Alaska Railroad
Adventure Class
Alaska rail fare class with picture windows across six scenic routes
price on request
100% rail
Alaska Railroad · Scenic rail route
Aurora Winter Train
Winter rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks across Alaska backcountry
The Aurora Winter Train is a 12-hour scenic rail journey operated by the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Running on weekends from mid-September through mid-May, the train travels through Alaska's remote backcountry, stopping in Wasilla and Talkeetna before providing flagstop service across 50 miles of roadless terrain south of Hurricane Gulch. Passengers ride in heated Adventure Class railcars with large picture windows and onboard dining. On clear days, Denali rises above the Susitna River. The route appeals to first-time rail travellers and photographers seeking a single-day or round-trip rail experience, with optional add-on tours available in Talkeetna and Fairbanks for those extending their stay.
What to know before you look closer
- The operator publishes no day-by-day itinerary for this package; confirm detailed route and timing with Alaska Railroad before booking.
- Clear-day Denali views are weather-dependent and not guaranteed.
- This is a one-way or round-trip rail journey, not a multi-day escorted package; accommodation in Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Talkeetna is booked separately.
Questions travellers ask
- When does the Aurora Winter Train run?
- The Alaska Railroad operates the train on weekends from mid-September to mid-May, as well as select mid-week departures. Saturday departures travel northbound from Anchorage to Fairbanks; Sunday returns travel southbound.
- What is included on the train?
- Passengers travel in Adventure Class railcars with comfortable heated seats, large picture windows, and onboard dining. The 12-hour journey includes stops in Wasilla and Talkeetna, plus flagstop service across 50 miles of roadless backcountry.
- Can I see Denali from the train?
- On clear days, passengers have views of Denali above the Susitna River. Visibility depends on weather and seasonal conditions.
- What activities are available in addition to the train ride?
- The Alaska Railroad offers optional add-on tours, including guided dog sledding in Talkeetna and winter Denali flightseeing. The train also connects to rail-fly packages.
- What class of service is offered?
- The Aurora Winter Train operates Adventure Class service with comfortable seating, large windows, and onboard dining.
