FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions…
What is included in the Princess Rail Tour Package?
Your rail package includes rail travel; overnight(s) stay at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, transfers and baggage handling from the train depot to our lodges.
How is seating arranged in the dome area of the train?
You and your traveling companions will be assigned to tables, as indicated on your boarding pass. Your boarding pass will be assigned at the embarking rail station. Tables generally hold four adults, two facing in each direction. It is customary to change places throughout the trip to allow for a different perspective.
What if I want to add additional nights at Mt. McKinley or Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge?
You may book one of the packaged vacations Princess offers or Princess Tours can assist you in customizing a rail package that suits your needs. With Princess Tours you have the flexibility of deciding where and when you want to go.
If you decide to add an overnight once you are at one of our lodges, see the front desk.
My package includes motorcoach transportation. Where do I meet the coach?
If you are scheduled to travel by motorcoach to/from Anchorage and or Fairbanks, the Denali Park Connection motorcoach service schedule is as follows:
Northbound from Anchorage
Anchorage Egan Center |
Depart 7 a.m. |
Southbound from Denali
Denali Princess Lodge |
Depart 2 p.m. |
The Anchorage Egan Center is located at 555 West 5th Avenue in downtown Anchorage. If you are traveling on the southbound motorcoach to Anchorage and would prefer to be dropped off at the airport, please notify your driver.
Northbound from Denali
Denali Princess Lodge |
Depart 2:00 p.m. |
Southbound from Fairbanks
River's Edge Resort |
Depart 9:00 a.m. |
Motorcoach transfers to and from Fairbanks to Denali Princess Lodge will depart and drop off at River's Edge Resort located at 4200 boat Street in Fairbanks. You must arrange your own transportation to and from the River's Edge Resort.
What activities do you offer at the Lodge?
Both lodges offer a variety of optional land tours that can be reserved once you arrive at the lodge. Some options for each property are listed below:
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge- Wilderness Safari
- Rafting
- Flightseeing
- Music of Denali
- Husky Homestead Tour
- Denali Horse Trails or Wagon Ride
- Golfing
Check out for more information on activities offered at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge- Hiking
- Jeep Safari
- Horse Back Trail Ride
- Kayaking
- Trapper Creek Homestead Tour
- Sled Dog Kennel Tour
- Sport Fishing
- Rafting
- Wilderness Jet Boat Adventure
- Flight Seeing
Check out for more information on activities offered at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge
Where do I get my boarding passes for the Midnight Sun Express?
Your boarding passes can be picked up at the train depot the day of departure.
What time should I arrive at the train depot?
You should arrive at the depot no later than 7:45 a.m. Alaska Time. The train will depart at 8:15 a.m.
Where are the Princess Lodges located?
The Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge is located in Denali State Park, near Talkeetna. It is the only lodge in the area and boasts an amazing view of Mt. McKinley.
The Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is farther north, located just one mile from the Denali National Park entrance. It sits high above the Nenana River and is only minutes from the Denali National Park visitor center.
How do I get from my hotel to the train depot and reverse?
Princess Tours provides transfers between the train depot and the Denali Princess or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Are there sleeping cars on the Midnight Sun Express?
Each leg of your rail journey on board the Midnight Sun Express is short enough that it is not necessary to overnight. There are no sleeper cars on the Midnight Sun Express.
Will I be able to see any wildlife?
Our wrap-around Ultradome rail cars offer our travelers an unobstructed 360 degree view. Watch for Moose!
Do the windows on the train open?
No, but if you desire fresh air, we do offer the largest open-air viewing platforms on the Alaska Railroad.
Is there a place to store my luggage?
Passengers are limited to two pieces of checked baggage, not to exceed 50 pounds, that must be checked with the Alaska Railroad without charge. Each guest may also bring one carry on, not to exceed 2 ” by 14” by 17 ”, which will stored under your seat on the viewing level. Please pack any medications, cameras, binoculars or valuables in your carry-on.
Is there a dining car on the Midnight Sun Express?
Yes, each car has a dining room! The Midnight Sun Express offers full service breakfast, lunch and dinner – all custom made to order. You will have the opportunity to visit the dining room and order freshly prepared food from the menu.
Is the Midnight Sun Express accessible?
Each train has at least one rail car that this fully accessible to wheelchairs. A specially designed lift makes getting on and off the train easy and safe. There are also accessible restrooms on each of the accessible rail cars.
Can I smoke on board?
There is no smoking allowed in the rail cars. Smoking is allowed outside on the platforms. Ashtrays are available on the outside viewing platform.
Can you cater to special meal requirements?
Since all of our dishes are prepared to order we will do our best to accommodate all dietary concerns. Please notify the reservation center of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
What is the temperature on the train?
We do our best to maintain a comfortable temperature for all. Bring a light jacket if you wish to visit the outside viewing platform.
What are the tipping guidelines for the train staff?
Recommended tips to the train staff and host guide are $3 to $5 per person. Tips for meal and bar service are also discretionary, but 15% is customary in most Alaskan restaurants. All tipping is a matter of individual preference and is always voluntary.
Can I use my credit card while on board?
Yes, Princess Tours accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. You may also use cash or travelers checks
What is there to do onboard the train?
Sit back, relax, and watch the wonders of Alaska 's wilderness drift by your window. Or visit the outdoor platforms, dine on freshly prepared cuisine, watch for wildlife, visit the rolling gift shop, listen to the car manager share stories and natural history, sign up for a rafting trip at the Princess Lodge, get to know your traveling companions, enjoy a cocktail, chat with the conductors…
What type of clothing should I wear while on tour?
Given Alaska's fluctuating climate, we strongly suggest you dress in layers and wear comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes or sturdier shoes for activities such as hiking. You may want to bring a fold-up umbrella and a light jacket in your carry-on.
Can you guarantee that I'll see the wildlife and scenic attractions described in each tour?
We cannot guarantee that you will see wildlife. Our Tour Suppliers make every effort to fulfill a tour's description. However, weather, time of season and other factors beyond our control can affect wildlife sightings and scenic views.
Have a question that we did not answer? Email our reservations center or call us at 800 426-0500.
What are the advantages of organized excursions:
There are a number of advantages to taking organized tours offered by Princess, including:
Quality – We are well acquainted with the areas in which we operate our tours and have carefully selected the most reputable tour operators.
Variety – All of our tours are designed to feature the most popular and interesting attractions at each destination, and to satisfy the diverse interests of our passengers.
Service – By having your tours organized onboard the Midnight Sun Express or by the Outfitter Tour Desk in your hotel, you can maximize your time at each destination and avoid having to make last-minute arrangements.
Safety – Your safety and security is of the utmost importance to us and every effort is made to ensure each tour operates as safely as possible.
Value – We endeavor to select local tour operators who provide excursions of the highest quality. We carefully monitor prices to ensure you are receiving a good value.
