Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train
DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE. The DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE.
Everyone knows Europe has breathtaking train routes. And maybe you’ve heard of the Orient Express? The long distance passenger train crossing multiple countries was made even more famous by Agatha Christie. But did you know North America is home to some particularly stunning train trips as well? Through national parks, mountain ranges and wine regions- train travel should not be overlooked as a form of holiday here in the United States. In particular, Colorado train trips!
Let’s take a closer look at the trip voted “One of the World’s Top Ten Train Rides” by the Society of American Travel Writers and “Number One North American Train Trip” by National Geographic Traveler.
A trip aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train will not only dazzle you with it’s breathtaking scenery but transport you back in time to the year 1882.
Quick Facts
- Running continuously for 138 years
- Runs year round
- Shorter route in the winter but specialty “Polar Express” ride available
- Full day or half day excursions available
- Option to take the train round trip, one way or combine with a bus ticket
Book the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train!
Souvenirs, Concessions and Bathrooms Onboard
If you book the train round trip- it will be a full day excursion! Depending on the season, trains depart between 8:00 am – 9:30 am. You will arrive back in Durango around 5:00pm and 6:00 pm. (If you take the bus one way, it will be shorter!)
I was thrilled to take the train both ways since everything you need for a day away, you can access on board- such as plenty of clean bathrooms! The concession cart doesn’t serve full service meals but you can buy snacks for a reasonable price on your way to Silverton. Then you can have lunch at a restaurant when you arrive in town!
Drink Specials
They also offer an insulated $9 souvenir mug with endless refills on non-alcoholic drinks. I really took advantage of this deal and tried every warm, delicious drink they offered! Spiced chai, hot mochas, warm apple cider, hot chocolate- there was no shortage of tasty drinks! A full service bar is available on board with a number of specialty cocktails, beer or wine.
The train company also sells a great DVD and book package talking about the train’s 140 years of history, footage of the route in each season and a map you can follow as you chug along through the mountains.
The trains are equipped with a variety of train cars to further personalize your trip! Deluxe Class consists of fully open train cars for unobstructed views. First Class is a parlor car. And Standard Class has the windows that fully open!
An assigned seat will be given when you purchase a ticket. However, people were walking between the train cars. And if there was an open seat- people would sit and take in the view for awhile as well! It was a very laid back, leisurely environment. However, First Class and Presidential Class were closed off to general admission.
Standard Class: All Ages
Deluxe Class: All ages
First Class: Ages 21+
Presidential Class : Ages 21+
Prices vary depending on which route you do. It is cheaper to do the train round trip than to do a bus/train combo ticket. Children under 3 are free but won’t be allowed in the 21+ cars. The cheapest ticket is roundtrip train ($94 adults & $60 kids with $5 off during non-peak times!) The most expensive option is Presidential Class for $224.
Book the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train!
Lunch In Silverton, Colorado
After your glorious ride up through the mountains, get out and explore the tiny little mountain town, Silverton. There are plenty of shops, souvenirs and cafes to check out! If you want to hear some old timey tunes on a western piano- head over to Lone Spur Cafe. Also be sure to check out the museum inside the old jailhouse dating back from 1902!
Lunch recommendation: Lone Spur Cafe
Keep in mind: Due to all the snow, the train doesn’t travel to Silverton in the winter months! It takes a shorter route. However if you go around Christmas, you can ride the Polar Express train.
An Unforgettable Day
There is a reason this train trip has been so highly ranked among travel experiences! Unbeatable views over the river, mountains and cliff sides await you. Snuggle up with some hot cocoa, feel the train chug along and soak in the sites. Overall, a day on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train is something won’t soon forget! Perfect for families, couples, group trips or like myself, solo travelers.
Have you ridden a steam train before? Let me know in the comments!
Thank you Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train for hosting me! As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.
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More on train travel? BEST DAY TRIPS FROM ROME BY TRAIN
DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE
We went on the Durango Silverton train last September, and I have a very cool photo my soon took that I would like to share, how do I do this?
Hi Brenda! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the train as well 🙂 Did you mean getting your photo featured on the Durango & Silverton Railroad page? If you want to be featured on the train’s Instagram or Facebook just send them the picture over messenger or direct message! Or you can use the hashtag: #mydurangotrainmoment
Hope that helps 🙂
Hello there. Let me say you are a very beautiful woman . Where are you from ? I rode the same train back in October 2017. My name is Dan from Laurel Md. So glad you enjoyed the trip and great pics as well.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the train ride as well. I’m originally from Minnesota!