Rail Travel & Timing
During your Alaska rail tour, you may travel aboard deluxe railcars on segments between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. These cars are comfortable, restroom equipped with beverages and meals available for purchase (included for GoldStar service). Your seat will be assigned and you will find it on your welcome envelope or through a representative at the rail depot. As a courtesy to others, smoking is not permitted on board the train cars or outside vestibules.
Please be advised that a credit or debit card is required for all non-included purchases made aboard Princess Rail Service and McKinley Explorer Rail Service. Cash is not accepted for items such as meals, drinks, retail goods, and optional tours. However, we recommend having cash on hand for optional gratuities.
Travel time varies somewhat, but traditionally the schedule calls for 4 hours between Anchorage and Talkeetna, 4 hours between Talkeetna and Denali National Park and 4 hours between Denali National Park and Fairbanks.
Storage space on the train is limited, so we request that your hand-carried bag not exceed the size of a standard tote.
For Blue Denali Rail Tours, you must find your own way to the rail depot on your first day of the tour and from the rail depot on your last day of the tour. Transfers to and from your Denali-area hotel are included. For all other tours, all transfers between hotel and depot are included.
Rail Schedule (subject to change)
Anchorage to Denali (NB Rail)
- Anchorage Depart – 9:15 a.m.
- Talkeetna Arrive – 12:15 p.m.
- Talkeetna Depart – 12:30 p.m.
- Denali Park Arrive – 4:50 p.m.
Denali to Anchorage (SB Rail)
- Denali Park Depart – 9:15 a.m.
- Talkeetna Arrive – 2:00 p.m.
- Talkeetna Depart – 2:15 p.m.
- Anchorage Arrive – 5:15 p.m.
Denali to Fairbanks (NB Rail)
- Denali Park Depart – 4:00 p.m.
- Fairbanks Arrive – 8:00 p.m.
Fairbanks to Denali (SB Rail)
- Fairbanks Depart – 8:20 a.m.
- Denali Park Arrive – 12:10 p.m.
Rail transportation between Anchorage and Denali is operated by Gray Line Alaska on McKinley Explorer or Princess Rail service. Rail transportation between Fairbanks and Denali is operated by the Alaska Railroad.