Alaska Railroad · Rail package

The Aurora

Seven-day winter rail trip chasing the aurora borealis in Alaska

Alaska Railroad's The Aurora is a 7-day winter rail package connecting Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks aboard the Aurora Winter Train, built around chasing the aurora borealis. Day 1 is free to explore Anchorage, and day 2 rides north to Talkeetna with views of Denali along the way, followed by a full day built around a guided sled dog tour with Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey's kennel. Day 4 continues north to Fairbanks, tracing the edge of Denali National Park and the Alaska Range, and the Fairbanks stay includes a flightseeing tour above the Arctic Circle and guided aurora chasing on multiple evenings. With two nights in Talkeetna and three in Fairbanks, the pace favors settling into each stop rather than changing hotels nightly. This suits travelers whose main goal is a real chance at seeing the northern lights, alongside train travel and a guided sled dog experience, over a single-base aurora hotel stay.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence describes only 6 of the trip's 7 days in detail; the final day of this Anchorage to Talkeetna to Fairbanks package is not itemized.
  • Specific hotels for the Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks overnights are not named in the evidence; confirm accommodations with Alaska Railroad.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Anchorage

    Anchorage

    Arrive to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Explore the many downtown shops and restaurants.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Talkeetna

    Anchorage to Talkeetna

    Board the Aurora Winter Train and travel north to Talkeetna, watching for views of Denali along the way. The day is yours to explore this small Alaskan town; opt to add on a flightseeing excursion of Denali and the Alaska Range.

  3. Day 3overnight: Talkeetna

    Talkeetna sled dog tour

    Take a guided sled dog tour with an Iditarod champion, Dallas Seavey. The night offers another opportunity to enjoy dinner along Talkeetna's charming Main Street.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Fairbanks

    Talkeetna to Fairbanks

    Continue your journey north aboard the Aurora Winter Train, departing Talkeetna in the late morning and arriving to Fairbanks that night. Along the way, travel along the edge of Denali National Park and traverse the Alaska Range.

  5. Day 5overnight: Fairbanks

    Arctic Circle flightseeing

    The early morning is yours. Travel above the Arctic Circle on a scenic flightseeing tour departing late morning. That evening, enjoy a night of guided aurora chasing.

  6. Day 6overnight: Fairbanks

    Fairbanks

    Take a guided tour of Fairbanks, Interior Alaska's largest city. Tonight offers another chance to chase the northern lights.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Aurora Winter Train travels north from Anchorage to Talkeetna, with views of Denali along the way.
  • Day 3A guided sled dog tour with Iditarod champion Dallas Seavey's kennel is the highlight of the day in Talkeetna.
  • Day 4The train continues north to Fairbanks, running along the edge of Denali National Park and across the Alaska Range.
  • Day 5A flightseeing tour crosses above the Arctic Circle, followed that evening by guided aurora chasing.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, the package rides the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Talkeetna to Fairbanks.
Is it guided?
Some activities are guided, including a sled dog tour with an Iditarod champion kennel, a guided tour of Fairbanks, and guided aurora chasing. Other time, such as exploring Talkeetna, is left free.
When does this trip run?
It's described as a winter travel package for chasing the aurora borealis.
What optional excursions are offered?
A Denali and Alaska Range flightseeing tour in Talkeetna, and a scenic flightseeing tour above the Arctic Circle in Fairbanks.
Where do I stay?
Overnights are in Anchorage, Talkeetna (2 nights) and Fairbanks (3 nights), though specific hotels are not named in the evidence.

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