A GUIDE TO TAKING THE ALASKA RAILROAD, FROM WHERE TO HOP OFF TO WHAT ROUTES TO TAKE

“It’s a Dall sheep!” the train tour guide exclaims as we swoop past a jagged cliffside dotted with fuzzy white creatures impressively balanced on their rocky perch.

It's the second time we've been alerted of this majestic animal's presence along this leg of the Alaska Railroad, which I’ve explored for the past two days while traveling from Anchorage to Seward and Whittier. It's one of several journeys I've taken on this train, but the sight of the sheep never gets old.

I also see—and learn—something new every time I ride along the Alaska Railroad, in large part thanks to the passionate commentary from the local guides on board. Their love for the great land of Alaska is contagious, and the train's windows cinematically frame the vast diversity of natural scenery that the 470 miles of track cuts through—from plunging gorges with snaking rivers flowing below to majestic glaciers and fjords.

But the Alaska Railroad is not just for sightseeing. Dating back more than a century—having first opened in 1923—these tracks connect rural communities all along Southcentral and Interior Alaska that are often not accessible by car. Some of the smaller villages are so isolated, they aren’t considered official “stops.” Instead, they’re known as “flagstops,” meaning a potential passenger can wave a T-shirt on the side of the tracks to signal to an engineer they need to be picked up. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of people it carries each year, the train also serves as a freight railway, transporting essential goods like groceries and gas that help keep the 49th State alive during the dark and cold depths of the Alaskan winter.

This summer, I completed an extensive trip via the Alaska Railroad that allowed me to experience all 470 miles of track from Seward to Fairbanks. Here’s everything I've learned about exploring the Last Frontier by train—from the different carriages and routes available to the best places to stop.

The routes

The Alaska Railroad offers five different ticketed routes, the majority of which operate from mid-May to mid-September.

The Coastal Classic departs from Anchorage and snakes along the Turnagain Arm waterway in the northwestern part of the Gulf of Alaska and through the backcountry of the Kenai Peninsula, a coastal region dotted with waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife (including bald eagles, if you're lucky). Once the train reaches its final Southern stop of Seward, passengers disembark at Resurrection Bay for a seven-hour layover. Here, you can hop on a boat to explore the wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park, one of the best places in the US to see Orca whales.

The Denali Star route is the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train originally created to transport tourists in and out of Denali National Park (back then, the park was just a budding tourist attraction called Mt. McKinley). Today, the train embarks on a 12-hour journey from Anchorage up to Denali, where guests can de-train at stops like the artsy enclave of Talkeetna (known as the “basecamp” for those who set out to climb Denali), and of course, Denali National Park.

The Glacier Discovery route goes south from Anchorage, stopping in Girdwood (home to Alyeska Resort, a beloved winter ski destination that is also great for hiking and spa indulgences) before traveling on to stops in Whittier, Portage, Spencer Glacier, and Grandview. Providing access to remote areas unreachable by car, traveling this route has been my favorite Alaskan experience to-date. Whittier was a standout highlight; this magical sleepy town has some of the freshest Alaskan fish in the country.

The Hurricane Turn route is one of the only ticketed routes I haven’t taken—but I’ve ridden the same tracks it travels on (via the Denali Star). This “flagstop” route mainly serves locals who live in the backcountry without road access who are traveling to the state's larger population centers. Similarly, the Aurora Winter train operates between the big cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks from mid-September to mid-May (and select mid-week service in February and March), offering flagstop service between Talkeetna and Hurricane.

The carriages

There are two ticket classes aboard the Alaska Railroad. The standard Adventure Class is available on every route at a more affordable price, with fewer frills. Riders can enjoy comfortable assigned seating and big windows showcasing the beauty of the Alaskan bush, with food and beverage options available to purchase in the dining car. (Pro tip: Camp out in the dining car with a deck of cards, board game, or a good book—the car feels more spacious and has never overly crowded, in my experience.)

Then, there’s the GoldStar premium class, which gives passengers priority boarding in the first two cars of the train. This service also includes a sit-down meal, two complimentary adult beverages, and large assigned seats with glass-dome ceilings. But the best part is the upper-level outdoor viewing platform, which allows you to admire the sights while taking in the fresh Alaskan air. These luxe cabins are only available on the Coastal Classic route and on board the Denali Star train.

Alaska Railroad ticket fares range depending on the route, length of your journey, and the season. One-way Adventure Class fares start at $30 and go up to $249; GoldStar service starts at $163 and goes up to $509.

Where to stop

There are a dozen one-of-a-kind destinations along the Alaska Railroad worth spending a day or longer at, depending on how much time you have. Travelers can explore independently or book excursions through the Alaska Railroad.

A trip to Talkeetna means a chance to step foot on an actual glacier or spy Denali from afar with K2 flight tours. For a quick culture fix, stroll through the bohemian village and pop into the artsy galleries, shops, and taco stops (try the reindeer meat). In Denali National Park, visitors can check out the local wildlife on board the Tundra Wilderness bus tour, which showcases some of the most scenic sights beyond the visitor’s center.

One of my favorite stops on the Alaska Railroad is the Spencer Glacier, a remote wilderness area that is only accessible by train. The grounds feature a 1.3-mile path to the Spencer Glacier overlook along the edge of the lake—a peaceful hike with incredible views. If you want to stay longer, campsites and a public use cabin are also available.

Whether you’re starting or ending your journey in Fairbanks, be sure to try the three-hour educational ride aboard the historic Riverboat Discovery (offered during the summer months). Watch a bush pilot demonstration where a floatplane takes off from the river and learn firsthand about Indigenous Athabascan culture during an off-boat excursion led by Alaskan Native Guides. Open year-round, animal lovers will love visiting Running Reindeer Ranch, which has guided reindeer walks and even reindeer yoga classes.

With a state as vast—and at times inaccessible—as Alaska, the railroad continues to be one of the best ways to reach these special corners of the Earth. And even if you never leave the train car, you’re bound to see, and learn, something new every stop of the way.

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