Train Travel Alaska

One of the most exciting ways to see the 49th State is to take an Alaska train tour. The Alaska Railroad travels for 470 miles from Seward on the south-central Kenai Peninsula, to the northern city of Fairbanks. Throughout your journey, your Alaska train tour will bring you through some of the most scenic and rugged territory in Alaska. This includes Denali National Park, Denali State Park, and the Chugach National Forest. You can take your Alaska train tour along either of the two routes that are offered during the summer season.

The Denali Star offers Alaska rail tours of the regions north of Anchorage. It transports its passengers between Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and Anchorage. As the train meanders north from Talkeetna, you will pass over Hurricane Gulch and Broad Pass before arriving at the railroad station at Denali National Park. Look out the window! The bridge at Hurricane spans 918 feet over the Chulitna River. The Alaska rail tours that go from Denali Park to Fairbanks travel through Healy and Nenana and several smaller towns. The train trip spans over 350 miles in a time period of 12 hours. Most passengers break the train trip up and stay in Denali National Park or Talkeetna. This exciting Alaska train trip presents excellent views of Mt. McKinley, as well as a chance to see Alaskan wildlife.

In the south, the Coastal Classic Alaska rail tours travel south of Anchorage along the spectacular Turnagain Arm. Then, they pass through the Kenai Peninsula"s scenic Turnagain and Moose Passes prior to arriving in the quaint and convivial seaside town of Seward. This Alaska train trip journeys about 130 miles in each direction and lasts for about four hours one-way. Along the route, you will have a good chance to see glaciers and wildlife such as moose, and beluga whales. Many people who take the Coastal Classic have arranged for an Alaska rail and cruise vacation. After spending a night in Seward, they enjoy a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park.

Given that rail tours and cruises are two of the best ways to get an up close and personal look at Alaska’s wildlife and natural resources, an Alaska rail and cruise trip can combine the best of both worlds. Alaska rail and cruise trips can combine a variety of destinations. Although the possibilities are endless, for now, why not cruise through the rest of our Alaska pages for inspiration.