Alaska Railroad Winter Passenger Service Runs Through Mid-May, Adds New Excursions

Passengers can customize their trip through packages or add-on experiences

 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train is running now through mid-May, offering weekend journeys between Anchorage and Fairbanks with stops at communities like Wasilla and Talkeetna. In February and March of 2025, midweek departures will be available for added flexibility, allowing passengers even more opportunities to explore Alaska’s snowy landscapes. With the Alaska Railroad, travelers can experience the beauty of winter in comfort and combine their rail journey with quintessential adventures along the route. 

 

Onboard, passengers enjoy breathtaking views from large viewing windows, narration of stories behind the passing sights and sit-down dining for purchase. Travelers can also pair a train ride with various add-on winter adventures from trekking on the Matanuska Glacier to flightseeing over Denali National Park and Preserve and many more. New for the 2024-2025 season, passengers can visit Borealis Basecamp without having to stay overnight. At the remote, boutique lodge located on 100 acres of pristine boreal forest, guests can experience a half dozen tours including dog sledding along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, snowmobile rides, reindeer encounters or a sunset snow coach experience with views of Denali. 

 

Alaska Railroad packages combine scenic rail journeys with winter adventures and accommodations. Packages provide flexibility, allowing travelers to customize their experience with add-on options, catering to those seeking either adventure or relaxation. The packages range from quick weekend getaways to multi-day trips. Winter packages available for the 2024-2025 season are Winter Escape, Talkeetna Getaway, Denali in a Day and Arctic Circle Adventure. The Arctic Circle Adventure is now available with the choice of rail travel either north to Fairbanks or south to Anchorage.  

 

With the winter’s shorter daylight hours, travelers have the possibility of witnessing the magical northern lights at many of the destinations along the route. This season is expected to offer prime northern lights viewing with increased solar activity creating more intense displays. Whether traveling north to Fairbanks or south to Anchorage, the Aurora Winter Train visits some of the best aurora-viewing destinations in the United States. Spanning mid-August to mid-April, this eight-month viewing period allows countless opportunities to witness the dancing northern lights. 

 

As the oldest route on the Alaska Railroad, the Aurora Winter Train continues to attract more travelers each year. Ridership has steadily increased over the years, with a 15% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This winter season follows a record-breaking winter last year, which saw a nearly 13% increase in ridership. In March 2024 alone, over 4,700 passengers traveled the route, making it the most successful winter season yet 

 

“Our Aurora Winter Train offers a truly unique way to experience Alaska’s snow adventure season,” said Dale Wade, vice president of marketing and customer service at the Alaska Railroad. “Sights of frosty landscapes, unique winter adventures, transporting passengers to the best destinations to view the northern lights – every journey offers our passengers something special. With our expanded options this season, we’re providing more ways for travelers to customize their Alaska winter experience. We’re excited more travelers are opting to experience Alaska’s winters by railroad, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them this season.” 

 

Travelers can contact the Alaska Railroad’s reservations team at reservations@akrr.com to create a fully customized experience. For more information about winter availability, add-ons and what to expect when traveling onboard, visit www.alaskarailroad.com.