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RAAN05 Alaska's Mountains and Coast by Rail – Alaska Railroad Tour

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Alaska is a spectacular destination to explore by rail and road. This Alaska vacation combines the dramatic coastline of Prince William Sound with the charming town of Talkeetna and the wilderness of Denali National Park. Travel from Anchorage to Whittier by motorcoach, where you will enjoy a spectacular 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound. Cruise among towering alpine and tidewater glaciers, watch for abundant marine wildlife, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of College and Harriman Fjords. After your glacier cruise, board the Alaska Railroad for a scenic journey back to Anchorage along the shores of Turnagain Arm. Continue north by rail to Talkeetna, a historic Alaska town known for its spectacular views of Denali and as a gateway to flightseeing adventures in the Alaska Range. From Talkeetna, travel by train to Denali National Park and spend time exploring its remarkable wilderness and abundant wildlife. This Alaska tour combines some of the state's most spectacular scenery with comfortable rail travel and a memorable glacier cruise. It is an ideal way to experience Alaska's coast, mountains and national parks without the need to drive. Visit our complete Alaska Guide for helpful travel information and tips. We’re happy to customize this itinerary to suit your needs.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

  • Railroad FAQ

  • Reviews

Katmai Coast Bear Viewing

Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Arrive in Anchorage during the day and check in to your downtown hotel. Surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and an ideal starting point for your journey into the state's spectacular wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, take some time to explore the city. Anchorage offers a variety of attractions within easy reach of downtown, including the Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center (complimentary shuttle) and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. A walk along the waterfront or through downtown is a pleasant way to get your first impression of Alaska. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the city's restaurants, many of which feature fresh Alaskan seafood and other regional specialties.
Prince William Sound Cruise

Anchorage (Prince William Sound Day Trip) ( Overnight: Anchorage )

This morning, travel by motorcoach from Anchorage to Whittier, passing along the scenic shores of Turnagain Arm and through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel. In Whittier, board the luxurious catamaran for the 26 Glacier Cruise through Prince William Sound. Explore the serenity of Esther Passage, view majestic alpine and tidewater glaciers in College and Harriman Fjords, and watch for marine wildlife such as whales, sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals. Your captain will point out interesting sights and provide commentary throughout the cruise. After the cruise, board the Alaska Railroad for a scenic return journey to Anchorage, traveling along Turnagain Arm and enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Included: 26 Glacier Cruise
Glacier Calving PWS

Anchorage - Talkeetna ( Overnight: Talkeetna )

Morning transfer to the railroad station where you'll board the train to Talkeetna. Choose between the standard rail car or the glass-dome compartments with large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views of snowcapped mountain ranges, pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. Enjoy the comfortable ride as the train takes you via the Matanuska Valley towards the Alaska Range. Arrive in Talkeetna and transfer to your downtown hotel or to a beautiful mountain lodge with breathtaking views of Mt. Denali. Take a flightseeing tour from Talkeetna, flying within six miles of Denali's 20,310-foot summit. Enjoy spectacular views of the Kahiltna and Ruth Glaciers, the Great Gorge and the surrounding Alaska Range. Add an adventurous glacier landing on Ruth Glacier. Included: Mt. Denali Flightseeing Tour
Denali Train Tour

Talkeetna - Denali National Park ( Overnight: Denali Village )

This morning you have the option to join a jet boat safari on the Susitna, Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers. Transfer to the Talkeetna Train Station where you will board the train to Denali. North of Talkeetna, the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River and the occasional remote cabin. Have your camera ready as the train crosses Hurricane Gulch Bridge, 300 feet above the creek. Arrive at Denali Village late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and check into your room. Once you’ve settled in, take a stroll through Denali Village or choose from a variety of optional activities like a flightseeing tour, a whitewater rafting trip, or a visit to a sled dog kennel for an up-close experience with Alaskan sled dogs.
hiking at Denali Polychrome Pass

Denali National Park ( Overnight: Denali Village )

