Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks One Way
At a glance
Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks One Way is a 12h small-group experience in Anchorage, USA, operated by Alaska Railroad Corporation. Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 63 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $265 per person. Included: Optional dining and snack bar, Comfortable reserved seating in non-smoking cars, One-way rail transportation from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 15 people for a more personal experience
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 12h
- Group
- Small group, up to 15 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- See cancellation policy
Overview
Experience the splendor of winter in Alaska from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining. The Aurora Winter Train travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making the northbound 12-hour journey on Saturdays, as well as select mid-week departures (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays) December through March. Flagstop service is provided along the 50-mile stretch of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch.
While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow. On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali rises into view above the Susitna River. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild.
What's included
What's included
- Optional dining and snack bar
- Comfortable reserved seating in non-smoking cars
- One-way rail transportation from Anchorage to Fairbanks
- Baggage services
Not included
- Lodging in Anchorage or Fairbanks
- Tours and activities in Anchorage or Fairbanks
- Transportation to depot in Anchorage or after arriving in Fairbanks
- These options can be booked independently or through Alaska Railroad directly after booking.
Itinerary
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The route spans two of Alaska’s five geographic regions – Southcentral and Interior Alaska. Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. Just south of Talkeetna, watch for views of Denali rising high above the Susitna River. North of Talkeetna, the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. South of the Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions. North of the Denali National Park, the train winds along Healy Canyon, following the curves of the Nenana River below.
• Depart Anchorage at 8:30 am
• Arrive Fairbanks at 8:00 pm
• Explore Fairbanks on your own, accommodations booked separately and at own expense
• (Option for accommodations or additional rail transportation - to be scheduled directly with Alaska Railroad after booking)Snack bar and optional dining available for purchase.
Meeting point
Hotel pickup is offered for this experience.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants (0-1) may be added to a reservation as lap children (not requiring a paid, reserved seat) but they must be registered in the booking. To register an infant as a lap child, please indicate so in the “Special Requests” option in the final checkout and include the infant’s name, age and gender.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks One Way take?
The experience lasts about 12h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $265 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Optional dining and snack bar; Comfortable reserved seating in non-smoking cars; One-way rail transportation from Anchorage to Fairbanks; Baggage services.
Where does it start?
Hotel pickup is offered for this experience.
Can I cancel?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 63 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Anchorage.
