Aurora Winter Train
Winter in Alaska is a magical time, with fewer visitors and a serene, snow-covered landscape. If you’re here from mid-September to mid-May, you can take it in from the comfort of the Aurora Winter Train, which runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks. It’s an easy and memorable way to travel north and experience the aurora borealis, or even do a weekend getaway to Talkeetna.
Overnight/Multi-day Trips
From Anchorage
Fairbanks. The train departs on Saturdays for this 12-hour trip, with a return on Sundays. There are also select mid-week departures in November, December, January, February, and March. This train makes stops in Wasilla and Talkeetna, and there’s flagstop in the roadless area south of Hurricane Gulch.
Talkeetna. It’s a 3-hour trip to the charming frontier town of Talkeetna; go up on a Saturday and return on Sunday for the perfect weekend getaway. There are lots of options to fill your time. For example, stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse and take their pie-making class!
What the Route is Like
This 12-hour trip isn’t the fastest way to travel between the two cities—and that’s exactly the point. You’ll have plenty of time to appreciate some unique winter views:
- Denali. Because winters tend to have clearer weather than summers, you’ll have a better chance of nabbing a perfect clear view of this stunning mountain.
- Sunrise/sunset. The shorter days mean that you’ll have the chance to witness the sun at its most dramatic.
Plus, you’ll meet the other travelers on board—perhaps over a meal from the onboard café—and experience the railroad’s unique flagstop service. Pressed for time? Take the train north and fly back to Anchorage.
Schedule
Weekend Service
- Northbound: Depart Anchorage Saturdays at 8:30 am
- Southbound: Depart Fairbanks Sundays at 8:30 am
Midweek Service
- Northbound, Tuesdays: February 15 & 22; March 1, 8, 15 & 22
- Southbound, Wednesdays: February 16 & 23; March 2, 9, 16 & 23
- Northbound, Thursdays: March 3, 10, 17 & 242
- Southbound, Fridays: March 4, 11, 18 & 25
Getting There
Anchorage Depot
411 W. 1st AvenueAnchorage, AK 99501
Fairbanks Depot
1745 Johansen ExpresswayFairbanks, AK 99701
Talkeetna Depot
Mile 13.5 Talkeetna Spur Rd.Talkeetna, AK 99676
Healy (Denali) Depot
Mile 1.25 Denali National Park Rd.Denali, AK 99676
Prices & Dates
Season | Sept 24 - May 7 |
Rates | Anchorage to Wasilla // Value $71 adults | $36 children* | Peak $76 adults | $38 children* |
Anchorage to Talkeetna // Value $84 adults | $42 children* | Peak $91 adults | $46 children* | |
Anchorage to Healy // Value $156 adults | $78 children* | Peak $169 adults | $85 children* | |
Anchorage to Fairbanks // Value $218 adults | $109 children* | Peak $234 adults | $117 children* | |
Wasilla to Anchorage // Value $71 adults | $36 children* | Peak $76 adults | $38 children* | |
Wasilla to Talkeetna // Value $84 adults | $42 children* | Peak $91 adults | $46 children* | |
Wasilla to Fairbanks // Value $219 adults | $109 children* | Peak $234 adults | $117 children* | |
Talkeetna to Anchorage // Value $84 adults | $42 children* | Peak $91 adults | $46 children* | |
Talkeetna to Wasilla // Value $82 adults | $41 children* | Peak $86 adults | $43 children* | |
Talkeetna to Healy // Value $111 adults | $56 children* | Peak $119 adults | $60 children* | |
Talkeetna to Fairbanks // Value $140 adults | $70 children* | Peak $151 adults | $76 children* | |
Healy to Anchorage // Value $156 adults | $78 children* | Peak $169 adults | $85 children* | |
Healy to Wasilla // Value $156 adults | $78 children* | Peak $169 adults | $85 children* | |
Healy to Talkeetna // Value $111 adults | $56 children* | Peak $119 adults | $60 children* | |
Healy to Fairbanks // Value $66 adults | $33 children* | Peak $71 adults | $36 children* | |
Fairbanks to Anchorage // Value $218 adults | $109 children* | Peak $234 adults | $117 children* | |
Fairbanks to Wasilla // Value $218 adults | $109 children* | Peak $234 adults | $117 children* | |
Fairbanks to Talkeetna // Value $140 adults | $70 children* | Peak $151 adults | $76 children* | |
Fairbanks to Denali // Value $84 adults | $42 children* | Peak $91 adults | $46 children* | |
Fairbanks to Healy // Value $66 adults | $33 children* | Peak $71 adults | $36 children* | |
Rate Notes | * Rate also applies to adults 65+ & disabled |
Value season includes Sept 18 - Nov 21 & April 2 - May 8 | |
Peak Season includes Nov 27 - March 27 |