Can You See Alaska By Train?

The Alaska Railroad is a railroad that operates freight and passenger trains, offering train trips through Alaska for tourists and locals alike. The railroad’s main line stretches 470 miles from Seward to Fairbanks and connects communities all along Southcentral and Interior Alaska. It passes through Anchorage and Denali National Park, offering visitors train rides through Alaska before disembarking at the park for the adventure of a lifetime.

So many travelers want to see Alaska by train that the railroad carries more than 400,000 passengers annually! Here are five fun facts about the Alaska Railroad that train lovers should know:

• The Alaska Railroad was built in 1896, to connect Fairbanks to the state’s Interior region during the Gold Rush.
• The Alaska Railroad has 656 miles of track.
• The Alaska Railroad has 1,381 freight cars, 45 passenger cars, and 57 locomotives.
• The Alaska Railroad offers two classes of service – Adventure Class (which is comfortable, but still economy) and GoldStar Service (which offers luxurious, glass-domed roofs and gourmet meals).
• The Alaska Railroad runs year-round. Winter is a great time to take a train ride through Alaska.

Places To Visit By Train In Alaska

For more than 100 years, the Alaska Railroad has connected travelers with many of Alaska’s most popular destinations. Whether you are taking a day trip or have booked a multi-day, railroad package filled with adventure, train trips in Alaska are a convenient, sustainable way to travel around the state. Here are some of the cities (and lesser-known stops) you can visit if you ride the Alaska Railroad!

• Anchorage – travel to Alaska’s largest city on the Coastal Classic Train, Denali Star Train, Glacier Discovery Train, Hurricane Turn Train (winter only), or the Aurora Winter Train. Passengers can see Alaska by train if they get on in Fairbanks and ride through, or they can stop off at any location along the way for a mini-adventure.
• Denali National Park – more than 17 percent of visitors to Denali National Park arrive by the Denali Star Train! Hop aboard to see North America’s tallest peak, as well as a healthy population of grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, and more.
• Fairbanks – step into the past on this train ride through Alaska, to a vibrant gold rush town. Ride the Denali Star Train or Aurora Winter Train to the railroad’s northernmost destination for a chance to learn more about the state’s vibrant history.
• Girdwood – this train trip in Alaska takes you to a year-round resort town, which is home to a world-class ski resort and brimming with gorgeous mountain views of glaciers. For a true adventure, arrive by the Costal Classic Train or the Glacier Discovery Train.
• Hurricane Flagstop Area – While many of the Alaska Railroad lines deliver tourists to vacation destinations, the Hurricane Turn Train and the Aurora Winter Train stops at this roadless backcountry area north of Talkeetna. Alaskans living off the grid use this stop to travel to nearby towns to resupply throughout the year.
• Portage – take a train ride through Alaska on the Glacier Discover Train to Portage, where you will find a wildlife conservation center to explore. This is the last stop in “civilization” before the route veers into Alaska’s vast backcountry.
• Seward – visit this charming seaside town aboard the Coastal Classic Train. Seward is the southern terminus of the railway and a basecamp for visitors who are traveling to Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop – it may not be more than a dot on a map, but this backcountry paradise is popular with hikers. Ride the Glacier Discovery Train to the stop, disembark for adventure, and board again for your trip back to civilization after you’ve had your fill of exploration.
• Talkeetna – this quirky little village is a great place to visit for its art and café scene as well as its views of Denali. You can reach Talkeetna on the Denali Star Train, the Hurricane Turn Train, or the Aurora Winter Train.
• Whittier – travel from the northern region of Alaska to the tiny port town of Whittier, which serves as the jumping-off point for Prince William Sound. On this train ride through Alaska, you’ll see everything from mountains to the wild backcountry to massive glaciers.

Explore A Winter Wonderland By Train

Winter in Alaska isn’t for everyone. But for those who love the snow and dream of seeing Alaska during the frozen months, a train trip through Alaska can be a cozy way to explore the state. From thick blankets of snow coating pristine landscapes and dark nights with dazzling displays of the Aurora Borealis, seeing Alaska by train in the winter is truly magical. Two trains operate during the winter months: The Aurora Winter Train, which travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and the Winter Hurricane Turn Train, which connects people in the wilderness area north of Talkeetna with more populated towns and services.

Railway Service For Adventure In Alaska

Whether you choose to take a train trip in Alaska for just a day or book a spot with a multi-day railway excursion, to see Alaska by train is a truly magical experience. Pair the trip with a variety of unique Alaska activities at each stop or hop off at one of the remote spots to spend the day in Alaska’s wild backcountry. But no matter which option you choose, riding the rails in Alaska creates memories you will never forget.

to see Alaska by train is a truly magical experience. Pair the trip with a variety of unique Alaska activities at each stop or hop off at one of the remote spots to spend the day in Alaska’s wild backcountry. But no matter which option you choose, riding the rails in Alaska creates memories you will never forget.