Search

Railbookers

Northern Lights and Alaska Railroad in Winter Fairbanks to Anchorage

Independent winter rail trip on Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Anchorage

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

Railbookers operates this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation that begins in Fairbanks and ends in Anchorage, using the Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train. After settling into Fairbanks on day 1, day 2 combines a soak at Chena Hot Springs with a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum, ending with a viewing of the Northern Lights from an ideal location after dark. Day 3 covers the trip's rail leg south to Anchorage, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains along the way. The final day in Anchorage is left free, with the choice of outdoor exploring or the city's shops and restaurants. Only the one-way Fairbanks to Anchorage rail journey is included, not a return trip. The pace suits travelers who want a compact focus on Fairbanks's winter highlights and the Northern Lights before a short stay in Anchorage.

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 4 nights of hotel accommodations; Chena Hot Springs and the 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 Fairbanks to Anchorage is included; the return journey is not part of the package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairbanks

    Your Journey Begins in Fairbanks

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

  2. Day 2overnight: 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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Enjoy the day relaxing onboard Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train as you travel from Fairbanks to Anchorage. 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: 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.

  5. Day 5

    Your Journey Ends in Anchorage

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A soak at Chena Hot Springs is followed by a guided tour of the Aurora Ice Museum.
  • Day 2After dark, the Northern Lights are viewed from an ideal viewing location.
  • Day 3The Aurora Winter Train travels from Fairbanks to Anchorage, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains on a clear day.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, one-way Alaska Railroad travel in Adventure Class from Fairbanks to Anchorage is included; the return journey is not included.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Day 1 in Fairbanks and day 4 in Anchorage are free time, while the Aurora Ice Museum tour on day 2 is guided.
Which train is used?
The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train, in Adventure Class, from Fairbanks to Anchorage.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across Fairbanks and Anchorage, including Westmark Fairbanks, Pike's Waterfront Lodge, and Hilton Anchorage.
What is not included?
The included list states only rail travel and hotel nights; other trip highlights such as Chena Hot Springs admission and the Aurora Ice Museum are not repeated in the included list.

Similar journeys