Wherever they hail from, Alaska visitors across the globe often sing the praises of their train ride on the Alaska Railroad. Transporting over 400,000 passengers each year, this iconic rail service provides the ultimate scenic tour across Alaska’s many landscapes and ecosystems with stops in Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Girdwood, Seward, Whittier and the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop.

This month, we reveal some of the Alaska Railroad’s best kept secrets in our piece entitled “What So Special About a Ride on the Alaska Railroad?”

And if you’re into train rides, routes and rail systems, you will definitely enjoy our journey through time in “The History of the Alaska Railroad”. Did you know that the Alaska Railroad is 100 years old this year? Happy Centennial!

One of the best times to ride the train is during Alaska’s fall season when the autumn leaves are turning a rainbow of vibrant yellows and reds and opportunities to see the Northern Lights begin to appear on the aurora horizon. Those with a bit more time for lingering up north may enjoy our 9-day Alaska’s Autumn Highlights Tour transporting travelers from Prince William Sound to Denali, and on to Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs. And for Northern Lights fans (with less time but just as much railroad passion), another option is our 5-day Aurora Train Travel in Fall or Winter, a multi-faceted adventure from Anchorage including a scenic ride along Turnagain Arm and Cook Inlet to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center followed by a train trip to Fairbanks in search of the Northern Lights.

You just can’t go wrong adding a little Alaska Railroad fun to your Alaska vacation itinerary!