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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Aurora Viewing at Chena Hot Springs

Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs for Northern Lights

Illustration of Aurora Viewing at Chena Hot Springs

Vacations By Rail's six-day aurora expedition takes you from Anchorage into Alaska's interior on the Alaska Railroad, one of North America's most scenic train routes. You travel independently, meaning the itinerary is yours to shape: spend Day 1 exploring Anchorage's museums and downtown, then board the Denali Star for an all-day ride to Fairbanks with Vista Dome Car views. Days 3 and 4 center on Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you soak in mineral-heated waters by day and board an Aurora Viewing Snow Coach to chase the Northern Lights by night. Day 5 returns you to Fairbanks for optional exploring before an evening dinner in an authentic Alaskan yurt, where you watch for auroras under the winter sky. The trip suits independent travellers and couples who want structure without constant guidance, and photographers seeking multiple nights to capture the Northern Lights. Departures run January through March.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange these separately.
  • The trip is independent, not escorted; you navigate between activities and transfers on your own.
  • Northern Lights visibility cannot be guaranteed, though Fairbanks offers statistically strong viewing chances in winter months.
  • Some activities like the Ice Museum, dog sledding, and snowmachine tours require payment on site or as a supplement.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Arriving in Anchorage

    Transfer independently to your hotel and spend the day getting acquainted with Anchorage - a sightseeing trolley, the Anchorage Museum, downtown shops, galleries and microbreweries are all options.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fairbanks

    To Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad

    Board the Alaska Railroad for the full-day journey to Fairbanks, with access to the train's Vista Dome Car, stopping at Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali en route. Transfer to hotel on arrival, free evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort

    Aurora spotting at Chena Hot Springs

    Leisurely morning in Fairbanks before a mid-day transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort, around 60 miles away. Relax in the hot springs, then board the Aurora Viewing Snow Coach, a tracked military-style vehicle, to chase the Northern Lights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Chena Hot Springs Resort

    A relaxing resort day and Northern Lights viewing

    A full day at Chena Hot Springs Resort to relax in the rock lake hot springs, indoor pool or hot tubs, or visit the Ice Museum (admission on site); optional dog sledding and guided snowmachine sightseeing available at a supplement. Explore the grounds in the evening for Northern Lights viewing.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Exploring Fairbanks and an Aurora viewing dinner

    Transfer back to Fairbanks with the day free to explore downtown shops, galleries and museums. In the evening, a dinner experience in an Alaskan yurt away from the city lights, with Northern Lights viewing indoors and outdoors.

  6. Day 6rail

    Tour conclusion

    Check out of the Fairbanks hotel; free to transfer to the airport independently, or extend the stay in Fairbanks via a Rail Specialist.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2All-day journey on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks aboard the Denali Star/Aurora Winter Train, with Vista Dome Car access and stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali.
  • Day 3Afternoon transfer to Chena Hot Springs Resort followed by your first Aurora Viewing Snow Coach chase in a tracked military-style vehicle.
  • Day 4Full day to relax in the resort's rock lake hot springs and indoor pool, with optional dog sledding or guided snowmachine tours, then evening Northern Lights viewing.
  • Day 5Evening dinner experience in an authentic Alaskan yurt away from city lights, with Northern Lights viewing indoors and outdoors.

Included

  • 5 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Adventure Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 1 dinner
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, Vacations By Rail includes Adventure Class rail travel on the Alaska Railroad and all coach transfers throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Independent. You travel on your own following a planned itinerary, with free time in Anchorage and Fairbanks to explore at your own pace.
Which train do I ride?
The Alaska Railroad's Denali Star or Aurora Winter Train, traveling Anchorage to Fairbanks with Vista Dome Car access and stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali.
Where do I stay?
Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage for one night, then Chena Hot Springs Resort for two nights, and back in Fairbanks for two nights.
When does this tour run?
January, February, and March.
What is included in the price?
Five nights' hotel accommodation, Adventure Class rail travel, all rail and coach transfers, one yurt dinner with Northern Lights viewing, and all guided tours and excursions.

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