MOST SCENIC TRAINS: ALASKA RAILROAD (2024)

The Alaska Railroad is a major rail network in Alaska, providing both freight and passenger services. The Alaska Railroad was established in the early 20th century, with construction starting in 1915 and completed in 1923. It was initially owned by the U.S. federal government before being sold to the state of Alaska in 1985. The main route of the Alaska Railroad runs from Seward in the south to Fairbanks in the north, passing through Anchorage, the state's largest city. It also serves other towns and cities along the way, including Talkeetna and Denali National Park. The railroad offers several passenger services, including the Denali Star, Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and the Aurora Winter Train. These services provide scenic views of Alaska's landscapes, including mountains, forests, rivers, and wildlife. The Railroad also is crucial for transporting goods throughout the state, including petroleum products, coal, gravel, and intermodal freight. The railroad is a significant attraction for tourists, offering special packages and charter services. It provides a unique way to experience the rugged and remote parts of Alaska, especially for those interested in seeing natural beauty and wildlife. The Alaska Railroad plays a vital role in the state's economy and transportation system, serving both practical and recreational purposes.

On Board Experience

At the Alaska Railroad, we believe the journey should be as spectacular as the destination. For us, that means comfortable, reliable transportation; knowledgeable and helpful onboard staff; and exceptional dining experiences. And it doesn’t hurt that our tracks travel through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. We are proud to offer two classes of passenger service: GoldStar Service and Adventure Class. Please note that GoldStar Service is only available on the Coastal Classic and Denali Star Trains; Adventure Class seating is available on every Alaska Railroad route. Dining and bar service is available on all Alaska Railroad routes with the exception of the Hurricane Turn Train. GoldStar Service is inclusive of meals, soft drinks and two complimentary adult beverages. Please note that Alaska Railroad trains are cashless; all onboard purchases must be made by credit or debit card. Excellent customer service is a cornerstone of riding with the Alaska Railroad. From the wait staff and bartenders to the knowledgeable local tour guides, we aim to ensure that every guest has a comfortable, enjoyable experience traveling by rail.

How to Buy Tickets

Buying tickets for the Alaska Railroad is a straightforward process, visit Alaska Railroad's Official Website, select your Route, Choose your travel Dates, Select Class and Service (eg.., Adventure Class, GoldStar Service) and any additional services you may want, enter Passenger detail, then finally complete the payment by paying with a credit card. You will receive a confirmation email with your ticket details. You can also speak directly with a representative who can help you book your tickets. It's advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist season (mid-May to mid-September). Check for any promotions, special offers, or travel packages that might include rail travel, accommodations, and activities.

Denali Star

How do you get to Denali National Park? The Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. Every summer morning, the northbound Denali Star Train departs Anchorage for the 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park; while in Fairbanks, the southbound Denali Star embarks on the reverse. The route spans two of Alaska’s five geographic regions – Southcentral and Interior Alaska. On a clear day, passengers enjoy sights of the train’s namesake peak: Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. Just south of Talkeetna, watch for views of Denali rising high above the Susitna River. North of Talkeetna, the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Just south of Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions; north of the park, the train winds along Healy Canyon, following the curves of the Nenana River below.

The daily schedule and popular destinations makes the Denali Star ideal for traveling Alaska. Ride the train from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park for a quintessential Alaska journey. Anchorage-based passengers may pair the Star with day trips to Talkeetna, while passengers originating in Fairbanks can enjoy a midday excursion in Denali National Park and still be home that evening. Or, plan a multi-day itinerary with overnights along the way; Alaska Railroad reservationists are happy to help plan for accommodations and activities. 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. Check the Prices for the Denali Star Train using the Table below.

Coastal Classic

Discover for yourself why National Geographic Traveler ranked the Coastal Classic Train among their Top Ten Train Rides in North America. Departing Anchorage, the train winds along Turnagain Arm, where the steep mountains of the Chugach Range plunge directly to the sea. Following a brief stop in Girdwood, the train continues to the end of Turnagain Arm and veers away from the road system into the backcountry wilderness – and what many consider to be the most scenic stretch of the entire Railbelt. Upon a late morning arrival into Seward the train comes to a halt on the shores of Resurrection Bay, before making the return journey to Girdwood and Anchorage at 6 pm that evening.

A day in Seward offers a range of options: cruise Resurrection Bay or Kenai Fjords National Park, or enjoy a scenic ride to a remote island lodge for lunch. Or, stay on land for the Real Alaska Tour – a full day sampler of activities including a visit to Exit Glacier and a dog sled ride at the famed Seavey kennel. Seward is also home to a number of charming shops and restaurants, as well as the excellent Alaska SeaLife Center. A convenient round-trip schedule and picturesque landscapes along the route make the Coastal Classic Train a local favorite. 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 before the return rail journey to Anchorage that evening. Check the Prices for the Coastal Classic Train using the Table below.

