Alaska Railroad Train Tour | USA
Featured Alaska Railroad packages
The Alaska Railroad: Luxury in the Last Frontier
Welcome to the Alaska Railroad, an iconic journey that weaves through the heart of Alaska 's stunning landscapes and rich history. Witness majestic mountains, meandering rivers and charming frontier towns, all from the warmth and convenience of a luxury train. Each route offers a unique glimpse into the region’s diverse topography and cultural heritage, making every trip an unforgettable experience. This rail journey is designed to showcase the best of the country, combining scenic beauty with historical insights. Explore our handpicked Alaska Railroad packages today and discover the true essence of the ‘Last Frontier.’
The Alaska Railroad: Where Comfort Meets Wilderness
Ride the Alaska Railroad, a historic journey that's been tracing Alaska's heart since the early 1900s. Born from the gold rush, this beloved railway winds through 470 miles of Alaska’s awe-inspiring scenery. It's more than a train ride– it's a luxurious step back in time filled with adventure. Get ready to explore Alaska’s grandeur and rich heritage with our unforgettable Alaska Railroad packages.
Routes Covered
Experience a rail journey like no other with our Alaska Railroad packages, where each route is a story waiting to be discovered.
- Fairbanks to Anchorage: Begin in Fairbanks to discover the allure of the gold rush era, then travel to the heart of Alaska, Anchorage. This journey features contrasting landscapes, rolling hills and dramatic coastal views.
- The Anchorage Round-Trip Experience: This round-trip adventure, beginning and ending in Alaska's largest city, is an ode to the diverse splendours of the region.
Unique Features & Experiences Offered
The Alaska Railroad train journey is the perfect blend of luxury and wild beauty. Enjoy these amenities and experiences during your trip:
- Luxury Railcars: Enjoy the comfort of plush seating and expansive windows for breathtaking views of Alaska.
- Panoramic Views: Witness the stunning Alaskan landscape, from snow-capped mountains to serene rivers.
- Onboard Dining: Indulge in gourmet meals made with local ingredients prepared by seasoned chefs.
- Observation Decks: Access open-air decks for immersive views and photography opportunities.
- Personalised Service: Experience attentive service ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.
- Adventure Excursions: Participate in exciting excursions like glacier treks and cultural tours at various stops.
Highlights of The Alaska Railroad Journey
Scenic landscapes
Our Alaska Railroad packages promise a feast of the region’s untouched frontiers:
- Majestic Mountains: Behold the grandeur of snow-capped mountain ranges, including the awe-inspiring Denali, North America's tallest peak. These towering giants create a dramatic backdrop, offering a sense of scale and wonder.
- Tranquil Rivers and Lakes: Glide alongside crystal-clear rivers and pristine lakes that mirror the sky. The serenity of these waters, coupled with the lush greenery along their banks, offers moments of peaceful contemplation.
- Vast Tundras and Forests: Marvel at the expansive tundras stretching far into the horizon, dotted with wildflowers during summer. The dense boreal forests, home to an array of wildlife, are a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity.
- Glaciers and Icefields: Experience the thrill of seeing ancient glaciers and vast icefields up close. Their icy blue hues and colossal sizes are a powerful reminder of nature's majesty and timelessness.
Cultural Wonders
The Alaska Railroad is an odyssey through the state’s heritage and unique way of life:
- Historical Frontier Towns: Journey through time as you visit historical frontier towns along the route. These towns, once bustling with gold rush fervour, echo Alaska's adventurous past.
- Indigenous Cultures: Gain insights into the rich heritage of the state’s Indigenous peoples. Learn about their traditions, art, and way of living that have been preserved and cherished for generations.
- Local Cuisine and Crafts: Indulge in local Alaskan cuisine, a delightful fusion of native and frontier flavours. Discover unique crafts and souvenirs, each telling a story of the Alaskan wilderness and its inhabitants.
- Festivals and Events: Participate in local festivals and events that occur along the railroad's route.
- Wildlife Interaction: Experience the unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. From majestic bald eagles to playful otters, the wildlife encounters add an enriching dimension to the cultural journey.
Planning and Booking an Alaska Railroad Journey
How to Book
Start your Alaska Railroad journey by choosing the ideal package on our website. Our expert team is ready to assist with personalised booking and travel advice. After booking, you'll receive comprehensive details for a smooth and enriching travel experience.
