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Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad has been instrumental in the survival of rural Alaskans and America's Last Frontier for nearly 100 years. Spanning from the port town of Seward on the Gulf of Alaska to Fairbanks in the heart of the state, this rail line successfully transports more than 5 million tons of freight and 400,000 passengers annually. Travelers can choose between five routes in Alaska:

Coastal Classic - Travels between Anchorage, Girdwood, and Seward
Glacier Discovery - Connects Anchorage and Grandview with stops in Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, and Spencer
Denali Star - A route between Anchorage and Fairbanks, stopping in Denali, Talkeetna, and Wasilla
Hurricane Turn - Follows a summer route between Hurricane and Talkeetna and a winter route that includes Hurricane, Talkeetna, Wasilla, and Anchorage
Aurora Winter - Travels in the winter season only and connects Anchorage and Fairbanks by way of Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Healy

The Alaska Railroad has accumulated numerous awards throughout the years. In 2010, National Geographic Traveler noted this railway as one of the Top 10 North American Train Trips. USA Today Travel offered a similar designation in 2015, calling the line one of the 10 Best Train Trips in the U.S. Trip Advisor awarded the railway a Certificate of Excellence in 2015, and the National Tour Association presented the Alaska Railroad with Gold Medal designation in 2016. Additionally, the line has also earned Green Star Award Certification, thanks to its green efforts: reducing water and energy consumption and making efforts to curb emissions and provide outstanding air quality.

Our customers love our Alaska Railroad tours

Alaska Northern Lights & Aurora Train

15 Apr 2024

TERESA ALLUMS

“Aurora lights another amazing beauty of the Lord. The Yurt experience was great.

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Anchorage & Talkeetna Northern Lights Getaway

05 Apr 2024

JAMES ANTHONY HORN

“The staff was very professional and knowledgeable about the northern lights. We gathered a lot of information from them. Great staff.

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Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge

03 Apr 2024

Chit Aquino

“Bettles Lodge had a homey, family ambiance. Staff were very friendly and entertained us with their personal stories. I was so happy that the Aurora Borealis did not disappoint me. I will definitely recommend this adventure at Bettles Lodge.

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Northern Lights at Borealis Basecamp

03 Apr 2024

Carol

“The Borealis Basecamp location is unique. Two nights were just right for us. The igloos were cozy. May be nice to have some different games available. The staff was excellent. All well coordinated. Received information in time and the instructions on the vouchers helped. Liked our stay at Springhill in Fairbanks. Did you know that the bus system in Fairbanks is free if you are over 60? The Aurora train was comfortable and enjoyed mixing with others in the dining car. We booked a separate city tour package in Anchorage. No free breakfast at the hotel. Some amenities were not free. We found a great breakfast at Snow City Cafe. Will definitely explore Vacations by Rail again. Customer Service was spot on!

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Aurora Viewing at Chena Hot Springs

24 Mar 2024

HEATHER

“Chena was cool, but very crowded. Especially with only one restaurant.

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Ultimate Winter Wonderland: Iditarod & Northern Lights

12 Mar 2024

Christine Alderson

“Great way to see the beautiful state of Alaska in the winter. Bus & rail transportations were wonderful.

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Alaska Wilderness Tour

14 Sep 2023

CECILIA MARIE PHILLIPS

“Fabulous itinerary with plenty of leisure time to do what we wanted. Everything went smoothly and we received a prompt refund when one excursion was cancelled due to weather. This was our second trip with Vacations By Rail and very pleased; will book with them again.

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Alaska the Greatland

12 Sep 2023

Gail

“Enjoyed a wonderful tour of Alaska.

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Tour Alaska by Rail

10 Sep 2023

MARGARET MAGEE JOFFRION

“Amazing scenery. Friendly and hardworking staff.Clean and comfortable cars. The trip of a lifetime. So grateful to all who made it possible.

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