Trip vs trip

Aurora Winter Train vs Glacier Discovery Train

Two ways to do a similar journey. Every number below is from the operators' own published details, verified on the dates shown on each trip page.

Aurora Winter Train

Alaska Railroad

Glacier Discovery Train

Alaska Railroad

Duration1 days
Rail share100% (medium confidence)100% (medium confidence)
GuidingScenic rail routeScenic day train
CountriesUnited StatesUnited States
Named trainsAurora Winter TrainGlacier Discovery Train
Nights on boardnono

Which one, honestly

  • For time on the train: Aurora Winter Train spends the most of the trip on rails: 100% rail share, against 100% (Glacier Discovery Train).
View and book with Alaska RailroadView and book with Alaska Railroad

Aurora Winter Train: worth knowing

  • The operator publishes no day-by-day itinerary for this route, only the stops along the way and the overall journey time.
  • Dogsledding in Talkeetna and winter Denali flightseeing are listed as optional extras, not included in the train fare.

Glacier Discovery Train: worth knowing

  • The evidence describes this as a summer train and gives no specific operating dates or current fares; confirm the season and pricing with Alaska Railroad.
  • Rafting, hiking and kayaking at Spencer Glacier are offered as separate day trips, not included in the train fare itself.
  • A motorcoach transfer option from Portage back to Girdwood or Anchorage is available and saves about 2.5 hours, so not every traveler needs to ride the train the full round trip.