Alaska Railroad · Scenic day train

Denali Star Train

Alaska Railroad's flagship summer day train between Anchorage and Fairbanks

The Denali Star Train is Alaska Railroad's flagship summer service linking Anchorage and Fairbanks, a 356-mile, 12-hour journey with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park. The route crosses two of Alaska's geographic regions, Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop, and just south of Talkeetna there are views of Denali rising above the Susitna River on clear days. North of Talkeetna the tracks leave the road system for the backcountry Hurricane area, crossing Hurricane Gulch on a 296-foot bridge, then continuing through Broad Pass and Healy Canyon along the Nenana River. Seating is GoldStar Service or Adventure Class. This is a standalone scenic train rather than a packaged vacation, suited to travellers building their own Alaska itinerary who want the Anchorage-to-Fairbanks leg by rail.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator publishes no day-by-day itinerary for this route, only the stops and scenic highlights along the way.
  • Views of Denali depend on clear weather; the evidence describes them as visible 'on a clear day,' not guaranteed every trip.

Questions travellers ask

Is this a scenic day train or a full vacation package?
A standalone scenic day train running between Anchorage and Fairbanks; it is not a multi-day package.
Which train and class?
The Denali Star Train, with GoldStar Service or Adventure Class seating.
How long is the journey?
356 miles and about 12 hours between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
What stops does it make?
Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
What can you see along the way?
The Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop, views of Denali on clear days, Hurricane Gulch on a 296-foot bridge, and Broad Pass and Healy Canyon along the Nenana River.
When does it run?
The evidence describes it as a summer route, departing every morning northbound from Anchorage and the reverse southbound from Fairbanks, without stating specific dates.

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