There are many reasons to explore by train. Not least is that it is a stress-free way to discover routes less-travelled, allowing you to reach places and view landscapes not visible from the road. It is a comfortable way to travel, with attendants on hand, dining and drinks service and carriages designed to offer the most scenic vistas.
So where can you go? The Alaska Railroad’s main line stretches 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, connecting locations along Southcentral and Interior Alaska. The main line was completed in 1923 after 9 years of construction and in 1943, the Railroad completed a 12-mile spur to the tiny port town of Whittier. In total, the Alaska Railroad provides regularly scheduled passenger service along 482 miles of track. Operating year round, but with scheduled services varying seasonally: the busy summer season stretches from mid-May to mid-September, while the quieter winter schedule spans mid-September to mid-May.
ANCHORAGE > GIRDWOOD > SEWARD
A convenient round-trip schedule and picturesque landscapes along the route make the Coastal Classic Train a favourite. From Anchorage, the train winds along Turnagain Arm and through the backcountry wilderness of the Kenai Peninsula; massive glaciers and towering waterfalls can be seen along the way. Upon reaching Seward, the train comes to a halt on the shores of Resurrection Bay, offering easy connections to Kenai Fjords National Park. A seven-hour layover allows plenty of time in Seward should you be making the return rail journey to Anchorage that evening.
Onboard services: GoldStar Service or Adventure Class. Dining car, baggage service (Anchorage and Seward only), and wheelchair access.
ANCHORAGE > WASILLA > TALKEETNA > DENALI > FAIRBANKS
The Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. Each day in the summer, the Denali Star departs Anchorage for the 12 hour journey north to Fairbanks, while a sister train in Fairbanks makes the same trip in the reverse. Along the way, the Denali Star stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. On a clear day, passengers enjoy spectacular views of the train’s namesake mountain: Denali, the tallest peak in North America.
Onboard services: GoldStar Service or Adventure Class. Dining car, baggage service (Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks only) and wheelchair access.
ANCHORAGE > GIRDWOOD > WHITTIER > PORTAGE > SPENCER > GRANDVIEW
A variety of destinations and a convenient round-trip schedule make the Glacier Discovery Train ideally suited for day trips from Anchorage. Travelling south from Anchorage, the train makes a brief stop in Girdwood, before continuing on to Whittier, Portage, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Grandview. On the return journey, Anchorage and Girdwood-bound passengers may opt to disembark at Portage for a direct motorcoach transfer, or stay on the train for the more lengthy journey including a stop in Whittier.
Onboard services: Adventure Class only. Dining car, baggage service (Anchorage only), and wheelchair access.
TALKEETNA > CHASE > CURRY > SHERMAN > GOLD CREEK > TWIN BRIDGES > CHULITNA > HURRICANE
The Hurricane Turn Train serves as a lifeline for Alaskans living off the road system in the backcountry wilderness north of Talkeetna. In the summer, the Hurricane operates Thursday through Monday, departing Talkeetna and providing flagstop service along the way to the turnaround point of Hurricane Gulch. The Winter Hurricane operates on the first Thursday of the month October to May, departing from Anchorage and making the round-trip journey to Hurricane Gulch. Please note that there is no dining service aboard the Hurricane Turn Train; guests are encouraged to bring their own food and beverage aboard.
Onboard services: Adventure Class only. Wheelchair access (Summer: Talkeetna only. Winter: Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna only).
ANCHORAGE > WASILLA > TALKEETNA > HEALY > NENANA > FAIRBANKS
Experience the serenity of backcountry Alaska in winter from the comfort of a warm railcar. The Aurora Winter Train operates from mid-September to mid-May, connecting Anchorage and Fairbanks and providing flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane. Due to the nature of flagstop service, the schedule may vary depending on the number of stops.
Onboard services: Adventure Class service only. Dining car, baggage service (Anchorage and Fairbanks only) and wheelchair access (Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna and Fairbanks only).
The Alaska Railroad’s premium class of service offers passengers an exceptional way to travel across Alaska. Glass-dome ceilings allow for panoramic views as Alaska unfolds along the tracks, and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform, the only one of its kind in the world, offers fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos. On the lower level of GoldStar railcars, passengers enjoy a full-service dining room; GoldStar tickets include meals, all soft beverages and two complimentary alcoholic beverages per trip (for passengers over 21).
• Glass-dome ceilings
• Upper-level outdoor viewing platforms
• Inclusive dining at the lower-level full-service dining car
• Private bar and two complimentary adult beverages
• Comfortable forward-facing seats
• Alaskan tour guide providing narration
• Fully accessible
AVAILABLE ON:
Coastal Classic Train, May through September.
Denali Star Train, May through September.
Adventure Class cars offer comfortable seating and large picture windows. Adventure Class guests are encouraged to travel between railcars, whether to take advantage of the open seating in the Vista Dome cars or visit the Wilderness Café.
• Confirmed seat with large picture windows
• Onboard dining and bar service available for purchase in the Wilderness Café (except Hurricane Train)
• Freedom to explore between Adventure Class cars
• Access to open seating in Vista Dome car (summer only; excludes Glacier Discovery Train)
AVAILABLE ON:
Coastal Classic Train, May through September.
Denali Star Train, May through September.
Glacier Discovery Train, June through September.
Hurricane Turn Train (Summer), Thursday to Monday, May through September.
Hurricane Turn Train (Winter), First Thursday of the month, October through May.
Aurora Winter Train, weekend service, September through May.
We have a selection of pre-planned holiday packages which include Alaska Railroad. Should you wish us to create a tailored itinerary, encompassing your desired locations, just let us know and we would be happy to assist.
Alaska Rail & Road Circle – 10 nights/11 days – The best of both worlds, this ten night Alaska bonanza combines a road trip which visits all the top locations including Kenai Fjords National Park, Prince William Sound and Sheep Mountain, with two rail journeys where you can simply sit back in the Dome Car, take in the wonderful scenery and enjoy the ride.
Alaska Train Extravaganza – 8 nights/9 days – Perfect for those not wishing to drive, you can explore Alaska on Alaska Railroad, an iconic journey offering special landscapes and onboard service. In each of Seward, Anchorage and Denali we have included Freedom of Choice, where you can choose what you’d prefer to do from a myriad of sightseeing options.
Alaska Aurora Train & Winter Delights – 6 nights/7 days – One to tick off the bucket list – this is a fabulous and memorable adventure. You’ll enjoy three nights in both Anchorage and Fairbanks, and traverse between the two locations aboard the Northern Lights Aurora Train, plus enjoy a glacier walk, a dog sledding excursion and of course, an opportunity to view Aurora Borealis in clear, dark skies.
Our team of travel professionals focus on providing you with the very best advice when it comes to planning your holiday to the USA and Canada. They have experienced the destinations, hotels, tours and excursions for themselves, so if its expert advice and guidance backed by faultless customer service that you are looking for, you couldn’t’ be in safer hands. We will listen to your wish list of ideas as well as add our own personal recommendations to create a unique itinerary, personalised just for you.
For a quotation based on your preferred travel date and to check availability please contact one of our team of professional consultants who will be happy to assist you.
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