How to get from Fairbanks to Talkeetna

One of the favorite ways to get from Fairbanks to Talkeetna is on the Alaska Railroad. This is a popular choice for our guests that travel roundtrip from Anchorage to Fairbanks and back, splitting up the trip with overnights in Denali National Park in one direction and Talkeetna in the other. Most also combine the train with the Park Connection Motorcoach on this itinerary. Here's why.

8.5 hours by train | 5.5 hours by car

If you are ready to book train seats now, check out our Train & Bus Express Checkout. Otherwise, read on for additional details.

Take the Train

The Denali Star train departs Fairbanks at 8:20 AM and arrives in Talkeetna around 5:05 PM during the summer. You can choose from the Alaska Railroad's Adventure Class or GoldStar Dome service, or Wilderness Express dome railcars. These privately owned cars often make up the last cars on the train.

Ride the Bus

Unless you are overnighting in Denali Park, riding the bus is not the best option. You could take a van transfer down from Fairbanks to Denali Park, and then catch our afternoon departure on the Park Connection Motorcoach from Denali Park to Talkeetna. But again, in most cases for same-day travel on this run, stick to the train or rent a car.

Drive Yourself

It is a pleasant drive from Fairbanks to Talkeetna, about 270 miles or up to six hours plus stops. There are several good restaurants near the Denali Park entrance if you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat along the way. You can't drop off a rental car in Talkeetna, but we do offer one-way rentals form Fairbanks to Anchorage, and even have an option for guests departing on cruises from Whittier or Seward. See our Seward car rentals or Whittier car rentals pages for more details.