Long-distance passenger rail system offering scenic journeys through mountains, glaciers, forests, and remote wilderness with panoramic views and onboard amenities.
General Information
Hours:
Mid-May to mid-September: Daily departures beginning early morning with depot hours typically 5:30am to 5pm (slightly reduced on weekends)
Mid-September to mid-May: Limited winter service with reduced depot hours and weekend train schedules
Mid-September to mid-May: Limited winter service with reduced depot hours and weekend train schedules
Fees:
Adventure Class fares typically range from about $89 to $334 depending on route and distance
GoldStar premium service costs more and includes upgraded seating and dining
Children (2–11): Discounted fares; under 2 ride free on lap
GoldStar premium service costs more and includes upgraded seating and dining
Children (2–11): Discounted fares; under 2 ride free on lap
Pet Policy:
Pets are generally not allowed onboard passenger trains
Closest cities with hotels:
Anchorage (0 mi)
Seasons:
Best visited mid-May through mid-September for full service and optimal weather; limited but scenic winter service also available
Location:
Website:
How to Get There
From Anchorage (1 mi): Head west on W 5th Ave toward downtown, turn left onto Cordova St, then right onto W 1st Ave to reach the depot entrance.
Overview
The Alaska Railroad runs freight and passenger trains along more than 470 miles of mainline, from Seward to Fairbanks. Construction started in 1903, and the government-built line opened in 1923; Anchorage began as a construction town on Ship Creek. It is a major tourist attraction, with big-window coaches and dome cars, and it gives views you can't see from the road.
Routes
| Train | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denali Star | Anchorage to Fairbanks, via Talkeetna and Denali National Park | About 12 hours one way; daily in summer |
| Coastal Classic | Anchorage to Seward, along Turnagain Arm | 114 miles, glacier and mountain views; summer |
| Glacier Discovery | Anchorage to Whittier and Grandview | Short trip to Spencer Glacier; summer |
| Aurora Winter Train | Anchorage to Fairbanks | Weekends only, September to May |
| Hurricane Turn | Talkeetna to Hurricane | A flag-stop train serving people with no road access |
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Alaska Railroad", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
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