic views across the Veluwe region and the sound of the steam whistle while riding along the main rail network.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

Adults: €22.50; children 4–11: €12.50; children up to 3 ride free on an adult’s lap. A private sleeper-compartment ticket costs €77.50 per compartment, with room for up to three adults or two adults and two children; it includes the round trip and one welcome drink per person (hot chocolate or Glühwein). A coffee-table or stamppot ticket costs €42.50 for an adult and €32.50 for a child.

Hours

Departures from Arnhem CS: 09:07, 10:07, 11:07, 14:07, 15:07, and 16:07.

Food & Drink

With a booked private compartment, each guest receives hot chocolate or Glühwein; a separately booked Wagon-Lits table offers a coffee table or stamppot meal.

Parking

Paid parking is available at the P&R beside Arnhem station.

Accessibility

The train is not wheelchair accessible, and strollers can only be brought on board if folded.

Going?

Location

Station Arnhem Centraal · Renssenstraat 17, 6811 MC Arnhem, Netherlands, Arnhem, Gelderland Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Train enthusiasts and families seeking a nostalgic outing

Vibe

Nostalgic and festive

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Reserve through the ticket shop from mid-November, as a booking is required for every Christmas-Express ride.
  • Check your departure platform before boarding: the train leaves from track 9 on Saturday and track 3 on Sunday.
  • Fold your stroller before boarding; strollers are only permitted aboard when folded, so prepare it at the platform.
  • Note that the train is not wheelchair accessible before booking or travelling to Arnhem Centraal.
  • Bring a PIN card for payments, since the operator does not accept cash.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Children up to 3 ride free on an adult’s lap.
  • A private sleeper compartment with a welcome drink per person is available with a separate ticket.
  • A coffee table or stamppot in the dining car is available with a separate ticket.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Christmas-Express suitable for children?

The ride is described as suitable for young and old. Children up to 3 can ride free on an adult’s lap.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

Yes. Reservations are required and can be made through the ticket shop from mid-November.

What can I see on the journey?

The train travels between Arnhem and Nijmegen and back, crossing the Rhine Bridge at Oosterbeek and the Waal Bridge at Nijmegen.

Are food and drinks available on board?

Sleeper-compartment tickets include a welcome drink per person. You can separately book a coffee table or stamppot in the dining car.

Is the train wheelchair accessible, and can I bring a stroller?

The train is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers can only be brought aboard when folded.

Browse Christmas in Arnhem

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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