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Looking for the perfect Alaska Vacation Package ? The rail & car tour RRSD#01 is ideal for the individual traveler. Board the Alaska Railroad for a spectacular rail tour journey via Talkeetna to Denali National Park. Enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing and look out for Dall sheep, moose, caribou, wolves and grizzly bears along with magnificent panoramic views of 20.230 ft Mt. Denali - the tallest mountain in North America. Explore Fairbanks - Alaska's Golden Heart City and gateway to the interior with perfect Northern Lights Viewing opportunities from mid August - mid September. Pick up your rental car for the second part of your rail & drive vacation package and drive along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline towards the magnificent Wrangell-St. Elias Mountain Range. A highlight is visit to McCarthy, Kennicott and the Kennecott Copper Mine. Return to Anchorage via the scenic Matanuska Valley and stopover at Matanuska Glacier. |
RRSD#01 Alaska Tour Package | Super Natural Alaska
Tour Itinerary
Dates | Rates
Options | Extensions
Accommodation
Rental Car
Railroad FAQ
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Day
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Anchorage Upon arrival in Anchorage, check in to your hotel in a prime downtown location. Get ready for a rail and self drive vacation of a lifetime. Anchorage features dozens of parks and 122 miles of paved bike paths. Warmed by a maritime climate, you can spend the day salmon fishing at Ship Creek, hiking the nearby mountains, photographing glaciers and dining at a four-star restaurant. Within a 15-minute drive from downtown on the hillside is the tree-lined trailhead of Anchorage’s most popular hike, Flattop Mountain. A short floatplane ride opens up the possibility of almost any type of adventure. That’s one reason why Lake Hood is the world’s busiest floatplane base. Try some fresh Alaska seafood (Salmon, Halibut, Crabs) for dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants around the hotel. Afterwards enjoy a stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with sweeping views over the inlet to Mt. Denali and Mt. Susitna aka: "Sleeping Lady". |
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Anchorage - Denali National Park | Rail Tour Board the Alaska Railroad in Anchorage. Choose between the standard rail car or the glass-domed compartments with large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views of the pristine scenery. Get the camera ready as the train crosses Hurricane Gulch Bridge, 300 feet above the creek. Arrival at Denali Village late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Remaining day at leisure or join outdoor activities. Optional: Enjoy a scenic float trip near the entrance of Denali National Park with a taste of whitewater rafting. This guided trip skirts the boundaries of Denali National Park down the glacier-fed Nenana River. Experience beautiful scenery and keep your eyes out for moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you a thrilling, yet safe rafting. More adventurous guests have the option to continue with the Canyon Run! Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids." |
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Denali National Park Denali National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and spectacular sceneries. In the morning take the hotel shuttle to the Wilderness Access Center where your wilderness bus tour begins. Pick up your pre-reserved tickets and explore the center if time allows. Board the bus, sit back and look for Dall sheep, moose, caribou, wolves and grizzly bears 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. We can extend the bus tour to Wonder Lake, Kantishna Roadhouse or arrange the Tundra Wilderness Tour, Denali Backcountry Adventure or Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour. Return to the Denali Park entrance anytime during the day. |
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Denali National Park - Fairbanks | Rail Tour Morning at leisure: visit a park ranger sled dog demonstration, raft or float on the Nenana River or take a scenic flightseeing tour around the magnificent three - Mt. Denali 20.320 ft, Mt. Foraker 17.400 ft and Mt. Hunter 14.573 ft. Transfer to the Denali Rail Depot. Leave Denali at 4:00 PM for the scenic rail journey north towards Nenana - known for the Alaska Ice Classics - and further on to Fairbanks. Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart City of Alaska, is the gateway to the interior and enjoys almost 24 hours of daylight during the summer months. Tucked away into miles of unexplored wilderness only 120 miles from the Arctic Circle, Fairbanks offers excellent year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Explore the Alaska University Museum with the best natural history collection statewide, Alaskaland or take an authentic sternwheeler cruise for a scenic 20-mile roundtrip on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. |
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Fairbanks | Start of Self Drive Tour In 1902, Felix Pedro found gold in the region and thousands of prospectors swarmed to the area in search of the “Mother Lode.” Nearly a century later, Fairbanks is the trade and transportation center for Interior and Far North Alaska. Pick up your rental car and explore the area. Today you have the unique chance to join an arctic flight to Alaska's vast, roadless interior. Enjoy the scenic flight above the arctic circle and experience how the Gwich'in Athabascan Natives live in "Bush" Alaska. Put your hand in the Yukon River, travel through the wetlands and crest the rounded peaks of the Northern Edge of the Alaska Range looking out for moose and Dall sheep. Another option is to drive along Chena Hot Springs road (watch out for moose!), go on a hiking trip and visit Chena. Relax in the large heated indoor or natural outdoor rock lake. Step inside the Aurora Ice Museum and grant yourself to a "Appletini" beverage served in an ice glass. |
