Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Denali > Fairbanks
How to get to Denali National Park? The Alaska Railroad’s flagship train. Every summer morning, the northbound Denali Star Train departs Anchorage for the 356-mile, 12-hour journey to Fairbanks, with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali National Park; while in Fairbanks, the southbound Denali Star embarks on the reverse. The route spans two of Alaska’s five geographic regions – Southcentral and Interior Alaska. On a clear day, passengers enjoy sights of the train’s namesake peak: Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Traveling between Anchorage and Talkeetna, the train crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop. Just south of Talkeetna, watch for views of Denali rising high above the Susitna River. North of Talkeetna, the tracks veer away from the road system and into the backcountry Hurricane area; this region offers views of the snaking Indian River, the occasional remote cabin and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge. Just south of Denali National Park, Broad Pass offers majestic views of the Alaska Range in all directions; north of the park, the train winds along Healy Canyon, following the curves of the Nenana River below.
The daily schedule and popular destinations makes the Denali Star ideal for traveling Alaska. Ride the train from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Denali National Park for a quintessential Alaska journey. Anchorage-based passengers may pair the Star with day trips to Talkeetna, while passengers originating in Fairbanks can enjoy a midday excursion in Denali National Park and still be home that evening. Or, plan a multi-day itinerary with overnights along the way; Alaska Railroad reservationists are happy to help plan for accommodations and activities.
Onboard services: GoldStar Service or Adventure Class. Dining car, baggage service (Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks only), non-smoking cars, wheelchair access.
For schedules information, click here.
For fares information, click here.
For the Denali Star Train route map, click here.
For the Alaska Railroad Terms and Conditions, click here.
Header photo credit Glenn Aronwits.
