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RAFA01 - Best of Denali by Rail from Fairbanks

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Discover Denali National Park on a scenic Alaska Railroad journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage. This one-way Denali by Rail tour combines a night in Fairbanks with two nights near Denali National Park and a full-day Denali Transit Bus excursion into the park. Travel by train from Fairbanks to Denali, passing through the Alaska Interior and along the Nenana River before arriving in Denali Village. During your stay, explore Denali National Park and look for wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. The included Denali Transit Bus takes you deep into the park, with opportunities to enjoy the spectacular scenery and, depending on conditions, spot wildlife along the way. There is also time to experience Denali beyond the park bus, with optional activities such as flightseeing around Mount Denali, rafting on the Nenana River, guided hikes and sled dog experiences. The journey continues south aboard the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Anchorage. Relax in comfortable seating and enjoy panoramic views of the Alaska Range, Broad Pass, rivers and wilderness along the route. Choose between Adventure Class and an upgraded Dome Railcar experience. This Denali railroad tour from Fairbanks to Anchorage is an excellent way to experience Denali National Park without renting a car. 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

Denali Dome Car Train leaving Fairbanks

Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Transfer to your hotel. Known as the "Golden Heart City," Fairbanks sits amid miles of untouched wilderness, just 120 miles south of the Arctic Circle, and enjoys nearly 24 hours of daylight in summer. Explore its gold rush history, vibrant Native cultures, and striking scenery. Visit the renowned University of Alaska Museum of the North, home to the state's finest natural history collections, or board an authentic sternwheeler for a scenic cruise along the Chena and Tanana Rivers. A guided van tour along the Dalton Highway or a flightseeing tour to the Arctic Circle are popular ways to experience the Arctic Circle and the Yukon River. You can also fly to Fort Yukon and see firsthand how the Gwich'in Athabascan people live in "Bush" Alaska.
Moose wandering in Denali National Park

Fairbanks – Denali National Park ( Overnight: Denali Village )

Enjoy a scenic journey aboard the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park. Choose between comfortable Adventure Class seating or upgrade to the glass-domed GoldStar Dome, with large panoramic windows offering expansive views of snow-capped mountains, forests and Alaska's pristine wilderness. The train passes through the small community of Nenana, famous for the Nenana Ice Classic, before following the Nenana River through scenic canyon country toward Denali. Arrive at Denali Village around noon, transfer to your hotel and check into your room. Once settled, explore Denali Village or join an optional activity such as a flightseeing tour, whitewater rafting trip, or a visit to a local sled dog kennel to learn about Alaska's Iditarod tradition.
Denali Transit Bus traveling on Denali Park Road

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
Mount Denali Park View

Denali National Park – Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Enjoy another scenic ride aboard the Alaska Railroad as you travel from Denali back to Anchorage. Heading south, the train passes through Cantwell and Broad Pass, with sweeping views of the Alaska Range, then follows the Susitna River through broad valleys and forests. Past Wasilla, home of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race headquarters, you cross the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains on the horizon and arrive in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. This coastal city offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventure to easygoing sightseeing. Stop by the Log Cabin Visitor Center, take in Cook Inlet from the Ship Creek Viewpoint, and visit Resolution Park and its Captain Cook Monument. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of the city's popular seafood restaurants.
Anchorage Katmai Coast Bears

Anchorage

On your final day in Anchorage, you can explore the city if time allows. Spend some time at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where the Gathering Place hosts Alaska Native dancing, Native Games demonstrations and traditional storytelling. The Hall of Cultures features exhibits showcasing the heritage and traditions of Alaska's five major cultural groups. Visitors can also watch films at the theater and stroll around beautiful Lake Tiulana, where six authentic Native dwellings offer insight into traditional Alaska Native ways of life. For a more relaxed end to your Alaska adventure, explore downtown Anchorage, browse local shops and pick up some souvenirs. The downtown area offers a variety of stores featuring Alaska-made products, Native art, jewelry, local crafts and other unique gifts.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $2271 $1347 $1079 $945 $299
June 1 - August 31 $2308 $1369 $1096 $960 $304
September 1 - September 13 $2271 $1347 $1079 $945 $299
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $2913 $1838 $1515 $1354 $504
June 1 - August 31 $3007 $1885 $1547 $1378 $504
September 1 - September 13 $2913 $1838 $1515 $1354 $504

