Travel is Alaska is different than any other state. Whether you arrive by cruise ship or plane, taking a rail tour is the best option for experiencing Alaska’s coastal and interior sights, wildlife and adventure trips. From May through September, the Alaska Railroad offers tour packages from Anchorage north to Fairbanks and south to Seward and Whittier.
About Alaska Railroad Travel
Alaska Railroad’s daily passenger services during the summer season are on the Denail Star, traveling north of Anchorage, and the Coastal Classic and Whittier trains, traveling south and east of Anchorage. The trains to Whittier primarily service cruise ship passengers. The shoulder season of May and September allow travelers to take advantage of discounted tours.
Choose from three levels of service on the Alaska Railroad, including private dome railcars and GoldStar dome service. Alaska Railroad trains feature large picture windows for optimal viewing, comfortable reclining seating and a café with a variety of food items. Each passenger is allowed to carry two pieces of luggage onboard, while extra luggage is subject to a fee.
Rail Tours to National Parks in Alaska
See Denali and Spencer Glacier with a five-day, four-night rail tour from Fairbanks. This trip includes a jet-boat tour of Devil’s Canyon near the headwaters of the Susitna River. Travelers on this tour also experience Spencer Glacier, where you float among the icebergs. This tour includes overnight accommodations at hotels and lodges as well as meals. Add another day and night to this tour and flight-see around Mount McKinley.
Some of Alaska’s most popular national parks can be experienced by rail with a six-day, five-night trip. From Anchorage, travel to Denali and take a backcountry adventure in this spectacular park. After returning to Anchorage, take the train to Seward to see Kenai Fjords National Park’s Resurrection Bay with its spectacular coastline and abundant marine wildlife. Spencer Glacier’s icebergs and the Placer River Valley are also on this itinerary.
Alaska Rail Tours to Glaciers and Parks with Adventures
A six-day, five-night rail tour includes an adventure package and cruise to Prince William Sound’s 26 glaciers and marine wildlife. This longer rail trip features Denali National Park for views of America’s tallest mountain and unique wildlife. This tour allows you to experience Alaska’s interior with a flight to the Arctic Circle and ride on the Riverboat Discovery. Hotel, lodge and resort accommodations are included in this tour package.
The Deluxe Alaska Sampler 7-day, 7-night vacation package features Alaskan highlights of Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks, Resurrection Bay’s marine wildlife, as well as stops in Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Adventure trips include glacier tours, dog sled rides, river float trips and museums. Hotel, lodge and resort accommodations are included in this trip, as well as some meals and a dinner show.
Vacation in Alaska with Railroad Tours – Summer or Winter
Vacation travel to Alaska covers a big area, so consider purchasing an Alaska Railroad summer vacation package that includes rail transportation, tours, hotels and some meals. Experience Denali and Kenai Fjords national parks, see glaciers up close with cruises, take a dog sled ride or a river float trip as part of a summer Alaskan rail tour.
Winter rail tours of Alaska afford travelers the opportunity to see “The Great Land” and its interior with tours of the Arctic Circle and hot springs. Or take the Alaska Railroad to see unique winter festivals, such as the World Ice Art Championships and the Iditarod.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
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