Frequently Asked Questions
Are seats on the train reserved?
Yes. Passengers are assigned specific seats when a ticket is purchased. Deluxe and Parlor class ticket purchasers may select their own seats when booking online or by phone. Coach class seats are assigned the night before departure and will be reflected on your ticket at pickup.
Can I ride the train from Chama to Antonito and back (or vice versa) in the same day?
No, the distance is too far. However, passengers can ride one way by train and return in the other on one of our comfortable luxury motorcoaches. For the dedicated rail fans, passengers may ride the train over a 2 day period in order to ride round trip, from Chama to Antonito and back, or vice versa. The passenger would be required to purchase an additional ticket as well as lodging in (or near) the appropriate depot town to accomplish the full round trip experience. Check out our Schedules and Fares page for more information on all the trip options, or call us at 1-888-286-2737 to discuss further.
What is the best trip to take?
This depends entirely on your preferences! Many riders believe that the geologic and structural features on the trip between Antonito and Osier are the most interesting part of the ride. Others think that it is most interesting to experience the work the steam locomotive has to do to pull the train up the 4% grade from Chama to Cumbres Pass in the cool mountain air. All of the trips we offer have their own merits. Our Reservations Specialist can recommend the best trip for each passenger — call us at 1-888-286-2737 and tell us a bit about what you’re looking for on your steam locomotive vacation!
Are there any discounts?
Can I buy tickets on the day of the train trip I wish to ride?
What are the depot hours?
The Antonito depot is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the regular season. The Chama depot is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the regular season. During the off-season, our hours are limited, but you may email us anytime at info@cumbrestoltec.com and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
How do I contact the depots?
The Chama depot phone number is 1-575-219-3297, or 1-888-286-2737.
The Antonito depot phone number is 1-719-472-3984, or 1-888-286-2737.
Where can I find overnight accommodations in Antonito or Chama?
What if I need to make changes to my ticket reservation or cancel my trip?
Changes may be made up to 24 hours before departure and are subject to a $6.00 change fee per ticket. Refunds for cancellations made 48 hours or more before departure are subject to a fee of $18.00 per adult ticket and $9.00 per child ticket. There are no refunds issued on reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to your reserved date. Rates and fares are subject to change without notice.
What is the Historical Preservation Fee (HPF)?
The Historic Preservation Fee is applied to each ticket to offset long term maintenance costs of the Railroad trains and property. The C&TSRR is 140+ years old and has earned listing on the National Historic Landmark Registry in Washington, DC. The Historic Preservation Fee is reserved for historic repairs and maintenance of facilities, equipment, and property. Each ticket is subject to a 7% non-refundable Historical Preservation Fee.
What is the difference between the Parlor car, Deluxe car, and Coach?
- The Parlor Car is our most exclusive car. It is a Victorian Style era car with mahogany panels, oversized windows, and comfortable seating. Passengers must be 21 and older to ride. Your fare includes; a morning pastry and fruit, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, afternoon snack, and souvenir gifts. There is also a personal attendant on board.
- Deluxe is a family friendly First Class car. This car has cafe style seating with tables for 2 or 4 guests, depending on availability. Fare includes; snacks, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and a souvenir gift. There is also a personal attendant on board.
- Coach cars offer comfortable padded bench seating. There is a concessions car on board for purchase of snacks and beverages. You are welcome to move about the train and experience the open-air gondola car!
Are refreshments available on the train?
Yes, there is a concession car on each train. Snacks available include popcorn, chips, candy, pretzels and more. Beverages available are sodas, water, juice, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased for those 21 years of age and older.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?
Yes, you may bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board the train.
Are there restrooms on the train?
Yes. There are restrooms on the train, on the luxury motorcoaches (buses), at the Antonito and Chama stations, and inside the Osier dining hall.
Can I smoke on the train?
No. Smoking is not permitted at any time on the train nor on any railroad property or equipment. This also includes e-cigarettes.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages on the train?
No. Due to our liquor license, it is against Federal Regulations to bring alcoholic beverages onto our property. Alcohol can be purchased aboard our train with a valid ID.
Can I bring my pet on the train?
No, only service animals accompanied by their owners can be brought aboard the train.
Is the train ADA or wheelchair accessible?
We have wheelchair lifts available on select train cars (coach seating only) and motorcoaches. Please make your reservation at least seven days in advance of departure and notify us at 1-888-286-2737 or at info@cumbrestoltec.com. If you use a wheelchair or require assistance, please advise when you book your reservation and re-confirm those needs within three days of your scheduled ride with our ticekt agents.
On the train, if you require ADA use of a wheelchair, walker, or scooter we have a wheelchair lift available. Your seating will be in our ADA equipped coach with an ADA restroom available in the same car.
Passengers walking between cars will need to be able to walk unassisted as wheelchairs, walkers and scooters can not crossover the end platforms our passenger cars.
Can I bring a child's stroller on the train?
We ask that strollers are not brought onto the train due to lack of storage space.
Can I move about the train?
Yes. Passengers are welcome to move from car to car after the conductor has punched your ticket. Please be careful when moving in between cars, as the cars can be subject to sudden jerks. All children must be accompanied by an adult when moving through the train.
Is there an open car on the train?
Yes. All trains include an open gondola, and passengers are welcome to spend time there.
How long does the trip take?
It takes about seven hours to traverse the entire 64-mile line from Antonito to Chama or vice versa, including the lunch stop at Osier, and just under an hour to return from one depot to the other via our luxury motorcoaches. Depending on the itinerary selected, trips last from three hours to approximately eight hours. We offer a variety of trip configurations to match your schedule. Visit our Schedules and Fares page to see the options, or join us for one of our Special Event trains.
How much time do we have for lunch?
The train stops at the Osier dining hall for about one-hour lunch. Lunch is included in most ticket prices.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please give us a call at 1-888-286-2737 and let us know of your dietary restrictions and we will do our best to accomodate you.
For additional information, email us at info@cumbrestoltec.com or call us at 1-888-286-2737.