Exploring Alaska by Train: Alaska Railroad and White Pass & Yukon Route

Exploring Alaska by train offers travelers a unique and immersive way to witness some of the state's varied landscapes from the northern tundra to tall mountain ranges and peaceful coastal shores. Whether you're looking for a short day trip or a multi-day adventure, train journeys through Alaska provide unparalleled scenic views and access to some remote destinations that are otherwise hard to reach.

We’ll explore the two major rail services in Alaska and how you can incorporate these iconic experiences into your next Alaska itinerary for a memorable vacation.

The Alaska Railroad 

Spanning nearly 500 miles, the Alaska Railroad’s main tracks run from Fairbanks in the Interior region to Seward on the Kenai Peninsula. With trains running north or south on the tracks once a day from May through September, you can plan an entire vacation around railroad stops in Denali, Talkeetna, Anchorage, and other destinations. From most depot locations, you can easily access accommodations, activities, and connect to some of Alaska’s top sights: Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park.   

Denali Star Train

The Denali Star Train provides an eight-hour trip from Anchorage to Denali National Park, offering passengers a scenic ride past forests, tundra, rivers, and towering mountains, with chances to see wildlife along the way including moose and bears. Multiple lodging options are available in the Denali Park area, near the train depot at the entrance to Denali, making the Denali Star Train an ideal way to get to Denali for a day or two of adventure. When you’re done exploring the park, you can continue by train north to Fairbanks or head back to Anchorage.

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Coastal Classic Train

For those who are short on time but still want to experience the beauty of Alaska by train, the Alaska Railroad offers several fantastic day trips. The Coastal Classic Train, ranked among National Geographic's “Top Ten Train Rides in North America,” takes travelers on a four-and-a-half-hour journey from Anchorage along the stunning Turnagain Arm, Chugach Mountains, and glaciers to the town of Seward, with panoramic views as well as opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles, belugas, and Dall sheep. Passengers can spend several hours in Seward, gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, and take the train back in the evening or overnight in Seward. 

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Glacier Discovery Train

The Glacier Discovery Train is another scenic day-trip option, departing from Anchorage and offering several opportunities for guided and unguided adventures by land and water. Passengers can disembark in Whittier for a glacier and wildlife day cruise in Prince William Sound, stop at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for hiking or rafting, or simply stay on board to soak up the incredible mountain and glacier views along the way to Grandview. 

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Aurora Winter Train

If you’re traveling in the winter, the Aurora Winter Train offers captivating ways to explore the main line between Fairbanks and Anchorage. The 12-hour rail journey showcases breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape.

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Onboard Amenities

Riding the Alaska Railroad is a comfortable, relaxing, and educational experience that is fun for the whole family, with amenities including dining options, onboard narration, reserved seating, and outside viewing areas. For the ultimate experience, passengers can book the premium GoldStar Service on the Denali Star and Coastal Classic Trains, complete with panoramic views from train cars with glass-dome ceilings, a private bar with two complimentary beverages, and meals in the full-service dining room featuring local Alaska ingredients. 

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White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Another incredible way to explore Alaska’s scenic beauty is aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, based in Skagway in the Inside Passage. The 110-mile, narrow-gauge railway has been in operation since 1900, when it was completed to serve as a transportation route into the Yukon Territory in Canada during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, the White Pass Railway offers unforgettable day trips, providing visitors with jaw-dropping views of the region’s mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.

Although the railway offers several excursions for travelers to enjoy, the White Pass Summit Excursion is the most popular day trip, climbing from sea level to almost 3,000 feet in 20 miles. This 3-hour round trip train ride takes guests from Skagway to the summit of White Pass, passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and Dead Horse Gulch, with breathtaking views and fascinating history along the way. Longer trips are available that take you across the border into Canada, along with drop-offs for hiking day trips and overnight camping. 

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How to Build Train Trips into Your Itinerary

Whether you're visiting for a few days or planning an extended stay, adding a train trip to your next visit to Alaska is a must-do activity the whole family will enjoy. Here are a few tips for incorporating train journeys into your travel plans:

• Plan Around Cruise Stops: Many cruise lines stop in the port towns of Skagway, Seward, and/or Whittier, which are departure points for the railroads. If you're cruising, plan your itinerary so you can take advantage of the scenic train rides available from these ports of call. If your cruise ends in Seward or Whittier, you can add a train transfer to Anchorage to fly home or plan a multi-day post-cruise shore excursion by train to explore Alaska by land. 
• Combine Train and Outdoor Adventures: Train journeys can often be paired with outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and glacier tours. When building your itinerary, be sure to include time for these excursions for a fully immersive experience. Many activities can be booked as packages when booking your train trip. 
• Consider Multi-Day Trips: For a more comprehensive exploration, opt for multi-day train trips that combine multiple destinations, such as a journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks with overnight stops in Talkeetna and Denali National Park along the way. These longer trips allow you to experience more of Alaska’s natural beauty while enjoying the comfort and convenience of train travel.

Train travel in Alaska offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the state’s diverse landscapes while experiencing its rich history and natural beauty. Whether you opt for a scenic trip aboard the Alaska Railroad or embark on a historic journey with the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway, these iconic train routes allow visitors to experience Alaska from a unique perspective. By carefully planning your itinerary, you can make the most of these unforgettable train trips and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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