If you are going from Denver to Glenwood Springs by train, you will ride Amtrak’s California Zephyr. Denver Union Station is the starting point for the train as it travels west through the Front Range, climbs over the Continental Divide through Moffat Tunnel, follows the Colorado River and Gore Canyon, and heads through Glenwood Canyon to Glenwood Springs. The journey takes between 5.5 and 6.5 hours. Tickets typically cost between $30 and $60 for a coach seat and can be less if booked well in advance. Many people say this is one of the most scenic train rides in the United States.
Train From Denver to Glenwood Springs
| Detail | Information |
| Train name | Amtrak California Zephyr (Train 5 westbound, Train 6 eastbound) |
| Departure station | Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO |
| Arrival station | Glenwood Springs Amtrak Station, 413 7th St, Glenwood Springs, CO |
| Distance | About 160 miles by rail (the rail route is longer than the highway) |
| Travel time | Approximately 5.5–6.5 hours |
| Frequency | One train per direction, daily |
| Typical Coach fare | Around 30–100 one way, depending on date and demand |
| Seat types | Coach, Sleeper (Roomette, Bedroom), plus the Sightseer Lounge car |
| Reservations | Required; all seats are reserved |
Why Take a Train From Denver to Glenwood Springs? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
Most visitors to Colorado take Interstate 70, but there are many reasons travelers pick rail. Here are the main reasons.
- Spectacular scenery without the stress. The railroad passes places no highway reaches. You travel through dozens of tunnels, including the 6.2-mile Moffat Tunnel, then drop into river canyons where the tracks hug the Colorado River. Because you are not driving, you can look out the window the entire time.
- No mountain driving worries. I-70 over the mountains can be slow in winter. Snow, closures, and heavy weekend ski traffic are common. A train removes the need to drive on icy mountain roads.
- Comfort and space. Amtrak seats are wide and recline far more than airline seats, with generous legroom. You can walk around, visit the lounge car, or eat in the dining or café car.
- A more relaxing journey. You can read, work with the onboard Wi-Fi where it is available, or simply enjoy the ride. There are no parking fees, gas stops, or traffic jams.
- Eco-friendly travel. Rail generally produces fewer emissions per passenger than driving alone.
- Arrive in the center of town. The Glenwood Springs station sits downtown, a short walk from the famous Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, restaurants, shops, and the Colorado River trails.
Which Trains Go to Denver to Glenwood Springs? Major Rail Services Explained
The California Zephyr is the only passenger service available for this route, and it is an Amtrak train covering 2,400 miles from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville) via Amtrak’s long-distance route. There are stops in Denver and Glenwood Springs along the way.
Other Colorado rail services you may see mentioned online do not make this trip:
| Service | Route | Goes Denver to Glenwood Springs? |
| Amtrak California Zephyr | Chicago – Denver – Glenwood Springs – Salt Lake City – Emeryville | Yes |
| Amtrak Southwest Chief | Chicago – La Junta – Albuquerque – Los Angeles | No (serves southern Colorado) |
| Winter Park Express | Denver – Winter Park (seasonal ski train) | No (stops before Glenwood Springs) |
| Rocky Mountaineer “Rockies to the Red Rocks” | Denver – Glenwood Springs – Moab (luxury tour, seasonal) | Yes, but as a premium tour rather than regular transport |
| RTD Light Rail / Commuter Rail | Denver metro area | No |
Note: For regular, affordable travel, the California Zephyr is the right choice.
