Don't Miss This Incredible Train Adventure Through Alaska

A century ago, President Harding marked the completion of the 470-mile Alaska Railroad by driving a golden spike into the rail belt near Nenana, Alaska.

Claiming the Alaska Railroad is crucial to the 49th state is an understatement. It predates Alaska’s statehood (1959), played a vital role in the development of cities (Anchorage, the state’s largest city, began as a tent city to support railroad construction), and continues to transport essential goods and travelers across south central Alaska.

In honor of the Alaska Railroad’s centennial, the company is launching a spectacular Centennial Special through the end of September, allowing guests to journey the full length of the historic line while enjoying bucket list activities, such as whale watching and glacier calving in Kenai Fjords National Park, along with scenic flights over the Arctic Circle.

What's Included

The journey starts in Anchorage, traveling south to Seward, a coastal town where you can explore the 23,000-year-old Exit Glacier, visit a champion Iditarod sled dog kennel, and enjoy a wildlife cruise through the stunning fjords.

Afterward, you'll return to Anchorage, where guests can explore the Anchorage Museum, featuring a new 2023 exhibit titled All Aboard that delves into the railroad's history and legacy, highlighting pivotal moments, technological advances, and personal stories related to its operations in Alaska.

Next, enjoy a train ride to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a vital rehabilitation facility for orphaned and injured animals such as bears, moose, and eagles, followed by a guided pack-rafting adventure to the base of Spencer Glacier (accessible only by train).

Next, head north to Talkeetna, the quirky town that inspired the TV show Northern Exposure, where you'll embark on a flight-seeing tour of the majestic Alaska Range before continuing to Denali National Park for guided Jeep tours and a full day exploring the third-largest national park in the United States. The adventure wraps up at Fairbanks, the railroad's northern terminus, featuring a scenic riverboat cruise and a bush plane flight over the Arctic Circle.

Pricing Details

Travelers can choose between two fare classes: Adventure (featuring confirmed seats with picture windows, access to the Wilderness Cafe, and the Vista Dome car) and GoldStar (offering a second-floor seating area with glass-dome ceilings, outdoor viewing platforms, inclusive dining car meals, a private bar, and a tour guide). Prices start at $5,155 and $6,175, respectively, based on double occupancy. (Accommodations include hotels in Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks along the journey).

You can book the 12-day package by calling the Alaska Railroad at 800-544-0552.