Durango-Silverton Railroad

Riding the Durango-Silverton Railroad

• Hours: Runs daily from early May through late October, with winter service to Cascade Canyon from late November through early January and early March through early May
• Reservations: Highly recommended
• Cost: Fees depend on class of service
• Location: Excursions begin in Durango, driving directions below
• How Long: The 45-mile trip takes 3-1/2 hours each way, with a 2 hour-15-minute layover in Silverton, making it an all-day activity
• Best Time to Visit: Any time, but gondola cars are most comfortable in summer

In continuous operation for over 123 years, the Durango-Silverton Railroad carries passengers along a scenic route between the towns of Durango and Silverton, Colorado.

Durango-Silverton Railroad Review

See It Now: Durango_silverton Railroad Photo Tour

The Durango-Silverton Railroad line was originally constructed to haul silver and gold ore from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers soon realized that the view was more valuable than the ore, and the line became a popular tourist attraction.

Today, authentic, coal-fired, steam-powered Durango-Silverton Railroad trains travel along the Animas River from Durango to Silverton at a top speed of 18 miles per hour.

The trains make one trip each day, stopping for just over two hours in Silverton before returning in the afternoon.

Durango-Silverton Railroad Tickets and Classes of Service

Advance reservations are highly recommended. They can be made online or by telephone, but if you're reserving with less than a week's notice, you'll have to call.

Try to plan carefully because the Durango-Silverton Railroad charges a change fee and cancellation fees. If you need to cancel, try to do it more than 48 hours ahead or you'll forfeit the entire ticket price.

The Durango-Silverton Railroad offers three classes of service:

• Coach: Fully-enclosed, old-fashioned railroad cars with seats on either side of a center aisle
• Open-Air Gondola: These cars have roofs and seats, but open sides. They provide unobstructed views, but can be cold and you're likely to end up covered in soot from the coal-burning engine.
• First Class Parlor Car: Adults only (over 21). Ticket price includes complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, croissants and one glass of champagne.

The Durango-Silverton Railroad also offers a one-way bus/one-way train option.

What to Expect on the Durango-Silverton Railroad

• No smoking is allowed on board.
• If you travel in a gondola car, bring jackets and wear clothing you don't mind getting sooty.
• Food and restrooms are available on board the train.
• The only animals allowed are certified service dogs.

The train has a wheel-chair-accessible lift service, but you need to specify your needs when you make your reservation, and you should call and talk to a reservation agent personally instead of booking online.

Getting to the Durango-Silverton Railroad

Durango-Silverton Railroad
Durango, CO
940-247-2733
888-TRAIN-07
Durango-Silverton Railroad Website

The Durango-Silverton Railroad station is on the south end of town. If you're traveling on US 160, exit and follow 550 into town (Camino del Rio Street). Turn right onto College Drive and right onto Main Avenue to park at the station. If you're in town, go south on any of the main streets to College Drive and follow the signs.

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