Alaska Railroad Alaska Railroad 411 First Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99510; 1-800-544-0552 or 907 265-2494.
During the summer months, the Denali Star departs daily from Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops at Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Conde Nast Traveler magazine's annual reader's choice awarded this train the
"Best U.S. train trip." This service includes premier seating in luxury dome cars with signature GoldStar service for the best rail experience and views. In Adventure class you’ll find two vista dome cars and passenger coaches with five-foot windows to accommodate viewing from every angle. Optional dining is available on all trains with Alaskan specialties prepared onboard and available at anytime during your journey. Customized packages are offered including rail, hotel and a variety of day tours at each stop along the rail belt.
Southbound from Anchorage, summer service includes daily departures to the tidewater ports of Seward and Whittier. The "Coastal Classic" train to Seward includes premier seating in luxury dome cars with signature GoldStar service and a vista dome for spectacular viewing along this scenic route. Magnificent walls of ice, jagged peaks and gorges are highlights of the spectacular scenery along the rail corridor. Both trains connect with day cruises and are offered as rail/cruise packages by the Alaska Railroad.
The Alaska Railroad is proud to have transported travelers in Alaska for 88 years. As the oldest travel company in Alaska, we can ensure that you will have a true Alaskan adventure.
Private Rail Cars
Two of Alaska's premier tour companies have private railcars that operate between Anchorage and Fairbanks. These cars are towed by the Alaska Railroad but offer a unique kind of rail experience.
Princess Lodges, Private rail cars depart from Anchorage or Fairbanks. Available packages include overnight accommodations at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, or both. Travel through the Heart of Alaska to exceptional riverside retreats aboard the private, railcars featuring large domed ceilings, outdoor viewing platforms and exquisite dining with meals prepared to order. A variety of tours are available featuring Princess' unique riverside lodges and exclusive rail service. Call 800-426-0500 for information.
Gray Line of Alaska. Private luxury glass domed railcars, operating daily between Anchorage and Fairbanks stopping at Denali National Park. Luxury seating upstairs with private bar and elegant dining room downstairs available. Service from mid-May through mid-September. For reservations call 1-800-544-2206
The White Pass & Yukon
"Scenic Railway of the World" on the Trail of '98. Passengers travel across the White Pass on a narrow-gauge railway that parallels the trail followed by the frantic gold seekers in 1898. The railroad operates only
in the summer, and often makes connections with Alaska Marine Highway ferryliners at
Skagway; daily service May 6 through September 21. Passengers travel by narrow gauge train between Skagway and Fraser, where they transfer to motorcoaches, which continue on up the Klondike Highway to Whitehorse.
All Aboard! In the first 20 miles from Skagway the diesel-powered train climbs from sea level to nearly 3,000 feet. En route you will see scenic spectaculars which most people
seldom witness in a lifetime: panoramic view of Skagway and the head of Lynn Canal. Bridal Veil Falls with as many as 22 cataracts tumbling into a gorge. Tunnel Mountain-a tunnel 1,000 feet above the gulch floor
with its southern portal on a sheer cliff, Dead Horse Gulch-named for 3,000 pack animals which perished there during the gold rush. The railroad reaches White Pass Summit at Mile 20.4 (this is where the Summit
Excursion trains reverse directions to go back down to Skagway). Through trains continue across the barren rock-strewn Pass to Fraser, BC (also Canadian Customs & Immigration). Through passengers change over to
motorcoaches here to continue on north over the Klondike Highway. Rails are in place through to Whitehorse, but there are no rail operations over this section of the railroad. Old No. 73, the railroad's 1947 Baldwin
2-8-2 steam engine, is used in town for show only. Regular road diesels handle the trip up the mountain grade.
Summit Excursion. A scenic rail excursion operates throughout the summer, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The trip features a ride on the historic narrow gauge
railroad as far as White Pass Summit and return. Passengers view the most spectacular part of the railroad, including Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, and the infamous Dead Horse Gulch.
Lake Bennett Adventures this railroad adventure travel an additional 20 miles beyond the White Pass Summit to historic Lake Bennett, British Columbia. A 1.5 hour layover allows time to tour the gold rush displays in the restored 1903 station.
Through Service. Summer Schedule: Train departs Skagway at 8am, arriving Fraser at 10am (Alaska Time), and the bus arrives Whitehorse at 1pm Yukon Time). Whitehorse bus departure is 1:30pm (Yukon Time), leaving Fraser by train at 2:30pm (Alaska Time) and arriving Skagway at 4:30pm.
Skagway to Fraser one way departs Skagway 8am and 12:40pm, one way departs Fraser 10:20am and 2:40pm May 19 to Sept. 16.
Chilkoot Hikers Service. This
shuttle service is offered to those hardy souls that have hiked
the famous Chilkoot Trail.
