This Picturesque Winter Train in Alaska Has Increased Its Journeys

The Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train may not be a high-speed train, taking 12 hours to link Anchorage and Fairbanks—Alaska's two largest cities (a six-hour drive by car). However, this leisurely pace allows passengers to look for moose and wolves, capture images of trees draped in hoarfrost, enjoy Alaskan dishes (like reindeer penne bolognese) in the dining car, and, on clear days, catch glimpses of Denali, North America's tallest mountain, from multiple viewpoints.

Beginning this week, there are even more chances to board the Aurora Winter Train. The Alaska Railroad has reinstated its midweek winter service on selected days from February 14 through March 25, in addition to its northbound rides on Saturdays and southbound rides on Sundays, which will continue until May 8.

While it follows the same path as the Denali Star train (operated by the Alaska Railroad from mid-May to mid-September), the experience is entirely different, with far fewer travelers exploring the Last Frontier. The winter train showcases landscapes covered in pristine, untracked snow, enhancing wildlife spotting opportunities from the large picture windows. The atmosphere is quieter, often populated more by locals than tourists, and the low-hanging winter sun bathes the mountain ranges in a warm, rose-gold hue throughout the day.

During the journey, passengers can choose to disembark at Wasilla, Talkeetna (the town that inspired Northern Exposure), Healy, and Nenana. Although not officially scheduled, there is a possibility for passengers to hop on or off at other points along the route—the Alaska Railroad operates the last flagstop service in the U.S., allowing customers to simply wave a piece of cloth or stick out their thumb to request a ride. This service is vital for Alaskans living in remote cabins to access cities and enables adventurers to reach areas in the state's wild interior that lack road access.

Although it's named the Aurora Winter Train, travelers are unlikely to catch a glimpse of the northern lights from the train, as it operates during the day. Since the train only travels one way each day, passengers will need to spend the night in either Talkeetna or Fairbanks, both cities renowned for their high auroral activity throughout the winter, especially in the weeks around the spring equinox. Light enthusiasts can choose their accommodations—Chena Hot Springs Resort is a favored spot for both locals and tourists, where it’s possible to watch the lights flicker while relaxing in the thermal pools. The luxurious glass-domed igloos at Borealis Basecamp are also popular. Alternatively, the Alaska Railroad provides multi-day winter packages, including the one-night Winter Escape and Talkeetna Getaway, as well as the six-night Aurora. Each package covers lodging and activities like museum tours and dogsledding, with prices ranging from $289 to $1,545 per person.