Alaska Railroad · Rail package

Talkeetna Getaway

Two-day winter rail getaway from Anchorage to Talkeetna and back

Alaska Railroad's Talkeetna Getaway is a two-day, one-night winter weekend trip between Anchorage and Talkeetna. On day one, travelers board the Aurora Winter Train in Anchorage for the ride north, then settle into what Alaska Railroad calls a relaxing overnight retreat at Talkeetna Cabins, with evenings open for watching the aurora borealis. The second day is left free for a quiet stroll through the snow, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, with an optional guided dog sledding tour, before boarding the Aurora Winter Train that evening for the return trip to Anchorage. An optional Denali flightseeing tour can also be added in Talkeetna. Because the only overnight is one night in a cabin and most of the second day is unstructured free time, this getaway suits travelers who want a short, low-key winter rail trip rather than a packed multi-stop tour, and who like the possibility of aurora viewing without committing to a longer Alaska itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Denali flightseeing, guided dog sledding and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing are optional add-ons in Talkeetna, not included in the $379 base price.
  • The evidence describes this as a winter getaway but does not give exact departure dates; confirm the current schedule with Alaska Railroad.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Talkeetna

    Anchorage to Talkeetna

    Board the Aurora Winter Train in Anchorage and enjoy a relaxing overnight retreat in this quaint Alaska town. Winter activities abound: opt to take a breathtaking Denali flightseeing tour and watch for the shimmer colors of the aurora borealis in the evening. Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis to explore Talkeetna's winter trails.

  2. Day 2rail

    Talkeetna to Anchorage

    After breakfast, take a quiet stroll through the snow, cross-country ski, snowshoe hike, or opt to add a guided dog sledding tour. That evening, board the Aurora Winter Train in Talkeetna and enjoy your ride back to Anchorage.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Aurora Winter Train carries travelers from Anchorage to Talkeetna for what Alaska Railroad calls a relaxing overnight retreat, with evening skies open for spotting the aurora borealis.
  • Day 2After a free day of optional cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or dog sledding, the Aurora Winter Train departs Talkeetna in the evening for the ride back to Anchorage.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Round-trip travel aboard the Aurora Winter Train between Anchorage and Talkeetna is included.
Where do I stay overnight?
One night at Talkeetna Cabins in Talkeetna.
What activities are included?
The package includes the train travel and the hotel night. Denali flightseeing, guided dog sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are optional add-ons.
When does this trip run?
It's offered as a winter getaway; the evidence doesn't give exact departure dates, so confirm current scheduling with Alaska Railroad.
Will I see the northern lights?
The itinerary sets aside evening time in Talkeetna to watch for the aurora borealis.

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