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Northern Lights and Alaska Railroad in Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks

Independent winter rail trip on Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Fairbanks

Illustration of Northern Lights and Alaska Railroad in Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks

Railbookers operates this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation that begins in Anchorage and ends in Fairbanks, using the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train. The first two days are free time in Anchorage, giving you the choice of outdoor exploring or the city's shops and restaurants. Day 3 covers the trip's rail leg, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains on a clear day. In Fairbanks, day 4 brings a dog sled ride with champion Alaskan Huskies across snow-covered forests and a frozen river, and day 5 combines a soak at Chena Hot Springs with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum before an evening spent watching the Northern Lights from an ideal viewing location. Only the one-way Anchorage to Fairbanks rail journey is included, not a return trip. The mix of free city time and hands-on winter excursions suits travelers drawn to Alaska's winter scenery and the Northern Lights.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list offers 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities; your final hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose.
  • The included list states only rail travel and 5 nights of hotel accommodations; the dog sled ride, Chena Hot Springs, and Aurora Ice Museum appear as itinerary activities and trip highlights but are not repeated in the included list, so confirm cost inclusion with Railbookers.
  • Only one-way rail travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks is included; the return journey is not part of the package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Your Journey Begins in Anchorage

    Arrive in Anchorage and check in to your hotel. Then begin exploring the city and its serene snow-covered landscapes.

  2. Day 2overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Today, you have a full free day to discover Anchorage! Explore the great outdoors or the great indoors with local shops and restaurants.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Enjoy the day relaxing onboard Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train as you travel from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska's backcountry and on a clear day, you can even enjoy views of Denali (also known as Mt. McKinley) and Alaska's Mountains.

  4. Day 4overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Today, you will experience the thrill of mushing on an Alaskan Dog Sled Ride with champion Alaskan Huskies. Explore snow covered forests, vast open snow fields, and even sledding on a frozen river!

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Visit the famous Chena Hot Springs and enjoy a leisurely soak. Explore the Aurora Ice Museum on a guided tour. After the sun goes down, it's time for the Northern lights to come out. Witness their beauty from an ideal viewing location.

  6. Day 6

    Your Journey Ends in Fairbanks

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Aurora Winter Train travels from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains on a clear day.
  • Day 4A dog sled ride with champion Alaskan Huskies crosses snow-covered forests, open snow fields, and a frozen river.
  • Day 5The day combines a soak at Chena Hot Springs, a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, and Northern Lights viewing after dark.

Included

  • One-way Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Alaska Railroad travel in Adventure Class from Anchorage to Fairbanks is included; the return journey is not included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Days 1 and 2 in Anchorage are free time, while the Aurora Ice Museum tour on day 5 is guided.
Which train is used?
The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, in Adventure Class, from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across Anchorage and Fairbanks, including Hilton Anchorage, Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage, and Westmark Fairbanks.
What is not included?
The included list states only rail travel and hotel nights; other trip highlights such as the dog sled ride and Chena Hot Springs admission are not repeated in the included list.

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