Booking an Alaska Railroad Tour
Taking the Alaska Train To or From Anchorage on Alaska Cruises
Jun 9, 2009
On an Alaska cruise that starts or ends in an Alaska cruise port, cruise passengers have a choice of cruise ship transfers. Although many cruise ship passengers choose a motorcoach transfer to or from the cruise port, the option to take the train is a memorable and relaxing alternative. Here’s what to expect on the Alaska Railroad experience.
Cruise Ship Shuttle: Alaska Railroad vs Motorcoach
- Experience Alaska – All trains offer panoramic vistas while a train tour guide provides commentary about Alaska’s history. Train cars are also adorned with Alaska art.
- Dining – Having breakfast, lunch, or dinner while on the train is a big difference between taking the Alaska Railroad tour over the bus. Each train has a Wilderness Cafe that sells wraps, snacks and boxed lunches. And, a dining car is available on both the Denali Star and Coastal Classic trains featuring a more extensive menu including pastas and Alaskan seafood. All trains also offer a full beverage menu offering beer, wine and cocktails.
- Photo Opportunities – Throughout the train ride, passengers can move freely from one car to the next. There's also the opportunity to take photos with unobstructed views from the open air vestibules between cars.
- Schedule – The train schedule is a little restrictive with only one northbound and one southbound train for each route.
- Coastal Classic Train – This train runs from Anchorage to Seward, Alaska (and Seward to Anchorage), and takes approximately four hours each way. The Adventure Class fare costs $75 per adult and $38 for children. For a first class ticket, book the Gold Star fare which costs $160 per adult and $80 per child.
- Denali Star Train – This train runs from Anchorage to Denali and onwards to Fairbanks. It takes about 7.5 hours to get to Denali and an additional 4.25 hours to get to Fairbanks. The Adventure Class fare costs $146 per adult to get to Denali or $210 per adult to get to Fairbanks. For the Gold Star fare, expect to pay an additional $85 for the Denali route or an extra $110 to get to Fairbanks.
- Glacier Discovery Train – This train runs from Anchorage to Whittier, Alaska (and Whittier to Anchorage), taking about two hours each way. The Adventure Class fare is $65 per adult and $33 per child. Unfortunately there is no Gold Star service or dining car on this train.
What’s Included in the Gold Star Fares?
These luxury dome cars offer first class seating and service in the upper-level of the car. The domed cars feature picture windows, reclining seats, and original Alaska art. Passengers booking the Gold Star fares are entitled to priority check-in and boarding, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and priority seating in the lower level dining room, too.
There are discounts offered for roundtrip fares, and the Denali Star train offers value fares during the months of May and September. In addition, to celebrate Alaska’s 50th Anniversary, anyone who turns 50 years old in 2009 can take a free ride for a day on the Alaska Railroad anytime during the year.
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