How many trains go through Moffat Tunnel a day?

Today the Moffat Tunnel averages 15 trains per day for current operator Union Pacific. Amtrak's daily California Zephyrs also make use of the passage.



In 2026, an average of 10 to 15 trains pass through the Moffat Tunnel daily. This count is a combination of freight and passenger services. The tunnel is a critical artery for Union Pacific freight trains hauling commodities across the Continental Divide. Regarding passenger rail, the Amtrak California Zephyr passes through twice daily (one eastbound, one westbound). Additionally, the seasonal Winter Park Express "ski train" adds more frequency during the winter months. A major update for 2026 is the launch of the Mountain Rail Phase 1, a state-funded initiative that has introduced new daily passenger service between Denver and Granby. This project aims to eventually increase the passenger count to three daily round trips, helping to alleviate traffic on the I-70 corridor. Because the tunnel requires a "ventilation cycle" to clear exhaust between trains, its total capacity is strictly capped at about 20-25 "slots" per day.

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