Alaska Vacation by Rail and Motorcoach from Fairbanks
Our Fairbanks motorcoach & railroad combo tours run the length of the country and offer one of the easiest and relaxing ways to see and travel Alaska from the Arctic Circle to the coast town of Seward. Choose one of our popular Alaska vacation packages - including top attractions, beautiful locations and guided commentary. 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. At Alaska Active Tours, our travel specialists have first-hand knowledge of Alaska, so we are perfectly placed to create a tailor-made holiday to fit your interests.
Weather in Fairbanks
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36°F | 30°F min | 36°F max |
RMFA01 - Denali Mountain Trail
RMFA02 - Alaska Wilderness Spirit Holiday
RMFA03 - Alaskan Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Rail & Motorcoach Tours from Fairbanks
Our Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours from Fairbanks combine scenic Alaska Railroad journeys with comfortable motorcoach travel to create efficient and varied Alaska 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.
How do Alaska Rail & Motorcoach tours from Fairbanks work?
Our Fairbanks Rail & Motorcoach tours combine Alaska Railroad journeys with comfortable motorcoach transportation between major destinations. Depending on the itinerary, you may travel by train between Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna and Anchorage, while motorcoach transportation provides convenient connections along Alaska's highways. Your accommodations, transportation and included activities are arranged in advance according to your selected itinerary.
Why combine the Alaska Railroad with a motorcoach?
Combining the Alaska Railroad with motorcoach travel allows you to experience Alaska from two different perspectives while making the most of your vacation time. The railroad and highways often follow different routes, so you see different landscapes, mountain ranges, rivers, forests and wildlife along the way.
Motorcoach schedules can also make certain itineraries more efficient than traveling entirely by train. They provide connections between destinations that are not directly linked by the Alaska Railroad and can sometimes eliminate the need for an additional overnight stay. The motorcoach also allows for selected sightseeing stops along the way that are not possible when traveling by train.
This combination lets you experience the spectacular scenery of the Alaska Railroad while also exploring Alaska's highways and communities from the road - giving you a more varied and efficient Alaska vacation.
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 Fairbanks?
Depending on the itinerary, motorcoach transportation from Fairbanks connects with destinations such as Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. 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 Fairbanks 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 or railroad transportation connecting Fairbanks with Anchorage, Whittier or Seward.
Can the motorcoach take me directly to my cruise ship?
On selected itineraries, motorcoach transportation can connect you with the cruise terminals in Whittier or Seward. This makes it possible to combine a Fairbanks land tour with an Inside Passage cruise without arranging separate transportation between your land tour and cruise.
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. Each Alaska Railroad passenger may check up to two bags weighing up to 50 pounds each and bring one small carry-on onboard. We recommend keeping essential items and valuables in your carry-on because checked luggage is not accessible during the train journey.
Can I customize a Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks 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.














