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RAAN03 Alaska's Treasures by Rail – Alaska Railroad Trip

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Start your ultimate Alaska vacation on a 6-day Alaska Railroad journey connecting vibrant Anchorage with two iconic national parks - Kenai Fjords and Denali. Travel aboard the scenic Coastal Classic Train to Seward for an included Seward area sightseeing tour and a premier Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise through Resurrection Bay - where you'll spot whales, sea otters, and calving glaciers. Then, ride the train north to Denali National Park for an included guided park wildlife tour into the untouched wilderness beneath 20,310-foot Mt. Denali. Take a look at the detailed day-by-day itinerary to get a feel for the experience, and don’t miss our complete Alaska Guide for helpful background and tips. We’re happy to customize this itinerary to suit your needs.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

  • Railroad FAQ

  • Reviews

Anchorage Captain Cook Hotel

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.
Seward Railroad Tour

Anchorage – Seward ( Overnight: Seward )

Board the Alaska Railroad early morning for your departure to Seward. The train ride offers incomparable vista of fjords, glaciers and mountains as you follow the Cook Inlet/Turnagain Arm. Arrive in Seward at 11 am. You will be greeted by the tour guide for your Seward area Sightseeing Tour. Heading out to Exit Glacier, take a short walk to the face of the glacial ice. Watch for mountain goats, moose or bear on the mountainside. During the salmon runs, see salmon swimming upstream to spawn. A hearty lunch will be served at a local restaurant before you travel to the Seavey homestead and experience "IditaRide" 1.5-hour Wilderness Dog Sled Ride and Tour. In the evening enjoy a seafood dinner at the boat harbor. Included: Seward Area Sightseeing Tour

Kenai Fjords Glacier Calving

Seward - Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

This morning board the tour boat for a spectacular cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park with actively calving glaciers and magnificent scenery. Covering 110 miles, the trip is narrated by the experienced captain, who is highly adept at spotting wildlife and pointing out the many sights. Kenai Fjords showcase the best of Alaska’s marine world in a compact package. Sea otters float belly-up eating mussels while Harbor seals haul out on icebergs. Look out for Steller sea lions on Chiswell Island as well as Humpback and killer whales. After reaching the tidewater glacier, guests witness "glacier calving" a process by which glaciers shed giant slabs of ancient ice. Board the Alaska Railroad this evening for a scenic train ride north to Anchorage. Included: Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise

Anchorage Grizzly Bear

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.
Mount Denali Viewpoint

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 toward Eielson Visitor Center.. 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 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 Hiking Trail

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 $3485 $2350 $2016 $1849 $736
June 1 - August 31 $3551 $2397 $2054 $1882 $754
September 1 - September 13 $3485 $2350 $2016 $1849 $736
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $4517 $3236 $2864 $2678 $1139
June 1 - August 31 $4681 $3331 $2927 $2725 $1139
September 1 - September 13 $4517 $3236 $2864 $2678 $1139

What’s included

5 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Seward Area Sightseeing Tour & Sled Dog Ride

Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise including Lunch

Seward Harbor Tax

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Seward and Denali Railroad Station Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Railroad Transportation Anchorage – Seward

Railroad Transportation Seward - Anchorage

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 $590.00 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

Seward: Extend Kenai Fjords Cruise to Northwestern Fjords Cruise

The premium 8 1/2 hrs Kenai Fjords Cruise covers magnificent Northwestern Fjord - the home to three amazing tidewater glacier, hanging alpine glacier, abundant wildlife such as Orca Whales, Steller Sea Lions, playful Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Puffins and of course the magnificent scenery. On this tour we travel futher into Kenai Fjords National Park than most other daily cruise tour operators. In addition we visit the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and Chiswell Island's seabird rookeries within Resurrection Bay. Make sure you bring your camera to photograph the abundant marine and coastal wildlife, many types of sea birds and the untouched beauty of Alaska's shorelines. Tour includes a light breakfast and hot lunch. Total 150 miles round trip.

More Details & Pricing

Seward: Godwin Glacier Helicopter Sled Dog Tour

Imagine running a team of Huskies on snow in the summer... Combine three thrilling activities: Helicopter Flightseeing, Glacier Landing and Dog Mushing - everything with breathtaking views of Resurrection Bay and the surrounding glacier-carved mountain ranges. Over 80 Alaskan Huskies wait to share an essential part of Alaska's culture - dog mushing. An experienced guide will explain how to run a dog team, then you're off across a snow field and the lure of the trail and thrill of driving a dog team will create the ultimate experience of a lifetime. Rain gear and waterproof equipment available. This is a 90 minute tour that includes 15 minutes of flightseeing.

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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).

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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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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.

Jessie, NY: We have had a great vacation, Alaska is just beautiful. Taking the train from Anchorage to Seward was one of the favorite parts of the trip. There were amazing views and the seats were comfortable. The cafe had good options for breakfast and snacks. The Seward Sightseeing Tour was a once in a life time experience for someone who is from the East coast. First, you had an introduction to the Iditarod race. Then you walked back to the kennels and were introduced to the dogs. We were a small group of 5 so we loaded up on a sled and mushed away. All of the guides were great. They talked about the dogs and how they are cared for and prep for racing. After our ride through the woods, we came back and got to play with the puppies, some newborns and some a few weeks old. After play time, we went into the class room and were shown sleds, trophys and one dog was dressed up to be out in the tundra (even though he was not happy about doing it).

Jackie H: Great trip! Beautifully planned, easy peasy. Staff is quick to respond to any needs. Thanks!

Martin H: 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.