Denali Train, Alaska Railroad Denali Star Train Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Denali and Talkeetna. The DenaliStar Train is the Alaska train connection for Denali National Park.

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Denali Star Train
Anchorage, Denali National Park, Fairbanks
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Alaska Railroad Denali Star TrainThe Denali Star Train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops at Talkeetna and Denali National Park, home to Denali (Mt. McKinley), North America’s highest peak.

Here is what you can expect once you step onboard the Denali Star Train:
  • Large picture windows
  • Forward-facing reclining seats
  • Open-air vestibules
  • Dining cars
  • Tour guides provide commentary
  • Gift shop onboard
  • Non-smoking cars
Denali Star Train, Train to Denali ParkHighly Recommend Gold Star Dome Seat Upgrade
GoldStar Service - Upgrade to first-class service aboard double-deck dome cars, the unobstructed scenic views and luxury rail travel has never been better. The exclusive private GoldStar open air viewing deck is the perfect way to enhance your Denali Train experience and to experience the grandeur of Alaska.

GoldStar Service Features:
  • Confirmed seat in the upper-level dome car
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages served at your seat
  • A full-time bar attendant is available to those looking for libations
  • Priority seating in the lower-level dining room showcasing original Alaska artwork
  • Private outdoor viewing deck - the only one of its kind
Alaska Travel hotline
Questions? -- Custom Tour Package Inquiry? -- Availability? -- Make Reservation?
1-907-205-5900 • Fax 1-907-205-5902
Alaska Cruise Expert
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OVERVIEW
Tour Type: Scenic, Alaska Railroad Passenger Service, Whistle Stop
Difficulty: Easy, Wheelchair Access
Comfort: Adventure Class Good
Prior Experience: None

Aurora Train Route Highlights

Anchorage to Talkeetna
Anchorage is headquarters to the Alaska Railroad and the journey to Fairbanks begins here. Several miles into the trip, the heavy birch forests of Eagle River and Chugiak lead to the Knik and Matanuska Rivers.

Denali "the high one" or "the great one"The expansive watershed harbors wildlife like moose, bear, the occasional wolf and abundant waterfowl. About 40 miles from Anchorage comes the Matanuska Valley, Alaska's agricultural center and home to the towns of Palmer and Wasilla.

Just south of Talkeetna, 70 miles further, the first view emerges of Denali ("The High One" or "The Great One"), North America's highest peak. The train takes its first stop in Talkeetna, a small town with a mining history and now, a popular takeoff point for climbers to Denali.

Talkeetna to Hurricane
From Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Denali emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. In the area from Talkeetna to Hurricane the Alaska Railroad runs one of America's last flag stop trains. In this area are a number of remote cabin sites and old homesteads that are only accessible by the Alaska Railroad, hiking in many miles, or by snowmobiles in the winter months. In the 55-mile flag stop stretch between Talkeetna and Hurricane, outdoor adventurers can get off the train anywhere and can stop the train to get on by waving a flag (towel, shirt etc.) standing near the track.

Heading towards Hurricane you'll pass points along the track known as Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Canyon, and Chulitna.

Hurricane to Denali
Aurora Winter Train Alaska RailroadThe train moves into Broad Pass. At 2,363 feet it's the highest point on the railroad, and where caribou migrate through during the fall. Thousands of travelers visit Denali National Park and Preserve to see wildlife like wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, moose and bear, and, of course, Denali.

Denali to Fairbanks
The coal-mining town of Healy follows after a 10-mile jaunt through Healy Canyon, where the surging waters of the Nenana River cuts through the steep-sided cliffs. As the track levels out, Nenana comes into view.

Nenana is home to one of the remaining original Alaska Railroad Depots, now a museum and gift shop. The track cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska. Birch, aspen and willow fill this landscape where gold miners first came to seek their fortunes.

Fifty-eight miles from Nenana, Fairbanks, the "Golden Heart City" signals the end of the line - but just the beginning for more adventure, culture and history in the Last Frontier.
ITINERARY **
Weekends only
Saturdays northbound Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Sunday southbound Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Depart Arrive
Northbound, Anchorage to Fairbanks
Anchorage 8:15 AM Wasilla 9:35 AM
Wasilla 9:35 AM Talkeetna 11:05 AM
Talkeetna 11:20 AM Denali 3:45 PM
Denali 3:55 PM Fairbanks 8:00 PM
Southbound, Fairbanks to Anchorage
Fairbanks 8:15 AM Denali 12:15 PM
Denali 12:25 PM Talkeetna 4:40 PM
Talkeetna 4:55 PM Wasilla 6:15 PM
Wasilla 6:15 PM Anchorage 8:00 PM
2016 TOUR DATES

