The Ultimate Guide to Traveling Alaska by Rail

There’s something special about traveling in a train car, cruising through Alaska’s finest scenery. From your comfortable seat on the Alaska Railroad, you can gaze through the rail car’s large picture windows and see it all – Alaska’s mountaintops and treetops, glaciers, water, wildlife and even some cool urban landscapes. Your train moves at a steady and serene pace, allowing you to maximize your views and quality time with family and new friends. Walking from car to car, you can meet hikers and kayakers; longtime Alaskans who live in the wilderness and use the railroad as their main form of transportation; and fellow visitors from around the world who are taking day trips or moving from one amazing Alaska locale to the next. Stop between cars and stick your head out of the window, feeling the breeze and smiling because life is good – you’re in Alaska!

The Alaska Railroad’s 740 miles of main line tracks can take passengers as far south as the pretty port of Seward and as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart City set in the Interior. Destinations along the way range from popular (Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park) to semi- or super-secluded (Hurricane Turn, Whittier/Portage, Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop). There’s food and drink on board most trains, but also plenty of room for your day packs and snacks. The standard rail car ride is fun in its own right, but you can also upgrade to sit in a Dome car and watch the scenery from an eagle’s eye view.

Alaska Railroad Route Map

Must-See Alaska Railroad Routes

1. The Coastal Classic: Anchorage to Seward

This is widely considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the entire world. The tracks hug the edge of the Turnagain Arm and wind through the glacier-filled Kenai Mountains.

• Flexibility: You can take a one-way trip or a full-day round trip. If you go round-trip from Anchorage, you’ll have seven hours in the town of Seward.
• What to Do: While in Seward, the Alaska SeaLife Center is a must-visit. You can also take a boat cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park to see whales and glaciers.
• Local Stop: The train also stops in Girdwood, a charming ski village that is perfect for a quiet overnight stay.

2. The Denali Star: Anchorage to Fairbanks

As the name suggests, this is the “star” of the fleet. This 12-hour journey connects Alaska’s two biggest cities. On a clear day, you will get multiple views of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.

• Where to Hop Off: Most travelers get off at Talkeetna or Denali National Park.
• Activities: Once you step off the train, the adventure begins. You can go “flightseeing” (touring the mountains in a small plane), go camping, or just relax on a lodge deck and stare at the massive peaks.

3. The Hurricane Turn: Talkeetna to Hurricane Gulch

This is one of the last “whistle-stop” trains in the United States. It is a lifeline for people living off-the-grid. If someone stands by the tracks and waves a white flag, the train will stop to pick them up!

• The Experience: You’ll wind through 55 miles of birch and spruce forests and cross over glacially-fed rivers. It is often called the railroad’s “best-kept secret” because it feels so authentic.
• Pro Tip: There is no food service on this train. Make sure to buy some food in Talkeetna before you board. The turnaround point at Hurricane Gulch offers some of the best panoramic views in the state.

4. The Glacier Discovery: Anchorage to Whittier & Grandview

This route is built for the ultimate day trip. It departs from Anchorage and travels along the Cook Inlet, stopping at places that offer endless outdoor activities.

• Whistle Stops: A favorite stop is the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. This area is only accessible by train! You can spend the afternoon hiking, rafting, or just watching the glacier ice float in the lake.
• Grandview: The train ends at a tranquil spot called Grandview before heading back. If a few hours isn’t enough, you can even camp overnight and catch the train back the next day.

5. The Aurora Winter Train: Anchorage to Fairbanks

Alaska doesn’t shut down when the snow falls. This train runs all winter long on a modified schedule. 

• Winter Beauty: Even in the middle of winter, you can stay warm and cozy inside while watching the snow-capped mountains roll by.
• Access to View the Northern Lights: This is a popular way to reach Fairbanks, which is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis.

Quick Comparison Table

Train Route	Best For…	Major Stops
Coastal Classic	Access to Kenai Fjords National Park	Anchorage, Girdwood, Seward
Denali Star	Mountain Views & Denali National Park	Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks
Hurricane Turn	Authentic “Old Alaska” Feel	Talkeetna, Hurricane Gulch
Glacier Discovery	Hiking & Rafting Adventures	Whittier, Spencer Glacier, Grandview
Aurora Winter	Snow Scenery & Gateway to Fairbanks	Anchorage, Talkeetna, Fairbanks