Alaska Railroad · Rail vacation package

Alaska's National Parks by Rail

Seven-day Alaska Railroad rail trip through Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks

Alaska Railroad's Alaska's National Parks by Rail is a seven-day trip built around Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park, running from Fairbanks to Seward. The trip rides the Denali Star, Glacier Discovery and Coastal Classic Trains, with day 1 in Fairbanks and the morning of day 4 in Denali left at your leisure. Day 2 travels to Denali National Park with views of Denali and a chance of wildlife sightings, and day 3 spends five hours on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, with a guide interpreting the park's history, flora and fauna. Day 5 is a fly-out bear viewing excursion to Chinitna Bay, day 6 stops at the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for an iceberg float on the Placer River, and day 7 closes with a full day cruising Kenai Fjords National Park past hanging and tidewater glaciers, sea otters and sea lions, lunch included. This trip suits travellers whose main interest is Alaska's national parks and the wildlife and glaciers within them.

What to know before you look closer

  • No hotels are named anywhere in the evidence for this seven-night trip.
  • Day 7 is a long day: an early train to Seward, a full day cruising Kenai Fjords National Park, and an evening train departure back to Anchorage.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairbanks

    Arrive in Fairbanks. Book an excursion, or explore shops, museums and restaurants at your leisure.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Denali

    Take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Later, enjoy an evening of rip-roarin' entertainment and hearty grub at a local dinner theater.

  3. Day 3overnight: Denali

    Embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a 5-hour bus tour of the first 43 miles of the famed Denali Park Road. Your guide will interpret the history, flora and fauna of the area.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Anchorage

    The morning is at your leisure before your journey back to Anchorage on the Denali Star Train.

  5. Day 5overnight: Anchorage

    See wild Alaska brown bears in their natural habitat of Chinitna Bay on a fly-out bear viewing excursion.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Anchorage

    Travel via the Glacier Discovery Train to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Float among the icebergs at Spencer Glacier and down the Placer River. A short train ride to Portage follows the float tour, followed by motorcoach transfer from Portage to Anchorage.

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart early on the Coastal Classic Train to Seward. Upon arrival, cruise Kenai Fjords National Park. See hanging and tidewater glaciers, sea otters, sea lions and perhaps even a whale. Lunch included. Evening train departure to Anchorage.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Denali Star Train travels to Denali National Park with views of Denali and a chance to spot wildlife along the way.
  • Day 3The Tundra Wilderness Tour spends 5 hours on the first 43 miles of Denali Park Road, with a guide interpreting the area's history, flora and fauna.
  • Day 5A fly-out excursion reaches Chinitna Bay to view wild Alaska brown bears in their natural habitat.
  • Day 6The Glacier Discovery Train reaches the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for a float trip among icebergs on the Placer River.
  • Day 7The Coastal Classic Train reaches Seward for a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise past hanging and tidewater glaciers, sea otters and sea lions, with lunch included.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, the Denali Star, Glacier Discovery and Coastal Classic Trains connect Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Anchorage and Seward.
What wildlife and national park experiences are included?
The Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park, a fly-out bear viewing excursion at Chinitna Bay, and a Kenai Fjords National Park glacier cruise with lunch included.
Is it escorted or independent?
The evidence does not mention a tour director; day 1 in Fairbanks and the morning of day 4 in Denali are left at your leisure.
How much does it cost?
Adventure Class starts at 4,335 USD per person; GoldStar Service starts at 4,965 USD.
What hotels are used?
The evidence does not name any hotels for this trip.
How long is the last day?
Day 7 starts with an early Coastal Classic Train to Seward, includes a full day cruising Kenai Fjords National Park, and ends with an evening train departure back to Anchorage.

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