Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks One Way

This is a full-day rail journey through Alaska’s winter wilderness, operating between Anchorage and Fairbanks. Designed for scenic comfort, the Aurora Winter Train offers a 12-hour ride through remote backcountry, frozen rivers, snow-covered valleys, and vast boreal forest—all from the warmth of a heated railcar with large picture windows and onboard dining.

The train runs Saturdays and select Tuesdays/Thursdays from September to mid-May, with flagstop service along a 50-mile stretch near Hurricane Gulch—one of the last remaining rail flagstop routes in the U.S. Whether you're starting in Anchorage or Fairbanks, the journey provides an immersive look at Alaska’s quieter, snow-blanketed season. On clear days, travelers may catch glimpses of Denali rising above the Susitna River or wildlife such as moose moving through the frozen landscape.

The train offers Adventure Class seating only, with assigned seats and the ability to move between cars. A full-service dining car is available for meals and snacks, and restrooms are onboard. While there is no Wi-Fi and limited cell signal for most of the route, the dramatic landscapes and peaceful surroundings more than fill the time.

The Aurora Winter Train isn’t just a way to get from one city to another—it’s a scenic, story-worthy experience ideal for winter travelers, photographers, and those seeking a different kind of Alaskan adventure.