We have rode this train multiple times. A great step back in time. The Christmas (Polar Express) is lots of fun. Take a ride here and follow up with a mountain trail tour from San Juan Backcountry. The most fun you could have. Kids love the train. It pulls right into town.

The trip being shorter due to bridge washout had no negative feel. The best views in our opinion are available on the route through Cascade anyway. . Two hour round trip just enough time for many people to enjoy. The views were great, the covid adjustments were great and in fact probably helped make the trip more enjoyable as it wasnt nearly full... washed out bridge or not it was enjoyed... best train trip yet in the US

Came to Durango for the holidays and we decided to go on a train ride. The train ride was awesome, I really enjoyed the snow covering the landscape and taking in the cool air. There is so much to see during the ride. I wanted to do the Polar Express but decided I would rather enjoy seeing the landscape, because Polar Express is done @ night and you cannot enjoy so much. I do plan to do the Polar Express perhaps next year to see what that is about. They offered food and drinks. The drinks were pretty good. We decided to pack our own lunch. We were not able to go all the way to Silverton because of the weather but we were taken half way I believe and it was still really beautiful. They had a lit fireplace under a huge gazebo which kept us really warm and we were able to enjoy our lunch and walk around in the snow. I would like to take the train again and hopefully weather will be good all the way to Silverton. I do recommend, the ride is beautiful. The museum is pretty cool also. Stop in and have a look.

This is an excursion train ride on a historic narrow gage railroad pulled by venerable steam powered locomotive. Half way through the trip the train stops to take on 4000 gallons of water. The route is out and back and the train turns around at the far end so the views are reversed coming back. This is a must do for any train enthusiasts or history buff.

Took the open gondala steam train trip this weekend (Oct 3rd) Social distanced seating-Limted tickets. 2 hour trip (hour each way). Amazing views. Concession stand available before boarding.

The best scenic ride you could ever take!At this time of weather I would definitely take the open cart ride. They are doing a very great job at keeping everyone socially distant. Normally they would have the ride full but they have really cut done on the amount of people in cart.However, our ride was only 2 hours. Silverton was not a stop for us.Other than that is was an amazing experience.

First time to Durango and the train ride. Absolutely beautiful! Took 1-day and visited Silverton and then another day and visited Ouray and it was all wonderful. The town of Durango is nestled in gorgeous mountains. Definitely a must see trip. Really enjoyed the Train museum, too!

Super fun and neat train ride through the mountains and near rivers. Try getting the caboose car if you can. Youll thank me later ;)

If you can, take the train ride. One of the highlights of my trip to Colorado. If you book the open air car understand you will have some coal ash that comes in, just dont wear a white shirt unless you dont mine flecks of black ash. :) Seriously though, its a great reminder of how train travel was during they heyday of train travels. The scenery is phenomenal, many areas only see man when the trains pass through. The train guides provide a great deal of information and are helpful during the stop in Silverton.

We have little boys who love trains so this was a must visit both times we were in Durango. Its small and packed with historical trains/parts, diaromas behind glass of tiny battle figures and typical machines used during those battles (Revolutionary war, WW2, etc.), and a huge miniature electric train set up, complete with a drive in movie theater that shows short films, which is my boys favorite part. Climbing into the caboose and other things was prohibited this time, maybe because of COVID, maybe because over time allowing that is harming the keepsakes? Its free, in walkable distance from downtown/historical Durango and is a lovely stop for any train loving family.

Because of damage to the tracks early this summer this scenic railroad is only running one fifth of its route- 18 miles round trip instead of 90.4.For that 2 hour and 10 minute ride which includes a stop they still charge $90. Highway robbery!Unless youre dying later this year or absolutely desperate, wait until you can do the whole thing, as this is really quite a ripoff.Dont get me wrong I have done this train ride before the entire route and it is lovely I am just giving it a low rating for the above reasons.

Aimed at tourists, but really is a great ride, with beautiful vistas. Extremely efficient operation and well worth the price. Washed out track kept it to a 2-hour ride for us, but honestly, that is just about right. Really enjoyed it.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway was spectacular and lived up to the expectations we had of it. We rode the Knight Sky glass ceiling observation car which allowed us to take in all of the sights along the route for the Snowdown Balloon Rally Train Ride. Our car host for the trip was excellent and he made sure those riding were well taken care of. We would definitely recommend those looking to ride to do so and we while definitely seek to come back in the future.

