Denali Express Train Tour

A perfect independent tour option for Alaska cruise passengers featuring Denali National Park.

Tour Code: 157CTA

Tour Overview

This Denali National Park tour from Fairbanks aboard the Alaska Railroad is perfect for Alaska travelers who only have a few days to do a land tour before getting on (or just after) their Alaska cruise. With this fast-paced itinerary, you visit Denali National Park and one of Alaska’s two largest cities, Fairbanks. You travel to Denali in style on the Alaska Railroad and watch for wildlife deep inside the park. You’ll then ride by motor coach from Denali with a brief stop in Anchorage, along the route, experiencing the striking beauty of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm before traveling on to meet your cruise ship in Whittier or Seward. We recommend a more extended Alaska land tour at a more relaxed pace, but if you are short on time, this Alaska “Denali Express” rail tour will showcase Denali and all its treasures

What's Included
  • 2 nights accommodation
  • Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali
  • Approximately 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (in May and September tour may be shorter due to weather and road conditions)
  • Motor coach transfer from Denali to your cruise ship
  • All taxes and fees
What's Not Included

Transfers in Fairbanks, meals, and gratuities.

 

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Fairbanks Arrival

Arrive into Fairbanks at any time and transfer from the airport to hotel on your own. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for optional activities. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 2
Fairbanks to Denali National Park

This morning depart for Denali aboard the Alaska Railroad arriving in the early afternoon.  After checking into your hotel you will depart on a bus tour of Denali National Park. This tour takes you through the best wildlife viewing portion of the Park Road, approximately 43 miles into the park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary and make stops during your approximately 4-6 hour tour*. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

* Please note that in May/September the bus tour into Denali National Park may be shorter due to road and weather conditions.

Day 3
Denali National Park to Seward/Whittier

Depart Denali early this morning aboard a comfortable motor coach. The driver will provide narration as you travel on the nationally recognized Parks Highway through Alaska’s spectacular scenery and small historic towns. You will have a layover of about 90 minutes in Anchorage to purchase lunch or visit the Anchorage Museum. Continue to Seward or Whittier along scenic Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Few roads in the United States can offer the diversity of scenic landscapes and unique natural features so concentrated in one area. You will arrive at the cruise dock in Seward between 5:45 pm and 6:00 pm or in Whittier at 5:00 pm. (Please check your cruise lines check-in closing time.)

The tour can be offered in REVERSE with a cruise ship pick-up; please contact us!

Tour Map

 

Dates & Rates

Booking Information: After you select your dates, please select the city where your cruise ship departs (Seward or Whittier).

Bus transfer to Seward: arrives at the Seward Cruise Terminal between 5:45pm and 6:00pm (please check your Cruise Lines check-in closing time)
Bus transfer to Whittier: arrives at the Whittier Cruise Terminal at 5:00pm (please check your Cruise Lines check-in closing time)


Child prices are valid for children 11 years and younger, sharing a room with at least 2 full paying adults with the existing bedding. Maximum of 4 people per room.

Our Standard Program Includes:

2 and 3 star hotel accommodations.

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible.

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

If you are looking to do this tour after your cruise, from Seward or Whittier to Fairbanks, please contact us.

 

If you are looking for a true Alaskan experience, the Dalton Highway to Deadhorse and the oil fields excels. We took the extension visit to Barrow and enjoyed it immensely. Our driver was excellent at her job. She enhanced the trip with her knowledge of the area and with... Read more  

Arlene | Trip Advisor