TOUR STOP: Alaska Railroad

Your group adventure on the Alaska Railroad starts here

The Denali Star Train, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Alaska. Ideal for group travel, the train provides an opportunity to explore the landscapes, wildlife, and cultural history of Southcentral and Interior Alaska.

“We understand that group travel is about creating shared experiences,” says Senior Passenger Sales Account Executive Heather Dudick. “For ABA member tour and motorcoach operators, we provide a journey that combines the comfort of travel with Alaska’s great outdoors. It’s all about the wide-open spaces, the wilderness, traveling through beautiful mountain ranges, slow rolling past glaciers, hopefully some wildlife, and, of course, the amazing vistas and happy passengers.”

Here’s a guide to making the most of a group trip aboard the Denali Star Train:

Groups can begin their journey on the Denali Star Train at 8:20 a.m. from either Anchorage or Fairbanks. Departing from the Anchorage Depot, the train takes a little over seven hours to reach Denali National Park and Preserve. From Fairbanks, the southbound journey to the park takes just under four hours. Once aboard, visitors are greeted by the friendly and knowledgeable staff who will help ensure a smooth start to their journey.

Alaska Railroad Insider

LODGING
The Alaska Railroad provides convenient access to Denali National Park and Preserve. Upon arrival at Denali Depot, shuttle buses from partner accommodations such as Denali Bluffs and Denali Cabins are available, ensuring a smooth transition from the train.

HIDDEN GEMS
In Denali National Park, visitors can meet 30 Alaskan huskies year-round at the sled dog kennels. The historic kennels building, used since the 1920s, includes the Sled Room showcasing Alaska’s mushing history and the dogs’ role in park conservation.

GROUP FAVORITES
Explore the variety of activities the park offers, such as Denali flightseeing, river rafting, tundra golf, and more. Also, check with your accommodations and tours, as many provide complimentary shuttle services for tours.

More Scenic Train Adventures 
Ride the Coastal Classic Train from either Anchorage or Seward for stunning Chugach Range views. Explore Seward’s cruises, glacier tours, and attractions. Take the Glacier Discovery Train to Spencer and Grandview glaciers views, with rafting and hiking.

Pack Your Bags

Remember to pack layers, sunglasses, and your sense of adventure!

Comfortable Travel Options

While traveling on the rails, the Alaska Railroad offers two service classes to suit any style of travel. 

GoldStar Service is available on two of the railroad’s routes: Coastal Classic Train and Denali Star Train. GoldStar Service members get exclusive access to glass-dome ceilings for panoramic views and a unique outdoor upper-level viewing platform—the only one in the world. The lower level of GoldStar railcars includes a full-service dining room where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner made with local and hearty ingredients. GoldStar guests also receive complimentary soft drinks and two alcoholic beverages, with many options from local brewers, cideries, and distilleries. 

Adventure Class, available on all Alaska Railroad routes, allows guests to move freely between railcars. Travelers can enjoy open seating in Vista Dome cars or visit the Wilderness Café for onboard dining and bar service, available for purchase. Adventure Class also offers large picture windows, adequate legroom, reclining seats, and the same exceptional views of Alaska with narration by a local tour guide. 

To make the most of a group’s adventure, the Alaska Railroad seats guests together and tries to keep groups close together in the dining car. This allows for easy interaction and shared experiences while still providing ample space to move around and enjoy the journey.

Comfortable forward-facing seats and narration from an Alaska tour guide are just a few of the amenities guests will find on the GoldStar Service.

Whether you are looking for a midday excursion or a multi-day itinerary, the Denali Star Train’s daily schedule and popular destinations can accommodate your group.

Glass-dome ceilings and an outdoor upper-level viewing platform provide panoramic views for groups taking the Denali Star Train’s GoldStar Service.

During their stop at Denali National Park, groups can take an interpretive hike through forests and along alpine peaks.

Local tour guides share fascinating insights about the region Alaska Railroad passengers are traveling through, such as Hurricane Gulch Bridge.

Key Stops on the Denali Star Train

Traveling to Denali National Park and Preserve is easy with the Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train. Departing Anchorage every summer morning, the 356-mile northbound journey to Fairbanks spans 12 scenic hours. Along the way, passengers enjoy sights like the Knik River and the Chugach Mountains.

From Anchorage, the first major stop is Talkeetna. This town, nestled between three rivers, is a famous starting point for mountaineering adventures and was the inspiration for the 1990s TV show Northern Exposure. Visitors can stroll through town or join tours to explore Talkeetna’s charm. Adventurous options include flightseeing tours for aerial views of Denali or jet boat tours to visit a trapper’s cabin and Alaska Native encampment.

Continuing north, the train passes through the Hurricane area with views of the Indian River and Hurricane Gulch from a 296-foot bridge. Near the park, Broad Pass offers panoramic views of the Alaska Range, while north of the park, the route follows the Nenana River through Healy Canyon.

Unique Ways to Explore the Park

The highlight of the journey is Denali National Park and Preserve, home to North America’s tallest peak. Upon arrival, a group can choose from several exciting activities. One of the most unique ways to experience the park is by taking a horse-drawn carriage wagon ride, complete with stories from guides. The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a must for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a narrated motorcoach tour through Denali’s terrain with chances to see grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep, and more.

For those looking for something more adventurous, Denali Park Zipline Adventure provides a ride through treetops and over the tundra, offering unique perspectives of the park. Additionally, the Explore Denali Hike challenges travelers with an interpretive hike through forests and along alpine peaks, guided by local experts.

“The Alaska Railroad is the ideal choice for connecting passengers to amazing destinations and experiences all along our tracks,” says Dudick. “With our trains, passengers can tailor their adventure to suit their preferences, from mild to wild, offering something for every age and adventure level.”

Alaska Railroad | alaskarailroad.com, (800) 544-0552

Heather Dudick is the senior passenger sales account executive at Alaska Railroad, specializing in coordinating with tour operators and wholesalers to enhance travel experiences across Alaska.

Photo credits: STEWART L. STERLING; SCOTT ADAMS; GLENN ARONWITS; STEWART STERLING; JOHN COMBS.