Insider Secrets for Your Durango Silverton Train Ride • Traveling with Purpose

All Aboard! So you’re thinking about taking Colorado’s famous narrow gauge railroad, but feel like you need more information. I understand if you’re still scratching your head after checking out their website—I was in the same boat before I actually rode the Durango Silverton train.

Everyone talks about how it’s one of the most beautiful train rides in the country, and honestly, they’re not wrong. It was even voted the “Best Scenic Train Ride” by USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025. But there are some insider tips that can really make or break your experience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the little details that turn this historic train ride from just pleasant into absolutely amazing.

That’s why I’m sharing all my insider tips and tricks in this friendly guide to the Durango Silverton train ride! My husband Terry and I recently hopped aboard this fun, historic journey. He had ridden these same rails as a kid with his family decades ago and was thrilled to share the adventure with me, and we loved the entire experience!

PRO TIP: Since this is an extensive post, here are some options that may help you navigate:

• Click on the “Table of Contents for this Post” below and see the full outline so you can jump to the sections you want to see first.
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• If you don’t find the specific info in this post, check out one of the related posts listed to get even more questions answered.

Can You Picture a Train Adventure?

Imagine skillfully restored vintage train engines rumbling through Colorado’s stunning San Juan Mountains, with the Animas River sparkling below and the wonderful scent of pine trees filling the mountain air. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a storybook journey where trains chug past jaw-dropping cliffs and beauty lingers at every bend, this is the place to do it. What makes this Colorado train experience truly special is the blend of history and exquisite natural beauty displayed in every season.

Durango Silverton Train Related Posts

How Long Has the Durango Silverton Train Been Running?

It may come as a surprise to know that the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been operating for over 140 years! The tracks to Silverton were completed, and the first train chugged down the tracks in July 1882, making it one of America’s longest continuously operating heritage railroads.

Originally, the rail line was built to haul supplies for the mines, plus silver & gold ore from Southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Later, locals and visitors realized it was the spectacular views that were truly precious. What started as a mining railroad has evolved into one of the most beloved scenic train rides in the country. It’s also been designated as a National Historic Landmark since 1961.

What Months Do the Durango Trains Run?

You can catch a train in Colorado on the Durango & Silverton Railroad virtually any time of year! DSNGRR offers distinct seasonal experiences that transform this historic narrow gauge journey, no matter when you plan to visit Colorado.

May to October Train Rides

Peak season runs generally from May to the end of October. The full three and a half hour one-way route up to Silverton and/or back only runs in these months. This is prime time for wildflowers, rushing seasonal waterfalls, fall foliage, and perfect hiking weather.

Summer dazzles with lush green forests and peak wildlife viewing. It may seem like shorts weather, but dress in layers since Silverton is a high-elevation town [elevation 9,318 feet (2,840 meters)]. Fall transforms the San Juan Mountains into a spectacular display of golden aspens and vibrant foliage, making it one of the most popular times to ride.

Durango Train Rides from November to Early May

From November to early May, the Durango Silverton train may not go the full route north to Silverton, but often goes as far as Cascade Canyon. This adventure is 26 miles each way, and 5.25 hours round trip. Box lunches are available for pre-order when you book your tickets.

The Cascade Canyon experience still offers spectacular mountain scenery, sometimes with gorgeous fall colors or a pristine blanket of snow, with a shorter version of the full experience. spring rides showcase blooming wildflowers, rushing snowmelt streams, and seasonal waterfalls.

Winter and Holiday Trains

Winter brings its own magic, especially with special themed rides like the Polar Express. The snowy landscape transforms the scenery and gives the whole trip a cozy, storybook feel. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa in the heated train cars or order a boxed lunch to enjoy on your excursion. No matter the season, there’s always something new to see from the train window.

