Alaska Vacation by Rail and Road from Anchorage

Planning a self-drive & rail vacation in Alaska can raise a few questions, especially if you're visiting Alaska for the first time. As Alaska travel specialists, we've designed our driving tours to combine scenic routes, carefully selected accommodations and plenty of time to explore along the way. 

How does the Alaska Railroad and rental car combination work?

Our rail and driving 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.

Where can I pick up my rental car ?

Rental cars for our Alaska combo trips from Anchorage are available at both Anchorage International Airport and convenient Midtown Anchorage locations. In Fairbanks, rental cars are available at Fairbanks International Airport.

What type of rental car will I receive?

A mid-size car is included with all of our Alaska driving tours. If you prefer more space or a different type of vehicle, you can upgrade to a full-size car, standard SUV, standard elite SUV or minivan for an additional cost. Rental car companies guarantee a vehicle category rather than a specific make or model.

Which Alaska roads and highways can I drive with a rental car?

Alaska's main highways are paved and well suited for regular rental cars during the summer travel season. Our Alaska driving tours use established routes such as the Parks Highway, Glenn Highway, Richardson Highway, Seward Highway and Sterling Highway. Some remote gravel roads and highways may be restricted by rental-car agreements, so please check with us before planning a route outside the itinerary.

Can I add extra nights or activities to a driving tour?

Yes. All of our Alaska driving tours can be customized with additional hotel nights or optional activities. Depending on your route, you may be able to add wildlife cruises, bear viewing excursions, rafting trips, flightseeing tours, fishing trips or additional time in destinations such as Denali, Seward, Homer, Talkeetna or Fairbanks. We recommend arranging additional nights and activities when booking, especially during the busy summer season.

Are your tours suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. All tours are an excellent way for first-time visitors to explore Alaska independently while still having the important parts of the trip arranged in advance. Your accommodations, rail tickets and rental car are pre-booked, and your itinerary provides a clear route between destinations. Alaska's main highways are generally easy to navigate, traffic outside the larger towns is usually light and the driving itself is part of the experience, with frequent opportunities to stop for scenery, wildlife and photography.

What happens if weather or road conditions affect my itinerary?

Summer weather in Alaska is well suited for road trips, but wildfires can occasionally result in road closures or temporary changes to your itinerary. We closely monitor road conditions and official road closure information. If a road closure or other significant disruption affects your scheduled route, we will contact you and work with you and our local suppliers to find the best available solution or alternative for your itinerary.

How long does the Alaska Railroad take from Anchorage?

Travel times vary by destination. Approximate journey times from Anchorage are 3½ hours to Talkeetna, about 8 hours to Denali, around 12 hours to Fairbanks, about 4 hours to Seward and approximately 2½ hours to Whittier. Actual travel times may vary by season and scheduled service. The Alaska Railroad does not have sleeper cars available. 

What is the difference between Adventure Class and GoldStar Service?

Adventure Class offers comfortable seating in large picture-window cars with access to shared outdoor viewing areas. GoldStar Service includes elevated dome-window seating, an outdoor viewing platform and additional onboard amenities. GoldStar Service is available on selected summer trains and routes.

Do I need to reserve my Alaska Railroad seat in advance?

Yes. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer travel. Your ticket is for a specific train and travel date, and seating is assigned according to the service and train you have booked.

When should I book the Alaska Railroad & Drive trip from Anchorage?

We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, especially for popular departures in June, July and August and for GoldStar Service. Advance booking gives you a better choice of travel dates and seating options.

Can I bring luggage 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.

Is food available on Alaska Railroad trains from Anchorage?

Yes. Food and drink service is available on almost all Alaska Railroad passenger trains, with the exception of the Hurricane Turn Train.
Onboard Dining Options are:

Wilderness Café: Available for Adventure Class passengers on all active routes, offering grab-and-go items like sandwiches, salads, warm fare (such as pasta and curry bowls), snacks, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

GoldStar Service: Features all-inclusive sit-down dining in a lower-level dome car dining room, with meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. 

Important Payment Note: The trains are completely cashless, meaning all onboard purchases must be made using major credit cards, debit cards, or pre-paid cards. 

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the train?

Yes. Passengers may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on the Alaska Railroad train.
Food & Snacks: You are welcome to pack your own meals and snacks to eat at your seat. This is especially helpful on routes like the Hurricane Turn Train, which does not offer any onboard food or beverage service. Drinks: You can bring your own water, soda, or other non-alcoholic beverages. You cannot bring or consume your own personal alcoholic beverages onboard. All alcohol must be purchased through the train's licensed bar and dining services.

Where is the Anchorage Railroad Station located and How to Get There?

The Anchorage Railroad Station, officially known as the Alaska Railroad Anchorage Depot, is located at 411 West 1st Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. The station sits at the base of the bluff below downtown Anchorage, near Ship Creek and just west of F Street.

Walking from Downtown Anchorage: The station is only a short distance from many downtown Anchorage hotels, so walking is possible. However, the depot is located at the bottom of the downtown bluff, and the route involves a downhill walk from the main downtown area. If you are traveling without luggage, walking can be an easy option. With suitcases, however, we recommend taking a taxi or rideshare. Although the distance may be only around 0.3 miles from parts of downtown, the elevation change and luggage can make the walk less convenient than the distance suggests.

Public Transportation: Anchorage's People Mover bus system serves the downtown area, but public transportation is not the most convenient option for visitors traveling to the railroad station with luggage. You may still need to walk from a nearby bus stop to the depot

Taxi and Rideshare: Local taxi services like Yellow Cab, as well as Uber and Lyft, are available in Anchorage. This is particularly convenient if you have several pieces of luggage, are traveling with children or a group, or are departing on an early morning train. If you are not familiar with using rideshare apps, we also offer a private transfer service for $35 per person.

The Alaska Railroad recommends arriving at the station about one hour before your scheduled departure.