What to Know About Riding on the Alaska Railroad

If anyone is wondering how to fit as much of Southcentral Alaska into a limited visit as possible, I have a suggestion: Take the train. 

A few months ago, I took my own advice, spending the better part of five days onboard the iconic Alaska Railroad. While not all travelers will want to ride the rails to quite that extreme, the exercise did prove to me that there’s a reason this train has been around for 100 years: It’s without a doubt one of the best ways to see the state’s incredible landscape in all its glory — while enjoying plenty of activities and exploration along the way.

And, with the historic railroad celebrating its centennial in 2023, this year is the perfect time for travelers to enjoy special onboard offerings alongside all the classic draws. 

The 100-Year History of the Railroad

Completed in 1923, the Alaska Railroad was initially designed to open Alaska’s Interior to commerce and development. Spanning some 500 miles, the train connects destinations including Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. Since its inception, it has provided key transportation to residents and visitors alike, in some cases traversing land that can’t be accessed any other way.

For this reason, the railroad is a key part of life for many Alaskans. Under the 1862 Homestead Act, people could obtain federal land for free if they lived on and cultivated it; in Alaska, this went on until 1986, allowing residents to establish homes in remote parts of the state, some of which rely on the train for access to this day. To accommodate these residents, the railroad operates “flagstop service” on some routes; and, according to the company, it’s the last train in the U.S. that people can still flag down to stop and pick them up.

“I think people forget how big Alaska is,” said Meghan Clemens, marketing communications manager for the Alaska Railroad. “And that’s a bit part of the staying power of the Alaska Railroad. Even with the advent of more transportation options, it’s a way to make your travel time just as much of a highlight as the destinations you’re spending time in.”

Riding the Rails: Alaska Railroad Trip Options and the Onboard Experience

This certainly proved true during my time on the railroad last September. The train features panoramic windows in its cars for scenic viewing, and there’s almost no stretch of line where the landscape isn’t awe-inspiring. My travel time flew by as I watched those vistas with rapt attention, spotting waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, hanging glaciers in the mountains, colorful fall foliage and even moose and bald eagles. I especially appreciated riding in GoldStar Service (the train’s premium cabin) for its glass-domed ceilings and an outdoor, upper-level viewing platform, which is found on most routes.

GoldStar tickets also come with meals in a dining car (an experience I had previously only seen in classic movies), complimentary soft drinks and two alcoholic beverages per ride — there’s even a bartender onboard. Adventure Class is a more basic offering, with large picture windows and food available for purchase, such as sandwiches and snacks.

Each of the railroad’s three daily summer routes offers unique activity opportunities, as well. One of my favorites happens via the Glacier Discovery Train, which travels between Anchorage and Grandview with a stop at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. Here, guests who have pre-booked a tour with Chugach Adventures (which works very closely with the railroad) can hop off for a rafting trip at nearby Spencer Glacier, to get up close to the incredible formation and its surrounding icebergs. As the train is the only way to get to this area, it’s a super-intimate experience, and one that operates seamlessly in the few hours it takes the train to return to the stop and ferry guests back to Anchorage.  

“The fact that you can start in the largest city in the state, take a train and by mid-afternoon be in front of a backcountry glacier off the road system — then still be back in Anchorage for a dinner reservation that evening? It’s pretty unique to have that sort of wilderness be so accessible,” Clemens said.

The Denali Star Train, meanwhile, is perhaps the most enjoyable way to reach Denali National Park and Preserve. Though the trip takes about eight hours, it’s well worth it — driving is not much faster, and the scenery from the train is simply stunning. As an added bonus, upon arrival in Denali, many of the area’s lodges have shuttles waiting at the station to pick up guests for their stay in the area.

Finally, the Coastal Classic Train (which runs between Anchorage and Seward) affords a perfect opportunity to see beautiful Kenai Fjords National Park. I highly recommend taking a wildlife and glacier day cruise out of Seward to see whales, dolphins, sea otters, puffins and other incredible sights. (The railroad also operates the Aurora Winter Train from mid-September to mid-May, linking Anchorage and Fairbanks.)

RELATED: Why a Day Cruise Is Ideal for Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park

A Special Centennial Package and Other Celebratory Offerings

Clients traveling to Alaska in 2023 can also take advantage of special centennial celebrations from the line.

The most noteworthy is the Limited Edition Centennial Special package, which the Alaska Railroad will offer from late May to early September. With this 12-day travel deal, guests can ride all three of the railroad’s summer routes, experiencing the full length of the train’s main line. It also includes a glacier and wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords; a Spencer Glacier float trip; a Denali wildlife tour; entry to a special new exhibit at the Anchorage Museum that highlights the railroad’s 100th anniversary; and more activities around Alaska.

RELATED: Wildlife, Dog Sleds and Glaciers: Wild Activities in Southcentral Alaska

“It’s the longest package that we offer,” Clemens said. “It’s a land-tour extravaganza of everything Southcentral and Interior Alaska has to offer by rail.”

Clemens also notes that the railroad is preparing some special onboard touches for guests to enjoy this year, such as updates to its commentary; a specialty cocktail; dishes that celebrate past menus and Alaska heritage; and a unique edition of the keepsake pin that all GoldStar guests receive. 

“We wanted to share the centennial with our guests by looking back and doing some storytelling about where we’ve been,” Clemens said. “We want to make sure our passengers understand that it’s a piece of the living history of Alaska that they’re traveling on.”