Home • Alaska Passenger Train • Aurora Winter Train


The Winter Aurora Train travels weekends between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making the northbound 12-hour journey on Saturday and the return trip on Sunday, as well as select mid-week departures in December, February and March. Along the way, the train stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and provides flagstop service along the 50-mile stretch of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch. Further north, the train stops as needed at Healy and Nenana before arriving to Fairbanks. Due to the nature of this service, the train’s schedule may vary depending on the number of stops.

While the Winter Aurora Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow.  Passengers may enjoy the winter wonderland of Alaska’s backcountry from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining. On a clear day, a spectacular view of Mount Denali (Mt. McKinley) rises into view above the Susitna River. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild.

From Anchorage, the Winter Aurora Train’s Saturday-Sunday schedule is perfect for a weekend getaway to Talkeetna; bring your skis and explore the area’s network of winter trails. Call and ask about a custom winter tour package that includes lodging in Talkeetna.

The Winter Aurora Train’s unique flagstop service lets you get on or off the train anywhere along its route from Talkeetna to Hurricane and is ideal for outdoor winter activities, winter camping, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Residents living in remote cabins can flag down the train for a ride to town. The once-a-month Winter Hurricane Train's Thursday schedule allows outdoor adventurers a connection with the Aurora Train to return back to Anchorage.

Between Anchorage and Fairbanks, the Railroad offers a number of rail-fly packages; take the train one direction and a flight the other. Spring is a particularly popular time for visitors, as March sees the Fur Rendezvous and Iditarod Sled Dog Race festivities in Anchorage, and the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks. Alaska’s abundance of darkness in the winter is ideal for aurora borealis viewing, and many contend that there is no better place to watch the lights dance overhead than from soaking in the Chena Hot Springs outside of Fairbanks.

Here is what you can expect once you step onboard the Aurora Winter Train:

• Large picture windows
• Forward-facing reclining seats
• Dining cars
• Gift shop onboard
• Non-smoking cars

Winter Aurora Train Schedule

Northbound From/To	Depart	Arrive
Anchorage – Wasilla	8:15am	9:30am
Wasilla – Talkeetna	9:35am	11:05am
Talkeetna – Denali	11:20am	3:40pm
Denali – Fairbanks	4:00pm	8:00pm
Southbound From/To	Depart	Arrive
Fairbanks – Denali	8:15am	12:10pm
Denali – Talkeetna	12:30am	4:40pm
Talkeetna – Wasilla	5:00pm	6:15pm
Wasilla* – Anchorage	6:20pm	8:00pm

Tour Dates And Rates
Weekend Service: September 24 - May 14, Saturdays (Northbound) and Sundays (Southbound)
Midweek Service: Northbound Dec 27, Jan 3, Feb 21, 28, March 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 28
Midweek Service: Southbound Dec 28, Jan 4, Feb 22, March 1, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 29


Rates

Regular Season (June 1 - August 31)

Route	Adventure Class Adult/Child (2-11)
Anchorage – Wasilla	$60/30
Anchorage – Talkeetna	$72/36
Anchorage – Healy	$131/66
Anchorage – Fairbanks	$190/95
Wasilla – Talkeetna	$60/30
Wasilla – Healy	$119/60
Wasilla – Fairbanks	$173/87
Talkeetna – Healy	$72/36
Talkeetna – Fairbanks	$119/60
Healy – Fairbanks	$55/28

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