Value Season
   May 14 - 30
   September 1 -1 4
   May 14 Northbound only
   September 14 Southbound only

Peak Fares
   May 31 - August 31, 2014

Depart Arrive
Northbound, Anchorage to Fairbanks
Anchorage 8:15 AM Wasilla 9:35 AM
Wasilla 9:35 AM Talkeetna 11:05 AM
Talkeetna 11:20 AM Denali 3:45 PM
Denali 3:55 PM Fairbanks 8:00 PM
Southbound, Fairbanks to Anchorage
Fairbanks 8:15 AM Denali 12:15 PM
Denali 12:25 PM Talkeetna 4:40 PM
Talkeetna 4:55 PM Wasilla 6:15 PM
Wasilla 6:15 PM Anchorage 8:00 PM
2016 RATES
Child Fares 50% off (under Age 12)

We highly recommend the dome car Gold Star seat upgrade for the best views along the Alaska Railroad's scenic route. Gold Star seats includes meals

Northbound Fares Anchorage to Denali/Fairbanks
 
Adventure
Gold Star
Anchorage - Denali
$165
$294 each
Anchorage - Wasilla
$62
$173 each
Anchorage - Talkeetna
$100
$212 each
Anchorage - Fairbanks
$236
$414 each
Talkeetna - Denali
$94
$206 each
Talkeetna - Fairbanks
$139
$279 each
Denali - Fairbanks
$72
$162 each

Southbound Fares Fairbank/Denali to Anchorage
 
Adventure
Gold Star
Denali - Anchorage
$165
$305 each
Wasilla - Anchorage
$62
$183 each
Talkeetna - Anchorage
$100
$222 each
Fairbanks - Anchorage
$236
$414 each
Denali - Talkeetna
$94
$206 each
Fairbanks - Talkeetna
$135
$267 each
Fairbanks - Denali
$72
$152 each

Trip Quote

On payment of your deposit to Backcountry Safaris, you agree to be bound by Backcountry Safaris' tour terms and conditions. Complete Tour, Reservation and Payment Terms are located here.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Call 1-907-222-1632 to add tour options.
Complete tour package that includes the lodging in Fairbank and Anchorage is also available.
MAPS
Alaska Railroad Route Map, Points Of Interest

RELATED LINKS AND NATURAL HISTORY
Rail Passenger Service Trains
  Denali Star -Anchorage to Denali & Fairbanks
  Costal Classic - Anchorage to Seward
  Hurricane Turn - Anchorage to Huricane
  Aurora Winter Train - Anchorage to Fairbanks
Rail Day Tours
Rail Vacations
Alaska Railroad History
Alaska Railroad Wiki
Alaska Central Railroad Tunnel No. 1

SUGGESTED ALASKA READING LIST
Kenai Fjords Historic Resource Study (online book) by Linda Cook and Frank Norris
Exploring Alaska's Kenai Fjords by David Miller
Kenai Fjords Park - Trails Illustrated Map
Alaska: A Novel by James A. Michener
Alaska: A History of the 49th State by Claus-M Naske and Herman E. Slotnick
Guide to the Birds of Alaska by Robert H. Armstrong
Wild Flowers of the Yukon, Alaska by John G. S. Trelawny
Coming into the Country by John McPhee
Travels in Alaska by John Muir

Denali Mc McKinleyDid You Know?
Did you know that Denali or Mt. McKinley, located within Denali National Park and Preserve, is the highest mountain on the North American continent? Measured from the 2,000 foot lowlands to its snowy summit at 20,237 feet, the mountain’s vertical relief of 18,000 feet is greater than that of Mount Everest.
Alaska Travel hotline
Backcountry Safaris
P.O. Box 1397 Seward, Alaska USA 99664
1-907-205-5900 • Fax 1-907-205-5902
Alaska Cruise Expert
**Tour Itineraries: Backcountry Safaris and other tour operators that we work with strive to give you a high quality Alaska experience. The tour itinerary shown on our web page is an example tour itinerary. The actual tour itinerary may vary some due to weather, safety, guest abilities and other conditions. Backcountry Safaris and other independent tour contractors reserve the right to change the tour itinerary and/or make substitutions at any time and without prior notice or to cancel all or part of any tour in its reasonable discretion, for the safety of its participants or due to insufficient number of participants signing up for a tour, because of weather, for the comfort and well being of our guests, for any other conditions that might affect the quality of tour, or as deemed necessary by the tour operator or trip leader.

Limitations of liability: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, our adventure trips involve inherent risks and dangers which are beyond our control and Backcountry Safaris shall assume no responsibility for personal injuries or deaths and loss of personal property. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will read and sign the acknowledgment and Release of Liability before the tour begins. A copy of the text is available on request.
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