The Polar Express – Durango Colorado Christmas Train

Do you believe? If you’re in Durango between late November and the end of December, you MUST experience the Durango Christmas Train, also known as The Polar Express. The whole train is transformed with holiday lights, festive decorations, and a soundtrack that’ll have you humming “Hot Chocolate” all the way to the North Pole (or, well, Cascade Canyon). Little ones (and adults who are young at heart) can wear warm pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy a magical night out.

The best part is the storytelling and live-action fun. Chefs and conductors perform scenes from the beloved best-selling children’s book, “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. And yes, Santa himself hops on board to deliver the first gift of Christmas of the season. It’s a seasonal tradition for so many families in Colorado, and tickets sell out fast—so book early if you want to join in the holiday cheer. Ticket options range from Coach, Deluxe, and First Class with Value, Standard, or Peak season rates depending on the dates you choose.

PRO TIP: Order this classic book and let the kids open it and read it as a family a few days before your train ride to build up the suspense and excitement.

What Options do I have for Train Tickets?

Durango Silverton Railroad tickets come in a wide variety of options, depending on which adventure you choose. In general, you’ll find Standard Class, Deluxe Class, First Class, and Presidential Class seating. This is where it gets a little tricky, so I’m putting together a separate post about specific options, with some photos of the cars themselves so you can get a feel for what the different classes and amenities are. Here are the basics to get you started.

Once you decide on which class and type of railcar you want, you’ll choose your exact seat location when you reserve your Durango train and buy your ticket online. All the rail cars have a restroom in the car or in a nearby railcar.

PRO TIP: There is never any smoking on the train, platform, restrooms, or between railcars. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigs, vapor pens, and all other devices.

Standard Class Rail Cars

On our latest adventure with the Durango Silverton train, we chose a Standard Class open-air gondola with a diesel engine going from Durango to Silverton, and we loved it! It’s the perfect option, especially if you want to take a bunch of pictures, like I usually do. Seats on the open-air gondolas face outward toward the sides of the car, so everyone has an excellent vantage point. You’ll be exposed to the elements, so dress in layers and plan accordingly if rain or snow is in the forecast. Wear sunscreen, too. Some good news if you have little ones. Children 4 years and under are no charge if they’re not occupying a seat [ie. sitting on your lap].

Durango Silverton Railroad Coach Seating is also available in Standard Class. These vintage railcars are enclosed with solid roofs and ample windows that can be opened or closed whenever you like to enjoy the view and the breeze, or take pictures along the way. The seats on the coach cars in Standard Class generally seat two people and face forward toward the train engine, so the person in the window seat will have a better view than the one sitting on the aisle. All Coach railcars are heated in winter, but NOT air-conditioned.

The seats in Standard Class are similar to economy seating on a plane or a standard school bus bench seat, so they may not be suitable for two larger people. In fact, Terry and I aren’t exactly large, and the bench seat in the ADA rail car on the way back was a bit cozy for the two of us.

BTW, our original plan was to take the train up and a van back later in the day, but we pivoted after arriving in Silverton and took a steam train back. I’ll share more about that later when covering details about seating and tickets.

Deluxe Class Rail Cars

The various Deluxe Class rail cars on the Durango trains are a step above Standard Class. Seating is a bit roomier, and the seats are more cushioned. Some cars have bench seats that face each other, which is great for families or friends traveling together. One of the rail cars offers single seats by the window, which is great if you’re traveling alone or just prefer your own space. There’s also an open-air gondola option available in Deluxe Class that gives you more comfortable seating and a little more space to move past your neighbors and around the car.

First Class Rail Cars

All First-class seats are in enclosed coach rail cars with large windows. They also offer special perks that you won’t get on the Standard or even Deluxe class. You’ll have your own onboard car attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a morning pastry, a souvenir coffee mug, and one tote bag per couple or group.

Presidential Class [Ages 21 and older]

When you board this Presidential Class railcar, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time on one of the coolest vintage train cars you’ll ever see on the narrow gauge tracks. The Cinco Animas has two different seating sections inside, plus you get your own private outdoor deck that’s only for passengers riding in this special car. Presidential class also gets the same perks as First Class. Just a heads up—you need to be 21 or older to ride in the Cinco Animas rail car.

