Ride with the Engineer

Listed prices do not include historic preservation fee.

Rides start at $299 per person and includes:

• Journey through the Royal Gorge
• Ride with the engineer
• Hat, tee-shirt, and photo

Requirements to Ride with the Engineer:

Must be at least 13 years of age. If 18 or older, you may ride solo with the engineer. Guests who are 13 – 17 years old must be accompanied by an adult with the engineer in the cab. All guests must wear closed-toe shoes. Note: No bathroom is available throughout your Ride with the Engineer.

Please note: Pricing may vary when High Season and/or Holiday Pricing applies. Click Book Now to learn more.

• No more than two (2) riders in the cab at any one time.
• Must be at least 18 years of age if riding alone, or a minimum of 13 years of age when accompanied by an adult parent or guardian.
• All cab riders must be able to stand, walk, sit and climb stairs without assistance and without the aid of an assistive device. Cab riders who are blind or deaf must be accompanied by a companion.
• Use of a digital camera for photography is permitted.
• Mobile phones must be OFF or in ‘airplane mode’.
• No self-contained breathing equipment (oxygen), and no service or emotional support animals.
• Riders must wear proper clothing (shorts, skirts, and tank tops are not permitted).
• Full length pants/jeans are required.
• No open-toed shoes (sandals, flip flops, etc.) or high heels. Guests must wear closed toed shoes.
• Cab rides may not be available on some departures, and specifically, exclude Santa Express departures.

For a full list of rules and regulations that are in effect while Riding with the Engineer, please click here.

The Royal Gorge Route has a no refund policy.

We provide a breathtaking journey and dining experience aboard our train through the Royal Gorge. We look forward to sharing our slice of Royal Gorge beauty with you!

For same day booking please make your reservations at least one hour before departure.

You may also purchase your tickets in person at the Santa Fe Depot for an additional $10 per ticket walk-up fee. We also invite you to call our reservations team at 719.276.4000.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad welcomes groups (20 or more) from around the world!  To inquire about Group Sales offerings, please visit our Group Sales page then contact our team at 719.276.4000.

Seating is limited and trains sell out quickly, so make your reservations early online or by calling us at 719-276-4000. You may also purchase your tickets on site at the Santa Fe Depot for an additional $10 walk-up fee.

In the longstanding tradition of railroad dining, please note that we seat in parties of 4. Parties of 2 will most likely be seated across from another couple. This is an incredible opportunity to meet fellow rail fans, travelers, and new friends. When seated with another couple, you and your guest will be seated on the same side. Larger groups will be seated in adjacent rows.

Every effort will be made to accommodate physical needs. For questions about the accessibility of the train, its different classes, or if you would like to be seated with another party, please call the reservations department at 719-276-4000 prior to booking a reservation on our web site.

We offer a full menu of dining options and do our best to accommodate any dietary restrictions our passengers may have. For serious allergies, please call our reservations line at 719-276-4000 in advance of your ride to ensure our team is aware of your needs. However, because we serve known allergens, please be advised that we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination.

The train can accommodate a limited number of wheelchair patrons per each train departure. The Vista Dome is not accessible to wheelchairs. Guests must be able to climb 14 steps on their own in order to sit in the Dome Cars.

Please call Reservations if you have a wheelchair (24″maximum at base), walker, or difficulties climbing stairs. For questions about the accessibility of the train and its different classes, please call prior to booking a reservation on our website. All seating is assigned/reserved and cannot be guaranteed. Please call a representative at 719-276-4000 to book your tickets for the entire party with a wheelchair or movement-impaired passenger.

The Royal Gorge Route follows restaurant health codes. Only licensed, certified service animals are allowed on the train. Any other animals, including emotional support animals, are not allowed on the train.