Durango and Silverton Railroad, Colorado

Snaking through rugged ravines and the pristine countryside of Colorado, the Durango & Silverton Railroad takes passengers on an adventure through the San Juan Mountains. Built in 1882 to transport silver and gold from the mines, the train is now a heritage rail route, starting in Durango and journeying to historic Silverton on 72.7km of narrow-gauge track. The train offer four classes of service, both winter and summer excursions and even themed events such as a beer, wine and Christmas tree train. Ride the Durango & Silverton Railroad and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, from the antique Victorian carriages to the scenery reminiscent of a black-and-white cowboy movie. 

Prices from: $69
Departing from: Durango, Colorado – USA
Journey length: 3.5 hours

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Durango & Silverton Railroad route

The rail route runs 300 days a year and offers two different itineraries – a summer schedule and winter schedule. The summer schedule offers daily, round-trip services from Durango to Silverton, with the option to return on the train or upgrade to a scenic bus return. There are one to three departures a day, depending on the date, and the round-trip takes 3 hours, 30 minutes with a two-hour layover in Silverton for lunch and exploration.

From November to early May the winter rail route runs a special Cascade Canyon excursion, taking travellers to the Cascade Canyon Wye (halfway to Silverton). The train’s timetable varies, so it’s worth double checking ahead of travel, but usually departs at 9:45 and returns at 2:45, with a 55-minute stopover in the forest at Cascade Canyon Wye. There are also special themed rides throughout the year, such as a child-friendly ‘Polar Express’,  Valentine’s Day train and A ‘wine train’. 

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Durango & Silverton Railroad train

Riding the Durango & Silverton Railroad train is like stepping back in time, with vintage carriages and a steam locomotive. There are four classes of service to choose from on board; Presidential Class, First Class, Deluxe Class and Standard Class. Presidential is the most lavish, designed for those 21 and over and with grand Victorian interiors and a large outdoor viewing platform. First Class is also in vintage carriages and both Presidential and First come with an onboard attendant, unlimited alcoholic beverages, a morning pastry and souvenir. Deluxe is a slightly more comfortable and spacious version of Standard – both including open air carriages and vintage coaches. 

What we love

The feeling of stepping back in time into a Wild Western movie. It’s also worth looking out for the special themed journeys, where you can experience the same cinematic scenery but with a unique theme.