The Conductor: Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.
Hero Boy: Thank you.
The Conductor: No, thank YOU. The thing about trains... it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on.
[last lines]
Hero Boy: At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.
Santa Claus: There's no greater gift than friendship.
The Conductor: Well, ya comin'?
The Boy: Where?
The Conductor: Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is the Polar Express!
[repeated line]
The Boy: I believe.
Santa Claus: This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas - as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.
Hobo: One more thing... do you believe in ghosts?
The Boy: [shakes head no]
Hobo: [in a sinister tone] Interesting...
The Conductor: ...It's five minutes to midnight.
Know-It-All: Hey, what gives? It was five minutes to midnight four minutes ago!
The Conductor: Exactly!
The Boy: I'm looking for a girl.
Hobo: [after a pause; bursts out laughing] Well aren't we all?
The Conductor: [singing] Here we only got one rule / Never, ever let it cool / Keep it cooking in the pot / Soon we got hot chocolate!
The Conductor: What in the name of Mike?
Santa Claus: [holding up the silver sleigh bell] The first gift of Chrstmas!
Santa Claus: [voiceover, as the Hero Boy opens his package to reveal the lost sleigh bell] Found this on the seat of my sleigh. Better fix that hole in your pocket. Mr. C.
The Boy: Are you saying that this is all just a... dream?
Hobo: You said it, kid! Not me.
[first lines]
Hero Boy: On Christmas Eve many years ago I laid quietly in my bed. I did not rustle the sheets, I breathed slowly and silently. I was listening for a sound I was afraid I'd never hear: the sound of Santa's sleigh bells.
