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Follow the Alaska Railroad's route between Anchorage and Denali National Park with a stopover in Talkeetna and enjoy incredible views of the Alaska Range aboard the train, complemented by historical information, drinks and meals. Overnight in Talkeetna - the starting point for all mountaineering and flying activities in Denali National Park. Our tour package includes transfers, a full day of wildlife viewing during the Denali Shuttle Bus Tour, hotel accommodations of your choice, and custom program additions or combinations. Travel in style - travel by rail! Upgrade Information: Travel aboard the luxurious dome car with all-around glass ultra-dome ceilings that offer unobstructed views of Alaska's spectacular scenery while you relax and enjoy full beverage service and informative commentary from our train attendants. From the open-air observation deck, step outside to take the perfect snapshot or breathe fresh air. An elegant dining room awaits you with two-meter-high windows, fresh linens, fine china, and a menu of delicious dishes prepared to your order by our on-board chefs. |
DEP#04 Denali & Talkeetna Railroad Tour - Panorama Train
Tour Itinerary
Dates | Rates
Options | Extensions
Railroad FAQ
Denali National Park FAQ
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Day
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Anchorage Arrive in Anchorage during the day. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Anchorage. Optional city sightseeing tour: Visit some of Anchorage's historical points of interest in this sprawling city of over 250,000 full-time residents. Watch for attractions like the Log Cabin Visitor Center and its Crossroads of the World Signpost, Ship Creek Viewpoint overlooking Cook Inlet and the Alaska Railroad Depot, Resolution Park with its Captain Cook Monument, and the Museum of History & Art. The highlight of the 3.5 hour tour will be a visit to the world renowned 25-acre Alaska Native Heritage Center displaying several interactive exhibits developed in recognition and tribute to the distinct culture of the Alaskan people. |
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Day
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Anchorage - Talkeetna (by dome car or standard train) From Anchorage enjoy views of sweeping wilderness plains, sheer granite cliffs, and snowcapped mountain peaks. Imagine the views of the Matanuska Valley, home of 70-pound cabbages and strawberries the size of plums. Gliding past the Susitna River you may catch a glimpse at Mount Denali, the tallest mountain in North America and truly the highlight of the trip. Along the way, you will delight in the opportunity to see a variety of Alaskan wildlife such as moose, bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep, beavers and waterfowl. Once in Talkeetna you have the opportunity to attend the Jet Boat Safari, take a flightseeing tour around Mt. Denali, walk through historic Talkeetna or explore the area. Transfer to your hotel. |
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Talkeetna - Denali National Park (by dome car or standard train) Depart Talkeetna and continue your train tour to Denali National Park. Enjoy the scenic vistas of the Alaska Range and its five towering peaks as you cross mighty bridges like the one crossing Hurricane Gulch (at 265 feet, it's the tallest on the Alaska Railroad). A truly once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Arrive at the Denali Railroad Station in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel. Time for activities: Exiting rafting or float trip, heli-hiking tour or a horseback ride. In the evening you can get a taste of old-time Alaska at the Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre - a popular dinner theatre performed in an authentic, log-paneled roadhouse (not included) |
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Day
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Denali National Park - Denali Shuttle Bus Tour Denali National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular sceneries. In the morning take the hotel shuttle to the Denali Bus Depot where your Denali wilderness tour begins. Pick up your pre-reserved tickets and explore the center if time allows. Board the bus, sit back and watch out for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and fox moving along the ridges and river beds or observe one of the 150 different bird species which inherit the park area. Your driver informs you about the history of Denali National Park, its diverse wildlife and flora. Once a bear, caribou or another animal has been spotted the bus will stop that everyone can watch and take pictures. Your tour turns around at Eielson Visitor Center - 66 miles into the park or a four hour drive. We can extend the bus tour to Wonder Lake or Kantishna Roadhouse. You can get off the bus anytime you wish and take a stroll, go hiking and enjoy the landscape. Return to the Denali Park entrance anytime during the day. Overnight: Denali National Park |
