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Alaska Railroad

All aboard the Alaska Railroad for a journey as spectacular as the destination.

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• Denali Star Train
• Seward Coastal Classic
• Whittier Glacier Discovery

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The Alaska Railroad stretches 470 miles from the Southcentral town of Seward to the city of Fairbanks in Alaska's Interior . Along the way the train tracks travel through some of the most scenic and rugged territory in Alaska. The Alaska Railroad operates a number of different trains, and most offer visitors different onboard service options.

You can easily browse Alaska Railroad schedules and rates , quickly check train options with our Alaska Transportation Finder , or keep reading for more details on the Alaska Railroad. If you are ready to book the train now, head directly to our Train & Bus Express Checkout .

The Alaska Railroad Denali Star train operates between Anchorage and Fairbanks . On the route you will travel along the magnificent Alaska Range, skirt Denali National Park , and travel in view of the highest mountain in North America. There are plenty of river crossings as well, including the 918-foot long Hurricane Gulch bridge. Travelers can choose to ride in the standard Adventure Class , upgrade to the GoldStar Dome Service , or take the privately-operated Wilderness Express dome railcars. All three options are attached to the same locomotive, but the amenities and cost will vary depending on what service you choose.

Train service between Anchorage and Seward is offered on the Coastal Classic route. Both Adventure Class and GoldStar Dome Service options are available. Seward is known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park . Day cruises to the park are on many travelers' "must see" lists. Your train trip to Seward will be spectacular as well, as you hug the coastline of the Turnagain Arm before traveling through the heart of the Chugach National Forest. This massive forest is about the size of New Hampshire, but only has 90 miles of forest service roads.

The train service from Anchorage to Whittier is called the Glacier Discovery route . Only Adventure Class is offered on this route. This train is great for passengers coming through Whittier on an Alaska cruise to Vancouver , or for those exploring Prince William Sound on a day cruise . The Glacier Discovery continues on from Whittier up to Spencer Glacier and Grandview. This is a popular train day trip from Anchorage that allows for fun rafting and kayaking add-on excursions at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop.

The Park Connection Motorcoach travels between most of the same destinations as the Alaska Railroad. Travelers often combine bus and train trips to save time, money, and to see some additional scenery. The motorcoach schedule also lets you travel between Denali Park or Talkeetna and Seward or Whittier in one day, while an overnight in Anchorage is required to travel these routes by train.

Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train

See the sites and go the distance between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks aboard the Alaska Railroad's flagship train route. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train

Transfer to Whittier for cruises or continue on to a remote whistle stop for backcountry hiking, kayaking, or rafting tours aboard this scenic train route out of Anchorage. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic Train

Ride between Anchorage and Seward on what many describe as the most scenic train route in Alaska. See the Turnagain Arm, several glaciers, and blue mountain lakes on the way. Learn More >

See the departure and arrival times for all segments of the Alaska Railroad, including the Denali Star, Coastal Classic, and Glacier Discovery trains. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Rates

See adult and child Alaska Railroad ticket prices based on the season, route, and either the standard Adventure Class or premium GoldStar service. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Reservations

Reserve your Alaska railroad train tickets plus other transportation you'll need during your Alaskan vacation with us online or over the phone. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad GoldStar Dome Service

An upgrade from the standard Alaska Railroad train service, the luxury GoldStar service offers reserved upper-level seating beneath dome windows plus all-inclusive meals. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Adventure Class Service

Ride the Alaskan rails in Adventure Class, the Alaska Railroad's standard class service offering reserved seating and fantastic views at value-oriented rates. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Map

See train depot locations for major destinations plus the three railway routes on the Alaska Railroad between Seward and Fairbanks. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Dining Options

Learn more about the dining and bar services available on the Alaska Railroad plus specialty menus from the Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer dome car services. Learn More >

Alaska Railroad Depot Locations

See addresses plus location details for railroad depots in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali Park, Seward, and Talkeetna. Learn More >

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Rail-Only Tours

Visit denali, kenai fjords national parks, prince william sound.

Home » Tours » Alaska Railroad Tours » Rail-Only Tours

If you love to travel by train, these Alaska “rail-only” tours might be your thing. You can choose between itineraries that exclusively use the Alaska Railroad for point-to-point travel across Alaska’s vast landscapes between destinations from Seward to Anchorage , Talkeetna , Denali , and Fairbanks . These multiday Alaska train tours vary from 3 to 9 days in duration and wrap in visits to Denali National Park and wildlife and glacier cruises in Prince Williams Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park .

