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Alaska Railroad · Rail vacation package

Alaska's National Parks by Rail

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

Illustration of Alaska's National Parks by Rail

Alaska Railroad's seven-day National Parks by Rail package begins in Fairbanks and ends in Seward, threading three named trains through two of Alaska's most celebrated wilderness areas. On day two, the Denali Star Train carries you north to Denali National Park, where a guided 5-hour bus tour penetrates 43 miles of the park road and a dinner theater rounds out the evening. Day five offers a fly-out bear viewing excursion to Chinitna Bay. The Glacier Discovery Train on day six takes you to Spencer Glacier for an iceberg float on the Placer River. The signature experience is day seven: the Coastal Classic Train descends to Seward, and from there a cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park showcases hanging glaciers, marine wildlife, and lunch. This trip suits families, photographers, and rail enthusiasts seeking a mix of guided exploration and independent leisure time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package includes three separate train segments and two fly-out excursions; confirm exact inclusions and which activities require separate booking

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 2Ride the Denali Star Train to Denali National Park and watch for views of Denali and wildlife from your seat
  • Day 3A 5-hour Tundra Wilderness Tour bus covers the first 43 miles of Denali Park Road with an interpretive guide
  • Day 6Float among icebergs at Spencer Glacier on a guided raft tour, then return by train to Portage
  • Day 7The Coastal Classic Train carries you to Seward for a cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park to see hanging glaciers, sea otters, and sea lions

Questions travellers ask

Which trains does Alaska Railroad operate on this trip?
The Denali Star Train (Fairbanks to Denali and Denali to Anchorage), the Glacier Discovery Train (to Spencer Glacier), and the Coastal Classic Train (Anchorage to Seward and Seward back to Anchorage).
What are the two main national parks on this itinerary?
Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. Denali is explored by train and a guided wilderness bus tour; Kenai Fjords is visited by rail and a cruise.
Is the bear viewing included or an optional add-on?
The evidence lists bear viewing in Chinitna Bay as a highlight and day-five activity, but does not confirm whether it is included or an optional excursion.
How many nights does this trip run?
Seven nights, arriving in Fairbanks on day one and departing Anchorage on the evening of day seven.
What are the two service tiers and their starting prices?
Adventure Class starts at $4,335 USD and GoldStar Service at $4,965 USD per person.
What is included in the day-seven Kenai Fjords cruise?
A cruise to see hanging and tidewater glaciers, sea otters, sea lions, and possibly whales; lunch is included.

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