Anchorage to Fairbanks by Road or Rail

Explore Anchorage, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks on this six-day trip through Southcentral and Interior Alaska. You can do this itinerary independently by picking up a rental car in Anchorage and returning it in Fairbanks, or, if you prefer not to drive, you can ride the scenic Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks. If you choose to ride the train, plan on staying at accommodations in or close to downtown Anchorage for the most shuttle service options and easy access to restaurants, shops, activities, and the Alaska Railroad depot.

Day 1: Anchorage

Spend the day exploring the highlights of Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city. Start by renting a bike downtown and cycling the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you have a good chance of seeing a moose in the wild. Next, take a free shuttle bus from the downtown visitor center to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can learn about Alaska's 11 distinct Indigenous cultures, followed by the Anchorage Museum (also accessible by shuttle). Finish the day with a walking tour and a dinner of fresh-caught seafood in one of Anchorage's fine restaurants.

Day 2: Anchorage

Anchorage makes a wonderful home base for exploring Alaska's wilderness. Choose a full-day trip that suits your wildest dreams: you can take a helicopter ride to a glacier for a dog sledding adventure, ride a train along the shoreline of Turnagain Arm on your way to a glacier and wildlife cruise in Prince William Sound or Kenai Fjords National Park, or join a guided hiking trip. Turn in early to one of Anchorage's excellent hotels or B&Bs; you'll need an early start tomorrow.

Day 3: Anchorage to Denali

Head north to Denali National Park and Preserve, home to North America's tallest mountain peak and some of the world's most spectacular scenery and wildlife sightings. You can get there in about four hours by car, or 7 1/2 hours aboard an Alaska Railroad train. Depending on what time you arrive, you may have time for a short afternoon tour — think whitewater rafting, ziplining, or a flightseeing tour around the dramatic peaks of the Alaska Range. For dinner, try an authentic salmon bake or sample the ales at one of the state’s fantastic breweries. Overnight at one of the many lodging options near the Denali Park entrance. Many lodging options offer shuttle service to and from the Alaska Railroad Depot and the entrance to Denali National Park, making it easy to get around if you arrive by train. 

Day 4: Denali

Today you will embark on a half or full day bus tour into the park. These narrated tours take you into the heart of the park on the Denali Park Road, which is only accessibly by bus after mile 15. Keep an eye out for wildlife including brown bears, moose, caribou, fox, lynx, and more. You'll be astounded by the vast mountain and tundra landscapes in Denali National Park and learn about the park's history, wildlife, and geography from the naturalist guides. Overnight again near the Denali Park entrance. 

Day 5: Denali to Fairbanks

Spend the morning checking off one more adventure on your list in Denali, such as an ATV tour, a hike near the park entrance, or a visit to the National Park Service's only working sled dog kennel. If you’re traveling during late August or early September, you’ll be treated to Alaska’s vibrant autumn colors as the tundra turns deep shades of orange and red for a few brief weeks before winter sets in. Then it’s on to Fairbanks, either by car (just over 2 hours) or back aboard the Alaska Railroad, which departs Denali at 4:00pm and arrives in Fairbanks at 8:00pm.

Day 6: Fairbanks

Located in Alaska’s Interior, Fairbanks has a rich cultural and gold rush history. Get to know this warm-hearted city with a stop by the University of Alaska Museum of the North, one of the top ten attractions in the state, where you can view impressive exhibits on the gold rush, the northern lights, and Alaska Native culture. Follow that up with a gold panning tour and a visit to the viewing area for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, one of the greatest engineering feats in the state's history. If you're still feeling energetic, cap the day off with a paddle, float or riverboat trip down the Chena River, which flows straight through downtown Fairbanks. Depart for home from the Fairbanks International Airport, or return to Anchorage by road or via the Alaska Railroad (requires an additional day).