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Denali National Park - Anchorage (by dome car or standard train) Spend the morning at Denali National Park with a ranger sled dog demonstration, raft of float on the Nenana River or take a scenic flightseeing tour around the magnificent three - Mt. Denali Mt. Foraker and Mt. Hunter. Board the Alaska Railroad in the morning and relax in your comfortable reclining seats, take a delicious lunch onboard or listen to the commentaries through a local tour escort. Have your camera ready as the train crosses Hurricane Gulch Bridge, 300 feet above the creek. You'll arrive in Anchorage in the early evening. Optional tour extension. |
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child | |
| May 15 - May 31 | $1679.00 | $1056.00 | $862.00 | $765.00 | $203.00 | |
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| June 1 - August 31 | $1757.00 | $1134.00 | $940.00 | $843.00 | $226.00 | |
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| September 1 - September 20 | $1679.00 | $1056.00 | $862.00 | $765.00 | $203.00 | |
First Class Hotel Category
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child | |
| May 15 - May 31 | $2590.00 | $1711.00 | $1458.00 | $1329.00 | $520.00 | |
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| June 1 - August 31 | $2789.00 | $1867.00 | $1600.00 | $1467.00 | $620.00 | |
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| September 1 - September 20 | $2590.00 | $1711.00 | $1458.00 | $1329.00 | $520.00 | |
Departure Days
| Daily Departures from May 15 - September 14 |
Services included
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Flexible Tour Options - Upgrades & Sightseeing
| Rates in US $ | per Person | Adult |
| Talkeetna: 1-Hour Mt. Denali Flightseeing Tour (Glacier Landing add $120) | $265.00 |
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| Denali: Extend your Shuttle Bus Tour to Wonder Lake | $30.00 |
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| Exchange Shuttle Bus to Escorted 8-Hour Tundra Wilderness Tour including Boxed Lunch Departure: 2:00 pm / Return 8:00 pm |
$130.00 |
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| Exchange Shuttle Bus to Escorted 13-Hour Kantishna Wilderness Lodge / Backcountry Tour with Lunch, Interpretive Program, Gold Panning, En-route Refreshments Departure: 6:00 am / Return 7:00 pm |
$160.00 |
Additional Nights - Anchorage
| Rates in US $ | per Person (+tax) | Hotel Category | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child |
| May 15 - May 31 | Superior Hotel | $185.00 | $93.00 | $67.00 | $52.00 | $10.00 |
| June 01 - August 31 | Superior Hotel | $190.00 | $95.00 | $70.00 | $55.00 | $10.00 |
| September 01 - September 15 | Superior Hotel | $185.00 | $93.00 | $67.00 | $52.00 | $10.00 |
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| May 15 - May 31 | First Class Hotel | $315.00 | $158.00 | $110.00 | $89.00 | $10.00 |
| June 01 - August 31 | First Class Hotel | $330.00 | $165.00 | $116.00 | $93.00 | $10.00 |
| September 01 - September 15 | First Class Hotel | $315.00 | $158.00 | $110.00 | $89.00 | $10.00 |
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| Alaska Rail Tour Services Regular Seating and Private Dome Car Choices Our Alaska Rail Tours are available with the following classes of service: Denali Star & Coastal Classic Regular Service | Many people prefer the standard class for its single level stability, generous seating and the ability to easily walk between different cars on the train. Gold Star Dome Cars Are the newest first-class rail cars in Alaska with large picture windows and fine dining options. Upper level dome car 360-degree viewing seating, priority check in, outdoor viewing deck. The lower level provides a restaurant, bar and gift shop. Midnight Sun Express Dome Cars | These 2-story dome cars with large multiple outside viewing platforms are operated by a private company. Enjoy the full-time 360-degree view dome seating with plenty of leg – and storage room. Additional features are: GPS assisted monitors, restaurant, bar and gift shop. The 1950’s Vintage Cars | The 1950's-era vintage railcars built by the well known Budd Company were some of the last reminders of the Golden Age of rail. A private company began acquiring Budd dome cars for passenger service on the McKinley Explorer train in Alaska. The seven cars the: Matanuska 508, Chena 509, Chulitna 510, Tanana 512, Talkeetna 513, Kashwitna 553 and Eklutna 554 were purchased and completely refurbished. These railcars were to become the most historic and elegant way to travel through America's Last Frontier. Mc.Kinley Explorer Dome Cars | Are the largest domed cars ever build with plenty of legroom, wide isles and additional luggage storage space. The seats are on the upper level – with restaurant, gift shop and bar downstairs - providing a 360-degree view through the glass windows around and the glass dome above you. All seats are wired so you may listen to music and recorded narration. GPS assisted monitors in each car are tracking the exact location. The covered outside viewing platform is a great feature for a breath of fresh air. All Alaska Rail Tours are including a pre-confirmed and assigned seat as well as on-board narration services. MAP – Modified American Plan (Breakfast & Dinner) is available upon request. |
| Children Rate We provide a reduced tour rate for children up to 11 years. Please refer to each individual tour for more information. Children will be accommodated in parents room. |
