Overview
Long before there was a highway connecting the larger towns in Alaska, the Alaska Railroad was the most efficient and comfortable way to travel. It is still efficient, and likely even more comfortable today, thanks to well-appointed cars and many amenities to make this Fairbanks-to-Talkeetna trip an enjoyable one.
Well-appointed cars and amenities to make the trip enjoyable.
The railroad's flagship Denali Star train runs this 243-mile southbound route once daily. After passengers board and settle into comfortable seats in either Adventure Class and GoldStar Dome cars, the train promptly departs the Fairbanks Depot at 8:15 AM. In route toward Denali National Park, the trip's first major stop, passengers can visit the Wilderness Café for coffee and grab-and-go breakfast items or enjoy a sit-down meal in the dining car.
As the rail passes through Healy and nears the Denali park area, it enters the steep Nenana River Gorge. The views along this twisting track make for especially great photos. After a stop at the historic depot within the park, the train heads on again, crossing the Hurricane Gulch bridge and passing to the east of Kesugi Ridge. The route draws closest to Denali through here, at one point coming within 40 rugged miles of the summit. The train pulls into the Talkeetna Depot at about 4:40 PM.
More Details
The Alaska Railroad offers two levels of service between Fairbanks and Talkeetna: Adventure Class and GoldStar Dome. Adventure Class passengers enjoy spacious cars with tall windows and large seats, access to a shared dome observation car, and the ability to easily walk between different cars on the train. The GoldStar Dome offers passengers luxury rail service with reserved upper deck seating beneath large dome windows and all-inclusive meals. Alaska Tour & Travel is happy to offer our guests the choice of service to best suit their needs and budget. Click here for more train service details.
Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard in the Wilderness Café. Full-service meals are served in the lower level of the GoldStar dome car for GoldStar passengers only. Breakfast, lunch, all non-alcoholic beverages, and two alcoholic beverages are included in the GoldStar ticket price.
What to Bring
Bring a camera, medications, and government issued photo ID. Bring a credit or debit card for additional onboard purchases (cash not accepted). It is a good idea to dress in layers, since the temperature can vary depending on the weather and the train car's heating and cooling system.
Special Instructions
Check in at the depot with a valid government issued photo ID one hour prior to departure. Boarding passes with seat assignments will be issued then. All Adventure Class and GoldStar Dome passengers are assigned seats by the Alaska Railroad upon check in at the depot. The Alaska Railroad offers checked baggage service. Passengers are allowed two checked bags plus one carry on, with dimension and weight restrictions like those of airlines. The Alaska Railroad charges $20 per item for oversized or excess baggage.
Departure/Arrival Points
Passengers can transfer to the Fairbanks Depot by taxi or hotel shuttle (where available). Upon arrival into Talkeetna, guests are met at the depot by local hotel shuttles.
Fairbanks Train Depot
1031 Alaska Railroad Depot Road
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Talkeetna Train Depot
Mile 13.5 Talkeetna Spur Road
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.
| Dates |
Adult |
Child |
Infant |
| 5/15/25 (Th) to 5/31/25 (Sa)5/15/25 (Th) to 5/31/25 (Sa) |
Adult: $134.00 |
Child: $67.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W)6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W) |
Adult: $169.00 |
Child: $85.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th)9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th) |
Adult: $134.00 |
Child: $67.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
| Dates |
Adult |
Child |
Infant |
| 5/15/25 (Th) to 5/31/25 (Sa)5/15/25 (Th) to 5/31/25 (Sa) |
Adult: $290.00 |
Child: $170.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W)6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W) |
Adult: $347.00 |
Child: $193.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th)9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th) |
Adult: $290.00 |
Child: $170.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
