Anchorage to Fairbanks

Depot Locations

Anchorage Train Depot
411 West 1st Ave
Anchorage, AK 99501

Fairbanks Train Depot
1745 Johansen Expressway
Fairbanks, AK 99701

Route Details

Schedule:
8:20 AM – 8:00 PM
(~11 hours, 40 minutes)

Distance:
 356 miles

Rates & Services

all Rates

Alaska Railroad Anchorage to Fairbanks

It’s not common for travelers to opt for tickets from Anchorage all the way to Fairbanks since some of Alaska’s most popular destinations along the way warrant at least an overnight. Note that even though you’ll be making stops, the Alaska Railroad does not offer “hop on, hop off” service. Instead, individual segments need to be reserved separately if you plan to get off the train along the way.

Rather, this trip is usually taken by those rail fans who love most the adventure of traveling through remarkable landscapes by rail. To prep for the long day riding about 356 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks, pack your essentials in your carry on since your luggage won’t be accessible.

Your first leg of this train trip takes you some 112 miles from Anchorage to the small town of Talkeetna. You’ll travel through the Matanuska River valley, pass the starting line of the yearly Iditarod sled dog race, and enjoy epic Denali views (weather cooperating). Read the full Anchorage to Talkeetna route guide.

After a brief stop in Talkeetna, your train will continue 121 miles to Denali National Park. You’ll notice the landscape change quite a bit on this leg, with cottonwood and boreal forest giving way to scraggly spruce and sections of alpine as you travel north. Read the full Talkeetna to Denali Park route guide.

Another brief stop sees you leaving Denali National Park and continue north again, beyond the Alaska Range and into what’s known as Interior Alaska. If you’re traveling in May or September, expect to see winter still holding firm, and fall coming early at these northern latitudes. Read the full Denali to Fairbanks route guide.

Route Guide