Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure Comes to Southern California July 24–September 27

ByThe House Elves at Aguamenti

All aboard! The Hogwarts Express is steaming into Southern California this summer, and it’s only about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Express Adventure runs July 24 through September 27, 2026 at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, and tickets are on sale now.

This isn’t a stationary photo-op — the heart of the experience is a one-hour immersive theatrical show that takes place on a real, moving train. Expect live actors, singing, puppetry, and illusions, with audience interaction throughout and Broadway-style storytelling backed by high-tech visuals. It comes from Rail Events Productions, the team behind the popular Polar Express and Peanuts rail experiences, and it’s a full-scale production: more than 40 cast and crew, a rotating cast, multiple departures a day, and capacity for roughly 2,000 guests daily.

We first shared the confirmed location and dates back in March, ahead of the official announcement — here’s our original report:

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Your visit runs about two hours start to finish. It opens with a Platform 9¾ pre-boarding moment, then the ride itself — complete with Hogwarts hosts, a trolley attendant, guards, and a few spine-chilling puppet surprises — before you de-board for a post-ride celebration back where you started.

There’s plenty for fans beyond the ride. Expect Butterbeer, themed food and treats, a trolley of wizarding snacks, and exclusive merchandise. Robes and house colours are very much encouraged.

Here’s How to Get Tickets

  • Venue: Southern California Railway Museum, 2201 S. “A” Street, Perris, CA 92570 (about 2 hours from LA)
  • Dates: Select dates and times, July 24 – September 27, 2026
  • Departure times: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:30 PM
  • Standard fare: $82.25 adult, $72.25 child (ages 2–11)
  • Peak fare: $93.25 adult, $83.25 child (ages 2–11)

A note on pricing: the museum uses all-in pricing, so those totals already include fees and taxes (a $5.25 per-ticket fee is baked in). Book at harrypottertrainadventure.com.

If Perris is a stretch, hold tight — the organisers have said more locations and dates around the world will be revealed later this year, so this Southern California run is just the first stop.

Looking for more Harry Potter events? Check out our Things to Do page for everything else on the calendar.

Will you be booking your seat on the Hogwarts Express? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow along for the latest Harry Potter news.

Source: Southern California Railway Museum and Wizarding World

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