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Experience Alaska by rail
You don't have
to be a cruise passenger either
Did you know that we have TWO trains in Alaska? The Alaska Railroad provides the mainstay, but Princess & Holland America offer an amazing second option to Denali for others – and the experts at Alaska Travel Desk regularly travel on all the offerings, so we can help you figure out which ones are best for you!
Rail travel in Alaska is special.
The railroad offers a vital link to deep-water ports and Alaska’s interior, along the way you’ll be in awe at some of the views out your massive windows. The Alaska Railroad & the private train options offer a variety of ways to explore our state and budget – and Alaska Travel Desk has been on all of them to help guide you with the BEST choices.
Multiple itineraries and
destinations await you
The railroad in Alaska is more than just an easy way to get around, its the most SCENIC! Not only are day trips from Anchorage easy, but you also avoid the risk of traffic jams (yes, they do exist) on the Parks & Seward Highways – so why not let someone else do the driving and enjoy our priceless views?
Train Schedules for 2026
*Note: the private Wilderness Express train cars are added to each ARR Denali Star train between May 14 and Sep 13, 2026
McKinley Explore (Holland America/Princess)
| Station | Depart | Arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anchorage
|
9:15AM
|
-
|
May 14 - Sep 16
|
|
Talkeetna
|
12:15PM
|
12:30PM
|
|
|
Denali
|
-
|
5:15PM
|
|
|
Denali
|
9:15AM
|
-
|
Southbound
|
|
Talkeetna
|
2:30PM
|
2:45PM
|
|
|
Anchorage
|
-
|
5:30PM
|
Alaska Railroad Denali Star
| Station | Depart | Arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anchorage
|
8:20AM
|
-
|
May 14 - Sep 18
|
|
Wasilla
|
9:30AM
|
9:35AM
|
|
|
Talkeetna
|
11:05AM
|
11:20AM
|
|
|
Denali
|
3:40PM
|
4:00PM
|
|
|
Fairbanks
|
-
|
8:00PM
|
|
|
Fairbanks
|
8:20AM
|
-
|
Southbound
|
|
Denali
|
12:10PM
|
12:30PM
|
|
|
Talkeetna
|
4:40PM
|
5:05PM
|
|
|
Wasilla
|
6:15PM
|
6:20PM
|
|
|
Anchorage
|
-
|
8:00PM
|
Alaska Railroad Whittier (Glacier Discovery Train)
| Station | Depart | Arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anchorage
|
9:45AM
|
-
|
May 31 - Sep 15 with some limited days in May.
|
|
Girdwood
|
10:55AM
|
11:00AM
|
|
|
Whittier
|
-
|
12:05PM
|
|
|
Whittier
|
6:45PM
|
-
|
Northbound
|
|
Girdwood
|
7:40PM
|
7:45PM
|
|
|
Anchorage
|
-
|
9:00PM
|
Alaska Railroad Seward (Coastal Classic)
| Station | Depart | Arrive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Anchorage
|
6:45AM
|
-
|
May 16 - Sep 14
|
|
Girdwood
|
8:00AM
|
8:05AM
|
|
|
Seward
|
-
|
11:20AM
|
|
|
Seward
|
6:00PM
|
-
|
Northbound
|
|
Girdwood
|
8:50PM
|
8:55PM
|
|
|
Anchorage
|
-
|
10:15PM
|
Train Routes for 2026
Year Round Service
There is technically year-round service linking Anchorage & Fairbanks; during the winter it is called the “Aurora Winter Train” and the Hurricane Turn Train also operates year round to various flag stops.
Aurora Winter Trains operate northbound on Saturdays, and southbound on Sundays. There are additional mid-week trips added in February & March.
Onboard services: Dining car, baggage service (Anchorage and Fairbanks only), non-smoking cars, wheelchair access (Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna and Fairbanks only).
The Hurricane Turn Train operates the first Thursday of each month between October & May.
No dining service; passengers are encouraged to bring food onboard. Baggage service in Anchorage only.
Coastal Classic (Anchorage <-> Seward)
This train operates daily starting May 13th and the last train is September 13th, 2026.
Onboard services: Goldstar & Adventure Class, Dining car, baggage services (Anchorage and Seward only), non-smoking cars, wheelchair access.
There are cruise departures to/from Seward that may have the private “Cruisetrain” service – that has to be booked directly with your cruiseline.
Denali Star Train (Anchorage <-> Fairbanks)
This train operates daily starting May 13th and the last train is September 17th, 2026.
Onboard services: Goldstar & Adventure Class, Dining car, baggage services (Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks only), non-smoking cars, wheelchair access. Wilderness Express private cars are also added to the Denali Star consist.
Glacier Discovery Train (Anchorage <-> Whittier)
This train operates daily starting May 30th and the last train is September 14th, 2026. Anchorage to Whittier service is also on May 11, 16, 17, 20th 2026
Onboard services: Wilderness café snack bar, baggage service (Anchorage only), non-smoking cars, wheelchair access.
There are cruise departures to/from Whittier that may have the private “Cruisetrain” service – that has to be booked directly with your cruiseline.
Princess Rail Service
Princess Rail operates a private train for guests of the Holland America & Princess CruiseTour program and partners with Alaska Travel Desk with our cruise program.
Anchorage to Denali & Talkeetna service operates May 14 – September 16, 2026 this year.
The Wilderness Direct trains operate between Denali/Talkeetna and Whittier on a separate schedule and are not available to the public.