Where Should I Sit on the Train for the Best Experience?

Picking your seat is a big deal for this train! For the best canyon and river views, sit on the right side of the train heading north from Durango to Silverton. You’ll get sweeping vistas and thrilling cliff-side views of the Animas River far below as the train hugs the edge of the mountain. Of course, if you’re afraid of heights, you may want to choose the opposite side.

On the return south, switch to the left side to keep those Instagram-worthy sights coming.

If you’re traveling with a group, be sure to book seats together, since most cars have assigned seating.

PRO TIP: If at all possible, choose a car further back from the engine. This will give you a great chance to take pictures of the engine of the train as it rounds a curve in front of you. The engine smoke, noise, and cinders are also less intense the further you are from the front, especially if you’re in one of the open-air gondolas.

Another item to consider. If you’re booking late and there are still empty seats in the railcar you choose, you may be able to move to another seat once the train starts moving and you see which ones are empty. In any case, every car is a good time!

What’s the Drop Off & Parking Situation?

When you reserve and pay for your Durango train tickets online, you’ll have the option to pay in advance to park in the parking lot that’s very close to the train station. I recommend this if you need to park near the station, because it saves time when you pull in the lot. If you do, you’ll park in a gravel lot on West College Drive, then walk west past the McDonald’s fast food restaurant to the train station on College Drive and Main Avenue.

The exact address for the train depot is 479 Main Avenue, Durango, but you don’t have to walk all the way to Main Avenue to get to the boarding area. You can turn right on the sidewalk just past the railroad tracks, where you’ll likely see the train waiting.

Parking Lot Fees Based on Vehicle Length

At the time of our visit, the parking cost was only $10 for all-day passenger car parking per vehicle for less than 20′ long, including attachments/trailers, etc. You’ll pay $20.00 per vehicle 20′ or longer, including attachments.

Handicap ADA Parking

Handicap parking is available near the depot. With a handicap placard or license plate, you can park at a parking meter for free all day. (This doesn’t include 30-minute meters.) The handicap placard must be current and valid, or you will be ticketed.

You can Also Stay Within Walking Distance

Another easy option is to stay at a hotel near the Durango train station and leave your car at your hotel. As you can imagine, this was the most common option when the trains began running back in the 1800s. Almost everyone from out of town arrived by train. That’s also why you’ll find so many excellent and unique historical hotels within walking distance of the station.

Check out my full post for some excellent options for places to stay in Durango that are an easy walk to the station.

Guest Drop Off Location

If you take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from your lodging, or if someone in your party needs to be dropped off, you’ll drive to this address, which is the main entrance to the Durango train depot:

479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301

What Should I Bring on the Train Ride?

I’m glad you asked! I’m working on an entire post about what you can and can’t bring on the train and plenty of ideas for snacks and other supplies that you may not realize you need. If you sign up for my email newsletter, you’ll get updates as soon as that post is available.

What Will I Experience on the Train?

Before you even hop aboard, you’ll notice the friendly railroad staff in their old-fashioned uniforms. They’re experts in all things Durango & Silverton Railroad, and they love to share stories about the railroad’s past, how the engines work, the wild mining days, and local legends. Sometimes, they’ll even throw in a train joke or two—they’re clearly having as much fun as you are.

One thing to note: as awesome as the staff are, the train gets pretty noisy, with the whistle, chatter, and clickety-clack on the rails. I would love it if they were given microphones and a small portable speaker so everyone could hear the stories, especially in the open cars. Don’t let the train noises stop you from asking questions, though. Our young Brakeman, Max, was quite the train expert and was always eager to provide information, share a joke, or a bit of history for everyone to enjoy. The whole experience feels like a moving piece of history!

