The Last Frontier’s rugged wilderness beckons adventurers to explore its breathtaking landscapes. One of the best ways to enjoy this majestic state is by embarking on an Alaska train trip.
The Alaska Railroad offers a unique perspective, winding through pristine forests, along crystal-clear rivers, and past towering mountains. Further south, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway follows the route the Gold Rush prospectors took over a century ago.
Each train journey is unique, some in luxury domed cars, others in vintage rail carriages. But all provide an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the 49th state’s vast terrain.
Rail journeys may be becoming a thing of the past. However, the ones through Alaska showcase the best of the state’s natural beauty in a relaxed and immersive way.
Rail trips in Alaska can be customized to suit various preferences and schedules. We enjoyed three-hour journeys and full-day adventures and combined train travel with other activities. We’re sharing our experiences so you can choose the best journey for your family.
Planning An Alaska Train Trip
Careful planning is essential to making the most of an Alaska railroad adventure. Consider the time of year, train schedules, and various ticket options.
Choosing The Best Time To Travel
Summer is the peak season in Alaska for a train tour, and for good reason. The weather is milder, and long daylight hours offer optimal scenic viewing. The Alaska Railroad operates daily service from mid-May to mid-September.
Fall brings vibrant autumn hues, with service continuing through early October. Winter train trips, though limited, provide unique experiences like aurora viewing and snow-covered landscapes.
Spring starts in May and sees the return of wildlife and blooming wildflowers. Each season offers distinct advantages, so choose based on your preferences and desired activities.
Understanding Rail Pass Options And Tickets
The Alaska Railroad offers various ticket types to suit different travel needs. Adventure Class provides basic seating with access to a dining car. GoldStar Service includes upper-level dome car seating, meals, and a private outdoor viewing deck.
Single-trip tickets are available for specific routes. The Denali Star Train connects Anchorage to Fairbanks, while the Coastal Classic runs between Anchorage and Seward.
The McKinley Explorer and Princess Rail provide domed cars for guests of Holland America and Princess Cruises. Cruise tour guests receive reserved seating in luxury cars, and a guide narrates the journey.
We recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during peak summer months. Some routes offer flag stop service, allowing passengers to embark or disembark at designated points along remote stretches of track.
Rail journeys are pricier than traveling by bus. They also take longer. However, they excel with scenic views.
Alaska Rail Routes And Destinations
The railroad offers several scenic routes connecting major destinations. Each one provides unique experiences and access to different attractions. Since trains are slower than road travel, some visitors combine both to maximize their time at a destination.
With a 3-day itinerary in Denali, taking the train one way and traveling back by coach shortens travel time.
Glacier Discovery
The Glacier Discovery train offers Adventure Class travel from Anchorage to Whittier and back. This route takes under 2-1/2 hours and offers stunning views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountains.
Passengers can disembark at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for hiking and kayaking adventures. The train continues to Grandview, showcasing alpine meadows and glaciers.
This is a popular route for those embarking at Whittier’s cruise port for a Gulf of Alaska cruise or disembarking at the end of their voyage. Those cruising with Holland America or Princess Cruises will use this route to and from Anchorage.
Coastal Classic
The Coastal Classic travels part of the Glacier Discovery route but veers to Seward. It connects Anchorage to Seward, traveling through the scenic Kenai Peninsula. This journey takes slightly longer, and passengers can purchase GoldStar Service.
The train winds through the Kenai Mountains, providing opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, bears, and bald eagles. Upon arrival at Seward, passengers can explore the charming coastal town, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, or embark on Kenai Fjords National Park cruises.
Like the Glacier Discovery, this route operates daily in summer. The Coastal Classic serves those cruising with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Regent, Crystal, Viking, and Hurtigruten.
Denali Star
The Denali Star is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship route. This popular route connects Anchorage to Fairbanks via Denali National Park. This scenic journey showcases diverse landscapes, from coastal regions to boreal forests and tundra.
The train trip to Denali takes 7 1/2 hours, and another 4 hours to reach Fairbanks. Key stops include Talkeetna, a quaint mountain town offering views of Denali, and Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak.
The train features glass-dome cars for panoramic views. Passengers can opt for the value-priced Adventure Class or GoldStar Service, which includes meals.
Operating daily in summer and on weekends in winter, the Denali Star allows for flexible itineraries.
Hurricane Turn
The Hurricane Turn train offers a unique flag stop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane Gulch. This route provides access to remote backcountry areas that are inaccessible by road.
This route serves locals who have off-grid cabins or adventurers who enjoy a backcountry escape. The train operates on Thursdays during summer and on the first Thursday of each month in winter.
Travelers use The Hurricane Turn route less frequently than the other options. It’s best for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Aurora Winter Train
The Aurora Winter Train provides service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. It offers a unique perspective on Alaska’s snowy landscapes and potential aurora viewing opportunities during winter.
The train operates on weekends from mid-September to mid-May, with additional mid-week service in February and March. It follows the same route as the Denali Star but with a different schedule and winter-specific offerings.
By purchasing the Alaska TourSaver, passengers can enjoy 2-for-1 savings on this and the four routes above.
McKinley Explorer
The McKinley Explorer is a luxury train service operated by Holland America Line. It runs between Anchorage and Denali National Park, offering a premium travel experience.
While it follows the same route as the Denali Star, the McKinley Explorer operates on a separate rail line and has a different schedule.
