Durango Silverton Train Ride

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad    

www.durangotrain.com
4.5/5
(6K) · Museum in Durango, United States
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This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind historic steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. …
This historic train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882, carrying passengers behind historic steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock indigenous to the line. It is a family-friendly ride sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado’s mountain splendor inaccessible by highway. Relive the sights and sounds of yesteryear for a spectacular journey on board the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Reviews

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4.5/5 · 5,965 reviews
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72%
4-star
13%
3-star
7%
2-star
4%
1-star
4%
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Mar 3, 2025
Don’t bother with a photo train ride! This was the third time we went on a special season photo shoot of the train. After the last one we figured they would have gotten their act together on organizi…Full review by GloriasTravels
Feb 25, 2025
Great service and great train ride with beautiful views. absolutely loved it. Excellent for couples or families. Beautiful time on the train.Full review by B1664NProbertd
Feb 4, 2025
We rode the Cascade Canyon Winter Train, and reserved first class car for ages 21 and up only. This was the second time to experience the train ride. Our first time was during summer in an open air…Full review by wanderingcajunlady
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Articles

The 45 mile Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in existence since 1881. It was then used as an important mode …
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Questions & answers

Q:
How’s the polar express ride? I can’t find any reviews from 2022 or 2023.
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We visited in June. Can't help you with the Polar Express. We took the train out of Durango and back. The train moves slowly, so I think if we did this again we'd take the bus option back.
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Q:
I am planning gorgeous a group of seniors. One woman asked if it's difficult to step up to enter the train. She gets around …
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I am planning gorgeous a group of seniors. One woman asked if it's difficult to step up to enter the train. She gets around fine but says an extra step would help her.
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When boarding the train in either Durango or Silverton, the train crew used portable passenger steps to help passengers get into the coaches. Note nearly all of these passenger cars are …
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When boarding the train in either Durango or Silverton, the train crew used portable passenger steps to help passengers get into the coaches. Note nearly all of these passenger cars are ~100 years old, so the steps up to the seating areas and the passageways inside the cars can be steep & narrow. That said, I saw that one of the cars on the train (a former "combine" coach; the ones where half the car is for baggage and the other half is regular coach seating) had a handicapped passenger lift elevator installed in the former baggage area. Depending on how much assistance your friends may need getting on & off the train, you might want to check with the railroad about getting seating in this handicapped-accessible combine.
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Q:
what is the difference in the view between going TO silverton vs coming BACK from silverton? do you prefer bus there, …
Q:
what is the difference in the view between going TO silverton vs coming BACK from silverton? do you prefer bus there, train back or train there and bus back?
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I took the round trip from Durango to Silverton & back, so I got to see the train ride from both sides of the train. The ride crosses the Animas River multiple times, so both sides of …
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I took the round trip from Durango to Silverton & back, so I got to see the train ride from both sides of the train. The ride crosses the Animas River multiple times, so both sides of the train get good views of the canyon and associated scenery in both directions. Depending on your interest in photography (and the amount of clouds the day of your trip), there also may be times when the sun is in your eyes or you travel really closely to the canyon wall (and don't see that much from that side of the train). Overall, I'd say the eastern side of the north - south journey are slightly more scenic. Particularly on the stretch of the railroad known as the Narrows and the Horseshoe Curve. The train goes slowly through the most scenic sections, and you'll have a chance to stand up and lean over to the other side of the train car in those sections if you want a good view & a picture.
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Q:
Is there food & alcohol available on th train for purchase. If not ca we bring some ?
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There is a food & beverage car on the (long!) trains. I rode an extra fare car (the "Silver Vista"), and our car guide provided us with drink service at our seats. You should check the …
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There is a food & beverage car on the (long!) trains. I rode an extra fare car (the "Silver Vista"), and our car guide provided us with drink service at our seats. You should check the railroad's website for whatever rules they have on bringing your own alcohol, I don't think bringing your own food would be an issue.
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Q:
Is the morning train up to Silverton more photographic (due to sun positions, glare if any) or the afternoon train down to …
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Is the morning train up to Silverton more photographic (due to sun positions, glare if any) or the afternoon train down to Durango better for deeper colors. Fall Colors is the goal.
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The Durango & Silverton generally runs in a North - South direction along the Animas River canyon. The train will cross over the river several times, so in both directions you'll …
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The Durango & Silverton generally runs in a North - South direction along the Animas River canyon. The train will cross over the river several times, so in both directions you'll have the sun at your back (and in your face) at various points along the line. The national forest this train runs through will be on both sides of the line, so you'll get good shots of any fall foliage from either side of the train in either direction. All that said, if you're looking for the most photogenic pictures I'd take the morning train out of Durango and sit on the right side of the train as it travels north to Silverton. That side of the train will give you the best views of both the several hundred-foot drop off from the cliff trail the train is traveling on down to the river (a spectacular view as you lean out of the car!) and the thousand foot cliff towering over your head as the train goes through the narrowest part of the gorge. If possible (it costs more, and this sells out early) try for reservations in the "Silver Vista" observation car. This has a clear plexiglass roof which allows you to get photographs of the cliffs towering over the train.
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Frequently asked questions

Q:
Which major highways run through Durango?
A:
Durango is accessible by US Hwy 550 from the north and south, and US Hwy 160 from the east and west. D&SNGRR on map. If you’re...
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