Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad image

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Tourist attraction Museum Historical landmark Heritage museum Historical place museum Rail museum Railroad company

One of the Best Places To Visits in Durango


Address

479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301, United States

Website

www.durangotrain.com

Contact

+1 888-872-4607

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (6.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Sunday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Monday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: train (46) ride (33) experience (16) Silverton (15) trip (14) open (14) Durango (13) scenery (12) lunch (12) steam (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Jekyl Or Hyde C. 2 years ago on Google
    Really neat place! Small gift shop. Limited seating in the station, so if you require to sit frequently you may need to arrive early. The train ride itself is very cool and nostalgic as it is a steam engine. Our particular train ride had light snow, but a heavy snow the night before. So the scenery looked absolutely astounding. They serve refreshments and food. But also encourage you to bring your own. Masks are required however people wearing them may be hit or miss.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily 2 years ago on Google
    Our family had the opportunity to ride the train on the Cascade Canyon Excursion while we were there for Labor Day! All I can say really is WOW!! We had debated if we thought it would be worth the cost when we were planning the trip out to Durango and it definitely was! We chose the open air gondola and it was super nice. Being able to take in the fresh air was great! We had read elsewhere to pack layers for warmth and we likely overpacked to make sure we didn’t freeze! Having blankets, hats, jackets, and such was great for the first part of the morning. We were able to see the view from both sides, because the train turns around, which was super nice. The views were incredible!! The stop in Cascade Canyon was very nice as well! Best suggestion would be to bring lunch! The snack/food car often had long lines which took away from your ability to sit and enjoy! We were glad we’d packed our lunch! The 5 hour train ride was perfect for our family. We had two babies with us and they did great, but we’re definitely done by the end of the day. I would totally recommend this trip to anyone and especially those with kiddos!!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric L. 1 year ago on Google
    We really enjoyed it. It was a relaxing and enjoyable ride. The scenery is why you and it didn't disappoint us. We booked seats on the last car and had a balcony off the back. It held just 16 passengers and service was impressive. Our attendant, Heather, really gave one on one attention and answered our questions as we went along. She pointed out all kinds of things we must see and might have missed. She also provided a history of the train and car. And historical points along the way. It's the first class car and you get a couple of keepsake items like a large burlap tote bag and 2 drinking glasses both with the car and railraod name on them. We also received unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and a few snacks. The seats were large, roomy and comfortable enough to nap in- which a couple of people did on the way back to Durango. The ride itself was fairly smooth and had a few points that made it a bit rocky but still enjoyable. We weren't really impressed with Silverton but that will not stop us from taking this train ride again at another time of the year. We went in July 2022.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael V. 1 year ago on Google
    A great 3 hour ride to Silverton. The scenery was beautiful and the staff was great. The weather was nice and enjoyable and we were glad we chose the open air car to ride in. A nice 2 hour layover in Silverton, enough time to eat and shop. We opted for the bus ride back and the driver/guide was great. A really good experience overall and have already recommended it to some friends.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Merel B. 1 year ago on Google
    This was such a fun day! It was so cool to ride in a train that old and on steam. The ride was about 3,5 hours, and we were stunned by the breathtaking views. High mountains, rivers, bridges and wildlife! It was beautiful! We stayed in Silverton for 2 hours and that was enough to explore the city.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Barbara S. 1 year ago on Google
    It was interesting but kind of too long. It runs through the 'suburbs' of Durango for a good hour. It's hard to get good pictures because it's a moving train. It left at 9am and got in at 12:30. The bartender/guide was fun and knowledgeable. Took the bus back which is much shorter. Silverton is quaint and kitschy. I'd probably drive if I go back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Timothy W. 5 months ago on Google
    I have taken this train 4 times in my life and planned my honeymoon to include a ride. We chose fall to see the amazing fall colors from an absolutely incredible vantage point. I simply love this train, the town and entire area. I can not rave enough about what a magical place and experience this train and area are. The bus ride was enjoyable to due to the friendly, funny and informative driver. We had an amazing lunch in Silverton and made some new friends who also were taking the train back. It’s absolutely amazing!!! Just FYI. After our Honeymoon we brought her kids and Parents back at Thanksgiving to see the Polar Express! Highly Highly recommend this train any and all times of the year.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garry T. 7 months ago on Google
    Our Group rode the Durango-Silverton Railroad from Silverton to Durango. We were scheduled to board between 1:30 and 2 p.m. for the approximately three-and-a-half-hour ride to Durango. We were in an enclosed car with windows that could be raised depending on the weather. There were other types of car available including open air cars with a roof. I would recommend these if the weather were warm and no chance of rain. However, in cooler temperatures the enclosed cars would be your best option. Our Trip from Silverton to Durango was not sold out so we were free to move about the train and enjoy the scenery from other cars. There are snacks and beverages available for an additional charge. Keep in mind that this is a three-and-a-half-hour journey with no stops, other than one brief stop for water if you are travelling on the steam train. The trains’ top speed on the journey is about 22 miles per hour and only averages about 15 miles per hour for the entire journey. There were several small children on the journey that became bored and somewhat unruly. The length of time on the train should be considered when travelling with small children. The scenery along the route is amazing and the conductors and staff very informative about the sights that you are seeing along the way. The only drawback was the loud and unruly children. Other than that, the train ride itself was very nice and the scenery was magnificent.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vee T. 11 months ago on Google
