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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Denali National Park Express with Alaska Railroad Northbound

Independent Alaska Railroad trip from Anchorage through Denali to Fairbanks

Illustration of Denali National Park Express with Alaska Railroad Northbound

Railbookers runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with two nights in Denali National Park along the way. After an included scenic tour of Anchorage, taking in Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base, travelers board the Alaska Railroad for the ride to Denali, with views of Denali rising above the Susitna River. A full-day guided tour then goes deep into the park, through forest and tundra, past wild rivers and glaciers, watching for wildlife including the Big Five. The Denali Star train continues north along Healy Canyon and the Nenana River to Fairbanks, the town known for its Gold Rush, where a free day allows a stroll along the Chena River and visits to art galleries and shops selling Alaska Native art and jewelry. With two nights at each of the three stops, the pace is unhurried. Railbookers offers 16 accommodation options across Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, so the exact hotel depends on the tier chosen at booking.

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.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Your Journey Begins in Anchorage

    After arrival in Anchorage, check into your hotel and drop off your luggage so you can begin exploring.

  2. Day 2overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Today, enjoy a guided 15-mile scenic tour through Anchorage and learn about its history and the culture. Be sure to check out Lake Hood, the world's busiest seaplane base, and watch them take off and land.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Take a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad as you travel to Denali National Park. When stunning views of Denali rising above the Susitna River come into sight, you know you are getting close!

  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

    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

    Fairbanks, AK

    Today you can explore Fairbanks at your leisure. Take a stroll along the Chena River, visit one of the many art galleries filled with paintings and pottery or check out some of the shops with Alaska Native art and jewelry.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Fairbanks

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Alaska Railroad's scenic ride to Denali reveals 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.
  • Day 5The Denali Star train winds along Healy Canyon and follows the curves of the Nenana River on the way north to Fairbanks.
  • Day 6Free time in Fairbanks allows a stroll along the Chena River and visits to art galleries and shops selling Alaska Native art and jewelry.

Included

  • One-way Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Anchorage to Denali and Denali to Fairbanks
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal included (1 lunch)

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 on select days in Anchorage and Denali National Park; day 6 in Fairbanks is unguided free time.
What hotels are included?
Six nights of hotel accommodations, chosen from 16 options across Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks.
What is there to do in Fairbanks?
A free day to stroll the Chena River, visit art galleries, and browse shops with Alaska Native art and jewelry.
What wildlife might you see?
Denali National Park is home to 39 species of mammals, including the Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and grizzly bears.
How much does this trip cost?
From $1,879 per person (USD).

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