Denali to Anchorage train: Alaska Railroad one-way ticket

The train leaves the park at 12:30 pm and doesn't rejoin the road system until after Hurricane Gulch.

A one-way rail ticket from Denali National Park to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train, departing at 12:30 pm and arriving at 8:00 pm. You travel in reserved seating with large picture windows, and a live English-speaking guide shares Alaska history and stories throughout the journey. A snack bar and optional dining are available for purchase. Lodging and activities in Anchorage are booked separately.

The experience

The route crosses two of Alaska's five geographic regions in a single afternoon. North of the park, the train winds along Healy Canyon and follows the Nenana River below. Between Talkeetna and Anchorage, it crosses the Knik River with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop, and just south of Talkeetna, Denali rises above the Susitna River on a clear day. The most dramatic stretch comes north of Talkeetna, where the tracks veer away from the road system entirely and into the Hurricane area. A remote backcountry section where you'll see the snaking Indian River, occasional remote cabins, and the expansive sight of Hurricane Gulch from the top of a 296-foot bridge.

Comfortable reserved seating and large windows mean you're not craning your neck or jostling for a view. The guide's narration ties the landscape to Alaska's history and the stories behind what you're seeing. A snack bar operates throughout the journey, and you can order hot meals and drinks if you want them. The train departs Denali at 12:30 pm and pulls into Anchorage at 8:00 pm, giving you the evening to settle into the city. Any lodging, tours or onward transportation in Anchorage are arranged separately and at your own expense, though the Alaska Railroad can help coordinate those bookings after you reserve your seat.

What’s included

• One-way reserved seating from Denali National Park to Anchorage.
• live English-speaking guide narration throughout the journey.
• access to the snack bar with food and drinks available for purchase.
• optional dining available on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 13 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alaska Railroad Corporation

Is this one for you?The train departs at midday, so it works well if you're staying in or near Denali in the morning and need to reach Anchorage by evening without driving the Parks Highway yourself. If you don't have a rental car or prefer not to drive eight hours through Alaska, this ticket settles both the transport and the sightseeing in one booking.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What does the train pass between Talkeetna and Anchorage?

The Knik River crossing comes with the Chugach Mountains as a backdrop, and just south of Talkeetna you'll see Denali rising above the Susitna River on clear days. The train also crosses the 296-foot Hurricane Gulch bridge in the remote backcountry north of Talkeetna, where the tracks leave the road system behind.

Can I eat on the train, or do I need to bring my own food?

A snack bar operates throughout the journey with items available for purchase. You can also order hot meals and drinks if you want a more substantial meal during the eight-hour ride.

What time does the train leave Denali and arrive in Anchorage?

The Denali Star Train departs Denali at 12:30 pm and arrives in Anchorage at 8:00 pm, giving you the evening to reach your hotel or arrange onward travel.

Do I need to book a hotel in Anchorage separately, or is it included?

Lodging in Anchorage is booked separately and at your own expense. The Alaska Railroad can help coordinate accommodations and other services after you reserve your rail ticket.

Is there a guide on the train, and what language does he or she speak?

A live guide in English provides narration throughout the journey, sharing Alaska history and the stories behind the sights as the landscape unfolds outside your window.