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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge

Six-day Alaska expedition: train to Fairbanks, flight to Arctic lodge, aurora viewing.

Illustration of Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge

Vacations By Rail combines rail and Arctic adventure on this 6-day expedition to see the aurora borealis. The journey starts in Anchorage, where you board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train bound for Fairbanks, traveling through mountains and Alaskan wilderness with meals and refreshments in the Wilderness Cafe. From Fairbanks, a scenic flight carries you across the Yukon River and over the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge, your basecamp for two nights of aurora viewing. At the lodge, which has a homey atmosphere and friendly staff, you have free time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities, with nightly communal bonfires as you watch for the northern lights. This trip suits independent travelers seeking Arctic adventure and aurora photography, as well as couples and repeat rail travelers who want to combine scenic train travel with a remote wilderness experience. The package includes accommodation, the train fare, flights to the lodge, meals, and Arctic gear.

What to know before you look closer

  • Aurora viewing is not guaranteed; one reviewer noted the northern lights did not appear but other activities proved enjoyable.
  • Most meals are included, but the number of included meals (five) is modest for a 6-day trip; check what meals are provided on each day.
  • Day 5 transfer from the Fairbanks airport to the hotel is independent, not arranged by the operator.
  • Several winter activities at Bettles Lodge, including dog-sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and flightseeing, incur additional charges.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Arrive in Anchorage

    Flight lands in Anchorage; transfer to a centrally located hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring, perhaps the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or the downtown district.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fairbanks

    Anchorage to Fairbanks

    Board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with refreshments and hot/cold dishes available in the Wilderness Cafe. Transfer to hotel on arrival in Fairbanks this evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: Bettles Lodge

    Bettles Lodge Aurora Viewing

    Scenic flight from Fairbanks across the Yukon River and over the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge, followed by a guided tour of Bettles Village. Free time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling or ice fishing, with evening communal bonfires and aurora viewing.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bettles Lodge

    Bettles Lodge Aurora Viewing

    Continued stay at Bettles Lodge with free time for winter activities and aurora viewing each evening.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Return to Fairbanks

    Breakfast at the lodge, then check out and fly back to Fairbanks. Transfer independently to the Fairbanks hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, touring museums, downtown public art, or breweries.

  6. Day 6

    Depart Fairbanks

    Check out of the hotel and transfer to Fairbanks International Airport for the return flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with refreshments and hot and cold dishes available in the Wilderness Cafe.
  • Day 3Scenic flight from Fairbanks across the Yukon River and over the Arctic Circle to Bettles Lodge, followed by a guided tour of Bettles Village.
  • Day 3Evening communal bonfires at Bettles Lodge with aurora viewing and free time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, or ice fishing.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 5 nights, including 2 nights at Bettles Lodge
  • Rail travel on the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train
  • Roundtrip flights between Fairbanks and Bettles Lodge
  • 5 meals
  • Cross country skiing (ski boots, skis, and poles included)
  • Guided snowshoe excursions (snowshoes included)
  • Arctic gear: parkas, snow pants, snow boots, mittens, face masks, and hats

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Optional activities at Bettles Lodge available at additional cost: Alaskan husky sled dog ride, ice fishing, snowmobiling, flightseeing (flightseeing only available starting in February)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, plus roundtrip flights between Fairbanks and Bettles Lodge, are included in the from-price of USD 3,395.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Vacations By Rail describes it as an independent rail vacation where you travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary. There is a guided tour of Bettles Village on day 3, but most of your time at the lodge is free.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks, and Bettles Lodge (two nights) in Bettles, a village just past the Arctic Circle.
What activities are included at Bettles Lodge?
Free time for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and evening aurora viewing around communal bonfires. Cross-country skis, snowshoes, and Arctic gear (parkas, snow pants, boots, mittens, face masks, hats) are provided. Dog-sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and flightseeing are available at extra cost.
When does this trip operate?
January, February, and March.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
Days 3 and 4 at Bettles Lodge offer self-directed snowshoeing and optional winter activities. The trip involves travel in extreme cold and Arctic terrain; fitness for winter outdoor activity is required.

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