The Alaska Railroad offers train tours year-round, but tour types and availability vary by season. Take a longer trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train in late September to early May, or enjoy first-class service as a "GoldStar" passenger aboard the Denali Star during the summer months. Train tours aboard the Alaska Railroad can be purchased as part of a larger vacation package, as a day tour or as a simple train ride. The Alaska Railroad travels through a number of areas, including national parks, and makes stops in Anchorage, Denali, Wasilla, Talkeetna and Fairbanks, among other cities.
Alaska Railroad Corporation
P.O. Box 107500
Anchorage, AK 99510
907-265-2494
800-544-0552
alaskarailroad.com
A luxury rail service, Alaska Rail Tours is operated by Gray Line of Alaska and runs through Denali National Park, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. Railcars used by Alaska Rail Tours are domed, so passengers aboard the train have optimal views of the wilderness as they travel. With two levels per car, each railcar includes a main seating area, a small bar, a dining service level, restrooms, and an open-air platform for travelers to take pictures during the trip. Tours also feature live presentations by the Rail Manager and GPS-triggered narration throughout the tour.
Alaska Rail Tours
Gray Line of Alaska
300 Elliott Ave. West
Seattle, WA 98119
888-452-1737
888-628-3843
alaskarailtours.com
If you're looking for a shorter trip, Princess Tours offers one- or two-night rail tours to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, located at the edge of Denali National Park, and Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. All Princess rail tours leave from Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska, and tourists travel aboard the Midnight Sun Express. All passenger cars on the Midnight Sun feature ultradomes--a majority of the top part of the railcar is glass, allowing for better views of the scenery while you travel. However, if you're hoping for a two-way rail ride, be careful when you book. Some Princess Tours feature motorcoach legs.
Princess Tours
800 5th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-749-9312
princesslodges.com/alaska_rail_tours_noflash.cfm
