Durango to Silverton

imported
#1

Is there any public transportation between Durango and Silverton, or is hitching the only viable means?

wandering bob

#2

I’m just planning my CT trip and know very little…

but there is that famous tourist train that runs from Durango to Silverton. around $60 for a round trip maybe? I hear it even makes a stop at a CT trailhead. See PMags e2e guide…

err

#3

The train, www.durangotrain.com - not cheap, though, and I don’t think they sell a one-way.

On Track

#4

I know about the train, but I’m trying to avoid that expense. The fare is $81 plus a 4% tax plus another $10 for your backpack, which must ride in the baggage car. The fare is the same, whether you go one-way or round trip.

They do have a one-way train and return via motor coach option. I don’t know if they’ll sell just the motor coach for one-way trips.

Greyhound used to have a flag stop in Silverton on their Durango to Denver route but they have discontinued it.:mad Now you have to go from Durango to Denver and then come back to Silverton.

wandering bob

#5

and if i remember right, durango to denver is actually durango to grand junction, followed by another bus to denver…

err

#6

Err is correct, and the layover in Grand Junction is something like 12 hours…not worth doing.

The train folks replied that their PUC license does not allow them to offer one-way rides to the general public - you must also buy a train ticket, so that’s not a viable option.

They suggested two limo/taxi services in Durango, but warned that the fares will exceed $100 one way. Might as well ride the train all the way to Silverton and see the sights.

Wandering Bob

#7

The hitch is so easy! If you stick your thumb out on the north side of Durango, you’ll be in S’ton in no time.

Matt

#8

I’ll concur with all the above with my limited experience. The hitches I’ve done were insanely easy. The few train trips I’ve taken were fun, but expensive. I looked into the Dirty Dog once and said, forget it. I thought about trying to just hop on the return bus that’s there for train passengers, but never got beyond the thinking stage–might work, depending on the driver, but maybe not. Hitching’s fine.

My last ride on the train was from where the CT crosses the tracks down to Durango, and that cost less than $30 two years ago, with no extra charge for the pack. I paid cash to the conductor and didn’t get a ticket, so I wonder if that was under the table. I was happy to get the ride and it was a fun one, as usual.

Garlic