Alaska Railroad Denali to Anchorage One Way
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Make your travel time between Denali National Park and Anchorage a highlight of your trip, by booking a ticket aboard the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train. Relax in comfortable seats and watch Alaska unfold from large picture windows. Local guides share Alaska history and the stories behind the sights as you travel south. On a clear day, this route offers incredible views of the train’s namesake peak: Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infants (0-1) may be added to a reservation as lap children (not requiring a paid, reserved seat) but they must be registered in the booking. To register an infant as a lap child, please indicate so in the “Special Requests” option in the final checkout and include the infant’s name, age and gender.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
The route spans two of Alaska’s five geographic regions – Southcentral and Interior Alaska. 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. 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. Traveling between Talkeetna and Anchorage, 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. • Depart Denali at 12:30 pm • Arrive Anchorage at 8:00 pm • Explore Anchorage on your own, accommodations booked separately and at own expense • (Option for accommodations or additional rail transportation - to be scheduled directly with Alaska Railroad after booking)Snack bar and optional dining available for purchase.
What‘s Included
Optional dining and snack bar
One-way rail transportation from Denali to Anchorage
Comfortable reserved seating
Alaskan tour guide providing narration throughout journey
Lodging in Anchorage
Tours and activities in Anchorage
Transportation after arriving in Anchorage
These options can be booked independently or through Alaska Railroad directly after booking.
Options
Alaska Railroad Denali to Anchorage One Way
Reviews
66 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take the Gold Star option - it’s worth it!!
twins5300,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the 2nd leg of our train ride trip from Fairbanks to Anchorage. We spent 2 nights in Denali and then got back on the train for the long ride to Anchorage. The 8 hours went by faster than expected and the weather wasn’t great but still we had lots to see. There are announcements and highlights given along the way. We had lunch and dinner (Gold Star) and they were not only delicious but also filling. We were barely hungry at dinner time. The train pulled in a little late and we had ordered an Uber but he had left so we walked to the Hotel from the Anchorage train depot. The bags took a short time to reach the bag area and the walk was not bad after sitting all day. The Gold Star seating is wonderful (upstairs with large seats and table tops like an airplane, domed glass above us and much larger than the other less expensive seating. Definitely opt for Gold Star reservations! 2 Drink tix are included per person as well.
Elderly passengers almost left stranded—beware the scam!
Dru L,,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Beware of a scam targeting elderly passengers! My family of 4 booked a package directly through the Alaska Railroad reservations group for round trip travel from Anchorage to Denali, 3 nights in Denali, and then a return train ride back to Anchorage. I trusted the Alaska Railroad reservation group to be professional and know what they were doing but they “mistakenly” forgot to book a return fare for my 84 year old parents, leaving them stranded and forcing us to pay $780 ($340 per passenger) so they could return with us to make our flight home. We either had to pay this exorbitant fare or the train would leave without us, and we had no hotel or transportation. It was awful. Upon reaching out to the Alaska Rail for clarification I was very rudely told it was “my fault for not checking the reservation closely”. I worry how many other elderly passengers are left stranded and forced to pay due to a “reservation mistakes”. After how we were treated I do not recommend this group at all. They take advantage of elderly passengers and it’s just not right.
Convenient and Relaxing
STKatty,,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our vacation involved a 7-day trip on the Alaska Railroad, so we’ve been all the way from Fairbanks to Seward. Overall, it is extremely convenient. Check-in is simple, and they handle your luggage for you, even picking it up from our hotel room at Denali. Food on board is OK. Our only complaint is there appears to be no policy to address passengers that board even though they are ill. A lady in our car coughed the entire 8 hours from Denali to Anchorage and requested to eat by herself due to illness. No action was taken to isolate her or protect other passengers.
Worth it!!
skdennstaedt,,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was not totally sure about this longer train trip (after just taking the train from Fairbanks to Denali). Wow was I wrong. Just spectacular views and we are part of the 30% who got to see the majestic top of Denali. Conductor slowed as the view came into sight for all to see. The time literally flew by. We did splurge on the GoldStar service and it was worth it from our fun drinks to good food as well as outdoor viewing and indoor glass rooftop. The only issue we had was some of the cottonwood seed caused the front of our car to be warmer as it was clogging the vents.
Mind Blown!!!!
45vickyg,,Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00During our land tour into Alaska, we had 2 legs on the Alaska Railroad. Both were amazing! From the food and drinks, to the scenery, both trips were fantastic, everything a train trip in Alaska that could be imagined. What makes it that much more spectacular, was the customer care shown. Inadvertently, I left my backpack at my lodging in Denali at the prior nights lodging. When it was discovered in Anchorage, Shane in luggage handling went above and beyond! Not only did he try to help me go through what luggage was left, he took a report, advised me the steps to take, and when we came back the next day to meet the next train, not only did he remember me, but again, helped me find my bag! AND.... when I tried to tip him for the extra help, he totally refused to take it (not the half way refusal and then take it, but totally refused). That kind of customer care is very rare, and he is a definite asset to the Railroad.
Expectations not Realized
Roam818545,,Sep 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We travelled from Fairbanks to Anchorage. The scenery was exceptional but the train experience was disappointing to say the least. The food was mediocre but the service great. The 'tour guides' (compared to all of the other event guides we experienced in Alaska) seemed more interested in socializing than providing us with information. We purchased the $5 railroad history/travel guide at the station in Fairbanks which was an excellent resource for the trip. We cancelled the second leg of our trip from Anchorage to Seward return and rented a car! Much more value for money and the scenery was basically the same.
Relaxing train ride, nice views
tlf610,,Sep 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We left at 12:30pm from Denali and arrived in Anchorage at 8pm. We were in Adventure class. Comfortable seats but you could walk between cars and go up a flight of stairs to the dome car for better views. There was a dining car with food and beverages for purchase. We had brought a Subway sandwich, so we only purchased drinks. Great views of beautiful mountains, rivers, and forests.
Delay, Linger, and Wait
Randy L,,Sep 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The railroad tour to Denali offers some of the best photographic in Alaska without doubt and the guide we had was entertaining and very knowledgeable. The drawbacks included the 12 hour expected length of the trip and the frequent slowdowns due to other trains on the line. There was insufficient staff to serve lunch in anywhere an an appropriate period of time. My wife and I had to wait an hour to get our food—which was very good but completely slow to be served.
Great train ride and beautiful
msites106,,Aug 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our journey on the Alaska Railroad GoldStar Dome from Denali to Anchorage was an enchanting experience! The scenic train ride offered breathtaking views, and the commentary provided was perfectly balanced—informative without being overwhelming. It highlighted key areas of interest without constant chatter, allowing us to soak in the stunning landscapes. The onboard staff were simply AMAZING, attentive and friendly, ensuring we had a comfortable and enjoyable trip. The food, while not fancy, was decent and fairly priced. The drinks kept flowing, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. The only drawback was the lack of power outlets in the GoldStar Dome cars, unlike the other cars. However, this minor inconvenience did not overshadow the overall wonderful experience. If you’re traveling between Denali and Anchorage, the GoldStar Dome option is highly recommended for its excellent service, beautiful views, and overall comfort.
Poor decision making
Sherri C,,Jul 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Our 8 hour train ride turned into a 15 hour train ride. We sat still for so long by the time we saw the scenery we were so tired and annoyed. Train was to leave at 12 pm, it left at 12:40pm we were supposed to be in Anchorage at 8pm our actual time of arrival was after 3 am. Horrible experience
From US$205.00
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Operated by Alaska Railroad Corporation