Polar Express is THE BEST! Worth the price to see the kids expressions.

Amazing trip! I loved every second of the train ride! We booked the vintage coach car for a round trip ride to and from Silverton. They offer a variety of trips and cars such as the open air gondola. Or a train up bus back option that’s much less time and less expensive. The train serves food and drinks, alcoholic and non alcoholic. One of a kind experience! Can’t wait to do it again! Highly recommended. A Durango must experience!

We rode the polar express, the ride last for about 30 minutes! And basically the train just move for about 2 miles forward and back! Kind of pricey for such a little period of time!

What a superb four hour train ride it was. Four hours to Silverton and four hours back to Durango. The scenery was beautiful with magnificent mountaintops, a change of season trees and a river which we rode next to along the way. This is a must-do if youre in Durango, Colorado.

Truly an amazing experience. It was a bucket list event for me and did not disappoint.

What a wonderful and beautiful experience! The mountain vistas along the Animas river are phenomenal! Hubs and I each took about 100 photos. We made our reservation at the train station 2 days in advance (during July) and the office staff were very friendly and helpful. We chose a car with a glass some ceiling and open sides -- it was spectacular for viewing. Be advised that the trip is about 3.5 hours one-way, so that can make for a very long day. We saw a number of people who rode the train to Silverton and returned on the bus (good for families with kids).

It was amazing seeing the views from the train. Will definitely visit again.

I went during July 2020. At that time, they were only running a 2 hour train ride from their Rockwood station which is an easy 15 minute drive north of Durango. I was told there had been a previous mudslide somewhere which had damaged some of the track, so that was all that they were running. When I booked the ticket, I was originally concerned that maybe the section of track we would run would not be the best section. I couldnt have been more wrong. Immediately after leaving you are on a high cliff seeing the river down below with amazing scenery and it is like that the entire trip. Due to social distancing, they do not fully book each car so you have plenty of room to move around and switch sides if the view is better on another side. Plus, you can now easily fit in other activities in your day. Doing the train will not take an entire day. Perfect trip. Would recommend to everyone.

An old round house turned into a museum. Lots of things to look at, not just railroad, antique guns, stuffed animals, antique cars and more. Model railroads, great place for kids! (And adults)

We just went to the museum because I wasnt about to go on the train ride with my rambunctious two year old! The museum is free and there is a lot to look at. You can even climb in some of the train cars. The miniature train set is amazing and so are all of the other miniatures that are there. My niece and nephew enjoyed listening to a guy talk about Morse Code and telegraphs and even got to hear what their name sounds like in Morse Code. Very cool!

I love trains and this is one of the absolute best! Its expensive at $80 an adult but its definitely worth a ride. Dont be cheap its a once-in-a-lifetime ride with amazing scenery behind a steam locomotive in vintage cars. It does not get any better.

This ride was incredible! I had no idea it would be so fun. Such great service on the Knight Sky first class car and the views were amazing with the glass on top. Since you hug the mountains most of the time, being able to see up was great. My 4 year old and 8 year old loved the whole trip too. My only complaint would be that we really only got just over an hour in Silverton by the time we got off the train and were supposed to be back in our seats because of a late start and slow speeds for construction near the track. I would have liked to explore Silverton more as it looked like a really neat town.

Amazing, one in a lifetime picturesque views. Our car attendant Aaron kept us entertained. I recommend taking the shuttle back from Silverton. Even though the ride was fun and amazing, constantly sweeping off soot gets old. Overall, I cant recommend the experience enough!

This was the most scenic train trip my wife and I have ever been on. We did the short 2-3 train ride on the gondola car. Very roomy and lots of space to take pictures or shoot videos of the majestic scenery. After spending the day in this stunningly beautiful western town, to top it off with a train ride through the Canyon gorge, was just perfect!!!!!!

Wonderful history to look at (but mostly not touch!). free entry with cash donations encouraged.

Breathtaking views on tour to Canyon Creek and back.

Great place to visit. Very nice. HO train display is very nice. The employee inside was very nice and helpful. Very knowledgeable. The management however is lacking. While we were there and as people were walking up they told them to close early. The people walking up said that on the train and in the literature they are supposed to close at 7pm. The man working there said he got an email stating to close early. I guess management wanted to go home early. Obviously customer relations means nothing to them.

