Durango Silverton Train

Since 1882

About The Durango Train

The Durango Silverton train is one of the most scenic and historic railroads in America. When it was built in 1882, the route was nailed and blasted through an undeniably dramatic stretch of the Rocky Mountains, all for the purpose of moving passengers and ore from Silverton’s thriving mines to Durango’s smoky smelter.

Today, the locomotive continues to chug through the largest wilderness in Colorado, following its original imposing route along high line cliffs, dramatic gorges, and lush forests of the roaring Animas River Canyon. A ride on this 140-year-old narrow gauge is an absolute must for anyone who visits Southwest Colorado.

How to Get the Most out of a Durango Train Ride

Things to Know for Your Durango Train Ride:

One Way Train Options:

Most folks who have ridden the Durango train say a one-way ride is enough to get the full experience.

Many prefer to use the scenic Skyway Shuttle to or from Silverton, or the Trails & Rails package for a fuller experience of the train’s amazing history and the San Juan Mountains.

Trails & Rails Package:

This package combines a scenic shuttle to Silverton, a Silverton Jeep tour, and a one-way train ride back to Durango. Your shuttle guide will provide a wealth of insight about the area, as well as your Jeep guide, who will take you into the mountains that surround Silverton and up to the mines that created the town in the first place. Trails & Rails Trips

Lasts from 8 AM to 6 PM. See the full itinerary and details below!

Scenic Roundtrips:

A roundtrip from Durango to Silverton is approximately 9+ hours. The train ride itself is around 3.5 hours, with 2 hours to enjoy Silverton. Scenic Roundtrips

Steam Train (early May – late October) : Departs 9 AM, Returns ~6 PM

Diesel Train (late May – early October) : Departs 8:15 AM, Returns ~5:15 PM

Cascade Canyon Express:

For those who want to take a shorter roundtrip journey on the Durango Train, the Cascade Canyon Express is a great option as it takes just over 5 hours. Cascade Canyon Trips

May – August: Depart 9:45 AM, Return 3:00 PM

November – May: TBH

Best Seats on the Train:

When riding the train from Durango to Silverton, you’ll want to sit on the right side for a front row set to the expansive views. Alternatively, when you’re chugging back to Durango, sit on the left side.

For the car options, locals and previous train riders tend to favor the Open Air Gondolas for better views, fresh mountain air, and the powerful sounds of the train.

Train Car Options from Least to Most Expensive:

Coach Class: The standard option in an enclosed coach with functional windows to open and close as you please.

Open Air Gondola: Highly recommended! The option comes with bench-style seating facing out to the vistas. Bring layers for high-elevation temperature changes and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the soot. Also, consider wearing dark colors!

Deluxe Class: An enclosed coach that features extra roomy, overstuffed and face-to-face seating. Enclosed deluxe cars offer face-to-face seating (flippable to forward-facing on the San Juan).

Deluxe Rio Grande Gondola: Open-air car that features outward-facing extra-padded row style seating with waist high side walls that are open from waist to ceiling and a full roof to protect you from the elements.

First Class (All Ages): All first-class cars include an onboard attendant, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, morning pastry, souvenir mug, and one Durango & Silverton tote bag per couple/group. Seating options vary by car and include either table and padded chair configuration or overstuffed forward-facing (flippable) seating.

First Class (21+): Same as the first class option for all ages, but with adults only!

Trails & Rails PAckage

If you want to fully experience the extraordinary scenery of Silverton and the wild mining history that built the Durango train, we recommend combining a morning Silverton Jeep tour with a one-way train ride back to Durango in the afternoon. This package comes with quite a few perks, including:

A scenic shuttle to Silverton on the San Juan Skyway
An off roading tour to Silverton’s historic mining sites, waterfalls, and mountain meadows
Time to shop and grab lunch in Silverton
A 3 1/2 hour train ride through the Animas River Canyon to Durango (in lieu of spending 7+ hours on the train)

Schedule:

8 am: Meet your Mild to Wild shuttle driver in the Railroad parking lot located west of McDonalds on College Drive (All day parking is available in the DSNGRR parking lot).
8:15 am: Shuttle leaves promptly.
10 am: Arrive in the historic, Victorian town of Silverton.
10:15 am-1 pm: Explore the high country and ghost towns with your guides on customized 4×4 tour vehicles.
1 pm: Return to Silverton to enjoy shopping and lunch on your own.
2:30 pm: Board train for 2:45 train return to Durango.
6:15 pm: Arrive in Durango.

This package is available from May – October (Monday – Saturday). Please note that you will have to book your Durango train ticket individually, as well as your Shuttle & Jeep Tour. We make it easy with instructions of how to book here!

Starts at $264

Reviews from our Guests

    
 
 
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   cynthia forbis 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an awesome experience on a jeep ride through La Plata Canyon with Jared. He was knowledgeable and a skilled driver, we were in good hands. The scenery was gorgeous and we enjoyed seeing this beautiful place. Thanks Jared!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tim Swope 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was an awesome guide……with all of his knowledge and stories and enthusiasm for the Colorado mountains it made for a great trip!
  
 
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   vicki fathallah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tim was amazing. Very informative and very pleasant tour guide. I would recommend him for your next tour. I enjoyed it very much
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Claudia Hartley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide Jared was knowledgeable and personable.  It was a great experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alberto Gonzalez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did the Silverton Jeep Tour Package on 9/28/26 and it was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guide, Tim, took us to picturesque landscapes while giving us knowledge of the history surrounding the mountains of Silverton, all while it was raining I should say. Plus we were able to see and experience first hand snow falling at a higher altitude. We were given ample time to shop around town before departing on the train back to Durango. Only minor thing I would critique was that the roof cover, for the 6 seats in back, was not 99.9% waterproof because their were water drops falling from the cover while it was raining but it was no biggie for us and part of the adventure to be honest (we were given waterproof blankets to cover our bodies from the beginning). PLEASE BRING LAYERS AS MENTIONED ON THEIR WEBSITE (YOU'RE GOING TO NEED THEM)!
  
 
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   Holly Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour to Mesa Verde with Ann as our guide was truly amazing! She was so knowledgeable, answered questions and gave us so much to think about regarding Mesa Verde. The lunch provided was filling and there were plenty of refreshments offered throughout the day.
I highly recommend the full day tour! Visiting Cliff Palace is so worth it!
  
 
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   Sam Lyons 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! We had the best time. Our guide Dylan made us feel very safe, while taking us through fun rapids.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Jessop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour guide Ann made this already beautiful tour absolutely incredible! We were so grateful to spend the day with her. She was a wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge. Overall a great day with great people.

What are you waiting for? Call today (800) 567-6745 OR (970) 247-4789

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Meet Location & Directions

Mild to Wild Packages

Mild to Wild offers a large selection of half-day tours that make it easy to mix and match adventures for those who are short on time. If you don’t see a combination listed here that you’d be interested in, give us a call! Guests who book at least two of our trips that include Rafting, Jeep Tours or Mesa Verde receive 7.5% off of each trip!