The Fireball Mail… the Bluegrass Express… the Midnight Flyer… all famous trains in the bluegrass canon. Now, the Durango & Silverton Railroad hopes to add one more to that list: the Durango Bluegrass Train.
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark, has had a continuous presence through the mountains and canyons of Colorado’s San Juan National Forest since 1881. While historically it carried gold and silver ore out of mountain mines, today it serves as a tourist attraction, taking visitors to the notable mining town of Silverton with beautiful views of the Colorado wilderness along the way. This year, they have added a new rail excursion to their roster featuring live bluegrass bands as part of the journey.
The Durango Bluegrass Train, running May 28-30, 2026, will feature six live bluegrass bands onboard, each in their own coach. Four coaches will include seats, while two will have open floors perfect for dancing. Passengers will enjoy a 3.5 hour round trip, including local craft beer and wine for purchase. Bands featured on the train will include both local and national acts well known in the Colorado bluegrass scene: The Fretliners, the Humbletown Duo, High Country Hustle, the Lightweight Travelers, the Alex Graf and Eli Emmitt Duo, and the Brothers Santos.
Tickets (including fees) are $187.93 for general admission, or $198.99 for general admission plus a souvenir lanyard featuring the artist lineup. According to the event website, tickets are limited and will likely sell out well in advance of the event, so early purchase is recommended.
Beautiful scenery, the whistle of a locomotive, and live bluegrass music sounds like an excellent combination. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit The Durango Bluegrass Train online.