| Dining The Midnight Sun Express, the McKinley Explorer and the Alaska Railroad Gold Star Dome Cars are offering full service breakfast, lunch and dinner options (all custom made to order) at the on-board restaurants. You will have the opportunity to visit the dining room and order freshly prepared food from the menu. Since all of our dishes are prepared to order we will do our best to accommodate all dietary concerns. Please notify us of any special dietary requirements at the time of reservation. |
| Gratuities Recommended gratuities to the on-board train staff and host guides are $3.00 to $5.00 per person and day. Gratuities for meal and bar service are entirely discretionary, but 15% is customary in most Alaskan restaurants. All tipping is a matter of your individual preference and is of course - always voluntary. |
| Hotel Accommodation For additional information and addresses on hotels, lodges and resorts included in your railroad tour package, please check our „Info Center“ area. |
| Luggage Transfer & Access Passengers are limited to two pieces of checked baggage, not to exceed 50 pounds, that must be checked with the Alaska Railroad without charge. Each passenger may also take one carry on, not to exceed 2 ” by 14” by 17 ”, which will stored under your seat on the viewing level. Please pack any medications, cameras, binoculars or valuables in your carry-on. |
| Pets Are not allowed onboard (except assistance dogs) |
| Smoking Is not permitted on-board the trains. Smoking is allowed outside on the platforms. Ashtrays are available on the outside viewing platform. |
| Sightseeing Tours Most of our tours are including scheduled sightseeing trips. For more information please refer to each individual tour package. In addition to these scheduled tours we also provide a variety of exciting optional sightseeing trips with a great value. Please Note: Optional sightseeing tours are only available in connection with a confirmed rail tour package reservation. |
| Tickets & Travel Documents You’ll receive your boarding passes, travel documents and additional tour information on the departure day at the rail station. Ticketless travel options are available upon request. |
| Transfers Most scheduled transfers indicated within the itinerary are included in our rail tour packages. Optional pre/post hotel tour accommodation are including transfers from/to the airport. Private limousine and/or group coach transfers are available for an additional charge. |
| Wheelchair Access Each train has at least one rail car that this fully accessible to wheelchairs. A specially designed lift makes getting on and off the train easy and safe. There are also accessible restrooms on each of the accessible rail cars. |
| Alaska Rail Tour Travel Destinations 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.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 Mt. McKinley, 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 Mt. McKinley. Talkeetna to Denali | From Talkeetna, the track follows the serpentine banks of the Susitna River. On clear days, more views of Mt. McKinley emerge across the river presenting many chances for photos. Black and brown bear frequent the sandbars and scuttle into the brush as the train approaches. Next, the Indian River Canyon is home to many beavers and beaver lodges can be seen in the ponds along the way. The track climbs toward tree line, first crossing Hurricane Gulch, the longest bridge on the railroad just over 914 feet and 296 feet above Hurricane Creek. The 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, Mt. McKinley. 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. It 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. Seward to Anchorage | Your journey starts in Seward, the southern terminus of the railroad. It quickly begins its climb through primeval forests of Sitka spruce. After crossing Snowy River, Kenai Lake comes into view, set off with its stunning aqua color and surrounded by soaring mountains. Moose Pass - Thirty miles into the trip, the track winds through Moose Pass, a former railroad construction camp on the shores of Trail Lake. As the rail ascends into the Kenai Mountains, it leaves behind the forests and reveals mountain meadows and streams of gin-clear glacial waters. Trail Glacier appears on the right and soon after, the summit of Grandview at 1,063 feet and the historic Loop District - named for a complex series of trestles built to handle the steep grade in the age of steam engines. In the same stretch, Bartlett Glacier crowds the track just 800 feet away. Placer River Valley - After passing through a series of short tunnels, the track descends to the Placer River Valley near Spencer Glacier. Moose, bear and wolves populate the valley among the willow and alder trees. Trumpeter swans migrate through in spring and fall and arctic terns hover above the ponds and river looking for small fish and insects. Twelve miles later Turnagain Arm appears, where 40-foot tides rush into the narrow confines of the Chugach Mountains. Beluga whales pursue salmon and other schooling fish. Next comes Girdwood, home to Alaska's premier ski resort, a 40-mile commute from Anchorage. Chugach National Forest - The Chugach National Forest borders Turnagain Arm, some six million acres, the second largest in the U.S. Bald eagles cruise the thermals above and Dall Sheep come to feed on the low plants growing on the cliffs bordering the track. Next comes Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Anchorage is the final stop, 114 miles out of Seward. |
Denali National Park - FAQ
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