The Durango & Silverton train starts around $110–$118 for adults; pick Standard Coach for value or Silver Vista for views.
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A full day on the Durango & Silverton line is not cheap, so when comparing Durango Silverton Train Tickets, start with the ride length before the car class. The lowest published 2026 adult fare starts at about $110 on a diesel round trip and $118 on the steam round trip, with higher cars running above $300.
Most first-time riders should choose the Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train in Standard Coach or Standard Gondola unless the shorter bus-plus-train Silverton Express fits the day better. Upgrade only if a private platform, roomier seat, or adult-only car matters more than saving money.
Once the date and car class are clear, compare the live ticket inventory here:
Main Choices Before You Buy
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ticket decision starts with three choices: full round trip, one-way or bus/train Skyway, and seasonal event ride. The car class only matters after the ride type fits the day.
- Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train: the classic full-day ride from Durango to Silverton and back, with roughly 3.5 hours each way and a Silverton layover.
- Silverton Express: a shorter 5.5-hour plan that starts with a motorcoach to Silverton and returns by train, with limited time in town.
- Skyway Tour: a rail-and-bus plan that rides one direction by train and one direction by coach, useful when nine hours is too much.
- Seasonal event trains: holiday and special-event trains use separate schedules, prices, and refund rules, so treat them as separate purchases.
The full Silverton ride is the one to choose for the Animas Canyon, the High Line, and the longer rail experience. The Silverton Express is better when a family wants the scenery but not a full vacation day spent on the train.
How Long Is The Durango To Silverton Ride?
The full Durango to Silverton round trip takes most of the day, with a morning departure, roughly two hours in Silverton, and an early-evening return to Durango. The shorter bus-plus-train plans cut the day to about 5.5 to 6.75 hours, depending on the departure.
The published 2026 steam schedule lists the 9:00 AM train arriving in Silverton at 12:30 PM, leaving Silverton at 2:45 PM, and returning to Durango at 6:15 PM. The diesel schedule lists an 8:15 AM departure, an 11:45 AM Silverton arrival, a 2:00 PM return departure, and a 5:40 PM arrival in Durango.
Smart timing: choose the 9:00 AM steam round trip if the rail ride is the main event. Choose a bus/train plan if dinner reservations, young kids, or a tight road-trip schedule make a nine-hour day hard.
Durango & Silverton Train Fares: What Each Ticket Includes
The 2026 Durango & Silverton fare chart shows a wide spread because the railroad sells both basic seats and small historic cars with age limits. The railroad’s official 2026 Silverton fare page lists all-in fares that include the 8% Historic Preservation Fee, with schedules and fares subject to change.
| Ticket Type | What It Includes | Rough 2026 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Coach, Steam | Enclosed vintage coach on the full Silverton steam trip | Adult $118; child $108 |
| Standard Gondola, Steam | Open-air standard car on the full Silverton steam trip | Adult $129; child $119 |
| Standard Coach, Diesel | Lower-price enclosed coach on the diesel Silverton trip | Adult $110; child $100 |
| Standard Gondola, Diesel | Open-air standard seating on the diesel Silverton trip | Adult $120; child $100 |
| Deluxe San Juan Coach | Roomier enclosed seating on the steam Silverton trip | Adult or child $161 |
| First Class Prospector Or Red Mountain | Attendant service, table-style seating, and included nonalcoholic drinks | Adult or child $226 |
| First Class Silver Vista | Open viewing design with more legroom than standard cars | Adult or child $233 |
| Presidential Cinco Animas | Age 21+ historic car with observation space; sold in pairs | Adult $313; no child fare |
Children ages 4 to 11 use child fares where offered, and children under 4 who do not occupy a seat ride free. Adult-only cars can sell out early because they have fewer seats and stricter booking rules.
Fees, Refunds, And Seat Rules
D&SNGRR fare pages show all-in pricing, but changes, no-shows, and late arrivals still carry costs. Passengers should be seated 30 minutes before departure, and seats may be released if a passenger is late.
The railroad states that cancellation fees are $14 per adult and $7 per child. No refund is given within five days of the train trip, and special or licensed events can become non-refundable within 60 days of departure.
- All seats are assigned: do not expect to swap between products on the outbound and return trip unless space is open and the fare difference is paid.
- Parking is separate: Durango parking can be purchased with the train ticket or paid by cash at the lot on the ride morning.
- Service animals only: pets and emotional-support animals that are not trained service animals are not permitted aboard.
Where To Stay Before The Train
Durango is the easiest base because the depot sits at 479 Main Avenue and early boarding makes a nearby hotel useful. Staying close to Main Avenue also makes the post-ride evening easier after a long rail day.
Depot-area rooms are the most convenient for walking to the train, north Durango works for travelers with a car, and downtown Durango is better for restaurants after the ride. Compare Durango stays near the depot here:
Picking Seats Without Overpaying
Standard Coach is the value pick, Standard Gondola is the scenery pick in good weather, and Silver Vista is the upgrade that most directly changes the view. First Class and Presidential cars make more sense for anniversaries, rail fans, or adults who want a quieter car.
Open-air cars are more exposed to mountain weather, sun, and cinders, so sunglasses and layers matter. Enclosed coaches are better for children, older travelers, cold mornings, and anyone who wants a simpler ride without paying for a higher class.
Side-of-train anxiety is usually overstated on the round trip because the train returns over the same corridor. The bigger choice is open-air versus enclosed, then standard versus upgraded seat space.
Which Ticket Should You Buy?
Most travelers should buy Standard Coach or Standard Gondola on the Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train. The fare is far lower than First Class, and the ride itself is the main reason to go.
- Best value: Standard Coach on the steam train, especially for families and first-timers.
- Best open-air pick: Standard Gondola if the forecast is dry and the group is fine with wind, sun, and cooler mountain air.
- Best view upgrade: First Class Silver Vista, because the car design changes the viewing experience more than most seat upgrades.
- Best short plan: Silverton Express when a full nine-hour day would strain the itinerary.
- Best special-occasion splurge: Presidential Cinco Animas for adults who want the historic private-car feel and can buy seats in pairs.
The right move is to pick the schedule first, then choose the cheapest car that still fits the group. After that, check remaining dates and cars in one place:
References & Sources
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.“Scenic Round Trip Silverton Train.”Lists 2026 Silverton schedules, fares, child pricing, and the included Historic Preservation Fee.