Wide variety of memorabilia...price is right. Cold need a jacket? Hit up the gift shop for a nice embroidered coat.

Small museum containing a few locomotives but mostly memorabilia from their heydey. Unable to go into the yard to view remainder without a tour. Boxcars sit within easy view but maybe is missing the availability to see workshops & operational equipment. Bi much prefer Ely, Nevadas museum.

The stations are very traditional, and the staffs dressed in the traditional style as well. It took 3.5 hours one way, but well worth it. The train goes through the forest beside the Animas River. The view is spectacular. We had around 2.5 hours to explore Silverton, Its a small cute town surrounded by the snow capped mountains and filled with restaurants. A nice experience. If you want to stay in Silverton longer, theres some very cute hotels.

My family took the Knight sky car to Silverton and the bus back. The Knight sky cra has a windowed roof. So, you really get some amazing views. Originally, I booked the bus back because we wanted to do something in the afternoon. Not being used to the altitude, or the swing motion of the train cars, I was happy about my decision by the end. We also got different views of the stunning scenery by taking two different routes. If you really enjoy trains, taking the train both ways would be fabulous also. Dakota, our service professional on the train, was fabulous at pointing things out, and giving us our refreshments and swag. Thank you!

The train experience is just that: an experience. The vintage steam engine running on a track only 3’ wide through the mountains and along the river is a one of a kind experience. You hear the actual “ chug chug” of the steam engine and feel the cars rock side to side as you look out the window and was you are on a cliff edge overlooking a river with snowy peaks in the distance. There is just nothing like it.

Had a great time, the views are awesome. Its nice to slow down and enjoy the beauty throughout the canyon. Definitely take a hat and sunglasses to keep the embers out of your hair and eyes, they arent hot just dirty. Its definitely worth it, I would definitely go again. It was nice to ride back as well, since allot of people take the bus back theres more room and the employees are more relaxed and will talk with you more, definitely ask them questions. They know some interesting things about the area.

The historic train is amazing and the views are beautiful. I love seeing waterfalls on the rocky mountainside and the churning waters of the river. The museum is nice too!

So cool trip!! The place was so wonderful. Staff nice

Amazing view of FALL color, Rocky mountains, San Juan national forest, Animas river. Two hours, it was a wonderful relaxing afternoon.

Truly one of the best scenic train rides. There are many ways you can do this ride at different price points or one way. We did a round trip in the Yankee Girl car and we had a wonderful attendant, Charlotte who guided us with her knowledge of the railroad and historical facts. Her exuberance made the trip so enjoyable. We had access to snacks and beverages with comfortable chairs. I highly recommend doing this train ride and remember to book it early when you know your travel itinerary as it sells out.

The ride up was incredible, no way to do justice to the scenery. If its warm enough the outside cars are the only way to go. We rode in mid-July, the enclosed cars seemed stuffy.I cant say enough about the staff, everyone was friendly and helpful, make you feel welcome!Up and back in one day doesnt give you enough time to see Silverton. If I had it to do over, stay the night in Silverton and take bus back to Durango.

My group and I upgraded to the Alamosa first class car. Best decision ever. Very back of the train, got the best views from the observation deck. Our guide, Ellie, was very knowledgeable of the train and the area. She made sure were always had a drink in hand and comfortable. Just a warning, when offered safety glasses, do take them for outside viewing, from my personal experience, cinders are very painful in the eye. Lesson learned.

We took the Christmas Tree train up to a remote area along the tracks and cut down our tree. This was a special collaboration between D&SN and the U.S. Forest Service. It was super fun and amazing views. Ive rode the train twice now, and its been a great experience both times. Although, we thought the $8 parking price seemed steep. The concessions are crazy expensive, too, so bring your own snacks and hot coco!

First time to Durango and the Railroad on recommend of a friend.The train was an amazing experience. I did the bus up to Silverton and back by rail. I think the full train trip might have been a bit long for my time constraints.Our Guide, a retired Geologist from Alaska, was amazing. Her love for the train along with knowledge of features along the track was exceptional and highly informative. She really kept us entertained.Highly recommended.

Beautiful scenery, wonderful staff. The shorter ride is perfect ...not distancing though...everyone work masks, but seats were all filled.....

