Coastal Classic Route

Welcome Aboard the Coastal Classic

Connecting Anchorage and Seward

Destinations

Operating Dates

May 15 – September 13, 2026

Service Options

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic Route

During the summer months, the Alaska Railroad’s Coastal Classic train departs the Anchorage depot early each morning to make its trip to Seward, traveling about 114 miles. The train remains idle in Seward for the day before returning to Anchorage each evening. This schedule allows for a day trip from Anchorage, with time to enjoy a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park.

On board the Coastal Classic you can choose from two classes of service, either the standard Adventure Class or GoldStar dome service. Really this is like choosing between great and really super great. A typical train is made up of locomotives, a baggage car, several Adventure Class cars, the GoldStar dome car, a shared dome view car, and a dining and lounge car. The train is wheelchair accessible, including the GoldStar dome, and ramps are available at each boarding location. Onboard narration is provided by host guides, and there is an informative magazine on board with maps, photos and more trip details.

For dining options, Adventure Class cars feature the Wilderness Café which offers a hot and cold meal selection to go. This service is often referred to as grab ‘n go, but there are tables in the café where you can eat, or you can take your food with you back to your seat. GoldStar cars feature onboard sit-down dining in the lower level of each dome car. This upscale option is available to GoldStar guests, who enjoy meals and two beverages included in their ticket price.

It is hard to narrow down the highlights on the Coastal Classic train since so much of this rail journey is noteworthy. The route travels through Anchorage, the state’s largest city. Nearly all of the 50-mile section between Anchorage and the old Portage Station hugs the coastline of the Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm. Here you will marvel at the ever changing scenery as you watch for beluga whales, bald eagles, Dall sheep, and the chance to witness one of the largest bore tides in the world. Your journey will also take you over the Kenai Mountains and over a 1,063-foot pass appropriately named Grandview. This section of your rail trip is studded with glaciers, waterfalls, scenic gorges, and rivers. Last, but certainly not least, is the town of Seward, which is nestled on the shores of the Resurrection Bay and surrounded by Kenai Fjords National Park and the Chugach National Forest. Day cruises, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and the Alaska Sealife Center are just a few of the things that make Seward a must visit summer destination.

If you have the time, we recommend staying a night or two in Seward to experience all this popular seaside town has to offer. Many passengers ride the train in just one direction, especially those who are arriving or departing Seward by large cruise ships. Another popular choice is to mix rail and motorcoach segments to get the best each service offers.

Schedule & Fares Route Guide
Alaska train route map

Coastal Classic Schedule & Fares

RouteDeparture TimeArrival TimePrice (Adult/Child)
Anchorage to Seward6:45 AM11:20 AM$133/67
Seward to Anchorage6:00 PM10:15 PM$133/67
RouteDeparture TimeArrival TimePrice (Adult/Child)
Anchorage to Seward6:45 AM11:20 AM$277/162
Seward to Anchorage6:00 PM10:15 PM$277/162
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