Popular Train Routes to Denver to Glenwood Springs From Major US Cities
Because the California Zephyr is a cross-country train, you can reach Glenwood Springs from many US cities, often with a change in Denver or no change at all.
| Starting City | Route Summary | Approx. Trip Length to Glenwood Springs |
| Denver, CO | Direct on the California Zephyr | 5.5–6.5 hours |
| Chicago, IL | Direct on the California Zephyr via Omaha and Denver | About 25–30 hours |
| Omaha, NE | Direct on the California Zephyr | About 14–16 hours |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Direct on the California Zephyr (eastbound) | About 7–8 hours |
| Reno, NV | Direct on the California Zephyr (eastbound) | About 14–16 hours |
| Sacramento, CA | Direct on the California Zephyr (eastbound) | About 18–20 hours |
| San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville) | Direct on the California Zephyr (eastbound) | About 20–22 hours |
| Grand Junction, CO | Direct on the California Zephyr (eastbound) | About 1.5–2 hours |
| Los Angeles, CA | Amtrak Thruway bus or Coast Starlight to Sacramento, then the California Zephyr | 30+ hours |
Note: Travel times are estimates. Long-distance trains can run late, especially on freight-shared track, so avoid tight same-day connections.
Denver to Glenwood Springs Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
California Zephyr trains only run once a day. Westbound trains depart Denver early in the morning. They arrive in Glenwood Springs in the early to mid-afternoon. Eastbound trains depart Glenwood Springs later in the afternoon and arrive in Denver in the evening.
| Direction | Typical Departure | Typical Arrival | Duration |
| Denver to Glenwood Springs (Train 5) | Morning, around 8:00 AM | Early afternoon, around 1:30–2:30 PM | About 5.5–6.5 hours |
| Glenwood Springs to Denver (Train 6) | Afternoon, around 3:30–4:30 PM | Evening, around 9:30–10:30 PM | About 5.5–6.5 hours |
Note: Times are approximate. Check Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app for the exact schedule on your travel date.
Schedule and ticket tips:
- Book early. Fares rise as seats sell out, especially in summer and during fall foliage season.
- Check train status. Delays are common on this route. Use the Amtrak app’s live train tracker the morning you travel.
- Consider a one-way ticket. Many travelers take the train one way and return by shuttle or car for flexibility.
- Sit on the right side. Seat choice is not assigned by side, but the south side of the train often gives views of the river and canyon walls, depending on direction. Ask the car attendant if you are unsure.
- Avoid tight connections. If you are arriving from another city, leave a generous buffer.
Denver to Glenwood Springs Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
Riding Amtrak is easy, but a few tips make your first trip smoother.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early. Boarding at Denver Union Station is simple, but you will want time to check bags and find your gate.
- Carry valid photo ID. Amtrak may ask for it when you board, particularly for e-tickets.
- Pack snacks and a water bottle. The café car offers food and drinks, but prices are higher than at a grocery store.
- Dress in layers. Mountain temperatures swing a lot, and train cars can be cool.
- Charge your devices. Outlets are available at most seats, and Wi-Fi is limited in remote canyon areas.
- Bring a camera. The best photo views are in Gore Canyon and Glenwood Canyon. Sitting in the Sightseer Lounge car gives you large panoramic windows.
- Mind the altitude. Denver sits at 5,280 feet, and the train climbs above 9,000 feet. Drink water and avoid heavy alcohol early in the trip.
- Know your baggage rules. Amtrak allows two personal items and two carry-on bags free of charge, plus checked baggage at larger stations. Check the current rules before you travel.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to Denver to Glenwood Springs
From Denver Union Station, you will take the same train directly to Glenwood Springs. The California Zephyr stops at several places in between. Enjoy the ride!
| Stop | Notes |
| Denver Union Station | Starting point; downtown Denver |
| Fraser–Winter Park | Gateway to Winter Park Resort |
| Granby | Near Rocky Mountain National Park’s west side and Grand Lake |
| Glenwood Springs | Hot springs, Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake region |
- Some schedules may cause the train to stop at additional points on the route, so check the timetable to be safe. Trains stop at Glenwood Springs on their way to Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, and California.
- Connecting routes: If you’re coming from outside of Colorado, you can utilize the California Zephyr from Chicago. You can connect other Amtrak lines to a Zephyr connection in Chicago, Emeryville, or Sacramento. From LA, you can take the Coast Starlight North to Sacramento and connect with the Zephyr Eastbound. From the Denver Airport, you can take the A-line commuter train directly to Union Station to catch the Zephyr.
