Denali to Fairbanks train: Alaska Railroad one way
Four hours watching the Alaska Range unfold from your seat
The Alaska Railroad Denali Star is a one-way train from Denali National Park to Fairbanks departing at 4:00 pm and arriving at 8:00 pm. You sit in reserved, comfortable seating and watch the landscape pass through large picture windows while a live guide shares Alaska history and stories about the sights. A snack bar and optional dining are available for purchase during the journey.
The experience
How do you get from Denali National Park to Fairbanks without driving? The Alaska Railroad's Denali Star departs Denali at 4:00 pm and carries you north through Interior Alaska for four hours, arriving in Fairbanks at 8:00 pm. The train follows the Nenana River as it winds through Healy Canyon, and on clear days you'll see Denali itself as the route curves through the landscape. Large picture windows frame the views from your reserved seat, and a live guide provides narration throughout the journey, sharing the history and stories behind what you're seeing.
The train includes comfortable seating and access to a snack bar. You can purchase food and drinks on board if you want them. The pace is built into the schedule. There are no stops to explore along the way, so you're watching the country roll past rather than stepping out into it. This works well if you're moving between the park and the city and want the travel time itself to be part of the experience rather than dead time in a car.
Once you arrive in Fairbanks at 8:00 pm, you're on your own to find lodging and arrange any further travel or activities in the city. Public transportation options are available nearby the station. The Alaska Railroad can help you book accommodations or additional rail services after you've purchased your ticket, but those are separate bookings and costs.
What’s included
- One-way rail transportation from Denali to Fairbanks.
- comfortable reserved seating with large picture windows.
- live guide narration throughout the journey.
- access to an on-board snack bar with optional dining available for purchase.
Information
Lasts 4h, from US$ 102 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 15.
Prices and times updated 10 days ago
Operated by Alaska Railroad Corporation
Is this one for you?The four-hour departure at 4:00 pm works if you're spending the day in Denali and want to reach Fairbanks by evening, but it doesn't leave room for activities in either location on the day you travel. Book this if your schedule already has you moving between the two places at that time.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).
What can I see from the train between Denali and Fairbanks?
The route follows the Nenana River through Healy Canyon and passes through Interior Alaska with views of the Alaska Range in nearly all directions. On clear days, Denali itself is visible as the train winds along the curves of the canyon.
Does the train stop anywhere between Denali and Fairbanks?
No. The Denali Star is a direct one-way journey from Denali to Fairbanks with no stops along the route. You travel for four hours in reserved seating with views from the large picture windows.
Can I eat on the train?
Yes. A snack bar is available on board, and optional dining can be purchased during the journey. Food and drinks are not included in your ticket. You buy what you want.
What time does the train depart and arrive?
The Denali Star departs Denali at 4:00 pm and arrives in Fairbanks at 8:00 pm, making it a four-hour journey.
Do I need to arrange my own lodging in Fairbanks?
Yes. Accommodations in Fairbanks are booked separately and at your own expense. The Alaska Railroad can help you arrange lodging after you purchase your ticket if you'd like assistance.
Denali to Fairbanks train: Alaska Railroad one way
4h · EN
from US$ 102 per person