Today is dedicated to exploring Denali National Park and its spectacular wilderness. Board your included Denali Transit Bus and travel into the park along the Denali Park Road. Watch for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Your driver provides information about the park's landscape, wildlife, and history, with opportunities to stop for wildlife viewing and photography. The included transit bus journey takes you toward Eielson Visitor Center. The flexible transit bus service also allows you to get off along the route for hiking and exploring, then continue later on another bus. Optional upgrades and additional excursions are available for travelers who would like to explore farther into the park or enjoy a more guided experience Included: Denali Transit Bus to Eielson
Denali Village Shop Flowers

Denali National Park – Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Enjoy another scenic journey aboard the Alaska Railroad as you travel from Denali back to Anchorage. Take in the changing scenery as the train follows the Susitna River and passes through broad valleys, forests, and mountain landscapes. As the train heads south, you'll pass through Cantwell and Broad Pass, with expansive views of the Alaska Range. The journey continues through the Susitna Valley and past Wasilla, home of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, before crossing the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains in the distance. Arrive in Anchorage in the evening and check into your hotel. Nestled along the Chugach Mountains, the coastal city is brimming with activities for the outdoorsy and adventurous, as well as the more relaxed.
Anchorage Downtown Sunset

Anchorage

Spend some time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center: the Gathering Place is center stage for Alaska Native dancing, compelling Native Games demonstrations and intriguing storytelling. The Hall of Cultures features exhibits and demonstrating Alaska Native artists. Visitors discover more about each of the five major culture groups through engaging exhibits. The Theatre hosts a variety of movies all day, including the Heritage Center produced film, "Stories Given, Stories Shared". Guests stroll through six authentic life-sized Native dwellings around beautiful Lake Tiulana and are introduced to the traditional life ways of the native people.  

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $3961 $2714 $2353 $2168 $1063
June 1 - August 31 $4079 $2791 $2417 $2227 $1089
September 1 - September 13 $3961 $2714 $2353 $2168 $1063
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $5016 $3512 $3075 $2856 $1429
June 1 - August 31 $5334 $3702 $3213 $2968 $1429
September 1 - September 13 $5016 $3512 $3075 $2856 $1429

What’s included

6 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Prince William Sound Glacier Cruise including lunch

Mt. Denali Flightseeing Tour (1 hour)

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Talkeetna & Denali Railroad Station Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Coach Transfer Anchorage – Whittier 

Railroad Transportation Whittier - Anchorage ( Standard Train Seating )

Railroad Transportation Anchorage - Talkeetna

Railroad Transportation Talkeetna - Denali National Park

Railroad Transportation Denali National Park – Anchorage

Comfort Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Standard Adventure Class Train
( upgrade to Dome Car Train is available for $510.00 per person )

First Class Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Upper Level Panorama Dome Car Train,
Priority Check-in & Boarding, Use of Private Outdoor Viewing Platform,
Priority Dining Room Seating, Enhanced Reclining Seats (except Train Ride to/from Whittier )

Tour Departures

Daily  from  May  18th  –  September  13th

Talkeetna: Denali Flightseeing Tour - Add Glacier Landing

The 1 hr Denali flightseeing tour (included) takes you within six miles of Mt. Denali's summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you begin to notice how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later you enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). Add a glacier landing to your flightseeing tour for a one-of-a-kind expedition. Passengers land usually at the 5600 foot level of the Ruth Glacier, located in the Sheldon Amphitheater. Other popular landing spots are the Kahiltna, the Pika, or the Eldridge glaciers. A glacier landing takes an additional 30 minutes (15 minutes of time exploring on foot and 15 minutes for landing and takeoff).

More Details & Pricing

Travelers beside a red ski plane after a glacier landing

Denali: Extend Denali Transit Bus Tour to Wonder Lake

The Denali Transit Bus is the official shuttle bus service into Denali National Park. The shuttle is best suited for those visitors who are seeking flexibility in their day trip into the Park and would like to have the option of getting off the bus to hike or explore on your own. Excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities all along the Park Road. Created by retreating glaciers, Wonder Lake offers visitors stunning views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range, as weather permits. Along the Park Road, alder and willow carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds often frequented by waterfowl and other wildlife. Reflection Pond, an amazing photo stop on a clear day, requires you utilize the Kantishna Transit Bus or hike 2.5 miles from the Wonder Lake turnaround stop.

