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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Denali National Park and the Arctic Circle with Alaska Railroad

Independent Alaska Railroad trip from Anchorage via Denali to the Arctic Circle

Illustration of Denali National Park and the Arctic Circle with Alaska Railroad

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with Denali National Park and the Arctic Circle along the way. After an included trolley tour of Anchorage, taking in Lake Hood and Earthquake Park, travelers board the Alaska Railroad for the ride to Denali, crossing the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop before Denali rises above the Susitna River. A full two-night stay allows a full-day guided tour deep into the park, through forest and tundra, past wild rivers and glaciers, watching for the Big Five. The Denali Star train then continues north along Healy Canyon and the Nenana River to Fairbanks for two more nights, including a day trip that travels the Dalton Highway by road into the Arctic Circle, passing the Trans Alaska Pipeline and views of the Yukon River. With two nights at each of the three stops, the pace is unhurried. Railbookers offers 16 accommodation options across Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers offers 16 accommodation options across Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, so the final hotel at each stop depends on the tier chosen at booking rather than being fixed in advance.
  • The day trip to the Arctic Circle travels the Dalton Highway by road, not by rail, so it is a long coach excursion rather than part of the train journey.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Your Journey Begins in Anchorage

    Welcome to Anchorage! Drop off your luggage at your hotel and head out to explore Anchorage.

  2. Day 2overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    On your included trolley tour today you will learn about Anchorage's history and culture. Visit Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base, Earthquake Park and more.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Depart Anchorage this morning for a scenic journey on Alaska Railroad. The train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop, travels through backcountry Alaska and passes remote cabins before views of Denali rise over the Susitna River. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel and settle in for a 2 night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    On your full day tour into the heart of Denali, you'll travel through the forest and tundra, see the wild rivers and glaciers, and learn what makes this an amazing Alaskan landscape. You'll be sure to see some wildlife on your tour with 39 species of mammals in the park including the big five, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Explore Denali at your leisure or relax at your hotel soaking in the beauty of Alaska's wilderness. Later this afternoon, board Alaska Railroad for the journey north winding along Healy Canyon, following the curves of the Nenana River below, as you make your way to Fairbanks.

  6. Day 6overnight: Fairbanks

    Day Trip to The Arctic Circle

    Spend the day venturing north to Alaska's untouched landscapes at the Arctic Circle. On your tour will learn about the Trans Alaska Pipeline, look down upon the Yukon River, travel along the Dalton Highway, search for Alaskan wildlife and more.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Fairbanks

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Alaska Railroad crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop on the way to Denali, with views of Denali rising above the Susitna River.
  • Day 4A full-day tour into the heart of Denali passes through forest and tundra, with wild rivers, glaciers, and wildlife including the Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears.
  • Day 5The Denali Star train winds along Healy Canyon and follows the curves of the Nenana River on the way north to Fairbanks.
  • Day 6A day trip crosses into the Arctic Circle, taking in the Trans Alaska Pipeline, views down onto the Yukon River, and the Dalton Highway.

Included

  • One-way Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Anchorage to Denali and Denali to Fairbanks
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 2 meals included (2 lunches)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. One-way Alaska Railroad in Adventure Class from Anchorage to Denali and Denali to Fairbanks, on the Denali Star.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, with guided tours included in Anchorage, at Denali National Park, and on the Arctic Circle day trip.
How do you reach the Arctic Circle?
By a day trip on the Dalton Highway, a road journey rather than rail, crossing into the Arctic Circle and taking in the Trans Alaska Pipeline and Yukon River views.
What hotels are included?
Six nights of hotel accommodations, chosen from 16 options across Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks.
What is included in the price?
One-way Alaska Railroad travel from Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks, 6 nights of hotel accommodations, and 2 lunches.
How much does this trip cost?
From $1,879 per person (USD).

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