Whether traveling as a large or small group, the Alaska Railroad does the driving, allowing you to relax
The Alaska Railroad provides year-round rail transportation throughout Southcentral and Interior Alaska, traversing along dramatic coastlines, pristine river valleys, expansive alpine forests and the Chugach Mountains and Alaska Range. Explore some of Alaska’s most loved destinations including Kenai Fjords National Park, Denali National Park, Spencer Glacier (only accessible by rail), Seward, Anchorage (including a depot at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport), Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Attractions are plentiful and some include wildlife viewing by land, air or sea all upon the backdrop of glacier and mountain scenery.
The Alaska Railroad’s onboard environment is perfect for group members to relax and interact with one another. Its tour packages and itineraries keep groups together and ensure the trip is positively memorable. Onboard dining, outdoor viewing platforms to take in the fresh air and narration by local guides provide a unique and comfortable travel experience. Each year, Alaska Railroad transports 500,000 passengers in style and comfort, where passengers can choose between GoldStar service or Adventure Class and guests can expect world-class customer service on every ride.
A spectacular journey on the Alaska Railroad
The Alaska Railroad believes the journey should be as spectacular as the destination. And with places like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward, Talkeetna and more, the railroad will transport you through some of Alaska’s most pristine and remote landscapes on your way to sites and communities where you are sure to make memories.
Built to link the Pacific seaport of Seward with the interior before there were highways, the railroad offers 500 miles of track. The flagship train, the Denali Star, operates daily between Anchorage and Fairbanks, but there are also trains such as the Coastal Classic, Hurricane Turn and Glacier Discovery. By traveling aboard the railroad, visitors can discover the “real” Alaska in the comfort of a railcar, enjoying dining and drinks while seeing dramatic Alaska landscapes out of expansive windows.
Whether traveling in a group, as a family or solo, the Alaska Railroad does the driving so passengers can relax, enjoy and connect with those around them. It’s a unique opportunity to make in-state travel between destinations a highlight of the itinerary.
By traveling aboard the railroad, visitors can discover the “real” Alaska in the comfort of a railcar, enjoying dining and drinks while seeing dramatic Alaska landscapes out of expansive windows. Photo courtesy of Glenn Aronwits
Enjoy beer, wine, cocktails and great food on the trip
The Alaska Railroad offers two classes of passenger service: Adventure Class offers comfortable seating and large picture windows, while premium GoldStar Service class features glass-dome railcars as well as access to an exclusive outdoor viewing platform, ideal for photographers. Onboard dining is available – meals are included for GoldStar guests – and knowledgeable onboard guides are available to share the stories behind the sights. No matter what route you take, you will have foodie favorites made with locally sourced ingredients to enjoy, including beer, wine and cocktails.
Customizable travel products allow for flexibility with your groups: book a single day of rail travel, or a multi-day rail travel package inclusive of train tickets, lodging and guided excursions. With add-on activities like river rafting, flightseeing and bear viewing that are easy to book directly via the Alaska Railroad there’s a trip for every type of traveler.
And, while creating unforgettable experiences for your clients on the Alaska Railroad, there’s something for you, too – you’ll earn commissions on rail, lodging and activities. Groups of 15 or more get a complimentary guide and can choose from two classes of service.
No matter what route you take, you will have foodie favorites made with locally sourced ingredients to enjoy, including beer, wine and cocktails. Photo courtesy of Judy Patrick
Best time of year for your group to visit Alaska
The Alaska Railroad operates year-round, with scheduled services varying seasonally: the busy summer season stretches from mid-May to mid-September, while the quieter winter schedule spans mid-September to mid-May.
The peak season, starting early to mid-June and running through mid-August, is the period that offers the most tour options, the best weather and the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
July is peak season in Alaska and also typically the warmest month of the summer. Because of the popularity of July travel, it is best to book reservations in advance for train transfers, lodging and activities.
What destinations will your group see along the way?
The Alaska Railroad serves some of the state’s most iconic (and popular) destinations:
- Anchorage – Alaska’s largest city and the hub for Alaska Railroad passenger service.
- Denali National Park – Home to Denali, North America’s tallest peak – as well as a thriving population of grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves and other amazing wildlife.
- Fairbanks – Known for its glittering gold rush history, the “Golden Heart City” is the northernmost destination served by the Alaska Railroad. Visit in the winter for some spectacular aurora viewing.
- Girdwood – Year-round resort, Girdwood has gorgeous glaciers and mountain views.
- Portage – At the head of Turnagain Arm is an excellent wildlife conservation center and serves as the final opportunity to board the Glacier Discovery.
- Seward – This charming seaside town is the southern terminus of the Railbelt and the gateway to spectacular Kenai Fjords National Park, known for incredible glaciers and whale watching.
- Whitter – A tiny port town on the far side of a mountain tunnel, Whittier serves as the jumping-off point for Prince William Sound, home to incredible marine life and glaciers.
The Alaska Railroad offers commissions to pre-qualified Travel Trade Partners on all regularly-priced rail, hotels and tours booked with us. For information about the Alaska Railroad, becoming a partner or education opportunities, visit alaskarailroad.com/travel-trade today.
For more information, visit alaskarailroad.com or fill out the form below.
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