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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks Express with Alaska Railroad

Independent Alaska Railroad express linking Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks

Illustration of Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks Express with Alaska Railroad

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation that begins and ends in Anchorage and combines two of Alaska's national parks. After a guided tour of Anchorage, travelers board the Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic, ranked among National Geographic Traveler's Top Ten Train Rides in North America, for the ride to Seward on Resurrection Bay. From there, a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park passes mountains, glaciers, remote islands, and wildlife before the train returns travelers to Anchorage for the night. The Alaska Railroad then carries travelers north past the Alaska Range to Denali National Park, where a guided tour stops at the Polychrome Overlook and Wonder Lake for views of Denali itself. Because most stops last a single night, from Anchorage to Seward to Anchorage to Talkeetna to Denali and back, this suits travelers who want to cover more ground and see two national parks rather than settle into one place. Railbookers offers 15 accommodation options across the route, so specific hotels depend on the tier chosen at booking.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers offers 15 accommodation options across Anchorage and Seward, so the final hotel at each stop depends on the tier chosen at booking rather than being fixed in advance.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Your Journey Begins in Anchorage

    Welcome to Anchorage! Check into your hotel. Guided 15-mile scenic tour through Anchorage and its history and culture.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Seward

    Seward, AK

    Board Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic train from Anchorage to Seward, ranked among National Geographic Traveler's Top Ten Train Rides in North America. Explore Seward on the shores of Resurrection Bay.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Anchorage

    Kenai Fjords National Park

    Cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park - mountains, glaciers, remote islands and wildlife. Travel by train back to Anchorage for the night.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Talkeetna

    Denali National Park, AK

    Picturesque ride on Alaska Railroad to Denali, past the backcountry and the Alaska Range, with views of Denali above the Susitna River.

  5. Day 5overnight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Tour of Denali National Park - the Polychrome Overlook and Wonder Lake, offering some of the best views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Board Alaska Railroad once more for the journey back to Anchorage.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Anchorage

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic train, ranked among National Geographic Traveler's Top Ten Train Rides in North America, carries travelers from Anchorage to Seward.
  • Day 3A cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park passes mountains, glaciers, remote islands, and wildlife.
  • Day 4A scenic Alaska Railroad ride to Denali passes the backcountry and the Alaska Range, with views of Denali rising above the Susitna River.
  • Day 5A tour of Denali National Park stops at the Polychrome Overlook and Wonder Lake for some of the best views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Included

  • Roundtrip Alaska Railroad in Adventure Class accommodations from Anchorage to Seward and Anchorage to Denali, and Denali to Anchorage
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 2 meals included (2 lunches)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Roundtrip Alaska Railroad in Adventure Class covers Anchorage to Seward and Anchorage to Denali and back.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with guided tours included, rather than a fully escorted tour.
Which trains are used?
The Alaska Railroad, including the Coastal Classic route to Seward, in Adventure Class.
What else is included besides the train?
A cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, 6 nights of hotel accommodations, and 2 lunches.
What hotels are included?
Chosen from 15 accommodation options across Anchorage and Seward, including the Hilton Anchorage and Windsong Lodge in Seward.
How much does this trip cost?
From $3,449 per person (USD).

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