The line itself is a living museum, with original locomotives and lovingly restored passenger cars. Onboard, the period uniforms and the vintage railcars are as much a part of the experience as the scenery. Whether you’re a history nerd or just love a good view, every mile is packed with fun facts and photo opportunities. Honestly, you’ll want to have your camera ready the whole way. I used up my battery on my phone and on the extra battery pack that I brought along. But, then again, I’m a travel blogger, so I might overdo it a bit.

PRO TIP: Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged and a backup battery pack would be helpful as a backup as well, if you like to take pictures. Here’s a link to my favorite portable power banks that fit easily in your back pocket.

What Does the Train Ride Feel Like?

The train’s rocking motion as you sit or stand may give you the feeling of being unbalanced at times. Just be sure to hang onto the handles throughout the train or grab the back of the seats as you walk down the aisle or between train cars. This isn’t your usual commute. I actually got a bruise on my hip because I was leaning against the side of the gondola train car, taking so many pictures as it rocked back and forth. It wasn’t anything that anyone did wrong. Sometimes the train car jerks to slow down or over a bumpy area. I bruise easily, but the authentic experience was well worth it.

PRO TIP: If you suffer from motion sickness, you may want to use a patch or take Dramamine or use a motion sickness prevention remedy before you board the train.

Travel Safety & Fear of Heights

Be sure to watch where the train is going and keep your hands and arms inside the car—just like on your favorite Disney or amusement park ride…especially in the open-air gondola or if you have your window open., The rock cliffs and tree branches can get dangerously close, and you don’t want to lose your camera or worse, bang up a body part.

And heads up: if you’re nervous about heights, the ride does get thrilling in a few places with big drop-offs that seem way too close to the train tracks, but the views are worth every second. You can always move away from the windows if you feel uneasy near the cliffs or choose a seat on the other side of the train.

Learn About Local History & Trains

Do you love to learn? With every ticket, you’ll get the chance to buy an optional handy guidebook filled with Durango and Silverton stories and historical tidbits. Or you can choose to buy a map of the train’s route to follow along at each milepost marker. Flip through them as you ride, and you’ll catch details about the mining boom, daring engineers, movie locations, and how the railroad shaped Southwest Colorado.

The Durango & Silverton staff are passionate about sharing the area’s rich railroad history. Don’t be shy—ask your Brakeman or attendant about their favorite local legends. It’s like traveling with your own personal historian, and it makes the ride that much more memorable.

Marvel at Nature

If you love the outdoors, you’re in for a treat. The route is a wildlife watcher’s dream—keep your eyes peeled for deer, elk, marmots, and even the occasional black bear or mountain lion. Bald eagles and hawks soar overhead, and every season brings something new, from wildflowers in summer to breathtaking golden aspens in fall.

We even watched colorful butterflies and dragonflies seemingly race along next to the train windows. There’s something new to marvel at around every bend—whether it’s a family of deer grazing near the tracks or a rainbow shimmering in the spray of a distant waterfall. We saw several deer and a field of adorable prairie dogs popping up to see what the racket was about.

The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. Towering cliffs, rocky gorges, and river rapids are just steps from your window. We saw several beaver lodges in the water near Silverton, too.

PRO TIP: Bring binoculars if you have them, and definitely don’t forget your camera for the endless photo ops.

It’s slow going, which is perfect for sightseeing and video. Seriously, this is one time you’ll want to put your phone in video mode as the scenery flows by. With every curve, there’s a new landscape to discover.

Durango Railroad Train Amenities

Don’t worry about comfort—the Durango Silverton train is surprisingly well-equipped! Most cars have restrooms in the railcar or a short walk away for your convenience. And there are always concessions on a separate train car available if you want a snack or drink.

They even had guidebooks, sweatshirts, and hats available in the Concession car for those who may have forgotten to bring an extra layer of clothes for the cool morning breezes. The coach cars are heated in the cooler months, and large windows provide a cool breeze in the summer.

