Riding the Polar Express & Winter Train in Durango

The Train That Defines Winter in Durango

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been running coal-fired steam trains through the San Juan Mountains since 1882, and in winter it becomes something close to a fairy tale. Snow blankets the Animas River canyon, the whistle echoes off the peaks, and two very different rides take over the schedule: the theatrical Polar Express for families, and the scenic Cascade Canyon Winter Train for anyone who just wants the views. Here's how to choose, what it costs, and how to make a whole weekend of it.

The Memorable Polar Express Holiday Experience!

Each holiday season the railroad transforms into THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride — a theatrical trip to the “North Pole” straight out of the book and film. Riders come in their pajamas, sip hot cocoa, enjoy a cookie, hear the story read aloud, and meet Santa, who hands each child the first gift of Christmas: a silver sleigh bell. It boards right downtown at the Durango depot on Main Avenue. For the 2026–27 season it runs November 20, 2026 through January 2, 2027. The ride itself is about 65 minutes, but plan on roughly two hours for the full experience. The cars are heated, but it is winter in the mountains, so layer up.

Tickets, Fares & Booking Tips

This is the railroad's most popular event of the year, and it's one of the fastest-selling winter rail tickets in Colorado — so book as early as you can. For 2026–27, Polar Express fares run roughly $67 to $101 per person depending on the date and class of service. A few tips to keep it affordable and smooth:

• Fares climb on weekends and the closer you get to Christmas; midweek and early-season “value” dates are the cheapest.

• Book your lodging the same day you lock in train seats — Christmas week fills up across town.

• Wear pajamas (it's half the fun) with warm layers underneath.

• Arrive early for parking and photos at the depot.

Prefer the Scenery? The Cascade Canyon Winter Train

If you'd rather have mountain views than theater, the Cascade Canyon Winter Train is the one to book. Departing the Durango depot around 9:15 AM, it runs 26 miles up the Animas River canyon in heated vintage coaches, pauses for a roughly 60-minute layover at Cascade Canyon, and returns by mid-afternoon — about a 5.25-hour round trip. You'll see frozen waterfalls, snow-draped spruce, and canyon walls most visitors never get to in winter. It runs select dates from November 20 through April 30, with weekend departures in January and February and more midweek dates in March and April. One thing to know: in winter the train turns around at Cascade Canyon and does not continue all the way to Silverton.

Riding With Kids

For families, the Polar Express is hard to beat — the pajamas, the cocoa, the bell, and a genuinely starry-eyed Santa visit make it a core childhood memory. A few things that help the day go smoothly: bring a small blanket for the littlest ones, feed everyone before boarding since the ride is short, and keep phones charged for the Santa moment. For older kids and teens who might find the theater a bit young, the Cascade Canyon ride and its canyon scenery are the better fit.

Make a Weekend of It

The train is even better as the centerpiece of a full winter getaway. Base the whole group at Durango Escape — creekside cabins just ten minutes from the depot — and build a weekend around it: the Polar Express one evening, Main Avenue and the breweries after, a day up at Purgatory, and slow mornings back at the cabins. Book a single cabin for up to 4, or take the whole property for up to 35 and make it a true family affair. It's built for connection — the multi-family and grandparents-and-grandkids trips the Polar Express was made for. Book direct at durangoescape.com and keep everyone together.

Polar Express & Winter Train FAQ

How much are Polar Express tickets? For 2026–27, roughly $67–$101 per person depending on date and class of service.

What should you wear? Pajamas are the tradition — with warm layers underneath, since it's winter in the mountains even though the cars are heated.

Is it worth it? For families with young kids, absolutely; it's the railroad's most popular event for a reason. For scenery-seekers, the Cascade Canyon Winter Train is the better call.

How long is the Polar Express ride? About 65 minutes on the train; allow around two hours for the whole experience.

Does the winter train go to Silverton? No — in winter the Cascade Canyon train turns around at Cascade Canyon, 26 miles up the line, and does not reach Silverton.