Alaska Railroad · Rail-fly package

Winter Escape

Two-day Anchorage to Fairbanks rail-fly on the Aurora Winter Train

Alaska Railroad's Winter Escape is a two-day, one-night rail-fly package between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Day 1 covers the full-day journey aboard the Aurora Winter Train, with wildlife along the route and, on a clear day, views of Denali, North America's tallest peak; the night is spent in Fairbanks, a city known for dazzling aurora borealis displays. Day 2 is unguided: you choose your own pace in Interior Alaska's largest city, whether that means the University of Alaska Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, or a one-hour dog sledding tour, before a short flight returns you to Anchorage that evening. This suits travelers who want a short, simple taste of Alaska's scenic rail travel and winter atmosphere without committing to a longer, multi-day itinerary. Optional extras include extending the stay with a visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort.

What to know before you look closer

  • The return leg from Fairbanks to Anchorage is a flight, not a train ride, so only one direction of this trip is by rail.
  • No specific departure dates are listed in the evidence; confirm current availability and schedule with Alaska Railroad.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Fairbanks

    Saturday

    Depart Anchorage for Fairbanks aboard the Aurora Winter Train. During the full-day journey, watch for wildlife and, on a clear day, an incredible view of Denali - North America's tallest peak. Overnight in Fairbanks, known for dazzling displays of the aurora borealis.

  2. Day 2

    Sunday

    Spend the day exploring Interior Alaska's largest city. Opt to visit the excellent University of Alaska Museum of the North or Pioneer Park or hop on a sled for a one-hour dog sledding tour. That evening, a short flight provides your return to Anchorage.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Aurora Winter Train runs the full-day route from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with wildlife along the way and, on a clear day, a view of Denali, North America's tallest peak.
  • Day 1The overnight stop is in Fairbanks, known for dazzling displays of the aurora borealis.
  • Day 2A free day in Fairbanks to choose between the University of Alaska Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, or a one-hour dog sledding tour, before a short flight back to Anchorage.

Included

  • Rail from Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • One night hotel stay in Fairbanks
  • Flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail from Anchorage to Fairbanks aboard the Aurora Winter Train is included; the return trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage is by flight, not by train.
Is it guided or independent?
Day 2 in Fairbanks is unguided: you choose your own activity from a museum, a park, or a dog sledding tour.
Which train is used?
The Aurora Winter Train, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
What hotel is included?
One night's hotel stay in Fairbanks; the evidence does not name the specific hotel or its star rating.
Can I extend the trip?
Yes. Optional extras include extending your stay in Fairbanks with a visit to Chena Hot Springs Resort, or arranging the trip to originate in Fairbanks with an overnight in Anchorage instead, by calling the operator.

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