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Fairbanks - Copper Center Leave Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway for Delta Junction - a telegraph station established in 1904. The intersection, marked by an oversized white milepost for Mile 1422 of the Alaska - and Richardson Highway, is known as the Triangle. Delta Junction is also home to the 90,000-acre Delta Bison Sanctuary, which was created to contain a free-roaming herd of more than 500 animals. The area features spectacular views of the Alaska Range and the Delta River. On clear days the panoramas of Mount Hayes, Mount Moffit and other peaks are stunning. Continue to Paxson with it's many sled dog kennels and further on to Copper River area - known as a paradise for anglers and rafters searching for big fish and whitewater adventure. Gakona, Copper Center and Glenallen are great jump-off points during the famed Copper River Sockeye. For trout and grayling as well as salmon, try the Gulkana River nearby. |
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Copper Center | Optional Sightseeing Tour to Kennicott or Valdez Tour Option I: drive to Valdez and take a cruise to the Columbia Glacier. Tour Option II: explore McCarthy and Kennicott in Wrangell / St. Elias National Park. If you join us for the amazing flight seeing tour over the Wrangell St.-Elias Range you will see glaciers, active or mud volcanoes and much more. Arrive at McCarthy and explore the historic Kennecott Copper Mine - abandoned in 1938 - but many of the historic buildings still stand as they were on that last day, leaving a living history of those rugged days. Option: 1/2-Day Root Glacier Hike. This is by far the best glacier day hike in Alaska! You have the choice to fly back or drive the McCarthy Road - a former Copper River and Northwestern Railway track - aka: "Can't Run and Never Will'. Stopovers at the Kuskulana River with a 525' steel bridge built in 1911 that spans over 283 ft. and at the Gilahina River railroad wooden trestle. Check out the fish wheels turning while crossing the Copper River bridge, home of the famous Copper River Red Salmon. |
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Copper Center - Matanuska Valley - Anchorage Leave Copper Center and travel towards the Matanuska Glacier area - one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers with a 27-mile long river of ice poking out of the Chugach Mountains that is visible for miles along the highway. A self-guided hike leads to the gravel-laced ice. Travel towards the Matanuska Valley - a fertile farmland that was settled by families as part of a New Deal relief program in 1935. Because of the fertile farmland and the immense amount of summer sunlight, vegetables grow to incredible sizes. The Alaska record cabbage is 106 pounds! This is just one of the attractions at the State Fair held in Palmer. Return to Anchorage. End of tour, return the rental car or extend your Alaska vacation. Please contact us for available options. |
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child | |
| May 10 - May 31 | $3302.00 | $1807.00 | $1345.00 | $1113.00 | $219.00 | |
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| June 1 - August 31 | $3650.00 | $2014.00 | $1504.00 | $1249.00 | $256.00 | |
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| September 1 - September 15 | $3302.00 | $1807.00 | $1345.00 | $1113.00 | $219.00 | |
| Rates in US $ / per Person | Single | Double | Triple | Quad | Child | |
| May 10 - May 31 | $4029.00 | $2306.00 | $1772.00 | $1501.00 | $394.00 | |
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| June 1 - August 31 | $4405.00 | $2541.00 | $1959.00 | $1665.00 | $419.00 | |
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| September 1 - September 15 | $4066.00 | $2325.00 | $1784.00 | $1511.00 | $394.00 | |
| Daily Departures from May 10 - September 15 |
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| Rates in US $ | per Person | Adult |
| Denali Village: Nenana Whitewater River Rafting or Scenic Float Trip Duration: 3 hrs |
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| Denali: Exchange to Escorted 13-Hour Kantishna Wilderness Lodge / Backcountry Lodge Tour with Lunch, Interpretive Program, Gold Panning, En-route Refreshments Departure: 6:00 am / Return 7:00 pm |
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| Fairbanks: 5 hr Arctic Circle Flightseeing Tour to Fort Yukon & the Yukon River | |
| Valdez: 7 hr Columbia Glacier Cruise | |
| McCarthy / Kennicott: Full Day Flightseeing Tour to Kennicott incl. Flights, Kennicott History Tour, Lunch, Transfers | |
| McCarthy / Kennicott: Full Day Flightseeing Tour to Kennicott incl. Flights, Glacier Hike, Lunch, Transfers | |
