Alaska Railroad · Rail & fly-drive package

Arctic Circle Adventure

Six-day Alaska rail and fly-drive trip to the Arctic Circle

Alaska Railroad's Arctic Circle Adventure is a six-day rail and fly-drive package that starts in Anchorage and travels north to a remote community above the Arctic Circle. Day 1 is free to explore Anchorage, with optional flightseeing or a musk ox farm visit. Day 2 rides the Aurora Winter Train the full route to Fairbanks. From there, the Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure with Northern Alaska Tour Company crosses the Yukon River and follows the Dalton Highway, which parallels the trans-Alaska pipeline, to two nights in the Brooks Mountain Range, known for northern lights viewing, with optional dog sledding or snowshoeing. Day 5 returns to Fairbanks by scenic flight over remote landscapes, and day 6 is free to explore Fairbanks before flying back to Anchorage. Meals and optional tours are not included. This trip suits travellers who want to see a part of Alaska well north of the road system, more than those looking for an all-rail itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals and optional tours, such as the dog sled ride or snowshoeing, are not included in the package price.
  • Only one Aurora Winter Train rail leg is included, from Anchorage to Fairbanks on day 2; the rest of the trip travels by van and small plane.

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 2The Aurora Winter Train carries travellers the full route from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
  • Day 3The Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure crosses the Yukon River and continues north on the Dalton Highway, which parallels the trans-Alaska pipeline, to two nights in the Brooks Mountain Range.
  • Day 4A second night in the Brooks Mountain Range continues the search for northern lights, with optional dog sledding or snowshoeing.
  • Day 5A scenic flight returns from Coldfoot to Fairbanks, passing over some of the most remote landscapes in the nation.

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?
One rail leg is included, the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks on day 2; the rest of the trip travels by van and small plane.
What is the main highlight?
Two nights based in the Brooks Mountain Range near Coldfoot, reached by the Dalton Highway across the Yukon River, for northern lights viewing.
Are meals included?
No, meals are not included.
What optional activities are available?
Dog sled rides and snowshoeing in the Brooks Mountain Range, plus flightseeing or a musk ox farm visit in Anchorage.
How much does it cost?
Starting at 2,059 USD per person.
When does this trip run?
The evidence categorizes it as a Winter Package but does not state specific months or dates.

Similar journeys, different answers