The Amtrak Winter Park Express Train runs between Denver, CO, and Winter Park, CO. Fares start at $34 each way, and your skis are a carry-on at no additional charge. Find out what you need to know before planning your trip aboard this train and its alternatives.
The Amtrak Winter Express train takes skiers, or anyone else, through one of the most scenic parts of the Rockies with views only seen by train!
While the trip takes about an hour longer than driving, it offers something unique and convenient.
This train allows you to avoid traffic and road conditions, and if you are so inclined, have a few adult beverages as you travel.
The train has snacks and hot and cold beverages. Consider taking you, your friends, and your skis on this seasonal train!
Amtrak Winter Park Express Accommodations
The Amtrak Winter Park Express only offers coach-class accommodations.
Once on the train, you can visit the bi-level Sightseer Lounge to see the views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel.
The Lounge car also has a cafe on the lower level to get a hot cup of coffee to warm you up and prepare you for skiing or a glass of wine, beer, or spirits to wind down. More on this later.
Seating is on the upper level, with accessible seating on the lower. You can find restrooms on the lower level.
Each seat leans back and has a legrest and footrest for additional comfort.
For your convenience, there is a seatback pocket and overhead luggage storage. Plus, if you bring a charger, you can charge your phone or any electronic device you carry.
This train does not have Amtrak Wi-Fi; cell service may be spotty since it runs in the mountains.
Example of a Superliner Coach Car
Baggage & Skis On The Winter Park Express
Winter Park Express customers can bring two carry-on items and two personal items. During boarding, your skis will get placed in a dedicated baggage storage. All for free.
Amtrak checked bag service is unavailable on this train, but you can bring two pieces of luggage and two personal items aboard—more info on Amtrak’s carry-on policy.
Food On The Winter Park Express
The train has a cafe car on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge, offering food and drinks. You can bring food and drink aboard, but you cannot eat it in the cafe or drink the alcohol you brought aboard.
Ski Lift Tickets
Amtrak does not sell lift tickets, but you can buy them here.
Amtrak Winter Park Express Schedule
The Amtrak Winter Park Express runs on Fridays through Sundays, but the 2024 dates are not public. So this info is based on 2023 info.
The Amtrak Winter Express Park Express travels 56 miles and takes 2.6 hours, enough time to grab a snack or beverage from the cafe car and enjoy the stunning views.
| 1105 Westbound Fr – Su Read Down | Stations | Miles | 1106 Eastbound Fr – Su Last Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:40 p | Denver, CO Union Station(DEN) | 0 | 7:00a |
| 4:30 p | Winter Park Resort, CO (WPR) | 56 | 9:00a |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
You can find weekday alternatives later on in this article.
Booking The Amtrak Winter Park Express
You can book this train online, through the Amtrak App, at the Denver Union Station, or by phone (1-800-USA-Rail). To book this train, use the DEN and WPS station codes.
California Zephyr: The Winter Park Express Alternative
If you need train service during the week or at a different time, you can book the California Zephyr, a daily long-distance train, and an Amtrak connecting service. In this case, a shuttle will pick you up or drop you off at the Winter Park Resort (WPS), and the train will pick you up or drop you off at the Fraser, CO, stop, a station eight miles away.
When booking, still use WPS and DEN for station codes; this way, you will secure the shuttle.
| 5 Westbound Daily Read Down | Stations | Miles | 6 Eastbound Daily Last Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:05a | Denver, CO Union Station(DEN) | 0 | 6:38p |
| 10:10 | Winter Park Resort, CO (WPR) | 56 | 3:00p |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
If You Already Plan On Using The California Zephyr
If you are already considering making reservations for the California Zephyr, there is no need to get off in Denver unless you want to.
You can book from many other Amtrak stations directly to Winter Park and stay on that train. This service may not be available year-round.
Be aware that you cannot check your skis at all stations.
If you stay on the Zephyr, you will use the Amtrak connecting shuttle at the Fraiser stop.
A Few Amtrak Winter Park Express Tidbits
Getting Between Denver Union Station And The Airport
Denver offers light rail service between Denver Union Station and the Airport; you can learn more here. Additionally, there are always rideshares and taxis.
Booking Groups
Passengers in small groups of up to eight can purchase Winter Park Express tickets on the Amtrak Website or the Amtrak app.
Passengers in groups of 9 – 14 can call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to make a reservation.
Groups of 15 or more — including requests for exclusive car occupancy — should make a group travel request, and an Amtrak representative will contact you. For more information about group travel, call 1-800-USA-1GRP (1-800-872-1477) Monday through Friday, 6 am – 6 pm MT.
Travelers With Disabilities
Each departure offers dedicated accessible seating, and Denver (DEN) and Winter Park (WPR) are fully accessible stations. Also, passengers can book a seat on the lower level of the car, eliminating the use of stairs.
Safe Travels!
Kev
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