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Colorado "The Polar Express" Train Rides In Durango!

Published: November 6, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Few American rail experiences combine living history, mountain majesty, and family magic quite like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Based in the Southwest Colorado town of Durango, this National Historic Landmark has carried passengers through the San Juan Mountains since 1882, originally built to service the region’s rich mining camps.

Today, it’s a world-class heritage line that runs authentic, steam-powered trains on three-foot narrow-gauge track along the wild and scenic Animas River—one of the most dramatic railroad corridors in North America.

And come late fall, it transforms into a holiday wonderland with the official The Polar Express train rides, a beloved tradition that brings the classic story to life.

Durango & Silverton 2-8-2 #481 (K-36) leads an excursion near Silverton, Colorado, circa 1983. Mike Bledsoe photo. American-Rails.com collection

The railroad’s route is a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering. Narrow gauge was chosen to snake through canyon walls and tight curves more economically, and the result is a rollercoaster of cliffside ledges, tunnels, and high trestles that modern travelers still marvel at. The unmistakable “Highline,” a section of track chiseled into a sheer rock face hundreds of feet above the Animas, is a highlight of every trip. The railroad’s black-and-brass steam locomotives—many built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in the 1920s—pull varnished coaches at a leisurely pace, offering ample time to absorb the river’s emerald pools, aspen and pine forests, and snow-capped peaks of the San Juan National Forest.

The line runs several signature excursions through the year. In summer and early fall, the full-day Durango–Silverton round trip covers approximately 45 miles each way, climbing from Durango (6,500 feet) to the high-alpine town of Silverton (over 9,000 feet). It’s a full, memorable day with time to explore Silverton’s historic district before returning. In winter, when deep snow wraps the canyons in quiet, popular shorter runs like the Cascade Canyon excursion carry guests to a scenic turnaround, complete with time to disembark for photos at the river’s edge. Regardless of season, the experience is about being present—listening to the rhythmic exhaust of the engines, feeling the sway of vintage coaches, and watching the dramatic landscape unfold at 15 miles an hour. It’s railroading as it once was, preserved and shared with care.

History is tangible here. The Durango depot anchors a working roundhouse and an outstanding railroad museum that’s free to visit, featuring historic rolling stock, model layouts, mining artifacts, and a peek into the shop floors where these iron horses are maintained. If you’re a railfan, you might spot one of the famed K-28 or K-36 class Mikados, hulking 2-8-2 locomotives that are legends in narrow-gauge circles. In recent years, the railroad has also converted some locomotives to oil firing to reduce wildfire risk—evidence of the stewardship required to operate steam safely in a modern mountain environment.

The onboard experience caters to different tastes and budgets. Coach class offers classic bench seating and big windows that open seasonally. Deluxe and First Class options add plush seating, tables, and upgraded service; some premium cars are adults-only and feature hosts who share history and geography along the way. Food and beverage availability varies by season and car class, but you can expect friendly attendants, clean restrooms, and a pace that allows everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—to relax and soak in the scenery.

For many families, the railroad’s holiday season is the highlight of the year thanks to its officially licensed The Polar Express Train Ride. Based on the beloved book by Chris Van Allsburg and the Warner Bros. Pictures film, this immersive event is produced under license and delivered with theatrical flair. The experience typically begins after dusk at the Durango depot, which is decked in twinkling lights. The excitement builds as pajama-clad kids and their grown-ups meet costumed conductors and chefs who welcome everyone aboard with singing, storytelling, and that all-important hot chocolate and cookies.

Once the train glides into the night, the story of The Polar Express unfolds through live narration, familiar songs, and interactions with the characters. The cars are warm and festive, and the effect of rolling through dark, pine-scented canyons while the soundtrack swells is pure holiday magic. The journey culminates at the “North Pole”—an illuminated set along the line where Santa and his helpers greet the train. Santa then boards to visit each car, meeting children and giving every young passenger a special gift: a silver sleigh bell, “the first gift of Christmas,” just like in the story.

A few practical notes about The Polar Express Train Ride in Durango:

- Dates and duration: Performances run on select evenings from mid-November into late December (often extending into early January). The full experience typically lasts a little over an hour, depending on the schedule.
- Seating options: Multiple classes are usually available, from Coach to First Class or premium table seating. Higher classes may include extra treats or keepsakes; check current offerings when you book.
- What to wear: Pajamas are encouraged and warmly embraced. Bring winter layers, hats, and gloves for time outdoors at the depot or after the ride.
- Accessibility: The railroad works to accommodate guests with mobility needs. If you require assistance, contact the ticket office before booking so they can match you with an appropriate car and date.
- Booking tips: These trains sell out fast. If you’re targeting a weekend or the week before Christmas, book as early as possible and consider off-peak evenings for more availability.

For parents, The Polar Express event is as well-run as it is heartwarming. The cast keeps energy high without overwhelming young riders, and the pacing feels just right—enough time to savor the cocoa, interact with characters, and enjoy the storytelling, but not so long that little ones get antsy. Don’t be surprised if the adults in your group feel a tug of nostalgia; this is one of those rare attractions that genuinely delights all ages.

Planning a broader Durango & Silverton adventure around the holidays is easy. Spend a day exploring Durango’s walkable downtown, full of Victorian architecture, galleries, and great restaurants. Visit the railroad museum earlier in the day, then return for your evening Polar Express departure. If you’re staying longer, consider pairing your holiday train with a daytime winter excursion to Cascade Canyon—the contrast between the quiet grandeur of daylight scenery and the cozy glow of The Polar Express at night is unforgettable.

Throughout the year, a few tips will help you get the most from any D&SNG trip:

- Sit on the river side for downstream views when heading north from Durango; staff can advise at boarding. On round trips you’ll see both sides.
- In open-window seasons, bring layers; mountain weather changes quickly. Sunglasses and a light jacket are useful even in summer.
- Photographers should keep lenses covered between shots; cinders and mist can be part of the charm but tough on glass.
- Hydrate and acclimate if you’re sensitive to altitude, especially on Silverton trips.
- Arrive early to browse the museum and watch the crew service the engine—steam operations are a show unto themselves.

What sets the Durango & Silverton apart isn’t just its scenery or its storied locomotives; it’s the care with which it preserves an era and invites you into it. You feel it in the way the crew chats about grades and timetables, in the symphony of whistles echoing off canyon walls, and in the shared smiles of passengers who have traded speed for soul. The Polar Express Train Ride distills that feeling into a holiday ritual—one that reminds kids and grown-ups alike that wonder is worth the trip.

For current schedules, classes of service, event dates, and pricing—including official The Polar Express experiences—check the railroad’s website. Whether you come for summer’s high-country spectacle or winter’s storybook glow, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad delivers a timeless Colorado experience, powered by steam and sustained by generations of people who never stopped believing.