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.

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-CUMBRES 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-CUMBRES and tell us a bit about what you’re looking for on your steam locomotive vacation!

Are there any discounts?

Yes! Please see our Specials and Discounts page for more information.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the train trip I wish to ride?

Yes. However, the trains often sell out, so we recommend advance purchase.

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 1-575-741-3126, or 1-888-286-2737.
The Antonito depot phone number is 1-719-376-5483, or 1-888-286-2737.

Where can I find overnight accommodations in Antonito or Chama?

Click here to learn about available accommodations in the Antonito area.
Click here to learn about available accommodations in the Chama area.

What if I need to make changes to my ticket reservation or cancel my trip?

Book with confidence.

You can change your reservation for this season without any fee.
If you need to cancel your reservation this season, you will get a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your trip.
Please consider donating your ticket fee to C&T if you do have to cancel your reservation this year. Your donation will help maintain the viability of our historic property. To donate, please call our sales office at 1-888-286-2737.
Please be patient with us as we process refunds. Due to circumstances beyond our control, it may take longer than normal to process refunds for cancelled trips.

Parlor & Deluxe seat assignments may change due to COVID-19 state and federal health policies (social-distancing).

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 $14.00 per adult ticket and $7.00 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 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 16 and older to ride. Your fare includes; a continental breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, 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, non-alcoholic beverages, and a gift. There is also a personal attendant on board.
Coach cars offer comfortable padded bench seating. Snacks, film, gifts, and souvenirs are available in the concessions car. 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 are popcorn, candy, and pretzels. 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 food 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, 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.

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.

Can I bring my pet on the train?

Only service animals accompanied by their owners can be brought aboard the train.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

We have wheelchair lifts available on select coaches 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-state those needs within three days of your scheduled ride.

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. 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 six and one half 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 four and a half 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 a delicious one hour buffet lunch brought to you by Toltec Gorge Catering, Inc., a team that specializes in cooking delectable food and treats at 10,000+ feet (in altitude). All ticket purchasers receive the buffet lunch.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

A full salad bar is available for vegetarians. If a passenger has other special dietary requirements, plan on bringing a meal or contact Toltec Gorge Catering, Inc., with questions or concerns at toltecgorge@aol.com.

For additional information, email us at info@cumbrestoltec.com or call us at 1-888-CUMBRES.