Business Class vs Coach on Denver to Glenwood Springs Trains
Many travelers search for “business class,” but it is worth knowing: the California Zephyr does not offer Amtrak Business Class. Business Class is available on certain other Amtrak routes. On this route, your main options are Coach and Sleeper.
| Feature | Coach Seat | Roomette (Sleeper) | Bedroom (Sleeper) |
| Price level | Lowest | Much higher | Highest |
| Seat or private room | Reclining seat | Private room for 1–2 | Private room with toilet and shower for 1–2 |
| Legroom | Generous | Compact | Larger |
| Meals included | No (purchase in café/dining car) | Yes (dining car meals) | Yes |
| Lounge access | Sightseer Lounge | Sightseer Lounge | Sightseer Lounge |
| Best for | Day trips, budget travelers | Couples, comfort seekers | Families, longer journeys |
Which should you choose? For the Denver to Glenwood Springs day ride, Coach is the best value. Seats are spacious, and the trip is only about six hours. Sleeper accommodations are better suited to overnight trips on the full Chicago–California route, although some travelers choose them for the added privacy, included meals, and priority service.
Denver to Glenwood Springs Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About Denver to Glenwood Springs Station
Denver Union Station (Departure)
Denver Union Station is one of the most beautiful historic stations in the country. It sits in Lower Downtown (LoDo), surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels.
- Address: 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202
- Getting there: Take the RTD A-Line from Denver International Airport (about 37 minutes), or use light rail, buses, a taxi, or a rideshare.
- Facilities: Amtrak ticket counter, waiting areas, restrooms, Wi-Fi, dining, and a hotel inside the building.
- Parking: Public parking garages are nearby, though they charge daily fees.
- Tip: Boarding is usually called about 20–30 minutes before departure.
Glenwood Springs Amtrak Station (Arrival)
The Glenwood Springs station is a small, convenient station in the heart of downtown.
- Address: 413 7th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
- Facilities: A basic shelter and waiting area. It is not a major hub, so do not expect a full-service ticket office at all times.
- What’s nearby: Glenwood Hot Springs Pool, Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, the Hotel Colorado, and Glenwood Canyon trails.
- Getting around: The town is walkable. Taxis, rideshare, and local RFTA buses run through the area.
| Station | Services | Ease of Access |
| Denver Union Station | Full ticketing, food, shops, hotel | Excellent (airport train, light rail) |
| Glenwood Springs Station | Basic waiting area, limited staff | Very good (walkable downtown) |
How to Book Train Tickets from Denver to Glenwood Springs: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking is quick and can be done online in just a few minutes.
- Go to Amtrak.com or open the Amtrak app. These are the official booking channels.
- Enter your route. Choose Denver, CO (DEN) as the departure and Glenwood Springs, CO (GSC) as the destination.
- Select your travel date. Pick one-way or round-trip.
- Choose the number of passengers. Add adults, children, seniors, or travelers with disabilities.
- Compare fares. Amtrak shows Saver, Value, and Flexible fare options. Cheaper fares are often non-refundable or have change fees.
- Select your seat type. Choose Coach or a Sleeper.
- Enter traveler details and pay. Use a credit card, debit card, or Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
- Download your e-ticket. Save it to your phone or print it.
Note: You can also buy tickets at the Denver Union Station Amtrak counter or by calling Amtrak. The Glenwood Springs station may not have staffed ticket sales, so plan to book in advance.
Pro tip: Join Amtrak Guest Rewards for free. You earn points on each trip and can redeem them for free travel later.
Denver to Glenwood Springs Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Ticket prices vary with demand, season, and how early you book. As a general guide:
| Ticket Type | Typical One-Way Price (USD) |
| Coach, booked early | 30–60 |
| Coach, booked last minute | 80–150+ |
| Roomette (Sleeper) | 300–700+ (includes meals) |
| Bedroom (Sleeper) | 600–1,200+ (includes meals) |
Note: Prices are estimates and can change. Always check live fares at Amtrak.com.
How to save money:
- Book 2–3 months ahead. Amtrak’s lowest fares go to early bookers.
- Travel midweek. Tuesday through Thursday trains tend to be cheaper than weekends.