Its been 20 years since I rode the Durango Silverton Train! I did First Class Round-trip....Totally worth it! Comfortable seating, quiet and peaceful setting and a great way to enjoy and take photos along the way and on the way back! It looks different both ways, your one assigned seat gives you a different view each way! Staff were great and it was really a nice ride with beautiful mountains, streams and trees all along the way! Make time and take the Train! Nothing better than a steam train! Enjoy!

Fun couldve of been organized better, I have useful suggestions

Very pleasing and interesting. Wish the train rides were more affordable.

Outstanding museum and very helpful historians that rebuild steam locomotives.

Amazing views of the mountains. Fun taking a path up to Silverton where no car could go. The kids loved it!

I missed the train but the museum was worth the trip alone! I enjoyed seeing the old cars, trains and pieces of local history. There was a grandfather there with his young grandson and if I could I would have pulled up a chair and sat and listened to the stories the two of them were sharing. One was sharing his history and one was sharing his imagination. It was a beautiful thing to see.

Had an amazing time. Gorgeous views and informative employees who love their jobs being guides. I was very impressed with the overall experience.

We took an early morning bus up there (quicker) and train back after exploring the town. The train ride is very long but scenic, but wouldn’t want to ride it round trip, esp. w kids along. Reserve an outdoor car if weather isn’t too cold. More intimate. Both sides have equally pretty views, maybe the left side (going back towards Durango) is prettier though. Ashes never came in on us once sitting in covered outdoor car.

Great train ride & museum. Many different options for riding the steam locomotives. Check there schedule & make reservations. We took the train to Silverton and the views were absolutely stunning. Departed at 8am and arrived in Silverton at noon. Took the bus back which took 1 1/2 hours. Beautiful views along this route. Tour operator was very friendly and informative. Arriving back in Durango we went to the train museum. A must see, with something to interest everyone. For the two of us, the round trip cost a little less than $250. Not bad for a full day adventure. Highly recommend this to everyone!!! As a side note, the altitude at Silverton is 9318. Those with breathing issues may have a difficult time wandering around.

A must do experience, scenery was beautiful, The train was fun Kyle was great.

We rode from Durango to Silverton in an open air car. Came back from Silverton to Durango on a bus. That worked very well for us. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. I highly recommend this excursion if you’re anywhere near Durango. We spent a couple hours in the museum. There are a lot of very interesting displays. I could’ve spent all day there.

Awesome stop if you are in Durango! Nice museum of military items, old cars, trains, models of planes trains automobiles and military equipment! Many taxidermy displays!

Probably the best narrow guage railroad ride I been on.

Lovely journey into the San Juan mountains via an 1890s steam engine. The views are breathtaking and the vibe is nostalgic. The upgrade to private car is well worth it for the narration, extra space, snacks, and service.

Fun little eclectic museum! We didnt ride the train, but it is on our list for next time we visit. A lot of the trains are still in operation from the 1920s which is super cool. And it sounds like every trip there is a little different with items changing out weekly. Different engines are stored in the museum at different times causing things to shift and change constantly.

Really awesome!! A lot of fascinating items!!

We took our little one on a The Polar Express adventure. It was amazing and very well put together... the staff followed the book, and the movie, to the T... there was the Hobo, the Conductor checked the golden tickets and of coarse Santa Clause gave all the children a silver bell!! The ride to the North Pole is just over an hour and it is a lot of fun. My son was so excited, its all he talked about for weeks! It was a very good trip and I highly recommend it to anyone, with or without children!

What a beautiful day it was and the scenery, breathtaking. The staff, friendly, funny and very hospitable. Would do it again for sure

The majestic mountains, great golf course, local people, river walk. Just a great place to spend a week.

Wonderful history kept alive by Wonderful people! Totally free but I would have payed to see this fascinating piece of history!

A life time experience. An amazing journey highly underrated though. 6 hour up and down journey to Silverton and back to Durango. Everything and every minute is so precious and heavenly feelings. One of the best part was my kid enjoyed it more than me.

I drove halfway across the country to ride this train and I was not disappointed. The views are nothing less than breathtaking. Do yourself a favor and sit in an open car.

The scenery was absolutely stunning.The narrator in our car did a magnificent job putting us in the historic moment. A must do for anyone with a love of trains and the old West.

Had a wonderful time riding the train! Beautiful views. Its a great experience you should definitely try!

Great fun! Once in a lifetime. Its very long. 8 hours Round trip. Train goes 18mph. But the views are spectacular!!

Unbelievable ride. Train staff were extremely friendly and answered our questions.

