Can You Explore Alaska By Train?

The Alaska Railway is a railroad that operates freight and passenger trains in the state of Alaska. The railroad extends 470 miles north from the coastal community of Seward, all the way to the interior Alaska city of Fairbanks. Along the way, it passes through Anchorage and Denali National Park, making it the perfect Alaska vacation by rail experience for tourists exploring the state.

Riding The Rails In Alaska

Imagine sitting back and enjoying a ride through Alaska’s stunning wilderness – through mountain passes, past soaring glaciers, and along coastal waters with whales breaching in the distance. If you take a vacation by rail in Alaska, you can do all that – and more! Here are some of the benefits of taking an Alaska train day trip versus driving yourself to your destination.

• Ditch your car keys and leave the logistics to the pros! Even though Alaska’s main highway links some of the more popular destinations, exploring Alaska by train allows you to leave worry behind and enjoy the scenery without worrying about car rentals, maps, or a wayward moose in the road.
• Enjoy Alaska’s amazing views. The Alaska railway offers access to some of Alaska’s most epic scenery. Enjoy views of ancient glaciers, North America’s tallest mountain, or just enjoy the snowy magic of Alaska during the winter months on the railway’s Winter Aurora Train.
• Experience luxury accommodations. Let’s face it – amenities like a full-service bar and locally sourced gourmet cuisine trump road-trip food any day. Skip gas station snacks and opt for unmatched Alaskan hospitality and service on the railway’s GoldStar service line.
• Learn as you go! Many Alaska train day trips feature onboard narration by experts. Learn about the sights and sounds you’re experiencing as you chug along on your journey.
• Choose a different adventure each day! If you base yourself in Anchorage, you can choose from any number of trips for a truly spectacular and customized vacation by rail in Alaska. Experience a new town each day, without having to worry about your transportation back and forth.

Where Can I Go On The Alaska Railway?

This rail line runs from Seward on the Kenai Peninsula north to Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Other stops include Whittier, Girdwood, the Spencer Whistle Stop, and Wasilla. The railway’s Coastal Classic route offers service south of Anchorage to Seward, while the Glacier Discovery route connects with the town of Whittier. At the other end of the line, the Denali Star route takes passengers through Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.

All Aboard For Year-Round Adventure

With careful planning, you can vacation by rail in Alaska all year round. The railway has daily departures from mid-May to mid-September. However, each train has only one departure per day, so you will need to book your ticket in advance to ensure a spot during your vacation. During the winter, the Alaska railway’s Winter Aurora Train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, but the trains are more sporadic and usually run during the middle of the week.

The Best Alaska Train Day Trips

The Alaska Railroad offers several day tours from Anchorage. You can use the information below to plan your Alaska rail adventure!

• Seward - The most popular day trip on the Alaska Railroad is to Seward, which is a jumping-off point for adventure in Kenai Fjords National Park. The train leaves the station early, arriving in Seward before known. This scenic route offers riders the opportunity to see wildlife, glaciers, and waterfalls along the way. You can take a day cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park after you disembark from the train, and still have enough time to visit the Alaska Sea Life Center before heading back to Anchorage!
• Whittier – This Alaskan town sits on Prince William Sound and is a popular destination for day cruises. From Anchorage, you’ll travel south along the Turnagain Arm to Whittier, with a trip through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel (the longest railroad tunnel in North America) along the way. Once you disembark in Whittier, you can take a day cruise around Prince William Sound to see its famous glaciers and waterfalls.
• Spencer Glacier – visit this incredible glacier on a railway day trip from Anchorage. Depart midmorning for a three-hour ride through Alaska’s remote landscape. Once at the glacier, you can explore the area through rafting, kayaking, or hiking. The return trip to Anchorage will have you in your bed by 9 p.m.!
• Talkeetna – explore Alaska’s Interior on this trip to Talkeetna. This quirky, artsy community has incredible views of Mount Denali and the Alaska Range. Explore Talkeetna’s quaint streets, sip coffee at a coffee shop, and explore the many art galleries in town. Or, book a flightseeing tour from Talkeetna to Denali and marvel at the sights down below as you fly into this incredible park. Pack a lot of living into the day, because you will be back at your hotel by 8 p.m. – with enough time for a late dinner in Anchorage.

See Alaska By Train

The Alaska Railway offers some of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys. Explore the state’s incredible coastline or amazing interior regions without worrying about the logistics of renting a car or chartering a floatplane to visit the places you want to see in Alaska. An Alaska train day trip is the perfect way to see parts of the state that you would not be able to see any other way.