    This is a must! Beautiful breathtaking views. It's like it's not enough! The staff is amazing, they have so much information to share just ask!!! Everyone is willing to help with pics if you need them to. The train is about 3.5 miles. You should pack some snacks and water. It's about a 3.5 hour ride. Grab coffee or have an energy drink ready for the way back... Doesnt seem like it'll be a "tough" day but it is.. you do get sleepy on the way back. I would definitely recommend the open car... Less stuffy, more room, just excellent. Tickets get sold out so definitely buy in advance.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew 1 year ago on Google
    This is absolutely one of the best things to do in Durango. The train ride is so much fun and exciting! Worth every dollar for the tickets. Take the half day ride up to and back from Cascade. Everyone we spoke to says that's the best trip. The views on this trip are breathtaking. The train crew and the station employee's are fantastic and very friendly. Young and old will enjoy this train ride. Buy tickets for the Gondola car as it is an open car to better viewing. Also, stop by the museum. It's free and full of everything from trains, to autos, guns, airplanes, models, and many other things related o the trains and our country.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ron G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great train excursion on a steam engine. They have covered cars and open cars. We took the open car with the glass top ceiling so you can see what is above you…it is a 3 1/2 hr trip from Durango to Silverton with a 2 hrs lay over to have lunch at the many choices of restaurants there in Silverton then a 3 1/2 hr trip back… If you decide to take an open car bring a coat.. you leave at 9 am and once the sun shine on the glass roof top it warms up… and no coat is needed…. But when we got close to silverton the wind kinda picked up and got real cool, time to put the coat back on…the open car let’s you take awesome pictures. I would recommend this relaxing train ride to all … young and old … great to see all the people in town come out with there kids to see the steam train, hear its whistle and wave to the passengers. We had a great guide on our car, he name was Shawn was very knowledgeable of the history of the train and the areas that we were traveling through. It was his 23rd birthday so the whole car sang happy birthday to him..
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yu-Mon A. 1 year ago on Google
    It was so fun for me and the kids! We chose the open air cabin and absolutely loved it. Beautiful and cool experience. Wear warm clothes if you do this because it gets pretty chilly! All the train workers were very nice. Going in October right before the train shuts down for the season was an amazing choice because the leaves were changing! Would go again 1 day.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 BlokeBearD 4 months ago on Google
    Do not sit in car behind concession car the in and out of people going to get drunk annoying and the don’t close the door thus it’s freezing 🥶 plus they just stand in the car waiting to go into next car also wear boots to keep feet dry and warm No bathrooms at the picnic spot and the fire 🔥 is a outdoor grill pit not cozy But beautiful scenery and conductors are awesome and friendly Lastly did not see Mile markers that correspond to book pages? Think they fell down or covered in snow Bring own lunch 🥪 box lunch was sad but something I never did before so would recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brennan L. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a super cool way to see some of the best views in colorado. The steam engine was really cool. The trip is long but very fun. We had so much fun. The time in Silverton is short but you can see the town and get lunch. You do have an option to ride the bus back which can save time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tabitha B. 11 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing! Breathtaking views. The friendly staff. We opted for an open gondola. Kinda chilly but worth it. Buy the mug and get free refills.. coffee or cocoa! Both delicious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin C. 11 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful experience. I lost count of how many - “oh my goodness”, “so beautiful”, “this is amazing” I said. We went on the Prospector to Cascade Canyon in April. Then visited the gift shop and museum. Everything was awesome and something that I will cherish forever. It was such an amazing experience and fairly affordable given how awesome it is. A must see/do while in Durango.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Layne H. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing all day experience for adults! Photography paradise on the old fashioned steam locomotive. $9 drink cup includes unlimited lifetime refills of soda, hot chocolate, coffee or hot cider on return trips. $5 hot dogs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelley S. 11 months ago on Google
    This was a magical bucket list trip. It was the best steam train ride I have been on. The icing on the cake was that we saw a moose from the train. I highly recommend purchasing tickets for the parlor car if you can afford it. It is always the last car on the train, and in my opinion has the best views. I also want to thank Delaney, who was our tour guide, bartender, and overall information specialist, who made the trip even more enjoyable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J. B. 7 months ago on Google
    AMAZING!! If you're even remotely on the fence about taking this train ride, just do it. Incredible scenery, very friendly staff and pretty simple to board and navigate your way through the entire process. I personally experienced the open air gondola, which obviously can vary on the weather, but my experience was extremely pleasant. You do get the best views vs. the higher priced cars. Highly recommend this experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vernon T. 7 months ago on Google
    The bus ride up to Silverton and Steam Train ride back to Durango was absolutely awesome. We got to see the scenery from the road and the train. Amazing staff working there. I enjoyed the experience. This whole experience was worth every penny. I cannot stress how much fun this was. If you are traveling or you are a local you have to go. The scenery is unreal.

