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Travel between Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Fairbanks aboard the scenic Alaska Railroad. Enjoy comfortable reserved seating and live guide narration while taking in wide-reaching views of the Alaskan interior.
Likely to Sell Out Travel by rail from Anchorage to Denali National Park on the Denali Star, featuring views of North America's highest peak.
Likely to Sell Out Travel from Denali to Anchorage on the Denali Star Train with onboard guides and views of North America's tallest peak.
Likely to Sell Out Travel from Fairbanks to Denali on the Denali Star Train, featuring large windows and narration by local guides.
Likely to Sell Out Ride the Denali Star Train from Denali to Fairbanks with panoramic views and live narration from local guides.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Denali — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Riding the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park is an unforgettable way to experience the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier. Aboard the flagship Denali Star Train, you can skip the highway driving and simply watch the spectacular sub-arctic landscapes roll by through large picture windows, all while listening to live narration from local guides.
Travel on the Alaska Railroad's premier train route connecting Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks. The comfortable, spacious rail cars are specifically designed for optimal sightseeing.
Throughout your journey, an Alaskan tour guide provides engaging commentary about the region's history, geography, and wildlife, ensuring you don't miss key landmarks.
Enjoy hot and cold meal selections from the dining car or grab lighter fare at the Wilderness Cafe. Remember to bring a credit or debit card, as cash is not accepted onboard.
Watch the dramatic transition from coastal areas to dense taiga forests and high alpine tundra. On clear days, you might even spot the massive 20,310-foot peak of Denali.
Keep an eye out the expansive windows for Alaska's famous wildlife. It's common to spot moose, caribou, or even bears roaming the wilderness near the tracks.
Planning a train trip to Denali requires a bit of preparation to ensure a smooth journey. Here are the essential details you need to know before securing your tickets on the Alaska Railroad.
All train ticket sales are final. There are no refunds available for cancellations, so be absolutely sure of your travel dates before you book.
Each passenger is allowed two checked bags and one carry-on, with no single item weighing over 50 lbs. Up to two extra bags can be added for an additional fee, and all bags must have name tags attached.
You must check in at the ticket counter at least one hour prior to your departure time to receive your boarding pass. Delays can occur, so don't book tight flight connections on the same day.
Your train ticket covers transportation to the Denali Depot, but it does not include the $15 per person Denali National Park entrance fee. You will need to pay this fee separately upon arrival or use a valid national parks pass.
Infants under 2 years old can ride for free on an adult's lap, but they still must be registered in your booking. If you want a dedicated seat for your infant, you will need to purchase a standard ticket.
If you plan to buy meals, snacks, or drinks from the dining car or Wilderness Cafe, you must use a credit card, debit card, or gift card. Cash payments are no longer accepted on the train.
The passenger trains are fully ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair lifts are available at all stations to help passengers board comfortably.
| Anchorage to Denali (Northbound) | Denali to Anchorage (Southbound) | Fairbanks to Denali (Southbound) | Denali to Fairbanks (Northbound) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Anchorage to Denali Depot | Denali Depot to Anchorage | Fairbanks to Denali Depot | Denali Depot to Fairbanks |
| Duration | 8 hours | 8 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Price from | $205 | $205 | $102 | $102 |
| Best for | Travelers starting their Alaskan vacation in the state's largest city | Returning to the coast after a few days exploring the national park | A quick, scenic transit from Alaska's northern interior | Continuing a northbound itinerary after visiting the mountain |
Denali National Park: The park itself is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services change drastically by season. During the main summer season (May 20 through mid-September), the Denali Visitor Center is open daily. In the winter (late September through early May), the Winter Visitor Center at Mile 1.4 is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Alaska Railroad: The Denali Star Train runs daily during the summer season. Northbound trains typically depart Anchorage at 8:20 am. Passengers must arrive at the station and check in at the ticket counter exactly one hour prior to their scheduled departure time to receive boarding passes.
By Train: The Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train drops passengers directly at the Denali Depot (Mile 1.5 of the park road). The journey takes about 8 hours from Anchorage (240 miles south) or 4 hours from Fairbanks (120 miles north).
By Car: Driving is the most flexible option. The park entrance is located along the George Parks Highway (AK Highway 3). It takes about 5 hours to drive from Anchorage.
By Bus: The Alaska Park Connection Motorcoach offers daily scheduled summer service connecting Anchorage, Denali, and Fairbanks, taking roughly the same amount of time as driving.
Summer Season: The best time to visit Denali is from late May through mid-September. During these months, the park's shuttle buses are running, the visitor centers are fully operational, and wildlife is highly active. Late August to early September is especially beautiful as the tundra turns vibrant autumn colors and the mosquitoes die off.
