FAQs
The Aurora Winter train on the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks to Anchorage was an unforgettable sojourn. We had booked our tickets around two months in advance, and it definitely wasn't cheap. Taking a flight or driving is much cheaper, but the premium charged as part of train fare, it more than makes up in the views.
Is Iceland or Alaska better for the northern lights? ›
Fairbanks does offer statistically better weather for aurora viewing: It has clear skies more often than Reykjavik, particularly in March when the Alaska city experiences them around 45% of the time (compared to about 25% for Reykjavik). But you'll have to be able to tolerate the cold.
Which Alaska train ride is best? ›
Most Popular
Popular Alaska train routes include the Denali Star between Fairbanks and Anchorage with a favorite stop in Denali National Park, the Coastal Classic between Anchorage and Seward, and the Glacier Discovery running roundtrip from Anchorage to Whittier and Grandview.
What is the longest train ride in Alaska? ›
Today that 350-mile trip is known as Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship route.
How long is the train ride from Fairbanks to Denali? ›
Although Fairbanks is known as the end of the line for the Alaska Railroad, on this train route it marks the beginning of a scenic four-hour ride south to Denali National Park. The train departs the Fairbanks Depot at 8:20 AM.
Is the cog railroad worth it? ›
I think the ride on the Cog is totally worth it if you book it on a clear day. I spent years being afraid to get on that thing! But once I did it, I was awestruck! Yes, a little soot here and there, (nothing bad)but the ride is exciting and the views going up and from the top are outstanding.
What country has the prettiest northern lights? ›
Northern Norway, in particular, is prime aurora-spotting territory. Journey to this secluded slither of land north of the Arctic Circle to look for the lights dancing in the skies above.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in 2024? ›
Norway, which straddles the Arctic Circle, is a northern lights magnet. Head to Svalbard, where the polar night gives visitors extra time to see solar storms blaze above the Arctic tundra or join a Viking Cruise as it sails the coast, free from urban light pollution.
Can you sleep on the train in Alaska? ›
Does the Alaska Railroad have sleeper cars? No. Overnight options are available through Alaska Railroad's many tour and hotel partners.
How much is a scenic train ride in Alaska? ›
Fares
| Route | Adventure Class Adult/Child (2-11) | Goldstar Service Adult/Child (2-11) |
|---|
| Talkeetna to Denali | $112/56 | $258/136 (L) |
| Talkeetna to Fairbanks | $164/82 | $342/199 (L) (D) |
| Denali to Anchorage | $193/97 | $373/215 (L) (D) |
| Denali to Wasilla | $193/97 | $373/215 (L) (D) |
12 more rowsIn Alaska the landscapes are big, so big sometimes that seeing them requires a big window. For this the Alaska Railroad offers the GoldStar Dome service, an upgraded train experience that includes reserved seating beneath full-length dome windows that offer unimpeded 360-degree views.
What Alaska town is only accessible by train? ›
ABOUT WHITTIER
Formerly inaccessible by road, the town is now is accessible through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.7 mile-long road/rail tunnel that connects Whittier to the Portage area and the rest of the Alaska road system.
What is the scenic train route in Alaska? ›
COASTAL CLASSIC TRAIN
Considered by many to be our most scenic route, the Coastal Classic is ideally suited for day trips from Anchorage to Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park. GoldStar Service available. Daily service mid-May – mid-September.
Can you get on and off the Alaska Railroad? ›
For our policies on ticket changes or cancellations, view our Terms and Conditions. The Alaska Railroad does provide flagstop service aboard the Hurricane Turn Train and Aurora Winter Train, which allows passengers to get on or off the train at any point along the route.
Is the Glacier Express worth it in winter? ›
If you are a lover of mountain landscapes, if you're a train enthusiast, if you have a day to spare in your itinerary to enjoy a slow journey, and/or if you have a Eurail, Interrail or Swiss Travel Pass giving you a massive discount, then the Glacier Express is likely going to be worth it for you.
Are Aurora tours worth it? ›
So although you can save money by choosing to chase the lights yourself (although, to be honest, car rental prices often end up being more expensive than tour costs), going on a northern lights tour is an expense that's well worth it to guarantee you have the best experience and chance to see the Auroras.
How long does the Winter Park train take? ›
A one-way trip, which takes approximately two hours, departs Denver at 7:00 am and leaves Winter Park Resort at 4:30 pm local time. This means skiers can maximize their time on the slopes.
Is Amtrak reliable in winter? ›
Agreed, I've taken Amtrak NEC without any delays during snow storm conditions that would likely have caused flight delays. Obviously if it's like a blizzard or something there could be problems but overall it's just as reliable as other times of year.
