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Alaska Railroad · Rail & fly-drive package

Arctic Circle Adventure

Six-day Alaska rail and fly-drive journey to the Arctic Circle for northern lights.

Illustration of Arctic Circle Adventure

Alaska Railroad's six-day Arctic Circle Adventure combines the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks with a remote expedition to Coldfoot, above the Arctic Circle. After a day to explore Anchorage, you board the Aurora Winter Train for the scenic overnight journey to Fairbanks. From there, a coach takes you north along the Dalton Highway, crossing the Yukon River and skirting the trans-Alaska pipeline into the Brooks Mountain Range. You spend two nights at Coldfoot Camp, positioned for northern lights viewing with optional dog sledding and snowshoeing. A scenic flight returns you to Fairbanks for a final day before flying back to Anchorage. This package suits independent explorers and photographers drawn to Alaska's winter landscape and the chance to see the aurora above some of the continent's most remote terrain.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals are not included; plan to budget separately for food in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Coldfoot.
  • Optional activities such as dog sledding and snowshoeing are booked and paid for separately; confirm availability with the operator.
  • The trip combines rail, coach, and air segments; only one full day of rail travel is included on the Aurora Winter Train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Friday

    Arrive in Anchorage. Spend the day exploring; opt to go flightseeing over the Chugach Range, visit a musk ox farm, or enjoy fine dining, shopping and numerous galleries.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fairbanks

    Saturday

    Board the Aurora Winter Train for Fairbanks.

  3. Day 3overnight: Coldfoot (Brooks Mountain Range)

    Sunday

    Depart on the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company. Cross the mighty Yukon River as you continue north on the Dalton Highway, which at times parallels the trans-Alaska pipeline. Spend two nights in the Brooks Mountain Range, known for phenomenal northern lights viewing. Ask about optional tours, including a dog sled ride or snowshoeing.

  4. Day 4overnight: Coldfoot (Brooks Mountain Range)

    Monday

    Continue the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company, based two nights in the Brooks Mountain Range for phenomenal northern lights viewing. Ask about optional tours, including a dog sled ride or snowshoeing.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Tuesday

    Return to Fairbanks on a scenic flight, savoring aerial views of some of the most remote landscapes in the nation.

  6. Day 6

    Wednesday

    Take time to explore Fairbanks - the acclaimed University of Alaska Museum of the North is a popular choice. Return flight back to Anchorage.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, riding across Alaska's interior.
  • Day 3Cross the Yukon River on the Dalton Highway while viewing the trans-Alaska pipeline, arriving at Coldfoot in the Brooks Mountain Range for two nights of northern lights viewing.
  • Day 5Return to Fairbanks by scenic flight, viewing remote landscapes from the air.

Included

  • One night's accommodations in Anchorage
  • Rail transportation Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • Two nights' accommodations in Fairbanks
  • Flight from Coldfoot to Fairbanks
  • Two nights' accommodations in Coldfoot
  • Van transportation from Fairbanks to Coldfoot
  • Flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage

Not included

  • Meals
  • Optional tours

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, the price includes rail transportation from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Aurora Winter Train, plus van transport from Fairbanks to Coldfoot and return flights.
Which train operates this tour?
The Aurora Winter Train, operated by Alaska Railroad, runs the Anchorage to Fairbanks segment on Day 2.
What accommodations are included?
One night in Anchorage, two nights in Fairbanks, and two nights at Coldfoot Camp in the Brooks Mountain Range.
What is the main activity at Coldfoot?
Two nights based at Coldfoot in the Brooks Mountain Range, positioned for northern lights viewing. Optional dog sledding and snowshoeing tours can be arranged.
Are meals included?
No, meals are not included and must be arranged and paid for separately.

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