When famed outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) is captured by the law in Bisbee, rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale) volunteers as one of the escorts who will take Wade to the 3:10 to Yuma train in Contention for the reward of $200. The transport to Contention is hazardous and filled with ambushes by Indians, pursuits by Wade's vengeful gang and Wade's own conniving and surreptitious demeanor which results in a battle of wills that makes the ride all the more intense.