The Alaska Railroad operates one train daily in each direction between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The train departs each city at 8:15am and stops along the way in Talkeetna and Denali Park. On both the Northbound and Southbound trains there are three main types of train service available; Standard (also known as Adventure Class), Private Dome (privately operated), and GoldStar Dome. All three are attached to the same train or locomotive, but the amenities and cost will vary depending on what type railcar service you choose. Alaska Tour & Travel is happy to offer our guests the choice of all three levels of Alaska train service. The Alaska Railroad also offers Standard and GoldStar service between Anchorage and Seward, as well as Standard service only between Anchorage and Whittier.

Alaska Railroad Standard Service (Adventure Class)
Over the years the vast majority of our guests have traveled on the standard Alaska Railroad railcars, and feedback on this service continues to be great. The standard railcars are single level and feature comfortable seating, large picture windows and knowledgeable high school tour guides who have taken a special course on Alaska train history. There is a separate dining car as well as a dome observation car which is shared on a rotating basis. Since the standard railcars are single level they are generally considered to be the most stable, and also are a good choice for those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility.

Private Dome Railcars
For those travelers looking for a guaranteed full-time seat in the dome, private dome railcars are a great deal. These two level railcars are attached to the Alaska Railroad train, but the railcar itself is operated by a private company. These railcars are classically restored “Budd cars” from the 1950’s and feature comfortable seating, curved domed windows and an informative tour guide. Beverage service is available upstairs in the dome and basic meal service is available in the dining room downstairs. Between Denali Park and Anchorage the private dome service we offer is priced roughly the same as the Alaska Railroad standard train service, so we think it is a true bargain for those looking for the improved viewing provided by the upper level dome seats. The dining service and windows size is more limited then the GoldStar train service available below but the price can’t be beat.

GoldStar Dome Railcars
The GoldStar dome railcars were put in service several years ago and our guest feeback has been fantastic. These two level railcars are operated by the Alaska Railroad and will be the finest rail service available in Alaska. The cars were custom built for this run, and feature large dome windows, fine dining service and an informative tour guide. The GoldStar service features a confirmed seat in the upper level dome car, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages served at your seat, a special GoldStar gift, priority check-in and boarding, priority seating in the lower level dining room showcasing original Alaska artwork, and a private outdoor viewing deck - the only one of its kind in the world. GoldStar service is an $85 upgrade ($110 between Anchorage and Fairbanks) from the standard Alaska Railroad service list above. Space on the GoldStar railcars are limited, for this reason we recommend you reserve your seats early. Give us a call today!

Don’t Forget the Bus
The Alaska Park Connection offers daily coach service between Anchorage and Denali Park or Seward, including connecting service between Denali Park, Anchorage and Seward. Park Connection motorcoach service to Whittier and Fairbanks is also available. Since the Parks and Seward highways travel different routes than the Alaska Railroad, an Alaska Park Connection coach ride in one direction is a logical combination with an Alaska Railroad train trip in or out of Anchorage. Over 90% of the vacation packages we arrange with the Alaska Railroad also include a Park Connection bus trip in one direction of travel.

Too many options? Give us a call today at (800)208-0200 and we will help you select the transportation services just right for your needs and budget.

For more information on a particular train segments please select the event from our Alaska transportation page or by city for departures FROM Anchorage, Denali Park, Fairbanks or Talkeetna.

See also our Alaska Railroad page and our Train Schedule page.

[printer version Alaska Train Reservations]