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RAFA03 Alaska Arctic Region by Rail

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Alaska is a great destination to be explored by train, on the road and from the air. This tour combines it all ! This vacation package starts with the guided van tour along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle and on to Coldfoot. Experience the famous northern arctic region above the Arctic Circle. The Dalton Highway slices through northern Alaska from Livengood, crossing the Arctic Circle to the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. It carves a path through forest and tundra, crosses the Yukon River and traverses the towering Brooks Range. Overnight in Coldfoot and enjoy the return flight to Fairbanks, this time experiencing the scenery from the air. Now it is time to explore Alaska’s backcountry on board the Alaska Railroad. Choose between the “Adventure Class” seating in the single storey railway car or the “Deluxe Dome Railcar” on board the Alaska Railroad or with one of the private operated trains. All train cars feature large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views around every bend of the majestic beauty of the glaciers, mountains and Alaskan wildlife. Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular attraction and natural habitat for many types of wildlife including caribou, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, bald eagles, and the mighty grizzly bears. It is most likely you will spot some of them while taking the full day Denali Transit Bus to Eielson Center, Wonder Lake or Kantishna Roadhouse. Continue your train journey to the quaint town of Talkeetna, located at the confluence of the Chulitna, Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers and known for scenic flightseeing tours to Mt. Denali. Your final destination is Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and filled with lot of adventures along with metropolitan amenities. On request, this trip can be customized and organized in reverse order. 

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

  • Railroad FAQ

  • Reviews

Fairbanks Mountain View

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. You can also explore downtown Fairbanks, browse local shops and galleries, or visit Pioneer Park to learn more about Alaska's early history. For an unforgettable introduction to the Far North, consider a relaxing visit to the Chena Hot Springs.
Alaska Oil Pipeline

Fairbanks – Coldfoot / Arctic Circle ( Overnight: Coldfoot )

Your guided Arctic adventure begins early this morning as you leave Fairbanks by van and follow the Dalton Highway into the remote wilderness of Alaska's Arctic region. Along the way, travel beside the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and cross the Yukon River, one of northern Alaska's most important waterways. Continue north through the taiga and tundra landscapes toward the Arctic Circle. Stop at the Arctic Circle Trading Post near Joy, then cross the Arctic Circle and receive your official Arctic Circle Certificate. The landscape becomes increasingly remote as you travel toward Coldfoot, a former gold-mining settlement. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the Brooks Range and Finger Mountain. Arrive in Coldfoot in the afternoon and settle into your rustic but comfortable accommodation.
Arctic Circle Sign

Coldfoot / Arctic Circle – Flight to Fairbanks ( Overnight: Fairbanks )

Depart for an adventurous guided van tour into the Brooks Range to Atigun Pass. This is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round. Then we head into the Brooks Range, where sky-stabbing spires of bare rock tower over 7,000 feet. As the road drops, it skirts the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, home to caribou and the nesting ground for millions of migratory birds. An impressive 158 species have been recorded in the region, and many birds can be seen along the highway, from songbirds to flocks of migrating waterfowl to shorebird and raptors. Return to Coldfoot mid afternoon. Enjoy the scenic return flight to Fairbanks with eagle views of the remarkable Trans Alaska Pipeline. Included: Brooks Range Sightseeing Tour

Fairbanks Railroad Tour

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.
Mount Denali View Cabins

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
Denali Wonder Lake

Denali National Park – Talkeetna ( Overnight: Talkeetna )

Enjoy the train ride to Talkeetna. Have your camera ready as the train crosses Hurricane Gulch Bridge, 300 feet above the creek. The tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River and the occasional remote cabin. Arrive in Talkeetna and transfer to your downtown hotel or to a beautiful mountain lodge with breathtaking views of Mt. Denali. As turn-of-the-20th-century gold-mining center, Talkeetna has retained much of its early Alaska flavor. Log cabins, a roadhouse and clapboard storefronts line the dirt streets. You have time to join a jet boat safari on the Susitna, Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers.
Talkeetna Flightseeing Tour

Talkeetna – Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Another highlight of your Railroad vacation is the flightseeing trip within 6-Miles of Denali's 20.320 ft summit and the Alaska Range. Get a picture perfect view of the Kahiltna and Ruth Glacier with its Great Gorge - over 9.000 ft deep - as well as onto magnificent ice-falls. Add an adventurous glacier landing on Ruth Glacier. Board the train this afternoon for a scenic ride to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Nestled along the Chugach Mountains, the coastal city is brimming with activities for the outdoorsy and adventurous, as well as the more relaxed. Visit the Log Cabin Visitor Center, Ship Creek Viewpoint overlooking Cook Inlet and the Resolution Park. Try some fresh Alaska seafood (Salmon, Halibut) for dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants in downtown. Included: Mt. Denali Flightseeing Tour

Anchorage Bear Viewing

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 $4025 $2739 $2407 $2213 $1289
June 1 - August 31 $4080 $2784 $2449 $2253 $1289
September 1 - September 13 $4060 $2774 $2442 $2248 $1289
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $5049 $3499 $3061 $2817 $1704
June 1 - August 31 $5418 $3713 $3215 $2941 $1731
September 1 - September 13 $5438 $3838 $3417 $3156 $1704

What’s included

6 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

1 Basic Overnight at Coldfoot

Hotel and State Taxes

Escorted Van Tour Fairbanks - Coldfoot

Flight Coldfoot - Fairbanks

Brooks Range Sightseeing Tour

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

Mt. Denali Flightseeing Tour (1 hour)

Talkeetna, Denali & Fairbanks Railroad Station and Airport Transfers

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Railroad Transportation Fairbanks – Denali National Park

Railroad Transportation Denali National Park – Talkeetna

Railroad Transportation Talkeetna – Anchorage

Comfort Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Standard Adventure Class Train
( upgrade to Dome Car Train is available for $450.00 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: 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 abut Native Alaskan hunting and fishing at an Athabascan Fish Camp.

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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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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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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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Talkeetna: Denali Flightseeing Tour - Add Glacier Landing

The 1 hr Denali flightseeing tour (included) takes you within six miles of Mt. Denali's summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, you begin to notice how the last ice age has shaped the land. Moments later you enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier filled valleys. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). Add a glacier landing to your flightseeing tour for a one-of-a-kind expedition. Passengers land usually at the 5600 foot level of the Ruth Glacier, located in the Sheldon Amphitheater. Other popular landing spots are the Kahiltna, the Pika, or the Eldridge glaciers. A glacier landing takes an additional 30 minutes (15 minutes of time exploring on foot and 15 minutes for landing and takeoff).

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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.

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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.

Lynne, Australia: We would like to just to say thank you for organising all our trip so well. We've had a wonderful time! We're now in Vancouver (after surviving hurricane force winds on the Statendam out of Seward!) and expect to be home in Australia next weekend. The Van Tour from Fairbanks to the Arctic Arctic was fantastic and the train journey to Anchorage very enjoyable.