2024 Regular Season Pricing (June 1-September 4, 2024)

2024 Value Season Pricing (May 3-31 & September 5-19, 2024)

Glacier Discovery

Departing from Anchorage, the Glacier Discovery Train travels much of the same route as the Coastal Classic, with the addition of a turn-off the main line to the tiny port town of Whittier and a turnaround point of Grandview. With many more stops than the Coastal – some in areas accessible only by train – the Glacier Discovery opens up a number of unique day trip options, suited for all ages and energy levels. From Anchorage, the Glacier Discovery stops briefly at the resort town of Girdwood before continuing on to Whittier; here the train travels through a mountain tunnel, providing a perfect connection for a glacier and wildlife cruise in Prince William Sound. Up next is Portage; here, guests may disembark to visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to black and brown bears, moose, caribou, wood bison, and more. The next stop is the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, a backcountry paradise developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service in a remote part of the Chugach National Forest. A well-maintained, 1.3-mile gravel path leads from the tracks to the edge of Spencer Lake and a spectacular view of massive Spencer Glacier. Rafting, hiking, and kayaking around the glacial lake are all available as day trips.

Staying on the train has its appeal, however, as Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier come into view. Many consider this the most scenic stretch of track, as the train winds along the Placer River Valley and amid the alpine meadows of Grandview. On the return journey, Grandview and Spencer passengers have the option to disembark at Portage for a motorcoach transfer to Alyeska Resort (in Girdwood) or Anchorage Depot, thus saving a return trip to Whittier (and about 2 ½ hours of travel time). A variety of destinations and a convenient round-trip schedule make the Glacier Discovery Train ideally suited for day trips from Anchorage. Traveling 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 2 for a direct motorcoach transfer, or stay on the train for the more lengthy journey including a stop in Whittier. Use the table below to check the prices for the Glacier Discovery Route.

Full Route: June 1 – September 15, 2024

Hurricane Turn Train

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 - 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. It’s a train like no other. Departing from Talkeetna, the Hurricane Turn Train leaves civilization behind and makes a round-trip journey through the wilds of the Indian River Valley. Along the way, passengers may take advantage of the Hurricane’s unique flagstop service to get on or off the train anywhere along this backcountry route (due to the nature of this service, scheduled stop times may vary). Locals have long loved the Hurricane for access to remote cabins, hunting and fishing, while visitors consider this train the Alaska Railroad’s best-kept secret for a truly authentic Alaskan experience – not to mention the panoramic views at the train’s turnaround point, Hurricane Gulch.

Summer Route

Winter Route

On a clear day, Denali towers over the braided Susitna River. No food or beverage services are available onboard for purchase onboard this train. Please plan ahead and bring your own food and beverages. There are many tasty restaurants in Talkeetna where meals can be purchased from or visit the general store in the area. Passengers may also take advantage of the Hurricane’s flagstop service as part of a guided tour, a memorable way to combine a trip on the train with a scenic float or jetboat excursion. The winter Hurricane Turn Train makes the round-trip journey from Anchorage north to Wasilla, Talkeetna, and the flagstop area south of Hurricane Gulch, where residents living ‘off-the-grid’ in remote cabins can flag down the train for the return ride south. The once-a-month Thursday schedule allows off-gridders to spend Friday running errands or visiting friends in town before catching the northbound Aurora Winter Train back to their cabins on Saturday. The winter Hurricane Turn Train is also a good option for a day trip from Anchorage, either to spend a day exploring Talkeetna, or simply to enjoy a full day of winter landscapes by rail. Use the table below to check the prices for the Hurricane Turn Train.

Hurricane Turn Summer Train

Hurricane Turn Winter Train (2024-25)

Aurora Winter Train

The Aurora Winter Train travels weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making the northbound 12-hour journey on Saturday and the return trip on Sunday, as well as select mid-week departures (see train schedule for full details). Along the way, the train stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and provides flagstop service along the 50-mile stretch of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch. Further north, the train stops as needed at Healy and Nenana before arriving to Fairbanks. Due to the nature of this service, the train’s schedule may vary depending on the number of stops. From Anchorage, the Aurora Winter Train’s Saturday-Sunday schedule is perfect for a weekend getaway to Talkeetna; bring your skis and explore the area’s network of winter trails, or add-on guided dogsledding or winter Denali flightseeing. Between Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Railroad offers a number of rail-fly packages; take the train in one direction and a flight in the other. Spring is a particularly popular time for visitors, as March sees the Fur Rendezvous and Iditarod Sled Dog Race festivities in Anchorage.

While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow. Passengers may enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining. On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali rises into view above the Susitna River. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild. 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. Use the table below to check the prices for the Aurora Winter Train.

Regular Season Pricing (November 18, 2024-April 4, 2025)

Value Season Pricing (September 21-November 17, 2024 & April 5-May 11, 2025)

Why Ride Alaska Railroad?

The Alaska Railroad provides stunning views of Alaska's diverse landscapes, including towering mountains, lush forests, pristine rivers, and expansive tundras. Passengers can enjoy unobstructed views from large windows, making it an ideal way to see the natural beauty of the state. Traveling by train in Alaska offers a good chance to see wildlife such as moose, bears, eagles, and caribou in their natural habitats. The slow pace of the train allows for better chances to spot and appreciate these animals. The train provides a comfortable and relaxed mode of travel, with spacious seating, dining services, and observation decks. It eliminates the stress of driving long distances or navigating unfamiliar roads. The Alaska Railroad has a rich history dating back to its construction in the early 20th century. Riding the train provides a sense of connection to Alaska’s history and culture, often with commentary and stories shared by knowledgeable guides on board. The railroad connects some of Alaska’s most remote and beautiful regions that are otherwise difficult to access by car. Destinations like Denali National Park, Spencer Glacier, and Whittier are easily reached by train. Overall, the Alaska Railroad offers a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and access to some of the most spectacular natural beauty in the world.