TL;DR: The Durango Silverton train is a 45-mile scenic steam railroad route through the San Juan Mountains and along the Animas River. The full round trip takes about 9 hours with a layover in Silverton, and tickets often sell out months ahead during summer and fall. If you plan to pair the train with Mesa Verde National Park, staying in Mancos gives you convenient access to both attractions without changing hotels.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is one of the most popular attractions in Southwest Colorado, and for good reason. The historic steam train travels through remote mountain terrain that you cannot reach by car, following the Animas River between Durango and Silverton on tracks first built in the 1880s. For many visitors, the ride becomes the highlight of a Colorado road trip.
Car classes, schedules, weather, and seasonal crowds can all shape the experience. This guide covers what to expect, how to choose seats, when to ride, and where to stay if you want to pair the railroad with Mesa Verde National Park and other Southwest Colorado landmarks.
See accommodations at Mesa Verde Motel for a convenient base between Durango and Mesa Verde.
What to Expect on the Durango Silverton Train
In short: The Durango Colorado train ride is a scenic, slow-paced, full-day activity. Expect mountain views, historic steam locomotives, limited cell connectivity, and changing weather conditions throughout the ride. A shorter half-day option is also available.
The Durango Silverton train is a full-day scenic railroad trip through the San Juan Mountains. The complete round trip covers 45 miles each way and takes about 9.25 hours total, including a roughly two-hour stop in Silverton. The train follows the Animas River through steep canyon terrain and sections of the San Juan National Forest that are inaccessible by road.
The official full route typically operates from May through October. Current schedules and route details are available through the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Durango Area Tourism Office also provides a helpful overview for visitors planning a broader trip to Southwest Colorado.
Scenery changes constantly along the route. One moment the train hugs a canyon wall high above the river, the next it passes through open mountain valleys lined with pine and aspen trees. Riders often mention the High Line section as the highlight because the tracks curve along a cliff edge above the Animas River Gorge. Other memorable points include Horseshoe Curve, High Bridge, and stretches of narrow canyon that feel remote despite being close to Durango.
The historic train itself is part of the appeal. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has operated continuously since 1882, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and still uses authentic steam locomotives on many departures. You will hear the whistle echo through the canyon and may occasionally notice soot drifting into open windows or gondola cars.
Cell service and Wi-Fi are limited once the train enters the canyon north of Durango. That lack of connectivity is part of the appeal for many visitors. Most people spend the ride watching the river, taking photos, or simply enjoying the slower pace.
Time in Silverton goes quickly. The former mining town has restaurants, coffee shops, small museums, and locally owned stores within walking distance of the depot. Many passengers use the layover for lunch and a short walk through downtown before returning to the train.
If a full-day trip feels too long, the Cascade Canyon Express offers a shorter option. This route turns around before reaching Silverton and takes about 5.25 hours round trip. Families with small children and travelers on tighter schedules often prefer this version of the ride. During winter, the railroad also operates shorter Cascade Canyon trips because of snow conditions farther north.
Before or after boarding, it is worth visiting the free D&S Roundhouse Museum at the Durango Depot. The museum includes restored locomotives, historic rail equipment, and exhibits tied to the development of Southwest Colorado. If you are building a broader itinerary, these Southwest Colorado landmarks pair well with a train trip.
Tickets, Seating, and What It Costs
In short: Book Durango Silverton railroad tickets as early as possible if you plan to travel during summer or fall. Open Air Gondola seating offers the best views for many riders, while one-way train and shuttle combinations can shorten the day without missing the scenery.
Durango Silverton train tickets vary by season, route, and seating class. As of 2026, standard Coach tickets for the full Silverton round trip generally start around $90 per adult, while premium seating costs more. Children ages 4 to 11 are discounted, and children under 4 ride free if they do not occupy a separate seat. Prices include the railroad’s 8% Historic Preservation Fee, but rates change throughout the year, so always confirm current pricing through the official railroad website.
| Car Class | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Coach | Traditional enclosed railcar with standard seating and windows that open |
| Open Air Gondola | Outward-facing bench seating with unobstructed views and fresh air |
| Deluxe | Enclosed, extra-roomy face-to-face seating |
| Presidential | Premium enclosed car with larger windows and complimentary bar service |
Most travelers choose between four main car classes. The Open Air Gondola is frequently recommended by repeat riders because of the panoramic views and photo opportunities. However, those cars also expose you to wind, weather, and occasional soot from the steam locomotive. Bring sunglasses and layers if you choose this option. Wearing darker clothing also helps if cinders blow into the car during the ride.
Seat location matters more than many visitors expect. Departing Durango, the right side of the train generally has the best river and canyon views. Returning from Silverton, the left side offers those same views. If you reserve seats early, you may have more flexibility when selecting your side.
The railroad offers one-way train options paired with a scenic shuttle bus ride along the San Juan Skyway. The bus trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs approximately $32 as of 2026. Many travelers take the train northbound to Silverton and return by bus to shorten the day while still seeing the mountain scenery.
Peak season runs from June through September, and tickets can sell out well in advance during weekends and fall foliage season. Open Air Gondola and premium classes usually book first. Reservations can be made online through durangotrain.com or by phone at 877-872-4607.
If your plans change, the railroad allows rebooking and date changes through customer service. Current preparation details and policies are available on the railroad’s Important Information page.
