Alaska Vacation by Rail and Road from Seward
Alaska is a great destination to be explored on board the Alaska Railroad and on the road. The port town Seward is a great location to start your vacation in Alaska after arriving by the Alaska Ferry or cruise ship. Sit back and let us connect your trip to a rich diversity of people and places throughout Alaska. Our spectacular train routes connect visitors from Seward to amazing destinations along the way including Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Hop on for one leg, or sit back and relax for the whole journey, then pick up your rental car and discover Alaska and Yukon on the road. If you’re interested in spectacular scenery, you’ll be thrilled with the magnificent sights offered throughout your Alaska vacation. You’ve seen photos of Denali National Park —now’s your chance to hike in it. You’ve seen pictures of Bears catching salmon at Brooks Falls —now’s your chance to observe them just at a hundred yard distance. You’ve heard of the White Pass & Yukon Railroad, traveling to White Pass summit —now is your chance to ride it and enjoy this truly unique experience. You might have read about the famous Kenai King Salmon—now’s your chance to catch one. Contact your Alaska Travel Experts today and create the vacation of your dreams !
Denali National Park Road Update for 2027
The Pretty Rocks Bridge construction on the Denali Park Road is complete, and the road will be open to Kantishna for the 2027 season. However, the Eielson Visitor Center will remain closed. Our railroad tours will include a Denali Transit Bus ticket to Fish Creek. Travelers who wish to explore farther into the park can choose to upgrade to Wonder Lake or Kantishna. Please contact us for further details.
Weather in Seward
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37°F | 36°F min | 37°F max |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Rail & Drive Tours from Seward
Our Alaska Rail & Drive tours from Seward combine scenic Alaska Railroad journeys with independent driving, wildlife and glacier experiences, and carefully selected accommodations. Seward is an ideal starting point for a land tour after arriving by cruise ship or Alaska Ferry, allowing you to continue your Alaska vacation beyond the coast and explore destinations such as Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks and the Alaska interior.
How do Alaska Rail & Drive tours from Seward work?
Our Seward Rail & Drive tours combine scenic Alaska Railroad travel with a self-drive portion of your vacation. Depending on the itinerary, you may begin in Seward after arriving by cruise ship or Alaska Ferry, travel by train through Anchorage and Denali to Fairbanks, and then continue your journey by rental car. Other itineraries pick up the rental car in Anchorage before continuing north by road.
Can I start my Alaska Rail & Drive tour after a cruise or Alaska Ferry?
Yes. Seward is a convenient starting point for a Rail & Drive vacation if you arrive by cruise ship or Alaska Ferry. Depending on the itinerary, you can begin with a Seward sightseeing experience and Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier cruise before continuing your journey by Alaska Railroad and rental car.
Where do I pick up my rental car?
The rental car pick-up location depends on the itinerary. Some Seward Rail & Drive tours include rental car pick-up in Anchorage, while others travel by Alaska Railroad from Seward through Denali to Fairbanks before the rental car portion begins. The exact pick-up location and rental period are shown in your individual tour itinerary.
Is the rental car included in a Seward Rail & Drive tour?
Yes. Our Seward Rail & Drive packages include a rental car for the self-drive portion of the itinerary. The rental period, vehicle category and pick-up and return locations vary by tour and are listed in the individual itinerary.
What type of rental car will I receive?
A mid-size car is included with our Alaska driving tours. Depending on the itinerary, you can upgrade to a full-size car, SUV or minivan for an additional cost. Rental car companies guarantee a vehicle category rather than a specific make or model.
Can I drive on gravel roads with my rental car?
Rental car restrictions apply to gravel roads and highways in Alaska. Rental car insurance is generally void on roads such as the Denali Highway, Dalton Highway, Top of the World Highway, Taylor Highway, McCarthy Road, Dempster Highway and other restricted gravel roads.
Our Seward Rail & Drive itineraries are planned around permitted routes. Please check with us before adding a remote or gravel-road detour to your itinerary.
What type of train seating is available?
Depending on the itinerary and hotel category, you can choose between Adventure Class and premium dome-car seating on the Alaska Railroad. Adventure Class offers comfortable reserved seating with large windows, while dome-car service provides panoramic views and additional onboard amenities.
Our First Class hotel category includes reserved seats in the upper-level panorama dome car, while the Comfort hotel category includes reserved Adventure Class seating, with an option to upgrade where available.
Is luggage included 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.
Can I visit Kenai Fjords National Park during my Rail & Drive vacation?
Yes. Most of our Seward Rail & Drive itineraries include a Kenai Fjords wildlife and glacier cruise. This is an excellent way to experience Alaska's coastal scenery, marine wildlife and tidewater glaciers before continuing your journey by rail or road.
Can I customize a Seward Rail & Drive tour?
Yes. Our Rail & Drive tours are flexible and can be customized with additional hotel nights, activities or changes to the routing where possible. Some adjustments need to take railroad schedules, seasonal availability and other transportation connections into account.
Are Seward Rail & Drive tours suitable for first-time visitors to Alaska?
Yes. These tours are a convenient option for first-time visitors who want to experience Alaska independently without arranging every hotel, train and rental car reservation themselves. The major transportation and accommodations are organized in advance, while the self-drive portion gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
How far in advance should I book a Seward Rail & Drive tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly from late June through August. Hotels, rental cars, railroad seats and popular excursions can sell out during Alaska's short summer season. Booking early also provides the best choice of travel dates, accommodations and train seating.
