FAQs for the Lapland Express

When is the Lapland Express is running?
It's running for four weekends from the 28th November till 20th December, with trains running 2pm till 5pm.

The full dates are:
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th December
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th December


Can you tell me how much it is?
It's £5 per adult, £7.50 for children over the age of three and £5 for the under-threes, and £4 senior citizens. Family tickets are not available on these dates.

Can I book?
I'm afraid not, at the moment we cannot take advance bookings, just turn up and pay at the ticket office on the day you wish to travel. Tickets are only valid on the day of purchase.

What all happens on the Lapland Express? Where does it go?
Santa meets the children at Downpatrick Station and then they board the train out to Inch Abbey, he's singing all the way, talks to the children. The train backs up to the Loop Platform where children get their present from his workshop, and then you can have a cup of tea or refreshments in the buffet carriage there while you wait for the next train to pick you up again. There's also a Thomas the Tank Engine model railway exhibition upstairs in the station while you wait for the train (to keep the children amused). And we have a souvenir shop for late railway-themed Christmas presents - especially Thomas the Tank themed!


I have a teenage son/daughter who don't want to see Santa, do they have to pay the child's fare?
No, if they're 16 or over and too old to see Santa then the adult fares apply.


How long is it, not that long I take it?
The trains will be running at roughly 45 minute intervals, so be prepared to stay at least an hour, maybe even up to 2 hours, so dress up warm.


Will the queues for Santa be long?
The Lapland Express is a very popular event and queuing is inevitable, however you can beat the queues at the ticket office and to collect your present by coming in one of the first weekends, as the closer to Christmas Day the busier it becomes. Also most people tend to come around 2 o'clock when doors open so why not wait till 3pm? It *might* help. (STRESS might). Santa will travel up and down the train so there will be no queue to see him there. However there will be a queue to collect the present from him in his Workshop Carriage. We cannot predict how long this queue will be, but if you cannot stay please let a member of staff know.

What's the Timetable for the Lapland Express trains?
The Lapland Express runs on-demand, so to speak, so there are no fixed times. However the interval between trains will be between 45 minutes and an hour - approximately - however as long as you come between 2pm and probably 4.45pm at the latest you'll be fine.


Do you have wheelchair access?
Yes, we have wheelchair access into the main station building, as well as wheelchair friendly carriages with double-doors, and disabled toilets at Downpatrick Station building. Please do ask a member of staff for help into the carriages, as a ramp will need to be used.


Are the trains running during the week?
No, only those four weekends and other advertised days.


Is the shop open during the week?
I'm afraid not, but we MIGHT be able to arrange for someone to meet you and open it specially on a Wednesday.


How long is the actual railway line?
The line to Inch Abbey is 2 miles long.


Where is the railway station?
Downpatrick Station is on the main Downpatrick-Newcastle road (the Ballydugan Road). The entrance for the station is between Rathkeltair House (the tax office) and the Ulsterbus station. Look out for the brown road signs that say "Railway Museum" and follow those.


Where can I board the train?
For the Lapland Express you can only board at Downpatrick Station.


Can I board the train in Belfast/Portadown/Bangor, etc?
No, we are not connected to the Northern Ireland Railway (NIR) network. We're built on a line that was closed in 1950. You need to travel to Downpatrick and board at Downpatrick Station.

Do you have anything in January?
Yes, we have our Mince Pie Specials! They're running on New Year's Day, and all passengers receive a glass of punch/mulled wine and a mince pie. Fares are standard rates (£5 adults and £4 children/concession).


When are you running in 2010?
The specific dates have not yet been set, but will be posted here on our website in early 2010. St. Patrick's Day and Easter will be the next big events.


Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome; the only restriction is the buffet carriage, for obvious reasons. Guide dogs are most welcome, and travel free.


Can you take Visa/Mastercard/etc.?
Yes, we can take credit cards.

Can you take Euros?
Yes we can.