Common questions for passengers.
See below for commonly asked questions by our travel partners. Didn’t get your question answered? Call us at 800.544.0552 to talk to a representative.
Yes, but it takes more than one day and more than one train. The Denali Star runs from Fairbanks to Anchorage in one day. Customers can then overnight in Anchorage and take the Coastal Classic to Seward early the next day.
No, there are currently no hotels in Whittier, so customers need to book a hotel elsewhere. Girdwood and Anchorage are the closest communities with lodging.
Children must be at least 5-years-old to participate in rafting at Spencer Glacier.
No, the railbelt runs between Fairbanks and Seward with an additional track to Whittier. It does not extend to Juneau.
No, the Alaska Railroad does not connect to other railroads.
Onboard the Alaska Railroad, every season offers unique advantages. From shoulder seasons May 15-30, September 1-15 and prime travel time between June 1 and August 31, there are options for all schedules. Alaska Railroad’s winter travel is spectacular as well. For those wanting a glimpse at the Northern Lights, try the Aurora Winter Train running between September 19, 2015, and May 8, 2016. Click here to visit our Route Map and learn more about each of our routes.
No. Overnight options are available through Alaska Railroad’s many tour and hotel partners.
Our website has the latest information and it is a great trip planning resource for you. Still have questions? Call our reservations team at 800.544.0552 to talk to a representative.
The Alaska Railroad operates five regularly scheduled passenger train routes, with schedules varying by summer and winter. Check here for the latest information on schedules, fares and packages.
There are many unique features to rail travel. You will enjoy comfortable seats with lots of legroom, have the ability to walk around the cars, visit the Wilderness Café or enjoy full service dining, and enjoy the fresh air while visiting various viewing platforms and areas between cars. Combined with attentive service and outstanding storytelling from our onboard tour guides, this type of leisurely paced travel will ensure that you know you are on vacation. The routes taken by the Alaska Railroad travel along rushing rivers, through amazing canyons, through incredible tunnels, in and out of some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes. Alaska Railroad offers visitors and Alaskans the best way to see and experience the beauty of the Last Frontier.
The advantage of our train is that we are able to safely slow down at the most scenic areas to offer you the best viewing and camera opportunities. Our average speed is approximately 30mph.
To ensure a stellar experience for all aboard the Alaska Railroad, there is no smoking aboard the train. This includes the viewing platforms, vestibules, areas between the coaches and restroom facilities. If booking a package through the Alaska Railroad that includes a hotel, please make sure to let your reservations or travel agent know if you need smoking room accommodations when you book your tour.
A full range of souvenirs are available for purchase at Alaska Railroad’s Gift Shop locations in the Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks Depots, as well as via the online store.
Before You Travel
Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and season, from a low of -46°C (-50°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F). Fairbanks, in particular, may be very warm in the summer and very cold in the winter. Plan to bring a sweater, slacks, and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk in the mountains. Flat-soled shoes should be worn on the train. Comfortable, casual attire is welcomed on the Alaska Railroad and many of our guests carry their sunglasses with them onboard the train. In spring and fall, include a light coat or warm jacket if you're travelling to high altitudes. And rain gear is recommended in August/September.
Yes! If you are looking for a customized itinerary for a group, contact our group coordinator at: 800.544.0552 or click here to learn more. In addition, our Meeting Incentives for Conventions and Events (MICE) program provides unique opportunities for larger groups. Contact us at 800.544.0552 or [email protected] to learn more.
Yes. However, many of our trips/routes can be a minimum of 4-hour days onboard the train, which may be long for some children. Bringing onboard activities is encouraged, from books to travel games. We also have activities in our onboard magazine, Panoramas, and a fun travel bingo game available, just ask your onboard tour guide, conductor or at the reservations desk when you get your boarding pass.
Please note that all pets or animals (excluding guide dogs) are prohibited from travelling onboard the Alaska Railroad.
Onboard Experience
There are wonderful opportunities for viewing wildlife from the train. During your ride on the Alaska Railraod you may see black and brown bear, caribou, moose, bald eagle, ptarmigan, salmon, mountain goat and Dahl sheep. However, “wildlife are wild” and, as such, sightings are never guaranteed. If you do come into contact with animals please act responsibly, maintain a safe distance and never feed any wild animals.
We do not have plugs at the seats for laptop use. Depending on your battery life, we suggest that you charge you computer at night during your hotel stays for use onboard the train. It goes without saying that you will have a better chance of seeing all the scenery without working on your laptop computer. Throughout much of the train route, the train will be out of cell phone range, however, cell phones may be easily used in the major areas that our tours visit.
