Alaska Vacation by Rail and Motorcoach from Anchorage
Exploring Alaska by motorcoach and train are great ways to travel across the country whilst seeing the beautiful surroundings. Simply sit back on your bus trip and on board the Alaska Railroad, enjoy the tour commentary, company and comfort. Our train and coach combo tours from Anchorage gets travelers faster to the desired destinations as the Alaska Railroad departures and routes are limited. Your Alaska Active Tours, is very excited to present all the different tour options, combining the scenic Alaska Railroad Tour with our motorcoach transfers. The possibilities are vast ! Enjoy the ride on board the last full-service railroad in North America, or with one of the privately operated trains. Admire the breathtaking nature in glass-domed or regular rail car compartments - all with large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views of snowcapped mountain ranges, pristine scenery and wildlife. The custom built motorcoaches offer comfortable seating, generous legroom, and large picture windows. Your knowledgeable driver-guide will offer tour highlights along the route and plenty of photo stops are made.
Weather in Anchorage
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43°F | 42°F min | 44°F max |
RMAN01 - Anchorage and Beyond
RMAN02 - Alaskan Wonders
RMAN03 - Alaska ’ s Glaciers & Grizzlies
RMAN04 - Trails of Alaska Holidays
RMAN05 - Ultimate Adventure Alaska
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Rail & Motorcoach Tours from Anchorage
Our Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours combine scenic Alaska Railroad journeys with comfortable motorcoach travel between destinations that are not connected by rail. These escorted transportation services make it easy to explore Alaska without driving, while your hotels, train reservations, motorcoach transfers and included sightseeing are arranged in advance.
How do Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours from Anchorage work?
Our Rail & Motorcoach tours combine scenic Alaska Railroad journeys with comfortable motorcoach travel to create efficient and varied itineraries. Traveling by both rail and road allows you to see different landscapes and viewpoints, reach destinations that are not directly connected by railroad, and include sightseeing stops that are not possible by train. Your hotels, train reservations, motorcoach transportation and included activities are arranged in advance.
Why combine the Alaska Railroad with a motorcoach?
Combining the Alaska Railroad with motorcoach travel allows you to experience Alaska from two very different perspectives and can also make your itinerary more efficient. The railroad and road routes often follow different corridors, offering different views of Alaska's mountains, rivers, forests and wildlife.
The motorcoach also provides connections and schedules that are not possible by train alone. For example, you can travel from Seward to Talkeetna by motorcoach without having to spend an additional night in Anchorage. Along the way, selected tours include stops such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which cannot be visited when traveling by train alone.
This combination allows you to see more of Alaska, make better use of your vacation time and enjoy both the spectacular scenery of the Alaska Railroad and the unique perspectives offered by Alaska's highways.
What are the motorcoaches like?
Our motorcoach transfers use comfortable full-size touring coaches with generous legroom, large picture windows, seat belts, in-seat power and onboard restrooms. Under-coach storage provides space for your luggage, making the coaches well suited for longer journeys between Alaska's major destinations.
Are the motorcoach journeys comfortable for long-distance travel?
Yes. The touring coaches are designed for comfortable long-distance travel, with large windows for viewing Alaska's scenery, comfortable seating, onboard restrooms and regular stops along the route. The driver-guide also provides commentary and information about the areas you travel through.
What luggage can I bring on the motorcoach?
Each passenger may bring up to two checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds each, plus one small carry-on. Checked luggage is stored underneath the motorcoach, while your carry-on remains with you. Additional or oversized luggage may be subject to available storage space and additional fees.
Are the motorcoach transfers guided?
Yes. Motorcoach journeys include a knowledgeable driver-guide who provides information about the areas along the route and makes scheduled stops for photographs, restrooms and other travel needs. This allows you to enjoy the scenery without having to navigate or drive yourself.
Where do the motorcoaches travel from Anchorage?
Depending on the itinerary, motorcoach transportation from Anchorage connects with destinations such as Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Seward and Whittier. The exact routing depends on the individual tour and is shown in the detailed itinerary.
Can I combine a Rail & Motorcoach tour with a cruise?
Yes. Several of our Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours can be combined with an Alaska cruise. Depending on the itinerary, a tour can serve as a pre-cruise or post-cruise land vacation, with motorcoach transportation connecting Anchorage with cruise ports such as Seward or Whittier.
Can the motorcoach take me directly to my cruise ship?
Yes. On itineraries designed as pre-cruise tours, motorcoach transportation can connect you directly with the cruise terminal in Seward or Whittier. This makes it easy to combine an Alaska land tour with an Inside Passage cruise without arranging separate transportation.
What type of train seating is available?
Depending on the itinerary and hotel category, you can travel in Adventure Class or premium dome-car seating on the Alaska Railroad. Adventure Class offers comfortable reserved seating with large windows, while dome-car service provides panoramic views and additional onboard amenities.
Our First Class hotel category includes reserved seats in the upper-level panorama dome car, while the Comfort hotel category includes reserved Adventure Class seating, with an option to upgrade where available.
Is luggage included on the Alaska Railroad?
Yes. Checked Luggage: Each ticketed passenger can check up to two pieces of luggage. No single checked bag may weigh more than 50 pounds. Up to two extra bags can be checked for an additional fee.
Carry-On Luggage: Each passenger is allowed one small personal item or daypack to bring into the passenger coach. It must fit under your seat. Standard wheeled airline carry-on rollers are generally too large for the passenger seating area and must be checked.
Checked Baggage Access: You will not have access to your checked bags while the train is moving, so pack all essentials (medications, electronics, valuables, and extra layers) in your small carry-on.
Can I customize a Rail & Motorcoach tour?
Yes. Our Rail & Motorcoach tours can be customized with additional hotel nights, activities or other changes where possible. Some changes need to take railroad and motorcoach schedules into account, but we are happy to discuss options for extending or modifying your Alaska vacation.
Are Rail & Motorcoach tours suitable for first-time visitors to Alaska?
Yes. These tours are an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want to see Alaska without driving. The major transportation, accommodations and included sightseeing are arranged in advance, while the combination of railroad and motorcoach travel allows you to experience Alaska's scenery comfortably along the way.
How far in advance should I book an Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly from late June through August. Hotels, railroad seats, motorcoach transportation and popular excursions can sell out during Alaska's short summer season. Booking early also provides the best choice of travel dates, accommodations and train seating.
