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Northern Lights and the Arctic Circle Alaska Railroad in Winter - Fairbanks to Anchorage

Independent winter rail trip with an Arctic Circle tour, Fairbanks to Anchorage

Illustration of Northern Lights and the Arctic Circle 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. Day 1 is free time to explore Fairbanks and its snow-covered landscapes, and day 2 brings an afternoon sightseeing tour to the Arctic Circle, stopping at the banks of the Yukon River before returning to Fairbanks under the Northern Lights, with many photo stops along the way. Day 3 is a dog sled ride with champion Alaskan Huskies across snow-covered forests, open snow fields, and a frozen river. Day 4 covers the trip's rail leg south to Anchorage, with possible views of Denali and Alaska's mountains. 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, which suits travelers focused on the Arctic Circle and Northern Lights over a compact five days.

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; the Arctic Circle tour and dog sled ride 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

    Rest up this morning as this afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and brought on a sightseeing tour to the Arctic Circle. Stop along the way at the banks of the Yukon River gazing at the scenic landscapes. As you head back to Fairbanks, the Northern Lights will be out in the sky. You will make many stops for photo opportunities from the best viewpoints.

  3. Day 3overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks, AK

    Today, 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!

  4. Day 4railovernight: Anchorage

    Anchorage

    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.

  5. Day 5overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A sightseeing tour to the Arctic Circle stops at the banks of the Yukon River, then returns to Fairbanks under the Northern Lights with many photo stops.
  • Day 3A dog sled ride with champion Alaskan Huskies crosses snow-covered forests, open snow fields, and a frozen river.
  • Day 4The 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 5 in Anchorage are free time, while the Arctic Circle tour on day 2 and the dog sled ride on day 3 are 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; the Arctic Circle tour and dog sled ride are not repeated in the included list.

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