More Details & Pricing

Wonder Lake Campground sign at Mile 85 in Denali National Park

Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour

The fully narrated 62-mile Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park is led by a certified naturalist driver/guide who will also provide historical and geographical background of the area. The tour will last approximately eight to nine hours and includes ample photo and rest stops. When your tour driver is able, he/she will take video footage of animals along Park Road and project these images onto drop-down video screens, featured only our specially designed tour buses. This way you can get a close-up look at the roadside action. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a “Tundra Wilderness Tour” DVD, which will feature some of the video footage shot from your tour! Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).

More Details & Pricing

Visitors boarding tour buses in Denali National Park

Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour

The Kantishna Wilderness Trails tour is the premier Denali Park wilderness bus excursion. Spend the entire day in Denali National Park and discover a piece of Alaska's gold rush history and warm hospitality at the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, located just past Wonder Lake on the banks of Moose Creek. Your 12 to 13-hour fully-narrated excursion to Kantishna travels via a custom motorcoach through 95 miles of Denali National Park's prime wildlife habitat. The last 30 miles allow for full viewing of Mt. Denali, weather permitting. The wilderness backcountry of Denali Park provides diverse habitats which support big-game species such as black bear, grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and wolverine. Hot beverages and refreshments are included en route to the Kantishna Roadhouse. After a hearty deli style lunch in the dining room at the Roadhouse, relax and visit the Historical Recorder's Cabin and enjoy a dog sled demonstration or gold panning. Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).

More Details & Pricing

Pond and fall tundra with spruce trees in Denali National Park

Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Backcountry Adventure Bus Tour

The Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour is another premier Denali Park Wildlife bus excursion. This full-day, 13-hour tour travels 95 miles in each direction to the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. You'll travel by private bus with a trained naturalist driver/guide giving interpretation along the way helping you search for bear, moose, caribou and other wildlife while pointing out the biology and geology of the region. Several photo and rest stops will be made. Snacks, drinks and lunch are provided. Lunch is served at the exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. Lunch consists of a sandwich bar, soups, fruits, snacks, fresh baked goods and non-alcoholic drinks. After lunch try your luck at gold panning near the lodge or take a guided nature walk before returning to the Park entrance.

More Details & Pricing

Hiker photographing Denali from the fall tundra

Anchorage: Bear Viewing Tour Day Trip to Brooks Falls / Katmai National Park

Take off from Anchorage to an all day bear viewing expedition past glaciers and volcanoes - within the land of the giant animals: the brown bear country of southwest Alaska. You'll fly to Katmai's - worlds famous Brooks River Falls where brown bears feed on salmon. Each year millions of sockeye salmons burst from the Bering Sea into lakes and streams of the Katmai National Park. These fish provide the primary food source for the worlds largest population of brown bears. As many as 50 bears may be viewed up-close-and-personal from elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms fishing along the 1 1/2 mile Brooks River during peak season (July). Local National Park Rangers are answering all of your questions about this incredible park during the self guided full day tour. Lunch is included at Brooks Lodge.

More Details & Pricing

Brown bear standing in a waterfall fishing for salmon
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Planning Your Alaska Railroad Vacation - Frequently Asked Questions

Alaska Railroad vacation

Planning an Alaska vacation by train? Our Alaska Railroad tour packages combine scenic rail travel with carefully selected hotels, sightseeing excursions and transfers, making it easy to explore Alaska without having to drive.

Travel through some of Alaska's most spectacular landscapes as the railroad connects destinations such as Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Seward and Whittier. Depending on the itinerary, your rail vacation may include wildlife and glacier cruises, Denali sightseeing, motorcoach transfers and other memorable Alaska experiences. With different itineraries, hotel categories and rail seating options available, there are several ways to experience Alaska by train.

Because each itinerary is different, we've answered some of the most common questions about our Alaska Railroad vacation packages below.

Which Alaska Railroad routes are included in the tours?

The route depends on the tour you choose. Our packages can include travel on the Denali Star, Coastal Classic and Glacier Discovery trains, as well as other Alaska Railroad services. Your individual itinerary shows the exact train routes and destinations included.

Which destinations can I visit on an Alaska Railroad tour?