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First Class Hotel Category (**** Hotels & Lodges) First Class hotels usually offer additional amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, bar, fireplace seating, fitness room, swimming pool/hot tub, etc. All rooms in First Class hotels belong to a higher category and are always equipped with a private bathroom. Most hotels in this category are usually located in prime locations in prime downtown locations or in national parks. These include larger hotel chains such as: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort Inn & Suite. The larger hotel chains are only available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. If a major hotel chain is not available, we prefer to book local premium hotels/deluxe cabins or cottages for our clients. Please note that premium accommodations may not be available in small towns; in such cases we will book the best available accommodation..  Superior Hotel Category (*** Hotels, Motels & Lodges) Superior Hotels offer a good amount of essential guest services and are located in downtown locations and/or in/near national park areas. All superior class hotel rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Example larger hotel chains for superior class hotels are: Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Guesthouse Inn, Ramada Inn, High Country Inn, Aspen Hotel Group, Comfort Inn. As you might be aware, that these hotel chains are not available throughout Alaska. In such cases or/and when we feel that Alaskan owned hotels & lodges offer a better experience, we go with that choice. Cabins and Cottages also considered in this category to make your experience even more ‘Alaskan’. We ensure that all the Cabins & Cottages have a private bath to make your stay comfortable.  |
Rental CarWe have compiled a list of car rental categories that fit Alaska trips and are suitable for various budgets, trip durations, as well as group sizes. Mid Size Car (included - part of the package / additional day $150) Generally, midsize cars measure between 180 to 195 inches in length but can vary depending on specific models. Mid-size cars, also commonly known as intermediate or standard cars, are four-door sedans that are more spacious than compact cars while still being fuel-efficient. They can fit 3 or sometimes 4 bags depending on the model. They feature more interior space compared to compact cars and offer comfortable seating for four to five passengers.  Full Size Car (upgrade $8 per day / additional day $160) Full Size cars are what many people would describe as large cars. A full-size car typically refers to a vehicle that offers more extensive interior space, comfort, and power compared to smaller vehicles such as compact or midsize cars. These cars usually have larger dimensions, including length, width, and height. They commonly feature roomy interiors with ample seating for five or more passengers along with expanded trunk capacity for luggage or cargo. Historically, full-size cars were synonymous with large sedans boasting V8 engines and body-on-frame construction. While this has changed over time due to evolving industry trends and technological advancements, what remains consistent is the emphasis on spaciousness, comfort, and performance these vehicles provide.  Standard Size SUV (upgrade $55 per day / additional day $210) SUVs (short for sport or suburban utility vehicles) are good-sized vehicles with a rugged look, set higher off the road than normal cars. In an SUV, the description of “standard” generally refers to the size of the SUV. The standard SUV is larger than the intermediate or compact versions. These full-size models are more powerful, like a truck, and they are usually more equipped to handle a wider variety of terrains and road conditions as well. In addition to being powerful, their size also means that they typically have more seating capacity than the smaller SUVs. They can seat more passengers and have more cargo space for transporting luggage and equipment.  Premium SUV (upgrade $170 per day / additional day $325) A favorite of weekend warriors and full-time adventurers, this sturdy SUV rental boasts versatile interior and strong performance. A premium SUV is a high-quality, extra-large sport utility vehicle made to seat 7 or 8 passengers in three rows of seating. They also have powerhouse engines and room for plenty of cargo. The result is a smooth and spacious ride. Premium SUVs are suitable for different types of terrain and great for all types of travelers and occasions. Book from this vehicle group to enjoy a safe, strong, family-friendly SUV with extra space and premium features. The following models included in the premium SUV vehicle group will make you happy to hit the road.  Mini Van (upgrade $90 per day / additional day $250) This roomy mini van is your ticket to family adventures and travel memories on your next rental. More spacious than a full-size car, and with better gas mileage than an SUV, a minivan is a 7-passenger van that provides unbeatable comfort and convenience. By providing leg and luggage room, configurable seating and storage layouts, easy in-and-out, competitive fuel efficiency, and high-performance drive—all without sacrificing style—minivans accommodate every kind of group outing, from lengthy family vacations to quick business trips. Did somebody say “road trip”?  11 Passenger Van (upgrade $250 per day / additional day $400) Choose a 11-person passenger van so that no one gets left behind on your road trip or vacation. Instead of trying to coordinate a car pool; save time, resources, and gas money by putting everyone together in one clean and comfortable van. You'll find each passenger has much more leg room. Sample Models: Chevrolet Express, Ford Transit or similar Sample Features: 3 Doors –10 to 11 Passengers- 6 Large Suitcases - Air-conditioning - Automatic Transmission  |
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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. |
