Hop aboard the Alaska Railroad to explore the state in the winter, with scenic sights and interesting experiences along the way
Traveling on the Alaska Railroad in the summer provides incredible opportunities to see Alaska’s mountains, glaciers, communities, and more. Many visitors take popular routes like the Coastal Classic Train between Anchorage, Girdwood, and Seward, or they opt for the Denali Star Train or Glacier Discovery Train. These routes generally run between mid-May and mid-September.
However, winter is also a wonderful time to explore Alaska via rail. It takes a bit more planning since trains are less frequent, but it’s a fantastic way to explore the state in all its icy beauty. So pack your cold weather gear and plan a winter rail trip to the Last Frontier.
Riding the Alaska Railroad in the winter
In winter, the most popular way to explore Alaska by rail is to take the Aurora Winter Train, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks. However, there’s another option: the Hurricane Turn Train, a great choice for those seeking a day trip from Anchorage. Here’s what to know about both.
Venture out on the Aurora Winter Train
The Aurora Winter Train runs on weekends between mid-September and mid-May, traveling along the rail’s main line between Anchorage and Fairbanks. It provides access to places like Wasilla, Talkeetna, Healy, and Nenana.
But be aware that despite its name, you likely won’t see the aurora borealis from the train itself. To maximize your chances of spotting the aurora, plan to spend some time off the train; there are plenty of places where you can get a great shot at viewing it, especially in the Fairbanks area.
It takes 12 hours to travel between Anchorage and Fairbanks, so the weekend route involves a northbound trip on Saturday, followed by a southbound trip on Sunday. This means many people choose to take the train one way and fly the other.
During the busy late winter and early spring season in February and March, midweek service is also available on certain days, so be sure to check the full schedule to see what trains might be available during your trip.
Take a day trip from Anchorage on the Hurricane Turn Train
In winter, the Hurricane Turn Train runs once a month, primarily to provide service to people who live off the grid. People who live in remote cabins can combine a flagstop service route—where they literally wave down the train in specific remote areas—with a trip on the Aurora Winter Train to spend a night in town, where they can gather supplies, run errands, and visit friends and family. You can also use this service for a day trip from Anchorage.
However you’re planning your adventure, take a close look at the schedule and make sure it works for what you have in mind. Food and beverages are not available on this train, so bring what you need for the day.
What to expect on a winter trip in Alaska
Taking the train in winter is a great way to enjoy a snow-covered landscape while nestled in a cozy railcar with large windows, perfect for taking in the views.
When planning any form of travel in Alaska, especially during the winter, be aware that weather can impact the service schedule, so be sure to check and see if there are any changes.
Pack warm clothing for when you get out and explore, as well as your camera and binoculars for sightseeing from the train. Keep an eye out for Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, and watch for wildlife like moose.
During winter, the railroad only operates with Adventure Class Service, its more affordable option with comfortable seats and expansive windows. You can walk between railcars, spend time in the Vista Dome, and find some food in the dining car at the Wilderness Cafe.
The winter dining menu includes options like a Southwest green chili bowl, slow braised pot roast, smoked salmon chowder, and reindeer penne bolognese, as well as breakfast items such as a breakfast burrito or blueberry bread pudding. The train is cashless, so bring a card or purchase a meal voucher at the station.
Train fares vary by route, with reduced rates available for seniors aged 65+, kids aged 2-11, Medicare cardholders, and people with certain disabilities. A ticket between Anchorage and Fairbanks costs $265 for adults.
Use the train to explore Alaska
Taking the Alaska Railroad is a scenic way to explore Alaska in winter, but many people also want time to explore the state off the train.
Taking the train one way and flying the other is a popular way to make the most of the journey. Here are a few ways to incorporate a train trip into part of your Alaska journey.
Sign up for an Alaska Railroad package
The railroad offers several packages with multi-day itineraries that let you take the train one direction and fly the other. These packages come in a variety of lengths and offerings, with some including accommodations and activities.
Options include a single-night Winter Escape that involves taking the train one way between Anchorage and Fairbanks, enjoying activities like a visiting museum and dog sledding, and then flying back to Anchorage the following evening.
Another single-night option is the Talkeetna Getaway, which includes a mid-morning Saturday arrival in Talkeetna, activity options like aurora watching, flightseeing over Denali, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding, and a return to Anchorage by train the following evening.
There are also aurora-viewing focused options, including The Aurora six-night package that includes stays in Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks. An even more in-depth option is the eight-night Borealis package offered in March (with a shorter four-night option offered other times during the winter). This package includes a stay at the Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, which is a haven for aurora hunters with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of activities.
Add-ons are available for many of these packages, ranging from glacier tours to flightseeing, dog mushing, snowshoeing, snowmachining, and more.
Create your own Alaska winter rail adventure
You can also create your own Alaska winter adventure by rail. Late winter and early spring are popular times to visit for events like the Fur Rendezvous and Iditarod Sled Dog Race. The railroad also adds midweek service during this time of year, making it easier to piece together a route, but be sure to check train times carefully during planning.
Take a peek at the winter route map to see what might make sense and how you can connect destinations via train. Many people will plan a few nights in Anchorage and Fairbanks to maximize their time in Alaska.
Because of the train schedule, Talkeetna can be a single-night trip from Anchorage, with time to explore on the day of arrival and the next day before a late afternoon departure. If you’re interested in activities like dog sledding and flightseeing, sign up in advance to ensure you have plenty of time and that everything works with your schedule.