Depending on the itinerary, our Alaska Railroad tours can include Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Seward and Whittier. Some packages also combine railroad travel with destinations that are not directly served by rail.

What type of seating is available on the Alaska Railroad?

Depending on the tour, you may have a choice between Adventure Class and premium rail service such as GoldStar Service. Adventure Class features comfortable seating and access to shared outdoor viewing areas, while GoldStar Service offers elevated dome-window seating, an outdoor viewing platform and additional onboard amenities. Available options vary by route and train.
Our First Class hotel category already includes dome-car seating, while the Comfort Class category includes Adventure Class seating, with the option to upgrade to dome-car seating.

Are hotels included in the Alaska Railroad tours?

Yes. Hotel accommodations are included according to the itinerary and selected hotel category. The individual tour page shows the accommodations included at each destination.

Can I see Mount Denali from the train?

Sometimes, in clear weather. The mountain is often hidden by clouds, so don't count on it. The train does offer wide views of the Alaska Range through Broad Pass, and a park day or flightseeing tour improves your chances of seeing the summit.

Is a Denali bus tour included, and how far does it go?

The Denali Transit Bus takes you along the Denali Park Road to Eielson Visitor Center, with views of the Alaska Range and, weather permitting, Mount Denali. Wonder Lake and Kantishna are available as longer options. You can get off along the way to hike and continue on a later bus.

If you'd like a guided experience, you can exchange the Transit Bus for one of these tours, all led by a naturalist driver-guide:
- Tundra Wilderness Tour: a narrated tour of about 8-9 hours with photo and rest stops.
- Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour: a 12-13 hour day to the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, with lunch and gold panning or a dog sled demonstration.
- Denali Backcountry Adventure Bus Tour: a 13-hour day to the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna, with lunch and a guided nature walk or gold panning.
Guided tours run as one continuous trip, so you can't get off and switch buses the way you can on the Transit Bus.

Are sightseeing tours and activities included?

Many of our Alaska Railroad packages include major sightseeing experiences such as Denali National Park tours, wildlife excursions, glacier and wildlife cruises or other Alaska activities. Included services vary by itinerary, so please check the "What's Included" section of your chosen tour.

Can I bring luggage on an Alaska Railroad tour?

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 an Alaska Railroad tour?

Yes. All of our Alaska Railroad vacation packages can be extended with additional nights or adjusted to fit your travel plans. We can also combine rail travel with additional sightseeing, cruises, self-drive itineraries or other Alaska experiences.

Can I combine an Alaska Railroad tour with a cruise?

Yes. Alaska Railroad travel can be combined with an Alaska cruise or other land-based travel. We can help arrange the rail portion of a longer Alaska vacation, including additional hotel nights and transportation where available.

How far in advance should I book an Alaska Railroad tour?

We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly for popular travel dates in June, July and August and for premium rail seating. Advance booking provides a better choice of travel dates, hotels and train seating.

Is smoking permitted on the train?

For the comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Alaska Railroad trains. This includes the outdoor viewing platforms, vestibules, areas between train cars and restroom facilities.

Joe, FL: Belated thanks for organizing a great trip. We took another look at our pics last night and miss Alaska already. If I can ever serve as a positive reference, please let me know. It was great! A highlight of our tour was the Prince William Sound cruise. This tour took us out to Surprise Glacier which we got surprisingly close to. We got to see tons of other glaciers along the way and we had a park ranger aboard so we got tons of facts about the glaciers and surrounding landscape and wildlife. We got to see the glacier calve twice - which is pretty cool, however, it happens so quickly that you don't get a chance to video it. Along the way we saw a raft of otters, 3 black bears, and a bunch of floating salmon.

Steven R:  I traveled to Alaska with my wife and my parents. It was the first time and I searched high and low for tours without any background information to go on. Everything about the process was smooth and easy even though I'm sure I drove our agent nuts at times. In any case, they were professional and helpful at all times and they helped put together an awesome trip for us which we will never forget. We were able to see more than we ever imagined.

Lia, S: Everything went according to plan, hotel bookings and train tickets were all in place and your directions were easy to follow. The accommodation was generally of good quality.