  • 5/5 Dawn D. 4 months ago on Google
    We have traveled on the Durango Silverton Railroad many times and in all different seasons. The Polar Express was a new experience for us. My 7 year old grandson loved it. The dancing down the aisles, singing carols and the visit from santa passing out bells were all highlights.

  • 5/5 Rick W. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful scenery, great hosts aboard the train, very informative conversations with the tour guides on the train. The price was more than expected but enjoyed the ride. It was fun to be able to ride on a narrow rail road that was old and pretty much original. We reserved on line and did have to wait.

  • 5/5 Jason R. 6 months ago on Google
    I have ridden this train several times. The staff is fantastic, friendly and kind. I recommend ordering your tickets in advanced as possible. These are very popular rides. If you can afford the night sky or silver vista, they are my preferred. I like riding the left side of the car on the ride out. Wear layers of clothes. It. Is cold in the morning and often hot by afternoon. End of September is usually leaves color change which adds to the ride. Sit back order a rust spike and enjoy. PS bring your camera. Great photos are to be had. For lunch I recommend eating at the Grand Imperial first thing then go wander town. You have 2 hours before the train returns home.

  • 5/5 Amber M. 9 months ago on Google
    I can't say anything bad about this trip. We booked a seat in the coach car (enclosed) which was probably for the best because it rained at times and we were sitting pretty inside while others on the open air cars were getting soaked. If you have an entire day to devote to this tour, do it.

  • 5/5 Mark S. 10 months ago on Google
    Last time I took this train ride was in around 1994, still the best historic train, in my opinion. If you're not up for a full day consider taking the bus up in the morning have the town to yourself until the trains arrive, and then ride the train home. The last time I rode the steam engine, this time we took the diesel electric. Both are wonderful, the steam engine now converted to oil would be an option for me again. With the coal it used to burn, there was so much soot we would have preferred it inside car way back when, but now an outside car would be perfect.

  • 5/5 Oscar V. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely worth every penny! Best train experience out there. Tip: choose coach 2… it’s right next to the outdoor car and the cafe car. The views were incredible in every direction and many times breathtaking. The ride can be a bit shaky* The entire staff was young and they were all so friendly and genuinely good people to talk too! Props to the staff on 1/9/22

  • 5/5 John H. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great trip. Whether or not you're a big fan of trains, the trip between Durango and Silverton is beautiful and relaxing. It was a little over two hours of river-filled, canyon scenery. The layover in Silverton gives you a chance to enjoy lunch at a large number of restaurants and still enjoy the sight of a small town completely surrounded by mountains. It was pretty in summer. No doubt it would be more so covered with snow in winter. They do offer the opportunity to experience the trip in the cab of one of the steam locomotives. It's expensive, but if you're a train enthusiast, it's an opportunity to experience a bucket-list item.

  • 5/5 D. F. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful experience, September is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the open air train car and to see a part of the backcountry you normally don't get to see. My suggestion is to book the last car on the train because it is less bumpy and do take your motion sickness medicine because it does sway back and forth starting out and mask might be need if your asthmatic, the smoke does blow back once in a while. I personally don't get sick but towards the end of the trip one lady did.. I packed a picnic lunch because the trains snack car didn't offer anything Gluten-free but they did have beverages.

  • 4/5 LauraLee B. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic way to see Durango and further with views you won't get by car. We enjoyed the Cascade Canyon train; very scenic and stops for lunch. You can order a box lunch, buy food and drinks on the train, or bring your own. If you have any respiratory issues you may want the enclosed car to avoid the occasional smoke. Overall a memorable and fun experience.


Call +1 888-872-4607 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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