Overview
The Alaska Railroad has provided comfortable travel throughout the state for more than 90 years. It is even more comfortable today thanks to modern cars, well-appointed passenger seating, and many places both indoors and out to take in the extraordinary views between Talkeetna and Fairbanks.
Modern cars and well-appointed passenger seating.
The railroad's flagship Denali Star train runs this 243-mile northbound route once daily. After passengers board and settle into comfortable seats in either their Adventure Class or GoldStar Dome cars, the train promptly departs Talkeetna at 11:20 AM. In route to the next stop at Denali National Park, passengers can visit the Wilderness Café for grab-and-go snacks or enjoy a sit-down lunch in the dining car.
After departing the historic Denali Depot, the train enters the scenic Nenana River Canyon. It's a popular spot for whitewater rafting. Passengers often see boats on their way through the rapids as the train winds along the cliffside above. Before reaching Fairbanks, the train crosses the Tanana River on one of the world's longest single-span bridges. It was at the west end of this bridge that President Harding drove the final spike to complete the railroad in 1923. The remainder of the route passes through tundra and hills before ending at the Fairbanks Depot around 8 PM.
More Details
The Alaska Railroad offers two levels of service between Talkeetna and Fairbanks: 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. Lunch, dinner (soup or salad, entrée, and 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 Fairbanks, 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
Fairbanks Train Depot
1745 Johansen Expressway
Fairbanks, AK 99701
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 |
| 5/14/25 (W) to 5/31/25 (Sa)5/14/25 (W) 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 9/17/25 (W)9/4/25 (Th) to 9/17/25 (W) |
Adult: $134.00 |
Child: $67.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
| Dates |
Adult |
Child |
Infant |
| 5/14/25 (W) to 5/31/25 (Sa)5/14/25 (W) to 5/31/25 (Sa) |
Adult: $307.00 |
Child: $184.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W)6/1/25 (Su) to 9/3/25 (W) |
Adult: $357.00 |
Child: $208.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| 9/4/25 (Th) to 9/17/25 (W)9/4/25 (Th) to 9/17/25 (W) |
Adult: $307.00 |
Child: $184.00 |
Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