- Travel off-peak. Late fall and early spring often have lower prices than summer.
- Use discounts. Amtrak offers discounts for seniors (65+), students with a valid card, children aged 2–12, military members, and AAA members.
- Buy a rail pass for multiple trips. If you plan several segments, the USA Rail Pass may be cheaper.
- Watch for sales. Amtrak runs seasonal promotions and flash sales.
- Pack your own food. Avoid buying every meal in the café car.
Best Time to Visit Denver to Glenwood Springs by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
Every season brings a different experience, so the best time depends on what you want.
| Season | What to Expect | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Snowmelt, rushing rivers, fewer crowds | Lower fares, green views | Weather can still be cold and unpredictable |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm days, rafting season, festivals | Great weather, long daylight | Highest fares, busy trains |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Golden aspen foliage | Stunning colors, comfortable temperatures | Popular, book early |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Snowy mountains, ski season | Beautiful snow scenes, relaxing soak in hot springs | Possible delays from weather |
Our recommendation: Aspens change from green to gold from about late September to early October. If you want to see the aspens and enjoy some outdoor activities, late summer is the time to go. Winter offers a chance to see a snowy landscape in the Rocky Mountains with a hot soak to warm up after your ride.
Train vs Bus vs Car to Denver to Glenwood Springs: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
The three main ways to travel between Denver and Glenwood Springs are train, bus, and car. Here is how they compare.
| Factor | Train (Amtrak) | Bus (Bustang / Greyhound-type) | Car |
| Travel time | 5.5–6.5 hours | About 3.5–4.5 hours | About 2.5–3 hours (without traffic) |
| Typical cost | 30–100 | 20–50 | Gas, parking, and wear and tear |
| Scenery | Exceptional (rail-only views) | Good (highway views) | Good (highway views) |
| Comfort | Spacious seats, lounge, café | Standard seats, limited space | Depends on your vehicle |
| Weather risk | Moderate | Moderate to high | High in winter |
| Flexibility | Low (one train daily) | Moderate | High |
| Stress level | Very low | Low | Medium to high |
The verdict: The quickest way is to either drive or take the bus. The most scenic and relaxing way is to take the train. The trade-off for the stunning views and relaxed environment is longer travel times. For many first-time visitors to Colorado, the beautiful landscape is worth the additional time spent traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a train from Denver to Glenwood Springs?
Yes. Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs daily from Denver Union Station to Glenwood Springs. It is a direct train, so you do not need to change.
2. How long does the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs take?
The trip usually takes about 5.5 to 6.5 hours. Delays can extend this time, especially in winter or when freight traffic is heavy.
3. How much does a train ticket from Denver to Glenwood Springs cost?
Coach fares generally range from about $30 to $100 one way, depending on the date and how early you book. Sleeper rooms cost significantly more but include meals.
4. How many trains run from Denver to Glenwood Springs each day?
One train runs in each direction every day. Because of this, it is important to plan your schedule around the departure time.
5. Where does the train leave from in Denver?
The train departs from Denver Union Station at 1701 Wynkoop Street in Lower Downtown. You can reach it from the airport by the RTD A-Line.
6. Where is the Glenwood Springs train station?
The station is at 413 7th Street in downtown Glenwood Springs, within walking distance of the hot springs, shops, and restaurants.
7. Does the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs have business class?
No. The California Zephyr offers Coach and Sleeper accommodations rather than Business Class. Coach seats are roomy and work well for this day trip.
8. Can I buy tickets at the station?
Yes, at Denver Union Station. Booking online or through the Amtrak app is easier and often cheaper, and the Glenwood Springs station may not have staffed ticket sales.
9. Is the train ride from Denver to Glenwood Springs scenic?
Very. The route passes through the Moffat Tunnel, along the Colorado River, and through Gore Canyon and Glenwood Canyon, with views that highway travelers cannot see.
10. Is the train better than driving from Denver to Glenwood Springs?
It depends on your priorities. Driving is faster and more flexible, but the train is more relaxing, avoids mountain traffic and winter driving, and offers far better views.