What’s included

4 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Denali & Fairbanks Railroad Station and Airport Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Railroad Transportation Fairbanks – 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 $340.00 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

Fairbanks: Guided Arctic Circle Fly/Drive to Coldfoot & the Yukon River

Cross the Arctic Circle on this one day guided roundtrip journey by air and land. This tour takes visitors deep into the Arctic tundra within Alaska’s Far North region. The adventure begins with a scenic flightseeing tour from Fairbanks. Gain a birds-eye view of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on your way to the mining community of Coldfoot, a remote pipeline camp nestled in the Brooks Mountain Range. Your journey continues on the return drive to Fairbanks via the Dalton Highway, a roadway made famous during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Experience the grand Yukon River and learn about its storied past and visit the Arctic Circle Trading Post in Joy, Alaska where you will receive an official certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle!

More Details & Pricing

Alaska Pipeline running along Dalton Highway

Fairbanks: Arctic Circle Flightseeing Tour to Fort Yukon & the Yukon River

Experience a breathtaking tour of Fort Yukon by plane. Enjoy the 50 minute flight to Fort Yukon. Fly north over the Yukon River, across the Arctic Circle, thru the Brooks Mountain Range, and over the Gates of the Arctic National Park. Upon landing you will meet a local host who will take you around Fort Yukon by bus and share their home with you enlighten with facts about the area. The tour does make a stop at the Yukon River for a chance to get out and take pictures. Once the tour is over, you will have a return flight to Fairbanks where you'll receive an official certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle!

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Musk Ox walking below Alaska Pipeline

Fairbanks: Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise

If you've ever read Mark Twain you know of his days as a riverboat captain. Did you know that Jack London was a riverboat pilot as well? Here's your chance to experience the adventure these renowned writers enjoyed as you cruise aboard the authentic sternwheeler riverboat Discovery II, rated the number one boat tour in North America. Enjoy a lively narration as you view a trapper's cabin, log homes, and a bush pilot performance. Visit the home of four time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher, as you pass Trail Breaker Kennels along the Chena River. Learn first hand about kennel life and the challenges that go into making a champion dogsled team. You'll make a stop at the historic site of a Chena Indian village to see native crafters in action and to learn about Native Alaskan hunting and fishing at an Athabascan Fish Camp.

More Details & Pricing

Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

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.

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Wonder Lake Campground Sign

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).

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Lake near Camp Denali

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).

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Hiker in Denali Park picking berries

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.

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Bear catching salmon at Brooks Falls

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.

Mia, Maine: We have just been back from our Alaska rail tour. We enjoyed it very much, Everything worked perfectly. Your office did a very good job and we wish to thank you for that. The train journey from Fairbanks to Anchorage offered spectacular views of Denali and even a few stops for photo ops. Good on board meals and a wonderful staff. The shuttle bus tour was practically all day long but it ranged well into the park. The only animals we didn't see were wolves, coyotes and mountain goats. We did see several types of birds, two Grizzly Bears, Caribou, a large red fox, Dall Sheep, and several female moose with their young. The driver/guide was experienced and very knowledgeable about all aspects of the park, including its history, its animal, bird and fish inhabitants, and all the rules of the road in a place full of visitors.

Samantha, OR: We had an awesome experience on our Alaska Tour! We saw Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and much more. We took the Alaska Railroad (glass covered car is a must!), joined a sternwheeler tour to a native village, and hiked at Denali Park. Very organized with dates and times. Plenty of advance email notices. 

Stan, C: Just returned from my second trip to Alaska and they continue to provide stellar service. When you don't know what to do or where to stay, these folks have good options for you.  Our rail trip went very smoothly and we were happy with everything they arranged.