Explore Alaska By Train!

Alaska offers visitors a spectacular way to see the state – by rail! The Alaska Railroad has several train lines, and trains in Alaska allow visitors an exciting yet comfortable way to travel through areas that are inaccessible by road. Trip options include short day trips and whistle-stop service, where passengers can disembark along the way for a day of picnicking, fishing, or hiking as well as multi-day Alaska land and rail tours that explore the state in depth.

What Is The Alaska Railroad?

The Alaska Railroad is a modern rail line with track stretching 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, with stops in top destinations like Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park and Preserve. Other stops include Wasilla, Whittier, Girdwood, and the Spencer Whistle Stop. The Alaska Railroad is famed for its glass-domed rail cars and excellent service.

Trains in Alaska are a convenient and fun option for those interested in exploring Southcentral and Interior Alaska, but who don’t want to drive themselves! You can hop on board any one of the Alaska Railroad’s five main lines for a scenic day trip or book a multi-day package that includes overnight stays at hotels and lodges along the way. Many Alaska land and rail tours include activities such as rafting, wildlife viewing, hiking, ziplining, and more. The rail station in Denali National Park provides a favorite method of reaching the iconic national park for cruise ship passengers disembarking in Seward, Whittier, or Anchorage before they fly home.

Five Fun Facts About Trains In Alaska

It may come as a surprise to you that Alaska has a world-class rail system that provides an alternative means of exploring all of its beauty. This allows visitors to experience the state’s wilderness from a unique perspective! Here are a handful of fascinating facts about Alaska’s rail system that you may not have known.

• The Alaska Railroad was established in 1914 during the gold rush era. It was built to connect the coastal town of Seward, where gold was discovered in 1896, to Fairbanks in the interior. Today, the railroad stretches over 500 miles and connects Anchorage, Seward, Whittier, and Fairbanks.
• Trains in Alaska played a significant role in the state’s growth by transporting people, goods, and supplies to remote areas. Today, the Alaska Railroad continues to play a vital role in the state’s economy by transporting freight and tourists.
• Passengers aboard the Alaska Railroad have a front-row seat to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, including towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and rugged coastline. Wildlife sightings are also common, with bears, moose, and eagles often spotted along the track. Adding a train trip after a cruise or other Alaskan adventure is a popular option for those interested in Alaska land and rail tours.
• The Alaska Railroad offers several classes of service, from economy to luxury. The most popular option for travelers is the Adventure Class, which offers comfortable seating, large picture windows, and access to the onboard dining car. For those interested in a luxury experience, the GoldStar Service features plush seating, a glass-domed roof, and gourmet meals. Each service offers local tour guides who provide narration and point out the bears, moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife that can be seen along the way.

Pro tip: Believe it or not, trains in Alaska run all year round! The Aurora Winter Train offers weekend service between Anchorage and Fairbanks during the snowy season, and the Hurricane Turn Train runs year-round. For a truly unique experience, you can book a Northern Lights viewing trip on the Aurora Winter Train and watch the Aurora dance across the night sky from the comfort of a railway car.

Taking The Train In Alaska: A Multi-Day Adventure

Taking the train in Alaska is a popular option with many tourists who want the opportunity to explore the state. Many Alaska land and rail tours are available to tourists who want to see the state without worrying about travel arrangements. Here are three popular travel options for those who want to explore Alaska at a slower pace.

Train Trip #1: Deluxe Alaska Sampler

Explore Alaska for seven days on this incredible trip. Choose between the Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and Denali Star Trains and experience everything from a glacier and wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park, a glacial river float trip, and a bus tour to Denali National Park. Along the way, enjoy a breathtaking ride along Turnagain Arm and through scenic Grandview. Explore Spencer Whistle Stop, Anchorage, and Seward as you make your way across the state looking for adventure!

Train Trip #2: Alaska By Daylight

Spend 10 days aboard a train in Alaska, enjoying the scenery as it rolls by on the Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and Denali Star routes. At each designated stop, adventure awaits! Enjoy glacier and wildlife cruises in Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound, a ride aboard the Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks, a tour of Denali National Park, and enough to explore the artistic community of Talkeetna on your own.

Train Trip #3: An Adventure Above the Arctic Circle

No Alaska land and rail tour is complete without a trip to the Arctic Circle! Spend six days in Alaska’s Far North and travel the full route of the Aurora Winter Train. Your adventure starts in Anchorage with a flightseeing tour over the Chugach range, then takes you to Fairbanks for the night before you depart for the Arctic Circle. See the trans-Alaska pipeline and the Brooks Mountain Range, and enjoy dog sledding and snowshoeing. You may even catch a glimpse of the Aurora along the way!

Discover Alaska By Rail

Each Alaska land and rail tour is designed to showcase the best of the state, at a leisurely pace. From the state’s glaciers to its mountains, and from its wildlife to the history and culture of its indigenous people, each train itinerary has something unique for visitors to experience. The diverse landscapes and rich heritage of the state offer a captivating journey that showcases the beauty and depth of its natural and cultural treasures – all by train!