Choose from 7 vacations in Alaska related to Rail-Only Tours

“Active Alaska” Rail Package

Duration: 8 days

Starting at: $2959 / pp

Experience Alaska’s must do outdoor activities: raft, hike, kayak, even take a zipline tour! You start your trip in Fairbanks and travel to Denali where you raft and hike. Then continue south to Seward via Anchorage for a... Browse itinerary

Alaska by Rail Tour

Duration: 10 days

Starting at: $3449 / pp

Travel the entire Alaska Railroad in just nine days! Take the train from Anchorage to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Cruise to an active glacier, jet boat on the Talkeetna River, view wildlife in Denali National Park and... Browse itinerary

Alaska’s Autumn Highlights Tour

Duration: 9 days

Starting at: $2709 / pp

Enjoy the vivid fall colors of Alaska both on the ground and in the sky! Begin your journey in Anchorage with a glacier day cruise through Prince William Sound. With an eye out for wildlife, you will travel... Browse itinerary

Aurora Train Travel in Fall and Winter

Duration: 5 days

Starting at: $1149 / pp

This Aurora Train travel experience on the Alaska Railroad features some of Alaska’s best fall and winter activities in Anchorage and Fairbanks.  Begin your fall or winter tour with a day trip from Anchorage on a guided tour... Browse itinerary

Alaska Railroad Adventure

Duration: 7 days

Starting at: $2419 / pp

Touring Alaska by train is a relaxing way to experience all that the Great Land has to offer. Designed for independent travelers and train enthusiasts this tour utilizes several segments of the Alaska Railroad. This round trip itinerary... Browse itinerary

Greatland Explorer Tour

Starting at: $1199 / pp

Starting in Fairbanks, enjoy the scenic ride by train to Denali National Park and then to Anchorage. With two nights at Denali National Park, there is ample time to experience one of Alaska's most popular destinations. The Tundra... Browse itinerary

Greatland Discoverer Tour

A perfect option for those with limited time or as a pre/post land touring option with an Alaskan cruise. Travel aboard the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks with two nights at Denali National Park. Denali is world-renowned... Browse itinerary

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Alaska Train Vacations and Luxury Alaska Train Tours with Alaska Railroad

Browse through our selection of handcrafted Alaska train tours and luxury Alaska train vacations combing the iconic Alaska Railroad from Seward to Fairbanks.

On a relaxing and scenic journey taking in whittier, anchorage, talkeetna and denali national park en route, our alaska railroad tours offer an unparalleled window into alaska’s backcountry “soul” and include the "must-do" excursions and wildlife viewing tours., all our alaska land & rail tours include alaska railroad's luxury goldstar rail cars, which feature plush, upper-level seating, an outdoor viewing platform and all your meals and drinks..

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Alaska By Design REVIEWS

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Alaska Train Tours and Sightseeing

Each of our Alaska tours is designed to showcase the best of the Great Land – glaciers, mountains, wildlife, history and culture. Our itineraries feature Denali National Park as a centerpiece, and visit Alaska’s best destinations like Anchorage and Talkeetna. Train tours include travel by railcar, offering an unrivaled experience in a glass-domed railcar with unobstructed views of the Alaska wilderness. Book your Alaska tour with Gray Line Alaska today!

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Denali Rail Tours

Rail Transportation Only

Sightseeing Excursions

Why book with gray line alaska.

We provide the most professional and knowledgeable staff so you can feel comfortable booking your vacation with a reputable, long-standing company.

Our family of travel brands operates each tour. We own the railcars and many of the motor coaches you'll travel in, plus many of the hotels and lodges you'll stay in on your tour.

Have questions? Contact our Alaska Reservation Specialists at 1-888-425-1737.

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Alaska Rail Tours and Luxury Alaska Rail Vacations

Browse through our selection of handcrafted Alaska Rail Tours and Luxury Alaska Rail Vacations combing the iconic Alaska Railroad from Seward to Fairbanks, making for a relaxing and scenic journey taking in Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna and Denali National Park en route.

All our alaska railroad tours offer an unparalleled window into alaska’s backcountry “soul” and include the "must do" excursions and wildlife viewing tours., all of our alaska land & rail tours include alaska railroad's luxury goldstar rail cars, which feature plush upper-level seating with a domed glass roof, an open air viewing platform and services such as meals and drinks in the downstairs dining area..

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Alaska Rail Vacations REVIEWS

"We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way. "

Nick Florida, United States

"Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. "

Hazel Scotland

"We just came back from our winter adventure 5 days/4 nights in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. We had such a nice time and everything was great."

Ina Dominican Republic

"Excellent Trip and loved Alaska Railroad"

Paul Williams Canada

"Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. "

Lynne Sydney, Australia

"Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients."

Michael Figueriedo Spain

"Agents were knowledgeable, easy to work with."

