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Status update, October 20, 2026.
- Silverton season is ending. The railroad lists a 9:00 a.m. Silverton departure through November 1, 2026. The train-and-bus "Skyway" combos ended October 11 (D&SNGRR).
- In winter, the Cascade Canyon Winter Train runs on select dates from November 20, 2026 to April 30, 2027, and The Polar Express runs from November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027 (D&SNGRR).
Which trip to pick
- The round trip to Silverton (summer and fall) is about 3.5 hours each way along a 45-mile line, with a stop of nearly two hours in the old mining town of Silverton. It makes for a full day.
- Taking the train one way and the bus the other ("Skyway") cuts the day by a few hours, and the bus runs over the highway past Molas and Coal Bank passes. In 2026 it was offered from May 19 to October 11.
- The Cascade Canyon Winter Train (late November to April) is a 5-hour round trip, 26 miles each way, with an hour's layover at Cascade Canyon. It's the winter option, since the train doesn't go all the way to Silverton then.
- The Polar Express (holiday season) is a short themed ride for families, about 65 minutes on the train.
Summer: Durango to Silverton
The railroad has run this branch of the old Denver & Rio Grande line continuously since 1882. The train climbs along the Animas River through the San Juan National Forest, past Horseshoe Curve, the High Bridge and the High Line ledge. There's no cell service or Wi-Fi in the canyon. (D&SNGRR)
The main 2026 schedule:
- 9:00 a.m. departure (May 2 to November 1): arrives in Silverton at 12:30 p.m., leaves Silverton at 2:45 p.m., and gets back to Durango at 6:15 p.m.
- Extra departures at 8:15 a.m. (May 19 to October 17) and 9:45 a.m. (June 8 to August 9 and September 7 to October 11).
- In 2026, Skyway morning buses from Durango added $10 and afternoon buses $32 to the train fare.
The 2027 schedule hasn't been published yet, but past seasons have followed a similar pattern. Book summer dates early, especially for the premium cars.
Fares by class
These are 2026 Silverton steam train fares from the railroad, per person. They include the 8% Historic Preservation Fee, and they're the same for round-trip or one-way tickets. Treat them as typical estimates for 2027. Children are ages 4 to 11, and kids under 4 ride free on a lap. (D&SNGRR)
| Class | Adult | Child | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard coach | $118 | $108 | Enclosed vintage coach, windows open |
| Standard gondola | $129 | $119 | Open-air car |
| Deluxe (San Juan coach) | $161 | $161 | All ages |
| First class (Prospector, Red Mountain, Silver Vista) | $226-$233 | $226-$233 | Some cars sold in pairs |
| First class 21+ (Yankee Girl, Alamosa) | $226-$259 | n/a | Adults only |
| Presidential (Cinco) | $313 | n/a | Adults only, sold in pairs |
You can also book directly with the railroad. Viator listings include packaged options such as a bus up to Silverton with the train back. Compare what's included before you book.
Winter: Cascade Canyon
From November 20, 2026 to April 30, 2027, on select dates, the winter train leaves the Durango Depot at 9:15 a.m. It reaches Cascade Canyon at 11:15 a.m., stays an hour (there's a fireside area and riverside walks), and gets back to Durango at 2:30 p.m. The coaches are heated. In 2026-27 the standard coach is $97 for adults and $87 for children. First-class cars cost $172 to $199, and the Presidential car is $215 from November 20 to January 3. Fares are round trip and include the preservation fee. Boxed lunches can be ordered ahead. (D&SNGRR)
The Polar Express runs November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027, with fares listed at $67 to $101. The ride lasts about 65 minutes, but the railroad suggests allowing two hours in total. Popular dates sell out. (D&SNGRR)
Getting to Durango
- By road from Denver it's about 337 to 340 miles, usually 6 to 7 hours via US 285 and US 160. The route crosses Wolf Creek Pass at 10,857 feet, so check winter conditions on COtrip.org. Our traction law guide explains the tire rules. (Visit Durango)
- Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is about 15 miles from downtown, and United flies nonstop from Denver. (Visit Durango)
- For a longer road trip, Durango is on the 236-mile San Juan Skyway, and the Million Dollar Highway runs north from Silverton to Ouray. See our scenic drives guide. Great Sand Dunes is 189 miles to the east.
Planning tips
- Changes and cancellations can't be made online. You have to call the railroad at (970) 247-2733 or (888) 872-4607.
- There's one wheelchair-accessible car with a lift and restroom. Ask for it when you book.
- Dress in layers. Silverton sits at about 9,300 feet. The open gondola cars can get windy and cold, even in summer.
- Bring snacks or buy them on board. Every train has a concession car.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Durango to Silverton train ride?
About 3.5 hours each way, with nearly two hours in Silverton. The 9:00 a.m. departure gets back to Durango at 6:15 p.m.
How much does the Durango & Silverton train cost?
2026 Silverton fares started at $118 for adults and $108 for children (4 to 11) in a standard coach, and went up to $313 for the adults-only Presidential car, including the 8% preservation fee. Treat them as typical estimates for 2027.
Does the Durango train run in winter?
Yes. The Cascade Canyon Winter Train runs on select dates from November 20, 2026 to April 30, 2027. It's a 5-hour round trip with a standard coach fare of $97 for adults.
Can you take the train one way and the bus back?
Yes, in season. In 2026 the train-and-bus Skyway option ran from May 19 to October 11, with a bus add-on of $10 in the morning or $32 in the afternoon.
How far is Durango from Denver?
About 337 to 340 miles, usually 6 to 7 hours by road over Wolf Creek Pass. United flies nonstop from Denver to Durango (DRO).
Sources are linked in the text. We check them when we update the page, but rules, dates and prices change, so confirm with the official source before you go.