Alaska Vacation by Rail and Road from Fairbanks
Fairbanks is the perfect location to start your Alaska Rail and Drive Tour. We have compiled various combination tours from Fairbanks, to help you in planing your holiday in Alaska. Board the last full-service railroad in North America or 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. Fairbanks is the perfect change over point for a journey into Alaska’s interior and Arctic Region. Founded by a gold prospector in 1901, Fairbanks, like many other towns in Alaska, struggled until the construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline in the mid 1970s. Now this eclectic mix of log cabins, modern office buildings and a university campus is recognised as Alaska’s gateway to the Arctic. Several tours are available from Fairbanks, including trips to the Arctic Circle, the native village Fort Yukon or Chena Hot Springs Resort. A popular activity is the Gold Dredge No. 8 tour or the Riverboat Discovery Cruise on the Nenana River. Check out these adventures to easily fill the amazing long days — just don’t forget to sleep at some point!
Denali National Park Road Update for 2027
The Pretty Rocks Bridge construction on the Denali Park Road is complete, and the road will be open to Kantishna for the 2027 season. However, the Eielson Visitor Center will remain closed. Our tours will include a Denali Transit Bus ticket to Fish Creek. Travelers who wish to explore farther into the park can choose to upgrade to Wonder Lake or Kantishna. Please contact us for further details.
Weather in Fairbanks
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19°F | 19°F min | 19°F max |
RSFA01 - Alaska‘s Summer & Autumn Colours
RSFA02 - Best of the North Rail & Drive Vacation
RSFA03 - Stunning Alaska
RSFA04 - Alaska by Land and Sea
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Rail & Drive Tours from Fairbanks
Planning a rail and self-drive vacation from Fairbanks combines the freedom of exploring Alaska by car with the comfort and spectacular scenery of the Alaska Railroad. Our Rail & Drive tours combine pre-arranged accommodations, rental cars and scenic train journeys, with sightseeing and other activities depending on the itinerary. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
How do Alaska Rail & Drive tours from Fairbanks work?
Our Rail & Drive tours combine scenic Alaska Railroad journeys with independent driving segments. Depending on the itinerary, you may travel by train between major destinations and use a rental car to explore areas that are better reached by road. Your accommodations, rental car and train reservations are arranged in advance, and each tour includes a detailed itinerary.
Where do I pick up my rental car in Fairbanks?
Rental cars for our Rail & Drive tours starting in Fairbanks are available at Fairbanks International Airport. The exact rental period and return location depend on the itinerary.
Is the rental car included in a Rail & Drive tour?
Yes. Our Rail & Drive tour packages include a rental car for the driving portion of the itinerary. The vehicle category, rental period and pick-up and return locations vary by tour and are shown in the individual itinerary.
What type of rental car will I receive?
A mid-size car is included with our Alaska driving tours. Depending on the itinerary, you can upgrade to a full-size car, SUV or minivan for an additional cost. Rental car companies guarantee a vehicle category rather than a specific make or model.
Can I drive on gravel roads with my rental car?
In general, rental car companies do not permit their vehicles to be driven on gravel roads or highways such as the Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway or McCarthy Road. Driving on these roads may also void the rental car's insurance coverage.
Our Fairbanks Rail & Drive itineraries are planned around roads permitted under the applicable rental agreement. The specific road restrictions and rental conditions are confirmed for each tour.
Which Alaska roads are suitable for rental cars?
Alaska's main highways are paved and well suited for regular rental cars during the summer travel season. Our Rail & Drive tours use established routes connecting destinations such as Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Kenai Peninsula, depending on the itinerary.
Where do I return the rental car?
Our Fairbanks Rail & Drive tours can have different ending points. Depending on the itinerary, the rental car may be returned in Anchorage, Whittier, Skagway, Haines or another designated location. The exact return location is listed in your tour itinerary and booking confirmation.
What type of train seating is available?
Depending on the itinerary, you can choose between Adventure Class and premium dome-car service. Adventure Class offers comfortable seating with large windows and access to shared outdoor viewing areas. Premium service provides dome-window seating, an outdoor viewing platform and additional onboard amenities.
Our First Class hotel category includes dome-car seating, while the Comfort hotel category includes Adventure Class, 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 add extra nights or customize a Rail & Drive tour?
Yes. Our Rail & Drive tours are flexible and can be customized with additional hotel nights, activities or changes to the routing where possible. We can also combine rail travel with cruises, sightseeing excursions and other Alaska experiences.
Are Rail & Drive tours suitable for first-time visitors to Alaska?
Yes. These tours are a good option for first-time visitors who want to experience Alaska independently without having to organize every hotel, train and rental car reservation themselves. The major transportation and accommodations are arranged in advance, while the driving portions give you time to explore at your own pace.
How far in advance should I book an Alaska Rail & Drive tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly for June, July and August. Advance booking gives you a better choice of travel dates, hotels, rental vehicles and train seating.