Elsie S Dallas, TX

"They were professional and pleasant to work with."

Jemma L New York

"Nothing was too much trouble for Mandy or Kris when we were planning our holiday."

Anne Mathews Australia

"Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes."

Tracey Los Angeles, CA

"Excellent services!"

Polona Australia

"Fabulous Alaska!"

Ann McKinnon Australia

"It was good that you do Nome as many do not"

Wendy A Australia

"I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail Vacations"

Haleh M California, USA

"Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!"

Tina M Los Angeles, CA

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Best of Alaska by Train with Glaciers & Denali | First-time Favorites

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INTRODUCTION

What can you do in Alaska in six days? With our best of Alaska rail tour, you'll experience all the first-time favorites, from watching tidewater glaciers shed huge chunks of ice in Prince William Sound to watching bears forage in the wilds of Redoubt Bay.

Naturally, you'll have ample time to explore the wildlife and scenery of denali national park, then wrap up the trip in fairbanks..

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.

Departing Anchorage | Departing Fairbanks

Day 1 Anchorage | Arrival Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Day 2 Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad Depart Anchorage on Alaska Railroad for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)

Day 3 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy. Option 2. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram This full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close. Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass. Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion Experience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion Start this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow

Day 4 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska Railroad Early this morning take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Arrive mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)

Day 5 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak. Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.

Day 6 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska Railroad This morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)

Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska Railroad This morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)

Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions Option 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 Excursion Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife. Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park. Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small Aircraft Get a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak. Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | Helicopter Be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.

Day 3 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska Railroad This morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or grizzly bears & moose along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)

Day 4 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions Option 1. Anchorage Brew Tour Get the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy. Option 2. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram This full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close. Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour This half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass. Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing Safari View Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season. Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing Tour Enjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion Experience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion Start this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow

Day 5 Prince William Sound | Glacier Cruise | Alaska Railroad Depart Anchorage on Alaska Railroad for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. (Lunch is included onboard)

Day 6 Anchorage | Departure Upon check-out of your hotel it’s time to say goodbye to your incredible Alaskan adventure.

Package Includes:

• Accommodation including taxes for 5 nights
• Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise + Lunch | Alaska Railroad
• Anchorage Brew Tour
• Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
• Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
• Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
• Upgrade Option: Alaska Bay Bear Viewing Excursion
• Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
• Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
• Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali Goldstar Service (Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train)
• Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
• Tundra Wilderness Tour
• Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
• Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
• Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service (Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train)
• Meals as per Itinerary

Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade

• Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
• Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabins

Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade

• Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
• Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room

Alaska Railroad | Goldstar All our itineraries except the Glacier Discovery Train includes Gold Star Dome Service. These railcars feature large, curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360 degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The service is inclusive of all meals that are served in the lower-level dining room.

Alaska Railroad | Glacier Discovery Train The Glacier Discovery train between Anchorage to Whittier (Prince William Sound) only offers the Adventure Class. These single level railcars with a shared vista dome have high ceilings, large windows, as well as a truly surprising amount of leg room. Most seats recline and have foot rests. Meals can be purchased on-board.

Not Included:

• Activities other than specified
• Portage fees

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Arrange a call with an Alaska Train Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!

DATES & PRICING

Departs from Anchorage: Daily (Tour Code: TRA5) Departs from Fairbanks: Daily (Tour Code: TRA6)

STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS ALASKA TRAIN TRIP

Denali Cabins

Days / Nights

Hotel Captain Cook

Hilton Anchorage Hotel

Grande Denali Lodge

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Signature Alaska Train Vacation

Spectacular Glaciers, Denali & Alaska Rail Adventure

We are so grateful for the careful planning and ideal itinerary for our vacation. We loved every hotel or mountain cabin we stayed in, the boat ride through the Seward fjords, Alaska Railroad, the bush ride into Denali Park for a close enough encounter with a mama grizzly and her 2 cubs....and awesome scenery at every curve.

Wayne Michigan, United States

Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.

Paul Williams Canada

Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed our unexpected trip. Thank you for organising this so quickly for us to fill in the extra 5 days after the cruise was terminated.Everything went so smoothly, and we were on everyone's' 'list' on all the transfers. The best part was the small plane flight back from Denali- it was brilliant.The cruises on the Fiords were also a highlight. So, thanks again. We are thinking of coming back to view the Northern Lights at Fairbanks and also the start of the Iditarod.

Lynne Sydney, Australia

Not being able to travel Internationally we decided on Alaska for our summer vacation, We worked with Samantha who has been to Alaska many times and recommended the perfect itinerary for us. This trip has made us want to go back to Alaska to experience more - next time will be another luxury remote lodge.