Similarly, Princess Cruises operates Princess Rail, and its domed cars connect with and run together with those owned by Holland America.
Both cruise lines’ trains feature double-decker dome cars with panoramic views and onboard dining. Stops include Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
This service is primarily designed for cruise ship passengers but can be booked independently, depending on ticket availability. The McKinley Explorer operates during summer, coinciding with the Alaska cruise season.
White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad
While not part of the Alaska Railroad system, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a popular tourist attraction in Southeast Alaska. This narrow-gauge railway runs from Skagway into Canada’s Yukon Territory. It offers one of the most picturesque train rides through Alaska.
This railway service isn’t necessarily used to get from point A to B but is often a roundtrip journey. There are various route options, with the shortest being under 3 hours and one that combines rail with a bus tour.
Built during the Klondike Gold Rush, the railroad offers scenic trips showcasing the region’s rugged terrain and history. The wooden trestles along the route were the highlight for me.
The White Pass & Yukon Route operates seasonally, typically from May to September. We enjoyed a ride in a vintage carriage and savored the rich history and nostalgic trip.
Amenities On Board
The Alaska Railroad and McKinley Explorer offer a range of onboard amenities to enhance passengers’ comfort. Travelers can expect dining options, spacious washrooms, and specially designed viewing areas to make the most of the stunning Alaskan scenery.
All the train journeys are wheelchair accessible, providing inclusiveness for every type of traveler. Guests on the White Pass need to purchase a wheelchair accessible ticket. It does not cost more but allows staff to have a ramp ready.
Dining Options
Alaska Railroad trains provide cashless dining services, accepting credit cards for all onboard purchases. Passengers can enjoy meals and beverages during their journey. Adventure Class travelers can access a café car offering light meals and snacks.
GoldStar Class, available on select trains, includes full-service dining with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Menus often feature local Alaskan specialties, giving travelers a taste of the region’s cuisine.
Similar to GoldStar Service, McKinley Explorer guests have a dining area, along with beverages and snacks in the upper dome seating area. I enjoyed a reindeer sausage breakfast, accompanied by amazing views.
The White Pass Railroad in Skagway offers a tourist sightseeing trip, which does not include a dining option. Typical tickets include bottled water and a souvenir guide. However, those purchasing a luxury experience will receive unlimited drinks and appetizers.
Viewing Cars And Lounges
Alaska Railroad’s Adventure Class cars feature large windows for panoramic views. GoldStar Class offers an enhanced viewing experience with glass-domed carriages extending the car’s entire length. These provide 360-degree views of the surrounding landscapes.
GoldStar passengers also have access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform. I found the outdoor viewing area best during rain, as raindrops on the glass impeded my views in the doomed car.
The seats on the White Pass aren’t as comfortable as those on the Alaska Railroad. But these cars are vintage and built when comfort wasn’t important.
Cultural And Historical Insights
Alaska’s railroad system holds deep cultural significance and a rich historical legacy. The iconic routes and unique flag stop system offer glimpses into the state’s pioneering spirit and rugged wilderness.
Historic Railroad Routes
The Alaska Railroad, completed in 1923, stretches nearly 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks. This engineering marvel played a crucial role in Alaska’s development, connecting remote communities and facilitating resource extraction.
The Denali Star Train remains popular, linking Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. Passengers can explore the Wasilla Museum & Visitor Center, gaining insights into local history and culture.
In Skagway, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway preserves the region’s Gold Rush history. Its narrow-gauge railway is a feat of engineering.
Flag Stops
The Alaska Railroad’s flag stop service is a unique cultural feature. It allows passengers to board or disembark at any point along certain remote stretches of track. This system serves isolated homesteads and communities without formal stations.
Interestingly, the railroad carried containers of construction material to these remote locations, allowing locals to build cabins. We viewed some of these containers alongside the track.
Flag stops provide vital transportation for residents in off-grid areas, connecting them to larger towns and essential services.
Scenic Highlights And Photography
Alaska train travel offers unparalleled opportunities to capture breathtaking scenery and wildlife. For those on busy cruise tours, it provides a way of relaxing, if only for a day.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Alaska’s railways traverse prime habitats, providing chances to spot iconic wildlife. Moose often graze near the tracks, especially in wetland areas, and Dall sheep can be seen on mountainsides, particularly in the Alaska Range.
However, due to the railroad’s noise, large animals are often scared away before the train arrives. During our journey from Anchorage to Denali, we spotted three moose shortly after departing Anchorage. We spotted no wildlife on our Skagway train tour.
Scenic Landscapes
A railway trip showcases the state’s diverse topography. Coastal routes offer views of fjords, glaciers, and rugged shorelines. The journey between Anchorage and Seward is particularly picturesque, passing through the Chugach National Forest.
The train winds through boreal forests and across broad river valleys in the interior. On clear days, Denali, North America’s tallest peak, dominates the horizon on the Anchorage to Fairbanks route.
Hurricane Gulch, another top area attraction, features a deep canyon with dramatic photo opportunities. I found it best to stand out on a viewing platform to capture images over the bridge.
Is An Alaska Rail Trip Right For You?
On our first trips to Alaska, railway journeys were never on our radar. But now that we’ve taken a few, we’re captivated by their unique experiences. Traveling by rail provides a comfortable and scenic way to enjoy the state’s beauty, something we didn’t experience by driving.
It’s a journey that transforms how we connect with Alaska’s wild and breathtaking landscapes.
