Alaska Railroad
Talkeetna Getaway
Two-day winter rail getaway from Anchorage to Talkeetna and back
2 daysfrom $379
100% of days by rail
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.
Price history
Across 5 checks, this price has held at US$635 every time.
Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.
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
- 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.
- 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
- How much does it cost?
- From $635 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $635 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
- 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.
