Overview
This Talkeetna to Anchorage ride is the final leg of the daily Denali Star train running southbound from Fairbanks. The railway offers spacious seating and many amenities to make the journey a comfortable one. For passengers who board in Talkeetna, this thoughtful hospitality makes for a relaxing way to spend a summer evening traveling through Alaska.
A relaxing way to spend a summer evening.
As the train pulls out of Talkeetna, it almost immediately passes along a stretch of rail that provides some of the route's best views of the Alaska Range on a clear day. After this point, passengers can settle into their seats or, if their appetite calls for it, enjoy full dinner service in the dining car. The route continues south through Willow and past the Nancy Lake recreational area before passing Wasilla.
The view along the following stretch around the Knik Arm is an unexpected treat. Looking north, passengers can see deep into the dramatic mountains of the Matanuska and Knik River valleys. Huge peaks dominate the skyline, a vision reflected in the tidal sloughs below. This area is also frequented by wildlife, so it's not uncommon to spot moose grazing in the marshes, or flocks of migrating birds congregating on the mudflats. After crossing Eagle River and transiting through Alaska's largest U.S. Air Force base, the train arrives into the Anchorage Depot at about 8 PM.
More Details
The Alaska Railroad offers two levels of service between Talkeetna and Anchorage: 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. Dinner (soup or salad, entrée, dessert), 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
Many Talkeetna area hotels and tour operators provide transportation to the Talkeetna Depot. Upon arrival into Anchorage, passengers can transfer to their next destination by taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle (where available).
Talkeetna Train Depot
Mile 13.5 Talkeetna Spur Road
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Anchorage Train Depot
411 West 1st Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
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: $98.00 |
Child: $49.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W)6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W) |
Adult: $123.00 |
Child: $62.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th)9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th) |
Adult: $98.00 |
Child: $49.00 |
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: $248.00 |
Child: $146.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W)6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W) |
Adult: $286.00 |
Child: $160.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th)9/4/25 (Th) to 9/18/25 (Th) |
Adult: $248.00 |
Child: $146.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
