Alaska Railroad · Scenic day train

Glacier Discovery Train

Scenic summer day train from Anchorage to Grandview via Spencer Glacier

Alaska Railroad's Glacier Discovery Train runs each summer from Anchorage to Grandview, sharing much of its route with the Coastal Classic before turning off toward Whittier. Riding Adventure Class, travelers pass through the resort town of Girdwood, then through a mountain tunnel to the port town of Whittier, where the train connects to glacier and wildlife cruises in Prince William Sound. At Portage, riders can disembark for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Further on, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop is a rail-only backcountry stop developed with the U.S. Forest Service, offering a 1.3-mile trail to Spencer Lake and optional rafting, hiking and kayaking booked as separate day trips. The route continues along the Placer River Valley and the alpine meadows around Grandview, considered one of the most scenic stretches of the line. A motorcoach transfer from Portage back to Anchorage is available for those who want to save time. This suits travelers who want more stops and options than a standard point-to-point ride offers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence describes this as a summer train and gives no specific operating dates or current fares; confirm the season and pricing with Alaska Railroad.
  • Rafting, hiking and kayaking at Spencer Glacier are offered as separate day trips, not included in the train fare itself.
  • A motorcoach transfer option from Portage back to Girdwood or Anchorage is available and saves about 2.5 hours, so not every traveler needs to ride the train the full round trip.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Transport for this trip is rail only, running from Anchorage to Grandview and back.
What stops does the train make?
Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, and the turnaround point at Grandview.
Can you do more than ride the train?
Yes. Whittier connects to glacier and wildlife cruises in Prince William Sound, Portage allows a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Spencer Glacier offers a 1.3-mile trail plus optional rafting, hiking and kayaking, all booked as separate day trips.
Is there a faster way back?
Yes, a motorcoach transfer from Portage back to Girdwood or Anchorage is offered, saving about 2.5 hours compared with riding the train the whole way.
When does this train run?
The evidence describes it as a summer train; exact dates are not given, so confirm the current season schedule with Alaska Railroad.

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