Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
 

Taking train from Durango to Silverton in open gondola car. Which side should we sit on? Also, your opinions of round trip versus taking the bus back to Durango. Will be in Durango at end of May.

Take the bus back. While it is a lovely ride, doing it twice is a bit much. It also uses up a good deal of the day. You kind of get left in Silverton waiting for the return train. They would like you to shop and eat in Silverton. Shopping is really nothing special and the places to eat serve a captive audience.

Going from Durango to Silverton, sit on the right side of the car. Also, do not wear white or other light colored clothes, as ash tends to blow about.

If you have any other Q's, ask away! I am a local and am always happy to share my insights about the area.

Deb

Agree with Deb. The only comment I'd add is that whether to do the RT on train or take bus back somewhat depends on how much of a train buff you are and whether you want to see that spectacular canyon scenery twice. We took the train both ways since I'm a railroad fanatic, but most people would probably agree with Deb's rec to take the bus back.

I vote for taking the bus back unless you absolutely LOVE trains!

We had a rainy day for our trip and while it was beautiful, it was a smoky and tiring trip. I was glad we took the bus back.

I'm another who would take the train both ways (and have a couple of times). However, I'm a train freak and it's as much about the expereince for me as it is the scenery. I also agree about sitting on the right side outbound.

Wear glasses or sunglasses. You may want to look out the window toward the front of the train and soot will get in your eyes.

One way was plenty for us.

We took a jeep tour from Durango to Silverton and on into the high country for sightseeing and history, then rode the train back. One of the highlights of our trip, but one way was enough for me.

2x on the sunglasses. If you are a ralfan then definitely go both ways but it can be longish if you are not. Lot of basic cheesey tourist stuff in Silverton...some of it is nice though. The town is in a valley/cove surrounded by the mountains...nice scenery.

I would also recommend a standard covered car over the open car option. There is almost always a chance for a quick shower in Colorado in the mountains in the spring.

];')

One way was plenty. It was beautiful and fun but I was glad to drive back to Durango in a car. Stop at the pullouts for some beautiful scenery. Eat at Sweeney's in Durango, it was great!

Look for my trip report for my comments

we want to get the train but we wish to have bus at Silverton to Durango and to go back to Silverton with train
could you tell me if there is buses silverton to Durangon early morning ?
we will be with motorbikes and we want to leave bikes in Silverton and pick up them later

thanks a lot
dan

Don't know if your interested in this option. Most people don't even know about it. You can take the train half the way and get off. You then do a zipline course for 4 or 5 hours and catch the train on the return. I can't begin to tell you how great it is. It is the #1 rated "things to do" in all of america on tripadvisor.

I think you have to start in Durango, no matter which option [train roundtrip or bus/train combo].

Call them and ask to be sure; it might also depend on the time of the year.

(888) 872-4607

Deb

thank you so much for your help
my plan is
night in Ouray
Ouray -Silverton with bikes and we leave the bikes
Silverton -Durango with bus
Durango-Silverton with TRAIN
Spend 2h and visit Silverton
Take the bikes to go to visit Hold Hundred Mines
Go to Durango and spend 1-2h
at the end ride to Cortez where we have the hotel for this night
If we go directly to Durango we can't visit the Mine Ok?
I came in this area in 2006 but I don't got the Train

Happy new year and thank you so much
Dan