Best Time to Ride and What to Bring
The best time to ride the Durango Silverton train depends on your preferred scenery and weather conditions. Fall is often considered the most photogenic season because of the changing aspens, while summer offers the fullest schedules and warmest temperatures. Winter trips are shorter but provide snow-covered mountain views that feel completely different from the summer route.
Late spring, especially May, usually brings smaller crowds and green mountain scenery. Snow can still linger at higher elevations, and weather conditions can change quickly during this time of year. Afternoon rain showers are common.
Summer, particularly June through August, is the busiest season. Multiple daily departures are more common during peak summer months, and the longer daylight hours make the canyon scenery easier to enjoy. It is also the most expensive and crowded period, so early booking is important.
Fall, generally September through early October, attracts photographers and travelers looking for cooler temperatures. Golden aspens line portions of the route, and shoulder-season pricing sometimes becomes available depending on the departure date.
Winter operations focus on the shorter Cascade Canyon route. Snow-covered cliffs and frozen riverbanks create a quieter, winter atmosphere. The railroad also operates Polar Express-themed rides during the holiday season, and those departures often sell out far in advance. If you plan to pair the train with visiting Mesa Verde in winter, winter can be a good time to experience Southwest Colorado with fewer crowds.
Packing correctly makes the ride more comfortable. Temperatures change throughout the day, especially on open-air cars and at higher elevations. Most riders should bring:
- Layers or a light jacket
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water and snacks
- A camera or phone with extra battery life
- Dark-colored clothing if riding in gondola seating
Steam locomotives can send soot and cinders into open windows and gondola cars. Sunglasses help protect your eyes, and darker clothing hides ash more easily.
There are also a few things you should avoid bringing. Large luggage is impractical because storage space on the train is limited. It also helps to avoid overscheduling the day. The full Silverton route is not a quick sightseeing stop. It is an all-day activity that requires patience and flexibility.
Plan to arrive at the Durango Depot at least 30 minutes before departure. Parking near the station can be reserved online ahead of time, which helps during busy travel periods.
Staying Near the Durango Silverton Railroad
In short: Staying in Mancos puts you about 30 minutes from the Durango train depot and seven miles from Mesa Verde National Park, making it a practical base for travelers combining both attractions in one trip.
If you are planning both a train ride and a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, Mancos is one of the most practical places to stay. The town sits along Highway 160 and the San Juan Skyway, roughly halfway between the two attractions, so you can visit both without changing hotels or backtracking.
Many visitors spend one day riding the train from Durango to Silverton, then spend another day exploring cliff dwellings and scenic drives at Mesa Verde National Park. Staying in Mancos keeps both destinations within easy driving distance.
Mesa Verde Motel is a small owner-operated property with 16 boutique guest rooms, an onsite coffee shop,, nostalgic lounge with board games, books and dvd’s and pet-friendly accommodations. Book directly on our website for the best available rate.
Downtown Mancos is also walkable, so after a long train ride, you can return to a slower-paced setting instead of dealing with downtown Durango traffic and parking. Local restaurants, breweries, cideries, and coffee shops make it easy to grab dinner or drinks without another long drive.
If you are also planning your Mesa Verde visit, this First-Timer’s Guide to Mesa Verde National Park covers timing, tours, and what to expect inside the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Durango Silverton train cost?
As of 2026, round-trip Coach tickets for the Durango Silverton train start around $90 per adult. Open Air Gondola, Deluxe, and Presidential classes cost more depending on the season. Children ages 4 through 11 receive discounted fares, and children under 4 ride free without a separate seat. Check durangotrain.com for current pricing and schedules.
How long is the Durango Silverton train ride?
The full round trip between Durango and Silverton takes about 9.25 hours total. Riders spend roughly 3.5 hours on the train each way with about a two-hour stop in Silverton. The shorter Cascade Canyon Express route takes approximately 5.25 hours round trip and does not continue all the way to Silverton.
Which side of the Durango Silverton train should you sit on?
The right side of the train typically has the best canyon and river views when departing Durango. On the return trip from Silverton, the left side offers those same views. Open Air Gondola seating faces outward on both sides, so seat placement matters less in those cars than in enclosed coach seating.
Is the Durango to Silverton train ride worth it?
For most visitors, yes. The route passes through remote wilderness inaccessible by road and includes river canyons, mountain scenery, and historic steam locomotives. The full trip takes most of the day, though, so families with very young children may prefer the shorter Cascade Canyon route.
When is the best time to ride the Durango Silverton train?
Fall, especially September and early October, is popular because of the changing aspens and cooler weather. Summer offers the longest schedules and warmest temperatures but also the largest crowds. Late spring brings wildflowers and lighter traffic, while winter rides focus on the shorter Cascade Canyon route with snow-covered scenery.
Can you drive from Durango to Silverton instead of taking the train?
Yes. The Million Dollar Highway (US-550) connects Durango and Silverton in roughly two hours and is considered one of Colorado’s most scenic drives. Some travelers ride the train one direction and return by shuttle bus along the San Juan Skyway.
Planning a train trip through the San Juan Mountains takes a little preparation, but the experience is worth the effort for many Southwest Colorado visitors. If you are combining the railroad with Mesa Verde National Park and nearby attractions, check availability at Mesa Verde Motel to stay centrally located between both destinations.