Winter Season: October through April is considered the shoulder and winter season. While the park is stunning covered in snow, temperatures are extreme, daylight is limited, and the park road is only plowed for the first 3 miles. Most local hotels and restaurants outside the park close entirely during this time.
Train Accessibility: The Alaska Railroad passenger trains comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Wheelchair lifts are available at all stations, and service animals are welcome aboard.
Park Accessibility: Denali National Park offers excellent accessibility in its frontcountry. The Denali Visitor Center and Bus Depot have paved routes, automatic doors, and accessible restrooms. Tour and transit buses can be equipped with wheelchair lifts if requested in advance. Visitors with severe mobility limitations can also apply for a special permit to drive their private vehicles past Mile 15.
On the Train: The Denali Star features comfortable reserved seating, large picture windows, and onboard restrooms. Dining options include hot and cold meals in the dining areas, or lighter fare in the Wilderness Cafe. Purchases are cashless (card only). Animals must be transported in kennels in the baggage car.
In the Park: The park entrance area features the Denali Visitor Center, a bookstore, the Denali Bus Depot for tour tickets, and the Morino Grill. There are six campgrounds, though only Riley Creek is open year-round. Note that cell service and internet are practically non-existent beyond three miles into the park.
The journey on the Denali Star Train from Anchorage to Denali National Park takes approximately 8 hours. It covers about 240 miles of incredibly scenic Alaskan landscapes.
The southbound train ride from Fairbanks to Denali takes about 4 hours. It is a shorter, very scenic route through Alaska's interior.
Yes, on clear days, the train route offers wide-reaching views of the landscape, including clear sightings of Denali. However, keep in mind that due to persistent cloud cover, only about 30 percent of summertime visitors actually get to see the mountain.
Meals are not included in the base ticket price, but optional dining is available onboard. You can purchase hot and cold meals in the dining areas or grab lighter fare at the Wilderness Cafe using a credit or debit card.
Passengers are allowed two checked bags and one carry-on, plus up to two extra bags for an additional fee. No single item may weigh over 50 lbs, and all bags must have name tags attached.
No, the train ticket only covers your transportation. You will need to pay the $15 per person park entrance fee (valid for 7 days) upon arrival, or show a valid federal lands pass.
Yes, the passenger trains are fully wheelchair accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Wheelchair lifts are available at all stations to assist with boarding.
Service animals are welcome aboard the passenger cars. However, all other pets must be transported in kennels in the baggage car. Also note that inside Denali National Park, pets are strictly prohibited on trails and buses.
All sales for the Alaska Railroad tickets on these routes are final. There are no refunds available for cancellations, so ensure your travel plans are firm before booking.
Sub-arctic weather is highly unpredictable, and snow can fall even in the summer. You should dress in layers and bring a high-quality rain jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a warm fleece, a winter hat, and gloves.
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The Denali Star is the Alaska Railroad's flagship train, providing a scenic route from Anchorage to Denali National Park. The journey is known for its wide-reaching views of the landscape, including clear sightings of Denali—the tallest mountain in North America—when weather permits. Because the rail schedule does not allow for a same-day return between Anchorage and the park, you will need to arrange overnight lodging at Denali in advance. Return tickets to Anchorage are not included automatically and should be booked separately for a different day.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
The Denali Star Train provides a scenic rail link for travelers moving from Denali National Park south to Anchorage. Passengers can skip the highway and instead watch the Alaskan landscape through large picture windows from the comfort of their assigned seats. Throughout the trip, local guides provide live narration, sharing the history of the region and the stories behind the landmarks along the tracks. On clear days, this route offers some of the most consistent views of Denali, the highest peak in North America, as the train winds through the interior.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
The Denali Star Train offers a direct rail link between Fairbanks and Denali National Park. This southbound route allows travelers to skip the drive and instead view the Alaskan interior through expansive picture windows. The train is equipped with spacious seating designed for comfort during the transit through the Tanana Valley. As you travel, local guides provide live commentary on the passing scenery. They share historical context and stories about the landmarks visible from the tracks, offering a deeper look into the region's heritage before you arrive at the park entrance.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English
This northbound route connects Denali National Park to Fairbanks aboard the Denali Star Train. The rail cars are built for sightseeing, featuring wide windows and spacious seating that offer a clear view of the interior landscape throughout the four-hour trip. As you travel, local guides provide live commentary on the passing scenery. They share details about Alaska’s history and the specific landmarks visible from the tracks, turning the transit into a guided tour of the region's wilderness and heritage.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English