Alaska Discovery by train

The trains

COASTAL CLASSIC

Anchorage > Girdwood > Seward

Discover for yourself why National Geographic Traveler ranked the Coastal Classic Train among its top ten train journeys in North America. Departing from Anchorage, the train winds along Turnagain Arm, where the rugged mountains of the Chugach Range plunge directly into the sea. After a brief stop in Girdwood, the train continues to the end of Turnagain Arm, veering away from the road system to venture into the wilderness of the backcountry – widely considered the most picturesque stretch of the entire rail belt. Upon arrival in Seward in the late morning, the train stops on the shores of Resurrection Bay before making the return journey to Girdwood and Anchorage at 6 p.m. that evening.

Activities

A day in Seward offers a range of options:

• A cruise in Resurrection Bay
• Kenai Fjords National Park
• A scenic stroll to a secluded island lodge for lunch
• The Real Alaska Tour, a full day of activities including a visit to Exit Glacier and a dog sledding experience at the renowned Seavey’s kennel
• Shops
• Restaurants
• Alaska SeaLife Center

Onboard Services

• GoldStar Service or Adventure Class
• Dining car
• Baggage service (Anchorage and Seward only)
• Non-smoking cars
• Wheelchair access

DENALI STAR

Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Denali > Fairbanks

The flagship train of the Alaska Railroad, the Denali Star Train departs Anchorage every summer morning for a 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. Conversely, in Fairbanks, the southbound Denali Star embarks on the return journey. The route spans two of Alaska’s five geographical regions: South Central and Interior Alaska. On clear days, passengers enjoy views of the train’s namesake peak: Denali, the highest mountain in North America.

The daily schedule and popular destinations make the Denali Star ideal for traveling in Alaska. Board the train from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park for an quintessential Alaskan journey.

Activities

Passengers based in Anchorage can combine the Star with day trips to Talkeetna.

Meanwhile, passengers from Fairbanks have the option to:

• Enjoy a midday excursion in Denali National Park and return home the same evening
• Plan a multi-day itinerary with overnight stays along the way (Alaska Railroad reservations staff will be happy to assist in planning accommodations and activities)

Onboard services

• GoldStar Service or Adventure Class
• Dining car
• Baggage service (Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks only)
• Non-smoking cars
• Wheelchair access

AURORA WINTER

Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Hurricane > Healy > Nenana > Fairbanks

Weekends, mid-September to mid-May 

Experience the serenity of Alaska’s winter backcountry. The Winter Aurora Train operates on weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making the 12-hour journey north on Saturdays and the return on Sundays, along with some mid-week departures (check the train schedule for details). Along the way, the train stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and provides flag-stop service along the 50 miles of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch. Further north, the train stops as needed in Healy and Nenana before reaching Fairbanks. Due to the nature of this service, train schedules may vary based on the number of stops.

While the Winter Aurora Train covers the same stretch of track as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are surprisingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the tranquil serenity of pristine snow. Passengers can enjoy the winter wonders of Alaska’s backcountry in the comfort of a warm car, featuring comfortable seating, large picture windows, and onboard dining. On clear days, a spectacular view of Denali rises above the Susitna River. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild.

Activities

From Anchorage, the Saturday-to-Sunday schedule of the Winter Aurora Train is perfect for:

• A weekend getaway to Talkeetna; bring your skis and explore the region’s winter trail network
• A guided dog sledding adventure
• A winter guided tour of Denali

Onboard services

• Adventure Class service only
• Dining car
• Baggage service (Anchorage and Fairbanks only)
• Non-smoking cars
• Wheelchair access (Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks only)

Onboard experience

 On the Alaska Railroad, they believe that the journey should be as spectacular as the destination. For them, this means comfortable and reliable transportation; knowledgeable and helpful onboard staff; and exceptional culinary experiences. It doesn’t hurt that their tracks traverse some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

They take pride in offering two passenger service classes:

• GoldStar Service
• Adventure Class

A dining and bar service is available on all Alaska Railroad routes (except the Hurricane Turn Train).

Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of the Alaska Railroad experience. From servers and bartenders to knowledgeable local tour guides, their goal is to ensure that every passenger has a comfortable and enjoyable train travel experience.

GOLDSTAR SERVICE

The premium service class of the Alaska Railroad offers passengers an exceptional way to travel through Alaska.

Features:

• Glass-domed ceilings
• Outdoor viewing platforms on the upper level
• Meals included in the full-service dining car on the lower level
• Private bar and two complimentary adult beverages
• Comfortable forward-facing seating
• Alaska tour guide providing narration
• Fully accessible

Availability:

Coastal Classic Train

Anchorage > Girdwood > Seward

Daily from mid-May to mid-September.

Denali Star Train

Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Denali Park > Fairbanks

Daily from mid-May to mid-September.

ADVENTURE CLASS

Discover train travel across Alaska at our best rate.

Features:

• Confirmed seat with large picture windows
• Onboard dining and bar service available for purchase at the Wilderness Café*
• Freedom to explore between Adventure Class cars
• Access to open seating in the Vista Dome car (summer only; excludes the Glacier Discovery Train)

*No dining or bar service on the Hurricane Turn Train

Availability:

Coastal Classic Train

Anchorage > Girdwood > Seward

Daily from mid-May to mid-September

Denali Star Train

Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Denali Park > Fairbanks

Daily from mid-May to mid-September

Glacier Discovery Train

Anchorage > Girdwood > Portage > Whittier > Spencer Glacier > Grandview

Daily from June to mid-September

Hurricane Turn Train (summer)

Talkeetna > Hurricane Gulch (flag-stop service)

Thursday to Monday; Mid-May to mid-September

Hurricane Turn Train (winter)

Anchorage > Talkeetna > Hurricane Gulch (flag-stop service)

First Thursday of the month; October to May

Aurora Winter Train

Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Healy > Fairbanks

Weekend service (some midweek spring dates)

Mid-September to mid-May

Dining

The Alaska Railroad offers onboard dining and bar service for purchase on every passenger train, except the Hurricane Turn Train; the full-service dining car 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 options. Please note that our trains are cashless; for your convenience, we accept all major credit cards, including debit and prepaid cards that can be used as credit.

ONBOARD DINING – SUMMER

Two dining options are available:

GoldStar Dining Room

Savor a freshly prepared meal with stunning views. Our servers are happy to answer your menu questions and always delighted to highlight local ingredients. GoldStar passengers enjoy an all-inclusive meal service in this full-service dining room along with priority seating; as a GoldStar passenger, your boarding pass will serve as your ticket for included meals. Guests will be seated four to a table during peak days to accommodate all guests on board.

Availability: Coastal Classic Train, Denali Star Train

Wilderness Café

Prefer lighter fare or the convenience of a grab-and-go meal? The Wilderness Café offers a selection of hot and cold dishes along with coffee and bar service. Tables may be available depending on the train.

Availability: Coastal Classic Train, Denali Star Train, Glacier Discovery Train

ONBOARD DINING – WINTER

Indulge in a freshly prepared sit-down meal in the dining car aboard the Winter Aurora Train. Breakfast is served on board until 10:30 AM, and lunch and dinner dishes are served starting from 11 AM. For breakfast, choose from light selections such as cereals, fresh fruit, and parfaits, or enjoy a hearty hot meal like biscuits and gravy, reindeer sausage and eggs, or smoked bacon. Lunch and dinner options include slow-braised roast, smoked pork chop, and pasta. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are also available for purchase onboard.

Availability: Aurora Winter Train