Know Before You Go: Alaska
Read below for helpful information regarding day trips, sightseeing tours, and excursions in Alaska.
Accommodations & Getting Around
Many hotels in Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, Seward, and Fairbanks offer complimentary shuttles to the downtown area, train stations, and the airport. Please arrange with your hotel’s front desk directly. Alternatively, taxis are available.
If travelling between destinations, upon arrival your luggage will be transferred to and from rail depots and hotels via a complimentary hotel shuttle service.
Sightseeing Tours & Excursions
Many sightseeing tours require calling in advance to reconfirm pickup times or meeting points. Please call the number on your sightseeing voucher 24-72 hours in advance, particularly for the Tundra Wilderness Tour, as that is when you are assigned your tour time.
- The Tundra Wilderness Tour only picks up from Denali Park Village, please arrange transportation at the front desk of your hotel if you are staying at one of our other Denali hotels.
In Seward, our sightseeing tours are only a 5-minute walk from the train station for those doing a day trip to Seward. If you are staying overnight in Seward, the Windsong Lodge offers a shuttle to downtown Seward, and from there, it’s a very short walk to the meeting point for any included sightseeing tours.
Alaska Railroad
You should have received a separate attachment with your travel vouchers that has your Alaska Railroad confirmation number and itinerary with it. When you arrive at the train station for your first train journey, proceed to the ticket counter and provide your confirmation number and a valid photo ID. The station attendant will then give you all the boarding passes for your journey.
Check-in:
Check-in at the ticket counter is required one hour prior to departure, and boarding begins 20-30 minutes prior to departure. Reservations and seat assignments may be altered if passengers and luggage are not checked 15 minutes prior to departure. Additionally, the train only runs once a day in each direction, so if you miss your departure, there is no other option until the following day. Should you miss your train, please call Railbookers on the phone numbers listed in your documents as soon as possible.
Luggage:
Each passenger may check two pieces of luggage, not exceeding 50 pounds each, and may carry one additional piece on board. You will not have access to your luggage until you arrive at your destination, so please make sure anything you need during the journey is in your carry-on. If traveling between destinations, upon arrival your luggage will be transferred to and from rail depots and hotels via a complimentary hotel shuttle service.
Onboard:
Electrical outlets are only available at a few seats for medical use only. We recommend planning ahead and bringing a portable charger with you on board for longer journeys as you’ll likely drain your phone battery by taking so many pictures!
Dining:
Meals are included with your ticket if you are in GoldStar Service, along with soft drinks and two complimentary adult beverages. Your onboard attendant will inform you of meal times once you are seated. All passengers are welcome to visit the Wilderness Café onboard for tasty grab-and-go items. You can learn more about the dining options here: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/onboard-experience/dining
Please note that the trains are cashless; for your convenience, they accept all major credit cards including debit and pre-paid cards that can be run as credit.
What will the weather be like, and what should I pack?
Temperatures vary significantly depending on location, time of day, and season, from a low of -46°C (-50°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F). Plan to bring a sweater, slacks, and a light topcoat or raincoat, as well as lightweight summer wear. Pack sturdy comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk in the mountains. Flat-soled shoes should be worn on the train. Comfortable, casual attire is welcomed on the Alaska Railroad and many guests carry their sunglasses with them onboard the train. In spring and fall, include a light coat or warm jacket if you're travelling to high altitudes. Rain gear is recommended in August/September.
