There are few adventures as immersive as a journey by train through Alaska. From glacier-carved fjords to towering mountains, the Alaska Railroad delivers front-row views of the state’s wild beauty in comfort and style. This in-depth Alaska Railroad guide is your ticket to discovering the most scenic Alaska train rides, whether you’re looking for a relaxed day trip or a multi-day excursion.

About the Alaska Railroad

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Chris McLennan

Hop aboard history with a twist of adventure. Since 1923, this iconic railway has carved a path through Alaska’s jaw-dropping wilderness, linking seaports, mountain towns and national parks with over 470 miles of rail.

From the blue waters of Seward to the golden heart of Fairbanks, an Alaska Railroad journey highlights glaciers, wildlife and frontier charm. Think of it as slow travel, Alaska-style: a chance to sip your coffee and enjoy quality time while wildlife roams by and Denali peeks through the clouds.

You can learn more about 100+ years of Alaska Railroad history at our blog here!

The Visual Journey

Part of the magic of rail travel is what you see along the way. Expect to capture:

• Sweeping landscapes: tundra, mountains and rivers
• Wildlife: moose, caribou, bald eagles, even bears
• Trains themselves: gleaming vintage locomotives, vibrant dome cars and trackside towns

Stops Worth Making

Anchorage

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

A central, urban hub for your Alaska getaway. Enjoy the bustling downtown area and sweeping views from the train station, set near Cook Inlet and framed by the Chugach Mountains.

In Anchorage, you can enjoy urban amenities with great local shopping and top-notch eateries. There are countless opportunities to integrate outdoor exploring into your trip, with hiking, mountain biking and local trails. On a clear day, you can see North America’s tallest peak — even from 240 miles away!

Seward

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Matt Hage

Just an hour drive from the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge in Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is a quick trip with maximum payoff. While in town, don’t miss the Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close view of iconic Alaska marine life. Love the water? Seward is a great place to launch a kayak, with plenty of local tours and excursions for every experience level.

Talkeetna

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

This quirky town combines small-town charm with access to big adventures, like flightseeing tours of Denali National Park and backcountry hiking. Beloved by locals, Talkeetna promises the best of Alaska with great food, lovely boutiques and beautiful landscapes. Stay at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, just a short transfer away.

Denali

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

A bucket-list destination, Denali National Park is home to North America’s tallest mountain and abundant wildlife. With over six million acres of protected land, Denali offers endless opportunities for exploration — from hiking, spotting grizzlies and caribou or taking a bus tour deep into the park’s interior.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge is just one mile from the park entrance, making it the perfect home base.

Fairbanks

Photo Credit: Travel Alaska

As the northernmost stop on the Alaska Railroad, Fairbanks blends rich cultural heritage with Arctic extremes. From this hub, you can explore gold rush history, take a riverboat tour or even set out on a Northern Lights viewing trip in the colder months.

The Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge sits along the banks of the Chena River and offers relaxing accommodations just minutes from the train depot. It’s the perfect place to start or end your rail journey — and to unwind under the Midnight Sun.

Skagway

Photo Credit: ©State of Alaska/Reinhard Pantke

Skagway, a true time capsule of the Gold Rush era, offers rustic charm and historic rail experiences aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route. Wander the wooden boardwalks before climbing into vintage railcars for an unforgettable ride on a Skagway train.

Decide Your Route

With so many great options for your railroad adventure, how can you choose? Take a look at our quick guide to finding the railroad trip to match your dream trip.

The Classic Routes: Denali Star and Coastal Classic Denali Star (Anchorage to Fairbanks)

Running daily from mid-May through mid-September, the Denali Star connects Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. This is the route to take if you want to explore the heart of Alaska, with striking views of Denali, boreal forests and expansive river valleys.

• Highlights: Panoramic views of Denali (on clear days), the wild Nenana River gorge and wildlife like moose and bears.
• Schedule: Southbound and northbound trains operate daily. Plan for an 8 to 12-hour journey depending on your destination.
• Stops: Anchorage → Wasilla → Talkeetna → Denali → Fairbanks
• Pro Tip: Book a full package which sair your rail journey with a stay at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge (or both!) for easy transfers and premium amenities.

Coastal Classic (Anchorage to Seward)

Often described as the most scenic train route in Alaska, the Coastal Classic is a must-do for nature lovers and photographers.

• Highlights: Glacier views, wildlife sightings along Turnagain Arm, waterfalls and access to Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Schedule: Daily departures from Anchorage to Seward in the summer season, with a stop in Girdwood, a small mountain town known for hiking trails, aerial tram rides and great dining options.
• Pro Tip: After your rail tour, spend a night at a Seward hotel or return the same evening to Anchorage. Cruise extensions are also popular here.

Off the Beaten Track: White Pass & Yukon Route (Skagway Train)

For those venturing into Skagway, hop aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. This narrow-gauge historic line dates back to the Klondike Gold Rush and climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles.

• Highlights: Steep cliffs, cantilevered trestles and sweeping mountain views.
• Tours: Options include round-trips from Skagway or through excursions into British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.
• Historical Flair: Ride in vintage railcars and relive the pioneer spirit.

Short Lines and Seasonal Rides

While the major routes get most of the attention, there are several smaller and equally enchanting train experiences in Alaska:

• Aurora Winter Train: Running between Anchorage and Fairbanks from September to May, this seasonal ride offers a peaceful journey through snowy landscapes—with a chance to glimpse the Northern Lights.
• Alaska Live Steamers in Wasilla: A great family activity featuring scaled-down trains and narrated rides.
• Museum Railways: In cities like Palmer and Fairbanks, you’ll find heritage trains that offer short trips with a rich dose of history.

How to Book and Ride Like a Pro

1. Book Early

Departures can sell out quickly during peak summer months. Book 6+ months in advance to lock in your preferred travel dates and itinerary.

2. Mix and Match for the Best Experience

Consider riding the train one way and flying or driving the other. Many guests take the Denali Star north, stay overnight at a Princess Lodge and return by road or air to Anchorage.

3. Use Princess Lodges as Your Rail Hub

Our Denali and Fairbanks lodges are ideally located near train depots. By booking a package, we include transfers and luggage handling. Staying at a Princess Lodge means your rail travel flows smoothly into the next phase of your journey. Explore our Denali Rail Tours to learn more.

4. Check Updated Schedules

Alaska’s train schedule can change slightly each year. Before finalizing your plans, refer to the most recent train schedule here.

Connecting Rail to Road and Sea

Alaska is big, and train routes are just one piece of the puzzle. For a seamless trip:

• Combine rail with a Princess cruise or land tour.
• Stay at Princess Lodges in Denali, Fairbanks, Mt. McKinley (Talkeetna) and beyond.
• Let our team help plan excursions, like rafting in Denali or glacier cruises in Kenai.

Plan Your Alaska Scenic Train Ride Today

From history buffs to nature lovers to those who simply appreciate a scenic view with their morning coffee, there’s an Alaska train journey ready to inspire.

Ready to ride the rails? Book your Alaska train tour with Princess Lodges and let your journey begin.