Traveling by train through parks and glaciers to the Northern Lights: How to plan a spectacular Alaskan trip

A nearly 800-kilometer train journey across the United States will give you the opportunity to visit national parks, admire glaciers, and admire the northern lights. How to plan a train trip in Alaska, explains Travel & Leisure.

If anyone insists that truly comfortable and exciting train rides are only available in Europe, then they simply haven't ridden the Alaska Railroad.

The Main Line stretches nearly 800 km, from Seward to Fairbanks. It's one of the best ways to see the state and its wilderness, with moose and bears often spotted along the way.

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Built in the early 20th century, the road operates year-round, but the peak season is from mid-May to mid-September. During these months, travelers from around the world flock to Anchorage to drive two of the most popular routes: the Denali Star and the Coastal Classic.

The Denali Star is the main route. It leads north to Denali National Park (573 miles). The Coastal Classic is shorter (about 160 miles), but the views are no less spectacular, especially in the GoldStar class: a glass-domed car with an open observation deck at the top.

"I recently drove the Coastal Classic route to Kenai Fjords National Park," writes Lydia Mansell, a columnist for Travel & Leisure. "I got on in Anchorage with my phone and camera charged, checked my luggage at the station (it was delivered directly to my hotel in Seward), and took a window seat. I didn't expect how much beauty would unfold: turquoise Kenai Lake, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls. Although I had little time for stops, Alana Nerup, who is in charge of passenger services on the Alaska Highway, advises taking it slow: "It's better to visit as many small towns along the route and stay in each one at least overnight. Then you can really get a feel for the local flavor." And she has one more piece of advice, regardless of the length of the trip: "Daylight hours and weather vary greatly along our 756 km route, so pack clothes for all occasions and be prepared for surprises."

Routes and schedule

There are five main routes on the Alaska Highway, each with its own unique appeal.

Coastal Classic

"This train offers the best views of the ocean and mountains, and animals are most often seen early in the morning or late in the evening," says Nerup. "Sunsets in Alaska are especially beautiful in late August and September."

Departing Anchorage at 6:45 AM, the boat stops in Girdwood (Alyeska Resort), arriving in Seward at 11:20 AM. From there, it's a convenient base for exploring Exit Glacier or sailing on a tour of Kenai Fjords National Park. Flights operate daily from mid-May to mid-September.

Denali Star

Available only in summer. Depart Anchorage at 8:20 AM, arriving in Fairbanks 12 hours later. Along the way, you'll pass glacial rivers and boreal forests (a belt of coniferous forests that encircles the Northern Hemisphere just below the Arctic tundra, including, for example, the Siberian taiga. – Ed.)

Stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna (the gateway to Denali), and the park itself. "If you want to see North America's highest mountain and a variety of rugged landscapes over hundreds of kilometers, choose this route," recommends Nerup.

At Denali Star and Hurricane Turn, the train crosses the Indian River and passes over the Hurricane Gorge Bridge, the highest and longest bridge on the highway (90 m high and 279 m long). Engineers deliberately slow down to allow passengers to enjoy the view.

Glacier Discovery

This train gets closest to the glaciers and is convenient for further adventures—hiking, rafting, or wilderness camping. The route largely follows the Coastal Classic, but detours toward Port Whittier and turns around in Grandview. The 76–80 km stretch features numerous glaciers, tunnels, and waterfalls. There's a good chance of spotting black bears. The full route operates from late May to mid-September.

Hurricane Turn

"A local attraction is the flag-stopping train. It takes residents (and curious tourists) shopping year-round," says Nerup. "It's the best way to experience the real Alaska from the people who live here." In the summer (mid-May to mid-September), the train runs between Talkeetna and Hurricane Gorge. In the winter, it runs once a month, on Thursdays, from Anchorage to the same gorge.

Aurora Winter

In winter, this train takes you to the best spots for viewing the northern lights. It runs on weekends and some weekdays between Anchorage and Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, Healy, and Nenana. A flag stop is available 80 km south of Hurricane Gorge.

On Denali Star and Aurora Winter, Nenana is worth a look: here in 1923, President Harding drove a golden spike to mark the completion of the bridge.

Tickets and reservations

Tickets are available for purchase on the website. Prices vary by class, season, age, and destination. Military personnel (active and veteran) receive a 20% discount. Seniors over 65, Medicare cardholders, and individuals with certain disabilities receive a 50% discount on Aurora Winter.

Be sure to read the service descriptions: some routes have a restaurant, while others (Glacier Discovery, Hurricane Turn) only offer the basic Adventure class. Several routes offer pre-packaged packages. Tickets must be booked in advance, but boarding passes are issued at the station upon presentation of a photo ID.

Classes of Service

There are two classes: Adventure and GoldStar (the latter is only available on the Coastal Classic and Denali Star). Both have forward-facing and reclining seats, but the differences are noticeable.

The GoldStar has two-tiered carriages with a glass dome (always at the front of the train). The views from the windows and the dome are magnificent, and there's an open area at the top for photos and fresh air. Passengers sit on the second floor, and the restaurant, with meals included, is downstairs. The price includes soft drinks and two alcoholic beverages.

Adventure Class doesn't have a canopy, but the windows are large and the views are excellent. Your seat is assigned, but you can walk around the cars. Meals are either brought with you or purchased from the GoldStar restaurant (if available). All routes except the Hurricane Turn offer food and a bar.

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What to expect on the road

Experience varies depending on the route and class, but the general rules are the same. There's no Wi-Fi, and there are no power outlets near the seats. Cellular service is weak, so Nerup recommends downloading everything in advance and turning on airplane mode to save battery.

What to bring: extra food, water, and clothing for various weather conditions. Portable chargers are useful. And, of course, a camera.

Besides the natural beauty, the road's main attraction is its guides, consisting of local high school students. They are hired and specially trained during the summer. Passengers can chat with young Alaskans, listen to their stories, and learn about beautiful or historical sites in advance.

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