Railroad FAQ
Alaska Railroad FAQ
Alaska Railroad FAQ
Your choice to travel: Regular or Dome Car Train Seating
Choose from various classes for our Alaska Rail Tours: At the Alaska Railroad, we emphasize that the journey should be just as remarkable as the destination itself. Our commitment translates into providing comfortable and dependable transportation, a helpful and knowledgeable onboard staff, and outstanding dining experiences. Additionally, we are fortunate that our railway tracks pass through some of the most breathtaking landscapes worldwide.
We take pride in presenting two distinct classes of passenger service: GoldStar Dome Service (first class) and Adventure Class (standard). It's important to note that GoldStar Service is exclusively offered on the Coastal Classic and Denali Star Trains, while Adventure Class seating is available on all Alaska Railroad routes.
On all Alaska Railroad routes, passengers can enjoy dining and bar services, excluding the Hurricane Turn Train. Gold Star Dome Cars, the newest first-class experience with panoramic windows, fine dining, and upper-level dome seating. Experience the private Midnight Sun Express Dome Cars with 360-degree views, outdoor platforms, GPS monitors, and additional amenities. Travel in style with the 1950's Vintage Cars, beautifully refurbished for a historic journey. Explore the spacious McKinley Explorer Dome Cars, the largest ever built, featuring upper-level seating, restaurant, gift shop, and an outside viewing platform. GoldStar Service goes the extra mile by including meals, soft drinks, and two complimentary adult beverages. Please be aware that our trains operate on a cashless system, requiring all onboard purchases to be made using credit or debit cards. All tours include pre-assigned seats and narration services.
Providing exceptional customer service is a fundamental aspect of the Alaska Railroad experience. Whether it's the wait staff, bartenders, or local tour guides, our goal is to ensure that every guest has a pleasant and comfortable journey by rail.
Children Rate
Children under the age of two can travel for free as long as they ride on the lap of an adult on the train. For children aged 2 to 11, the usual practice is to offer a discounted fare at half the cost of the adult fare. On the bus, infants are charged at the child rate.
Dining
The Midnight Sun Express, the McKinley Explorer, and the Alaska Railroad Gold Star Dome Cars present a comprehensive selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, all meticulously crafted to order, at their on-board restaurants. Guests have the chance to visit the dining room and place orders for freshly prepared dishes from the menu. As all our meals are made to order, we strive to accommodate various dietary concerns. Please inform us of any specific dietary requirements at the time of making your reservation.
Gratuities
Tips and gratuities are always welcome. Most travelers do tip train personnel, but it is not mandatory.
Emergency Assistance
You can contact us in case of an emergency. We have a dedicated 24/7 helpline available for our guests.
Available Room Occupancy / Bed Configuration
Single: A room assigned to one person. Room with one bed (double, queen, king size)
Double: A room assigned to two people. Room with two double/queen beds or a king size bed.
Triple: A room assigned to three people. Room with two double/queen beds
Quad: A room assigned to four people. Room with two double/queen beds The maximum occupancy per room is four. Please request if you require a roll-a-way bed.
We can arrange our self drive tours including 2 rooms and 1 rental car if your group is larger than 4.
Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Option
We can substitute the overnight in a hotel with the overnight in a Bed and Breakfast. In this case breakfast is included. The rate of the first class / comfort hotel class will remain the same. We can only exchange some of the hotels since B&B’s are not available in all locations.
Northern Lights Observation
Because of the long daylight hours it is uncommon to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) displays from mid May until mid August. The Aurora occurs mainly during the fall / winter months from September – April. Please refer also to our winter touring program.
VISA / Identification
The Visa/entry requirements do change frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information however you will definitely need your passport to cross the US/Canadian Border. Please ask us if your self drive tour enters Canada.
Travel Insurance
We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to cover: cancellation fees associated with an outing as well as airfare or other nonrefundable expense in the event you need to cancel a trip; medical expenses incurred on a trip; and the cost of a possible medical evacuation from a trip, canceled flights due to weather. We have made arrangements with our trusted travel insurance provider for you to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan. Please contact us for details
