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RAAN01 Denali by Rail – Alaska Railroad Trip

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Explore Denali National Park by train on a scenic Alaska Railroad journey from Anchorage. This four-day Denali by Rail tour combines comfortable accommodations, spectacular rail travel, and time to experience one of Alaska's most iconic destinations. Travel from Anchorage to Denali aboard the Alaska Railroad, passing glaciers, rivers, forests, and the mountains of the Alaska Range along the way. Once in Denali, you can choose from a variety of activities and excursions, including park tours, wildlife viewing, rafting, flightseeing, hiking, and other ways to experience the wilderness of Denali National Park & Preserve. Designed for travelers with limited time, this Denali train tour offers an easy way to combine Alaska's spectacular interior with a stay in Anchorage - and it can also be combined with an Inside Passage cruise. 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

Signpost in Anchorage, Alaska, with multiple directional signs to world cities

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.
Alaska Railroad train traveling to Anchorage.

Anchorage – Denali National Park ( Overnight: Denali Village )

This morning, transfer to the Anchorage Railroad Station and board the Alaska Railroad for your scenic journey north to Denali. Choose between comfortable Adventure Class seating or upgrade to a glass-dome railcar for panoramic views through the Alaska Range. The train travels north through the Matanuska Valley and along rivers, forests, and mountain landscapes, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. As the landscape changes from coastal mountains and forests to the vast wilderness of Interior Alaska, the train journey becomes an experience in itself. Arrive in Denali in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you can explore Denali Village or choose an optional excursion, such as a flightseeing tour, whitewater rafting trip, or visit to a working sled dog kennel.
Snow-covered Mt. Denali with rocky hills in the foreground under a clear blue sky

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. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as 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.
Close-up of a white Dall sheep in Denali Park

Denali National Park – 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, where your Denali by Rail tour comes to an end. If you would like to spend additional time in Anchorage, we can arrange an extra hotel night or extend your Alaska itinerary with additional destinations and activities.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $2001 $1263 $1043 $934 $323
June 1 - August 31 $2034 $1283 $1060 $949 $329
September 1 - September 13 $2001 $1263 $1043 $934 $323
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $2610 $1777 $1536 $1415 $604
June 1 - August 31 $2704 $1824 $1567 $1439 $604
September 1 - September 13 $2610 $1777 $1536 $1415 $604

What’s included

3 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Denali Railroad Station Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Railroad Transportation Anchorage – 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 $390.00 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

Tour Departures

Daily  from  May  18th  –  September  13th

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

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

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

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

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
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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.

Carney, Michigan: Loved the train ride on the Alaska Railroad ! The views from the train are spectacular and the staff are very willing to share their local knowledge along the way. Our Kantishna Roadhouse trip was overcast and we did not see the mountain, but we saw lots of animals (Moose, Bears, Sheep, and Caribou). The guide was great and gave a lot of information. The trip was about 13 hours, but it went fast.

MCF, Miami: We just got back from a wonderful Alaska experience to Denali National Park. The logistics were flawless. They coordinated all lodging and all of the tours. We really enjoyed our time and highly recommend using this group.

Lisa, F: When we decided to take a multi generational family vacation to Alaska, we also decided to stay away from cruises ships. My grandsons wanted to see Denali and I wanted to travel by train. So we decided to join this rail tour. The scenery, train ride, hiking, rafting, climbing… was amazing. But one of the best things was meeting and talking to Alaskans.