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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Arctic Circle and Denali National Park with Alaska Railroad

Alaska rail trip: Fairbanks to Anchorage via Denali and the Arctic Circle

Illustration of The Arctic Circle and Denali National Park with Alaska Railroad

Railbookers operates this 7-day independent rail vacation through Alaska, from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The trip opens with two nights in Fairbanks, where over 20 hours of summer sunlight leaves plenty of time to explore, followed by a full-day trip north to the Arctic Circle along the Dalton Highway, crossing the Yukon River and learning about the Trans Alaska Pipeline. From Fairbanks, the Alaska Railroad carries travelers south to Denali National Park for two nights, including a 92-mile guided tour into the park to Kantishna, stopping at the Polychrome Overlook. The Alaska Railroad continues on to Anchorage for a final two nights, with a guided city tour that includes Lake Hood, the world's largest and busiest seaplane base. Guided day tours are included at each stop, suiting travelers who want a structured way to see Alaska's Arctic Circle, Denali, and largest city without driving the long distances themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only 2 meals (2 lunches) are included across this 7-day trip; the rest of your meals are on your own.
  • Railbookers lists 16 accommodation options across price tiers and cities for this trip; the hotel used depends on which one you choose at booking.
  • The trip is one-way on the Alaska Railroad, in Adventure Class, so there is no return rail leg back to Fairbanks.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Fairbanks

    Your Journey Begins in Fairbanks

    Arrive in Fairbanks and check in to your hotel. With over 20 hours of sunlight during the summer months, you'll have plenty of time to begin exploring.

  2. Day 2overnight: Fairbanks

    Day Trip to The Arctic Circle

    Spend the day venturing north to Alaska's untouched landscapes at the Arctic Circle. Learn about the Trans Alaska Pipeline, look down upon the Yukon River, travel along the Dalton Highway, search for Alaskan wildlife.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Depart Fairbanks this morning and enjoy a scenic ride on Alaska Railroad as you travel to Denali National Park.

  4. Day 4overnight: Denali

    Denali National Park, AK

    Adventure 92 miles into the heart of Denali National Park to Kantishna today on a guided tour, stopping at the Polychrome Overlook, known for its kaleidoscope of colors formed by volcanic rock.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Spend the morning exploring Denali, or relax by the hotel. Later, board Alaska Railroad as you travel South to Anchorage.

  6. Day 6overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage, AK

    Today, you have a full day to discover Anchorage! On your one hour guided tour of the city, stop at Anchorage's Lake Hood, the world's largest and busiest seaplane base.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Anchorage

    Trip concludes in Anchorage.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A full-day trip north to the Arctic Circle, learning about the Trans Alaska Pipeline, looking down on the Yukon River, and traveling along the Dalton Highway in search of Alaskan wildlife.
  • Day 3A scenic ride on the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Denali National Park.
  • Day 4A guided tour 92 miles into the heart of Denali National Park to Kantishna, stopping at the Polychrome Overlook, known for its kaleidoscope of colors formed by volcanic rock.
  • Day 5Boarding the Alaska Railroad in Denali for the journey south to Anchorage.
  • Day 6A one-hour guided tour of Anchorage, stopping at Lake Hood, the world's largest and busiest seaplane base.

Included

  • One-way Alaska Railroad® in Adventure Class accommodations from Fairbanks to Denali; Denali to Anchorage
  • 6 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 2 meals included (2 lunches)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes, the trip includes one-way Alaska Railroad travel in Adventure Class, from Fairbanks to Denali and from Denali to Anchorage.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers, with a number of included guided day tours along the way.
What is not included?
Only 2 meals (2 lunches) are included across the 7-day trip; other meals are on your own.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 16 accommodation options across price tiers and cities; sample hotels include the Westmark Fairbanks and the Wow Grande Denali Lodge.
What guided tours are included?
The package includes a day trip to the Arctic Circle from Fairbanks, a 92-mile guided tour into Denali National Park to Kantishna, and a guided city tour of Anchorage.

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