Our Train & Shuttle Options
Take in the beautiful mountain scenery between Durango and Silverton with a ride on our train and shuttles!
The Durango Train Route
A unique experience awaits you aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. History buffs and nature enthusiasts will have an unforgettable adventure aboard this rare three-foot narrow gauge heritage railroad which has run continuously since 1881.
Covering 45 miles of track between Durango and Silverton, the Durango train ride is one of the few in the U.S. that has continuous use of steam locomotives. Hop aboard one of the historic train cars, steep yourself in the lore of the Old West, and enjoy the spectacular scenery during the journey.
Be sure to bring a camera to capture the truly breathtaking scenery along the train route. Traversing canyons and mountains, you will be treated to majestic views that only nature can provide. Sheer cliff walls, river-run canyons, mountains, and forests offer plentiful photography opportunities. Watch for local wildlife such as deer, elk, black bears, bighorn sheep, eagles, and more.
As the Durango train passes through flag stops and makes water tank breaks, take in vistas of today’s rich farmlands and yesteryear’s stagecoach roads and mining camps.
Along the way, you will be treated to a variety of terrain and grades. Part of the trip closely follows the meandering Animas River as it courses through the canyon. As the train enters the narrow rock-cut of the Tank Creek area, the Durango train ride becomes the only ground transportation into the Animas Canyon.
Durango train passengers will traverse the rock shelf of the mini-highline, which follows the edge of a small cliff. The train also winds around a rock face above Shalona Lake. Riders will also be treated to the excitement of the highline, a section where the train crawls along the face of high cliffs.
This historic train trip lets you travel the same path and witness the same awe-inspiring scenery as the early settlers and miners did. Let yourself slip into the nostalgia of the past and imagine a simpler time. Be sure to explore many museums of Silverton to learn more about the early years in Colorado’s mining country. For those interested in the early years of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, be sure to visit the D&SNGRR Museum in Durango.
Book today and save your spot!
The How-To Guide
Durango Rivertrippers & Adventure Tours are proud to be an authorized train ticket reseller for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. As Durango’s adventure experts, we want to help you make the most of your train ride aboard the famous Durango Train so we have put together a How-To guide for your Durango and Silverton train experience. For each section, make sure to check out our Pro Tips to help answer questions and avoid common pitfalls.
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The Durango train trip is a popular tourist activity. People come from all over the world to take the historic ride through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Don’t miss out on this opportunity by not planning ahead. Reserve your tickets online. Reservations made online will receive a confirmation number. Simply bring this confirmation number to claim your tickets at the depot.
Pro-tip: Reserve your Durango train tickets early for best availability.
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Tickets need to be picked up the evening before the train trip. Final boarding is 30 minutes prior to departure.
Pro-tip: Please be seated on the train no later than 30 minutes prior to departure or your seat may be released to waiting passengers.
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A fee of $14 per adult and $7 per child will be applied to cancellations. No refunds are given within 5 days of the trip. No-shows are not refundable.
There is a $6 fee per seat to change travel date, departure time, or car.
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Any special needs should be communicated at booking. The Durango Train offers a wheelchair accessible restroom and lift service. Service animals are allowed onboard.
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The Durango Train is smoke-free. No smoking is allowed in any car, platform, bathroom, or other onboard areas.
No alcohol can be brought on the train. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased onboard.
Firearms are not permitted. For special handling concessions such as hunting or backpacking, please contact the reservation office to make arrangements.
Pets are not permitted. Only registered service animals are allowed to board the train.
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All seats are assigned on the train ride so be sure to book early to guarantee your spot!
You can choose your train car type and class of service. There are a variety of train cars and services available, so you can choose one that fits both your travel needs and your budget. Classes of service include:
- Standard / Coach Service
- Deluxe Class Service
- First Class Service
- Presidential Class Service
Pro Tip: Some train cars are not suitable for younger passengers but there are many family-friendly options.
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Coach Class Seating, or standard seating, is available on the Open Gondola and Vintage Closed train cars. Both cars are suitable for all ages.
Pro Tip: Ride the Open Gondola car for the most unobstructed views but remember that cinder is a part of the experience so don’t wear your Sunday best.
The Open Gondola Car
The Open Gondola car is open-air around the sides with a covered roof. This train car features bench-style seating and allows the most unobstructed views of the gorgeous scenery. Since it is open air, we recommend that you dress in layers to accommodate the changeable mountain weather.Pro-tip: Mountain weather is cooler. Dress in layers to stay comfortable as you change elevations as there can be 10 – 20 degree shifts in temperature.
The Vintage Closed Car
The Vintage Closed car features standard class seating. Seats are similar to an airplane layout, with one aisle seat and one window seat. Oversized windows ensure that even those passengers on the aisle will have a great view.Click below to view the seating charts for each car:
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Deluxe Class Seating features roomier seats than coach, and passengers receive a souvenir mug that you can fill in the concession car. Deluxe cars are open only to passengers aged 12 years and up. The San Juan Narration car and the Rio Grande car offer deluxe class Durango Train seating.
- The San Juan Narration car has a closed-vestibule coach featuring roomy, comfortable seating in a three-across arrangement.
- The Rio Grande train car is an open-air observation gondola. It boasts large overstuffed seats and expansive windows.
Click below to view the Deluxe Class Seating Charts:
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First Class Seating is available on five train cars. Some of the cars do have age restrictions, but all cars will provide special features unique to themselves.
The Silver Vista train car is for passengers 12 years and up. It is the only narrow gauge, glass-roofed observation car, offering majestic overhead mountain views and open-air sides. This car also features the most legroom of any car on the line plus a private outdoor viewing platform.
Pro Tip: Wear layers to accommodate the cooler mountain temperatures.
The Alamosa Parlor car is for passengers 21 years and older. This car features table and chair lounge seating, an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, and a private attendant. A full cash bar is included.
The Yankee Girl Parlor car is designed for ages 21 years and older. This historic train car was built in 1880 and boasts the details and atmosphere of the Victorian era but has undergone a remodel to provide passengers with all the modern comforts. A private attendant is on hand to serve beverages and answer questions about the area.
Pro Tip: Ask the attendant about the trip’s best photo opportunities.
The Knight Sky and The Prospector cars both welcome passengers of all ages.
The Knight Sky is an open-air car with a glass-paneled roof. Take in the panoramic scene while relaxing in the roomy reclining seating. Along with your seat in this magnificent car, you will receive a souvenir tote bag and mug, a morning pastry, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages served by the private attendant.
The Prospector train car features table and chair style seating, an attendant, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Sip from your souvenir mug while following the enlarged route map displayed on the ceiling of the car.
Pro Tip: The Prospector is a great car for families that want a little more room.
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For those wanting the most comfort and service available, Presidential Seating Class is available for passengers 21 years and older on two outstanding train cars.
The Cinco Animas is a gorgeous private car resplendent in the Victorian fashion. It includes both Pullman and Parlor seating, a large outdoor viewing platform, a private attendant, and a cash bar.
The Nomad was built in 1878 and features distinctive seating areas plus a stateroom for four. It offers a large outdoor viewing platform as well as an attendant and cash bar.
