Your Alaska Train Questions Answered
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Your Alaska Train Questions Answered
There’s nothing quite like seeing Alaska by rail. It’s scenic, relaxing. In one moment you might round a bend with surprise glacier views, in another you might glimpse mountain goats or Dall sheep or even a bear. Travel by train is also practical—it’s an easy way to connect to some of Alaska’s most sought-after destinations. But while deciding if you should take the train when you’re in Alaska is an easy choice (yes!), the complexity of coordinating train travel has a way of derailing even the savviest planner (we had to!). Luckily, you’ve got a one-stop rail shop for all things Alaska trains. Let’s get started.
Where exactly does the train go in Alaska?
The primary rail in Alaska connects Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks. This 470-mile stretch linking the coast to Interior Alaska is often simply called “the railbelt.” You may have also heard of the White Pass Railroad. This train is a popular shore excursion for cruisers that only runs from Skagway to the Yukon Territory. It does not connect to the rest of Alaska.
When you’re planning travel on the railbelt, there are two things to consider: Routes and services.
What routes do trains in Alaska run?
There are four routes:
- Coastal Classic: Runs between Anchorage and Seward.
- Glacier Discover: Runs between Anchorage, Whittier, and Grandview (a remote turnaround).
- Denali Star: Runs between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.
- Aurora Winter Train: Runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks (winter only, limited schedule).
Summer routes have only one southbound and one northbound train daily. This means that there aren’t multiple departures a day from each location, so you can’t hop on and hop off. Instead, plan to ride the train and then spend at least one night in your destination before continuing on. For example, you could ride the Denali Star from Anchorage to Talkeetna (arrive 11:05 AM), overnight to enjoy the sites, then continue to Denali National Park the next day (depart 11:20 AM).
Are there different train services or railcar types in Alaska?
Yes! There are three distinctive train services to choose from:
- Alaska Railroad: The famous train from all the pictures! The Alaska Railroad runs all the routes listed above. It offers two ticket service options, standard Adventure Class service and upgraded GoldStar Dome Service. More on this next.
- Wilderness Express: Locally owned deluxe dome railcars running only on the Denali Star route with the same timetable as the Alaska Railroad. Wilderness Express railcars are usually the last few cars on the train, allowing for unique photo opportunities.
- McKinley Explorer: Privately operated dome railcar running between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park on a slightly different schedule from the Denali Star route.
What’s the difference between “standard” and “dome?”
The views! Standard Adventure class gets you reserved seats on a single-level train car with picture windows, food for purchase in a bistro car, and access to a shared viewing car on a rotating basis depending on the number of passengers. Passengers ticketed in a dome car have reserved upper-level seating beneath a glass dome roof with access to an outdoor viewing deck. Alaska Railroad GoldStar Dome passengers also enjoy meals, two alcoholic beverages, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages included in the ticket price. Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer passengers have access to bar and restaurant service although no meals or drinks are included in the ticket price.
You can check out a helpful Alaska train service comparison at Alaska Tour & Travel.
Is there a budget friendly way to ride the train in Alaska?
Just by nature of its remoteness, Alaska is a pricey place to travel. Rail rates are included in that. Adventure Class is a good budget option, but you can also split travel between both train and scheduled motorcoach. Rather than going roundtrip on the train between Anchorage and Seward, for example, you can travel one way by train and return by Park Connection Motorcoach to save anywhere from $50 to $150 per ticket. These savings could also allow some room in your budget to splurge on dome train tickets. Using the Transportation Finder tool at Alaska Tour & Travel is the easiest way to compare rates and schedules for trains and motorcoach.
Do trains in Alaska run year-round?
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round, but winter service is limited. Full summer service for all trains typically begins mid-May and runs till mid-September.
How do I book Alaska train tickets?
Tap on over to Alaska Tour & Travel and use the handy Train & Bus Express Checkout to book your tickets online. It’s quick, easy, and also the only place where you can book the Alaska Railroad, Wilderness Express, and McKinley Explorer. Note that if you’re planning to ride a train on multiple days, you’ll need to book each leg separately. Back to that Anchorage to Denali with a stop in Talkeetna example, that means you’ll have tickets for Anchorage to Talkeetna and another set of tickets for Talkeetna to Denali.
Okay I have train tickets, how about lodging? Tours?
We have you covered. Use Alaska Tour & Travel to complete your Alaska travel planning, from places to stay to things to do. And while you’re at it, check us out on Facebook and Instagram for local travel tips and inspiration.