There are trash bins in every car, so it’s easy to keep things tidy during your adventure.

Does the Train Stop Along the Way?

Yes, on some trains, there are a couple of scenic stops along the route! Between May 20th and October 11th, special stops are available for backpackers, climbers, and hikers who’ve arranged ahead of time for drop-offs or pick-ups. It’s a unique perk—if you want to disappear into the wilderness for a few days, the train will literally drop you at a trailhead and pick you up later…or a few days later. Just don’t miss your ride back!

The diesel train that we were on in the morning stopped at the Elk Park Flag Stop [shown above], which is a meadow, not far from the famous 489-mile Colorado Trail. They picked up and dropped off a few hikers there. The train also stopped at the Needleton Flag Stop to drop off a large group of backpackers. One young man told me they were planning to climb one of the mountain peaks nearby the next day.

PRO TIP: If you’re interested in getting off or on the train for hiking, climbing, or backpacking, make sure to check their website, train schedule, and reserve your spot ahead of time, as these spaces are limited.

The steam trains stop to fill up their water reservoirs at water stations along the way. I was a bit surprised when our train came to a complete stop for several minutes on the way back to Durango. Eventually, I saw the drop spout lift up after filling the engine’s tank with water. You can see it in the photo above. What an interesting aspect of these historical steam engines. It’s similar to what some electric car drivers have to do these days to recharge on a long road trip.

For most passengers, though, the journey is a straight shot from Durango to Silverton and back, with a couple of brief pauses to let faster trains pass or to refill the water tanks on the steam engines.

How Long Is the Durango Silverton Train Ride?

Settle in for a journey—each one-way leg of the ride from Durango to Silverton takes about 3.5 hours, making it roughly a seven-hour round-trip train ride. You’ll also have about two hours in Silverton to stretch your legs, shop, grab a bite, and take in the sights before boarding for the return trip. It sounds long, but with so much to see, the time honestly flies by. Plan on about a 9-hour day if you take the train both ways.

The schedule is well-paced, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Silverton at your own speed. Some people opt to take the train one way and return by bus or van for a different perspective on the landscape or a different timeframe. See more on that below. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a day you won’t forget.

What Happens When I’m in Silverton?

Welcome to Silverton! This quirky little mountain town is perched at nearly 9,300 feet, so drink plenty of water! You’ll find a population of about 650 hardy souls. The town’s mining history is on display everywhere—explore the few blocks of the historic district, wander into fun little shops, and chat with locals who have stories to spare. Don’t miss the free map and information at the visitor center—it’s a treasure for exploring all the nooks and crannies.

There’s a surprising amount to do for such a small town! Grab lunch at one of the cozy restaurants (the BBQ and homemade pie are local favorites). We enjoyed our sit-down lunch at the Lazy Rose Saloon. We walked around town and waited to eat for an hour or so after deboarding the train to give the crowds time to die down. Many people eat as soon as they disembark, so the eateries can get crowded immediately after the train arrives.

If you have time, consider taking a hike into the surrounding mountains, or sign up for a guided walking tour in town to learn about Silverton’s wild past. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent an ATV and explore the trails high above town for knockout views of the San Juans. Check out the Silverton Colorado, Tourism website to see what kind of special events might be happening when you visit by train.

What Are the Options for a Silverton to Durango Return Trip?

You’re not stuck with just one way back! You can book a return ticket on the train for the full round-trip experience, or hop on a van or bus for a speedier trip down the mountain road to Durango. The bus and van routes follow a different path from the train, so you get a new perspective on the scenery.

See more here about the most common train one way/bus for the return trip options.

We originally booked the Extended Silverton Adventure Express, van option. Here’s the deal: You take the morning train from Durango to Silverton, but instead of coming back on the afternoon train between 2 and 2:45 pm with all the crowds, you get to stay and have the town basically to yourself for the whole day. Around 8:15 pm, you’ll catch a van shuttle back to Durango in the evening. The van picks you up at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Silverton and gets you back to Durango by 9:45 PM. Just heads up though – if you’ve got kids who need car seats, you have to bring your own for the van.

