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Alaska Railroad · Scenic day train

Denali Star Train

Scenic Alaska rail journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks in one day.

Illustration of Denali Star Train

Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train is a 12-hour scenic day train running between Anchorage and Fairbanks during summer months. The 356-mile route includes stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park, passing through two of Alaska's geographic regions: Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Passengers travel in GoldStar Service or Adventure Class and witness the Chugach Mountains, the Knik River, remote cabins in the backcountry, and, on clear days, Denali rising above the landscape. The train crosses Hurricane Gulch on a 296-foot bridge and follows the Nenana River through Broad Pass and Healy Canyon. This one-way journey suits first-time rail travellers, photographers, and anyone seeking a focused Alaskan experience without overnight commitments.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a one-way day journey; returning from Fairbanks requires a separate booking or alternative transport.
  • Views of Denali depend on clear weather; the mountain is not guaranteed.
  • The operator publishes no detailed meal or service inclusions for this package; confirm what is provided in your ticket class before boarding.

Questions travellers ask

How long is the Denali Star Train journey?
The train travels 356 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks in 12 hours.
What will I see on the train?
On clear days, passengers see Denali (the tallest mountain in North America), the Chugach Mountains, the Knik River, the Indian River, and Hurricane Gulch on a 296-foot bridge. The train also passes through Broad Pass and Healy Canyon along the Nenana River.
What class of service is available?
Alaska Railroad offers GoldStar Service or Adventure Class.
What are the stops on this route?
The train stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park between Anchorage and Fairbanks.

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