Jeff Los Angeles, CA

They were professional and pleasant to work with. When the fires starts in various areas that they would be touring Alaska Train Trips were great in helping to make adjustments to the clients reservations. The clients were thrilled with there trip.

Jemma L New York

Alaska Train Trips is part of Alaska by Design and i use this company for all my Alaska Business, they are so knowledgeable and i usually work with Samantha or Jasmine.

Janie P Austin, TX

Alaska Train Trips which is part of Alaska by Design created a perfect itinerary for my clients. They returned with great memories and were extremely pleased with all aspects of their trip.

Michael Figueriedo Spain

Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday. They were able to tailor our trip to what we wanted. We have recommended Alaska Train Trips to our friends.

Anne Mathews Australia

Start planning your tailor-made train vacation in Alaska by contacting our train specialists

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I've Taken More Than 20 Alaska Cruises, but I've Never Been More Impressed by My Most Recent Trip — Here's Why

As Alaska works to bring its Indigenous cultures to the fore, cruise passengers can expect more engaging experiences, on land and at sea.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

I was having a fangirl moment at Saxman Native Village. Master artist Nathan Jackson had put down his chisel and was taking a break from carving a totem pole to chat with me and my husband. Jackson, a member of the Chilkoot-Tlingit tribe, has been carving for more than 60 years, and today his red cedar creations are exhibited in museums around the world. Yet there we were, just outside the city of Ketchikan, getting a private audience with the man himself.

Every year, millions of people go to Alaska for the chance to watch a startlingly blue glacier shed a house-size chunk of ice, or to witness pods of humpback whales breaching. But getting to know the state through descendants of its original inhabitants has, historically, been more difficult.

I’ve taken more than 20 cruises through southeastern Alaska, navigating often thronged ports to suss out interesting adventures, such as snorkeling in the chilly Pacific or learning to make salmon chowder. I was still surprised, given how popular Alaska cruises are these days, to have an intimate chat with somebody like Jackson on a cruise excursion — particularly one from our ship, the Holland America Line Westerdam, which can accommodate nearly 2,000 guests.

Courtesy of Travel Alaska

But momentum is building around Alaska Native tourism . One big step came this year, when information about the state’s 229 tribes and 20 distinctive cultures appeared in a special section of Alaska’s official tourism brochure for the first time.

Another marker of progress is the inclusion of a permanent seat for an Indigenous person on the board of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, a nonprofit. Both efforts were led by Camille Ferguson, an Indigenous tourism expert and economic development director for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska.

Courtesy of Huna Totem Corporation

“I’m the one that stirred up the pot,” said Ferguson, who is Tlingit, when we met over lunch in the town of Sitka, a popular port for cruise ships. “The state did not have a connection to make sure they were doing it right, which is very essential when you are talking about cultural tourism.”

Alongside her community, Ferguson has worked to “enhance the narrative,” she explained. For example, Tribal Tours , an operator owned by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, makes a point of developing excursions in partnership with Indigenous elders, who help shape the commentary. “I look at the forest in a different way,” Ferguson said. “You might say, ‘There’s a spruce tree.’ I look at it as the means of creating the basketry that was woven for collecting berries.”

During my visit aboard the Westerdam, I explored Sealaska Heritage , a Native institution in Juneau, accompanied by a cultural interpreter, John Lawrence. Together with a small group, we toured a re-creation of a 19th-century clan house while Lawrence marveled at the fact that schoolchildren in the state capital today take classes in Native languages. That wasn’t an option back when Lawrence was growing up, so he only knows a few words of Tlingit and Haida, the tongues of his parents.

I also had the chance to see how Sealaska Heritage has recently expanded its reach, having raised a dozen totem poles along the Juneau waterfront with funding from the Mellon Foundation. The 12 cedar artifacts, many of which stand alongside the city’s cruise port, were hewn by Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian artisans.

Cruise visitors can even learn about Native culture without leaving the ship. These days, brands including American Cruise Lines , Cunard , Holland America Line, and Lindblad Expeditions have agreements with the Indigenous-owned company Alaska Native Voices for onboard cultural seminars and performances. For its part, Holland America plans to do more cultural storytelling in 2024, working in partnership with Sealaska Heritage, says Bill Prince, the company’s vice president of entertainment.

Alaska Native people I spoke with were encouraged by the shift. “This is totem-pole country,” said Tommy Joseph, a master artist who carves and repairs totems at Sitka National Historical Park. “It’s part of our culture, and there’s a whole lot to it. A totem pole is a visual tool for telling a story: our history.”

Seven-day Alaska sailings with Holland America Line from $649 per person. 

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “The New Wave."

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