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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights

Seven-day Alaskan rail journey chasing Northern Lights from Anchorage to Fairbanks

Illustration of Northern Lights & Alaska Highlights

Vacations By Rail's Northern Lights and Alaska Highlights is a 7-day independent rail vacation starting in Anchorage and ending in Chena Hot Springs, with most of the week based in Fairbanks. The centerpiece is a full day aboard the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, traveling north from Anchorage through the Alaskan interior, passing the Denali wilderness and Hurricane Gulch. Upon arrival in Fairbanks, you have unguided free time to explore the city and multiple evenings to hunt for the Northern Lights, with a choice of optional tours including Arctic Circle viewing, Aurora Ice Fishing, and an evening visit to Chena Hot Springs resort. Day 6 offers an immersive dog sledding experience in the Fairbanks wilderness. The package includes six nights in mid-range hotels, Adventure Class rail travel, and all guided excursions and coach transfers. This trip suits independent travelers comfortable navigating cities on their own, couples seeking a mix of shared activities and personal exploration, and aurora hunters willing to try several viewing opportunities across different landscapes and conditions.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of $2,695 covers the package; flights to Anchorage are not included and must be booked separately.
  • This is an independent tour with unguided days; you navigate Anchorage on arrival and Fairbanks on Days 3, 4, and 5 on your own.
  • Northern Lights viewing is never guaranteed due to weather and natural conditions; the tour includes multiple viewing opportunities but cannot promise sightings.
  • The Aurora Winter Train runs Day 2 only; most of the week is spent in or around Fairbanks.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Arriving in Anchorage

    Arrive in Anchorage and make your own way to your hotel to check in for the night, with the remainder of the day at leisure to sightsee at your own pace.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Fairbanks

    Boarding the Alaska Railroad to Fairbanks

    Make your own way to Anchorage's train station to join the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train for a full day of travel to Fairbanks, passing Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, Hurricane Gulch, Healy and Nenana.

  3. Day 3overnight: Fairbanks

    Exploring Fairbanks by day and the Northern Lights by night

    A free day to explore Fairbanks, followed by a choice of Northern Lights excursion this evening: Aurora Ice Fishing or the Arctic Circle Northern Lights Tour.

  4. Day 4overnight: Fairbanks

    A night at Chena Hot Springs

    A free day in Fairbanks followed by an excursion to Chena Hot Springs resort to explore the Aurora Ice Museum and mineral baths and look for the Northern Lights.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks and Northern Lights viewing your way

    Another free day to explore Fairbanks, followed by a choice of evening excursion: the Aurora Viewing Lodge Tour or Murphy Dome Aurora Viewing.

  6. Day 6overnight: Fairbanks

    Dog sledding in the Fairbanks wilderness

    Meet a team of sled dogs and a musher in Fairbanks, learn about the sport, then take the reins yourself for an hour-long ride along untamed trails.

  7. Day 7

    Tour Conclusion

    Check out of your hotel and enjoy a complimentary transfer to Fairbanks International Airport to begin your travels home independently.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Board the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train in Anchorage and travel north through the day, passing through Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, Hurricane Gulch, Healy, and Nenana en route to Fairbanks.
  • Day 3Day 3: Choose between Aurora Ice Fishing or the Arctic Circle Northern Lights Tour in the evening to search for the Northern Lights.
  • Day 4Day 4: Visit Chena Hot Springs resort, explore the Aurora Ice Museum, soak in mineral baths, and watch for Northern Lights.
  • Day 6Day 6: Meet a team of sled dogs and a musher in the Fairbanks wilderness, learn about dog sledding, and ride the reins yourself for one hour along untamed trails.

Included

  • 6 nights' hotel accommodation
  • Adventure Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Adventure Class rail travel on the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, plus all rail and coach travel throughout the tour, is included in the from-price of $2,695.
Is this tour guided or independent?
Vacations By Rail describes it as independent. You make your own way to the hotel on Day 1, to the train station on Day 2, and have free time to explore Fairbanks on Days 3, 4, and 5. Evening Northern Lights excursions and the dog sledding experience are guided.
Which train is used?
The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, which runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks, passing Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali, Hurricane Gulch, Healy, and Nenana.
Which hotels are included?
One night at Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage and five nights at Pike's Waterfront Lodge in Fairbanks.
What is not included?
Flights to and from Alaska, airport transfers, cancellation and travel insurance, and meals (except as part of optional excursions) are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Days 3, 4, and 5 are free to explore Fairbanks at your own pace. Day 6 includes a one-hour dog sled ride. Evening Northern Lights excursions involve walking to and from viewing locations.

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