It’s perfect if you’re one of those people who always feel rushed on the regular train trip where you only get like 2 hours in Silverton before you have to head back. With this option, you can actually explore the town properly, grab a leisurely meal, maybe do some shopping, or take a hike or tour like these, then just chill without constantly checking your watch.

The reason we changed our minds and took the train back was that it was a Sunday and many of the shops and restaurants were closing early. We hadn’t booked any kind of extra tour, so we didn’t think we could fill the extra six hours in Silverton. We checked with the bus drivers going back, and the buses were all full. Thankfully, we talked to the conductor of the train, and there were some seats available on the steam train leaving at 2:45 pm. It was perfect for us.

If you’re traveling with a group or want to customize your adventure, mix and match your return options. Some people even bike down the road from Silverton! No matter how you return, the journey is as memorable as the destination.

Does the Durango Train Go Anywhere Else Besides Silverton?

While the main attraction throughout the year is the 3.5-hour Durango to Silverton one-way or 9ish hours round-trip, the railroad also offers a variety of shorter special excursions. During certain seasons, you can take shorter trips to Cascade Canyon in the summer or see the breathtaking winter scenery on the Cascade Canyon train in the winter.

Highland Express – Durango Evening Train Ride

In the summer, the Highline Express train ride is a recent addition. It’s the newest and shortest ride at about 3 1/2 hours long. Plus, it’s the only evening train ride they offer, which provides beautiful lighting for photography. If you’re not familiar with the golden hour just before sunset, it will make your pictures look so much more magical.

As a special treat, a roaming musician will be on board playing Western tunes. This unique, limited-run evening steam train excursion is only offered on specific dates. You can choose from Standard Class coach and open-air gondola seating for the Highline Express.

These are great if you’re short on time or traveling with young kids or restless adults who might not be up for the full six-to-nine-hour-plus round trip.

Are There Special Event Train Rides from Durango?

Yes! The Durango and Silverton Railroad is always coming up with new twists on its rail adventures. I was excited to see that they offer train rides specifically for photographers, where you’ll have a chance to disembark the train at several stops so you can take photos as the train passes. In autumn, photographers will have the chance to leave the train multiple times to get iconic fall foliage shots in the San Juan Mountains.

If you love ghosts, beer, wine, music, poetry, or hot air balloons (in no particular order), you’ll find special event train rides for you and your fun-loving family or pals throughout the year. Check out their events page for more details.

What’s Available at the Durango Train Depot?

The Durango Train Depot is a perfect stop to pick up souvenirs, coffee, guidebooks, or snacks before the train departs or when you get back from your adventure. Step into the old station, and you’re greeted by friendly faces, classic architecture, and a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel welcome. The ticket office is efficient and stocked with helpful staff who can answer all your questions about the ride, seating, and schedules.

Don’t skip the gift shop, where you can pick up train-themed souvenirs, local crafts, and sweets. There’s plenty of seating inside the depot, too, if you need to sit and wait for your train. The whole depot is steeped in history. It’s the perfect place to start or end your railroad adventure.

Durango Silverton Train Related Posts

• Best Places to Stay in and around Durango, Colorado
• Top Things to Do at the Durango Silverton Railroad Museum
• How to Choose the Best Seats on the Durango Silverton Train [coming soon]
• What to Pack for Your Durango Silverton Railroad Adventure [coming soon]
• Things to Do in Durango, Colorado [coming soon]

Where is Lodging Near the Durango Train Station?

You’ll find some beautiful hotels near the station. From modern designs that overlook the Animas River, to historic hotels just a block from the station. My other post will help you find the best places to stay in Durango.

More Helpful Tips for Traveling in the U.S.

Photo Credits:

Durango Silverton Train Engine with steam billowing out – Photo by Floyd Cox on Unsplash