Preparation Tips
For a seamless Alaska Railroad journey, ensure all your necessary travel documents, such as passports and tickets, are ready. Dress comfortably yet stylishly, adhering to the train’s smart-casual dress code, and pack appropriately according to the weather. Don’t forget to review the itinerary, including departure times and scenic stops. Lastly, consider getting travel insurance for added peace of mind.
Life on board
GoldStar Service guests enjoy forward-facing seats on the upper level of a two story, glass-domed railcar. Glass ceilings allow for panoramic views as Alaska unfolds along the tracks, and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform - the only one of its kind in the world – this is an excellent opportunity to take in some fresh air and an excellent vantage point for photos.
Adventure Class cars offer comfortable seating and large picture windows. Adventure Class guests are encouraged to travel between railcars, whether to take advantage of the open seating in the Vista Dome cars or visit the Wilderness Café.
Dining:
GoldStar Service guests dine on the lower level of GoldStar railcars. Passengers enjoy a full-service dining room; GoldStar tickets include meals, all soft beverages and two complimentary adult beverages per trip for passengers over 21.
For Adventure Class - The Alaska Railroad offers dining and bar service for purchase on every passenger train with the exception of the Hurricane Turn Train; the full-service dining room may not be available for Adventure Class passengers on every departure, but all guests are welcome to visit the Wilderness Cafe onboard for tasty grab-and-go items.
Please note that the trains are cashless; for your convenience, all major credit cards including debit and pre-paid cards are accepted.
Alaska Railroad FAQs
View AllAlaska Railroad staff provide narration while onboard the train, sharing the stories behind the sights along the Railbelt. During the summer, this narration is provided by local high schoolers who have successfully completed the Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program.
Passengers are required to check-in at the ticket window and show a government issued photo ID (for those age 18 and older) to receive boarding passes. If you have luggage, it must be checked through to your destination.
Please check-in at the ticket counter one hour early at the Anchorage and Fairbanks depots, and 30-45 minutes at Talkeetna, Seward or Denali. At depots, boarding for all trains occurs 20-30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Reservations and seat assignments may be altered if passengers and baggage are not checked in 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
If departing from a location with no ticket window (Portage, Whittier, Girdwood, Wasilla), passengers are required to be there 15 minutes prior to departure to wait for the train to pull up. At these stations, passenger check-in will be with the conductor on the train.
Each passenger may check two pieces of luggage, no more than 50 pounds/23kgs each, and may carry one additional piece on board. Up to two additional bags per passenger may be checked for an extra fee. Bags of an odd shape, bicycles, strollers and pet kennels can be checked for an additional fee as well.
Dressing in layers will help you prepare for Alaska's weather changes.
There are wheelchair lifts at all stations. Accessibility on other connecting modes of transport can vary, so please check with an agent locally for details. Alaska Railroad’s passenger trains are wheelchair accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals are welcome aboard.
Yes, you may bring a stroller on the train; however, it must fold up if it is your carry-on, or it may be checked as luggage. For safety, strollers may not be used while onboard the train.
No. Smoking is not permitted on any Alaska Railroad train. Passengers may smoke in designated smoking areas outside the depots prior to boarding the train. Passengers traveling on board the Denali Star may disembark for a few minutes at the Talkeetna and/or Denali depots whilst new passengers are being boarded. There are no such stops on the Coastal Classic or Glacier Discovery trains.
No, the Alaska Railroad does not provide any transfers. Taxis are available in Fairbanks and Anchorage, and the majority of hotels do provide transfers to and from the depot and sometimes the airport as well. Onboard staff will call ahead for you to notify your hotels that you are arriving by train and to send a shuttle if possible. However, you should not rely 100% on hotel shuttles as they are limited in supply and there can be delays during busy times of the day. Taxis are readily available and may be your fastest option.
In Whittier, the Glacier Discovery Train stops just across the street from the large cruise ship dock, and a 5-minute level walk from the small boat harbor.
In Seward, the train depot is approximately 1/2-mile (almost 1 kilometre) from the large cruise ship dock, with a level, curbed and guttered sidewalk available should you decide to walk. The depot is also a short walk from the small boat harbor.
As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.
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