The 2023 Durango Blues Trains take place this weekend and we have all the info needed to get you ready for a musical experience of a lifetime!
Ticket/Wristband Exchange
479 Main Avenue from 3:00 pm - 6:50 pm (look for the pop-up tent in front of the train depot)
Wristbands are required to board the train. To exchange your ticket for a wristband, please visit the box office between 3:00 pm and 6:50 pm. The box office is located in front of the train depot at 479 Main Avenue in Durango.
Weekend Weather
According to The Weather Channel, the weekend weather report looks like chances of rain with highs in the 80's and lows in the 55's! Bring a rain coat - the Durango Blues Trains will be held rain or shine!
It's always good to be prepared as two of the train coaches are open-air coaches so dress appropriately. Although we are expecting a mild summer evenings, weather in the mountains can change quickly so be prepared for lower temps. Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are strongly recommended - sandals are not advised. Due to the engine coal soot in the air, white clothing is also not advised. Read more about recommended clothing to bring on our FAQs page, click here.
Parking
The Blues Train parking lot is located next to the rail yard at the corner of U.S. Hwy 550 and College Drive, just west of the McDonald's restaurant. Parking lot fees are $8.00 for a car, truck or motorcycle and $9.00 for an RV, bus, trailer or any vehicle utilizing more than one standard parking space. You will need to purchase a parking ticket for each date your vehicle is parked in the lot.
Travel
If you're driving in Colorado, you can find current road conditions by visiting the CO Department of Transportation's website, click here. For recorded phone information please call (303) 639-1111 or toll-free (877) 315-7623.
Schedule
Boarding begins at 6:30 pm. Train departure is 7:00 pm sharp!
The Blues Train is approximately 3.5 hours long round-trip. Train departure time is firm however return time to the Depot is tentative. The Blues Train begins boarding at 6:30 pm and departure time is 7:00 pm sharp! Please visit the box office in advance to avoid long lines before boarding.
Dinning Recommendations
We recommend you eat dinner before the Durango Blues Train! Enjoy dinning with our partners located nearby the Train Depot or Durango’s abundant restaurant selection.
2nd Street Deli & Sprits
2nd Street Deli & Spirits has created a great downtown hangout for the community of Durango! Featuring an dynamic menu of hot and cold sandwiches, this local favorite is located a brief 3 minute walk from the Train Depot.
“At 2nd Deli & Spirits we wanted to create an atmosphere that offered both fast and convenient take out for downtown co-workers as well as a laid back and enjoyable bar atmosphere. With delicious and affordable cocktails, wine by the glass, and a lengthy list of canned and draft beers the bar has something for everyone. Come on down and join us for a sandwich and if you feel like, a cold one.” -Williams & Brunson
Perbacco Cucina Italiana, a culinary masterpiece, was made possible by the combined passions, expertise, and determination of three friends: Massimo, Paolo, and Antonio. With a shared love for Italian food and motorsports, their journey to create Perbacco began in San Diego, California.
Massimo, hailing from the beautiful Venezia area in Northern Italy, and Antonio, representing the vibrant Amalfi Coast, had been long-time friends.
The trio had dedicated most of their lives to the hospitality industry, working in restaurants, hotels, and cruise liners around the globe. With nearly a century of combined experience, their expertise in the field was unparalleled.
Located in the Train Depot this is a great place for a pre Durango Blues Train dinner!
Refreshments on board
Refreshments will be available for purchase in the concessions cars. Credit cards accepted in the center gondola, cash-only on both ends of the train in the open-air train coaches. The bars feature beer, wine, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages with 8 different styles of tasty brews from our award-winning brewery and cider partners Ska Brewing, Telluride Brewing Co. and Fenceline Cider alongside delicious light snacks from Serious Texas BBQ. Make sure to try the exclusive Durango Blues Train Pilsner!
Make it a full weekend
With so much to do in and around town, why not make it a weekend?!
Click below for staff suggestions of summer recreational activities and how to plan a fun weekend in Durango during the Blues Train.
Lodging Guide
Standing as the gateway between the towering San Juan Mountains and the vast Southwest Desert, Durango is a town bustling with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, plentiful dinning and bar options, historic relics and more! If you're coming for a musical voyage on the Durango Blues Train we recommend making it a weekend or a long weekend to explore what the treasured destination is all about. The Durango Blues Train lodging partners offer great accommodations, deals and more, to help you make the most of your trip.
Questions
For specific questions about the Durango Blues Train, please contact SBG Productions at (970) 728-8037.
For general inquiries regarding Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, please contact DSNGRR at (877) 872-4607.
Cheers and see you next weekend! All aboard!