The train is the best family experience in downtown Durango. We always ride the train to Silverton and then ride the train back from Silverton. The pictures that you can get are absolutely breathtaking and the scenery is scenery that you will only see on this train ride. Youre up close to the mountain on one side of the train and there is a drop off and you can see the river on the other side of the train. We always choose to ride in an open car so we can move freely back and forth and get good pictures and talk to different people. We have met people from France and from Africa and many other countries while on the train. Although I lived in Bayfield Colorado for 20 years I had never ridden the train. Now that I come back home each summer, I make a point to take my family on the train. It is a great experience, I do suggest that you wear a baseball cap or something of that nature if youre going to ride in an open car because you will get coal soot in your hair. If you want you breath taken away...ride the train!

Good thing: scenery is very good. On the edge of the cliff. Worth the trip. Staffs are friendly.But one bad thing: the coal burning in the air during the train ride. Very bad for health. My nose and eyes and ears are full of coal particle. This will be worth if you have health issue. Seriously need to wear mask during this trip.

Beautiful views and relaxing ride. Worth taking the trip!

We took the train from Durango to Silverton, and rode the bus back. The train ride is absolutely stunning in its scenery, the amenities were pleasant and employees all seem to be doing a job they love. Because its four hours each way by train we opted for the bus ride home (about 90 minutes). In addition to the time savings this turned out to be an excellent choice as we got to see different scenery, and our bus driver provided fascinating commentary on the history, environment, and geology of the area. We highly recommend it!

Amazing experience, the only thing I can say is its actually better to go up or down in a bus and ride it back or forth. The train ride just too long to warrant basically riding it twice.

Nice exhibit of the DRNG history right at the working maintenance shop.

We loved our train ride. The views were so scenic and the open air cabin was very comfortable.

The best way to see the million dollar highway. Gorgeous views, great drink selection, friendly staff. Youve got to experience it to believe it. So much fun!

As advertised great scenic train ride, 2 hours & you do not need to be on a specific side to see everything. Train returns on same route.

Great fun for train fans. They run 7 different stream trains, three a day. The ride is 3 hours, roughly, to Silverton. You get about 1.5 hours in Sometime before you have to board to go back. It runs about 8 hours total trip if you go round trip. The bus takes 1.5 hours to get back if you want to get back faster.

It was a neat place all kinds of trains old cars and lots of old memorabilia want to go back and do the train ride back up into the mountains

We took a train ride from Durango to Silverton and back. Two guides in period costumes were talking about the history of the area, local heroes, mining history, etc. for the whole duration of the ride. We enjoyed beautiful scenery, walk and lunch in Picturesque Silverton. Overall, very interesting way to spend a day. Highly recommend!

Its amazing the things theyve done to keep this going in such hard times. Hate to see such a treasure fall!

Love this place but sorry had to close because of covid-19

Dont even think of not going!!! it is so cool!!!! worth every penny!!! totally loved it.dont miss the museum, it is free!

Historic visit for any train lover. The museum is absolutely jam packed with artifacts and its free!

A trip thru nature at its finest! Also the history of this place is so awesome! Great trip for families!!!

Amazing and awesome experience! Great service and taste of history and breath taking views on narrow gauge train. It is a must if you are near Durango!

Nice to ride just the prices are high dont know of any discountWould say to go if money is not a problem

They have a free museum there. It was fun and informative.

Wonderful place to make memories with the family. Scenery along the ride was spectacular. Train staff wonderful.

Museum was nothing. Gift shop was from China. Rode it 25 years ago and it was great then.

Beautiful train ride.

Incredible tour, worth the Polar Express Fun.

Five Star experience! Maria our hostess in Yankee car was amazing! So knowledgeable and has me ready to come back at different times of the year! Such a stunning ride up to Cascade Canyon where it was snowing like crazy! ! Loved it!!

The museum is a hidden gem. Not only for those interested in trains but also for everyone interested in social history of America in the past two centuries.

A lot of interesting stuff packed into this small museum. A great place if you love old cars, trains and history!

A great way to step back in time and experience a piece of history. The staff is well trained and is very courteous. Come prepared for a full day of activities as you travel. The train is fully stocked with drinks and food for purchase.

Museum was great. Lots of interesting things to look at for kids and adults. Traffic yard tour was also really interesting. My 9 year old and even 4 year old kept their interest the whole hour.