Alaska Railroad

A narrow ribbon of steel runs through some of Alaska’s most glorious country, connecting Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna, Whittier, Denali, and Fairbanks with daily service in summer.

Rail Travel in Anchorage

Hop on board the Alaska Railroad for a true Alaska experience. Relax in reclining chairs with large picture windows while cruising past some of the world’s best vistas. Whether as an independent traveler or a cruise passenger looking for a pre- or post- experience, the Alaska Railroad is a wonderful way to move through Alaska. One-day rail tours and multi-day packages can be booked through several local operators.

From mid-May to mid-September, trains depart north and south every day from Anchorage. Two trains run south: the Coastal Classic train heads out with an early morning departure for Seward, and the Glacier Discovery train leaves mid-morning for Whittier, then travels further into the Kenai Mountains, Spencer Glacier and the alpine paradise of Grandview. The Glacier Discovery is also the ticket to the Alaska Railroad Whistle Stop at Spencer Glacier. Here, passengers can disembark for short hike with a U.S. Forest Service ranger up to get a closer look at Spencer Glacier or hop on a boat for a gentle float among the icebergs at Spencer Lake and down the Placer River.

The Denali Star train makes its way north into Alaska’s interior to Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks – the railroad’s northernmost point. At the same time, another train travels south from Fairbanks along the same route.

Not limited to summer, the Alaska Railroad runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks weekends in winter, adding midweek service in February and March.