WHY IT RATES: Each summer season, Alaska Railroad raises the bar on its offerings – and this year, with a new terminal building in Seward as well.— Claudette Covey, Executive Retail Editor
The Alaska Railroad enters the 2026 summer season with new travel experiences, updated offerings and the opening of its new Seward terminal building, all aimed at improving how travelers connect with destinations across Southcentral and Interior Alaska.
“We pay close attention to what our guests want from an Alaska journey, and we’re hearing more interest in experiences that get people out exploring,” said Robin Moore, marketing communications manager for the Alaska Railroad. “Our travel packages and add-on excursions reflect that with more opportunities to hike, raft and be active off the train while enjoying the comfort and convenience of traveling by rail.”
New packages for 2026:
Grande Alaska Tour —This 12-day itinerary links Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. Along the way, travelers ride the Glacier Discovery Train for rafting near Spencer Glacier, take the Coastal Classic Train to Seward for a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise, continue north on the Denali Star Train for flightseeing and a visit with sled dogs. The itinerary wraps up in Fairbanks with a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River.
Also new for the 2026 summer season, the Alaska Railroad is scheduled to complete construction of its new Seward dock and terminal. Located at the railroad’s southern terminus, Seward is a key gateway community for Kenai Fjords National Park and Southcentral Alaska. The new facilities are designed to support rail connections helping reduce congestion and streamline passenger arrivals and departures. The project includes a new double-berth floating dock capable of accommodating two cruise ships at the same time, along with a 41,000-square-foot passenger terminal designed to improve passenger flow.
Four routes operate during the summer season:
The Coastal Classic Train travels daily between Anchorage, Girdwood and Seward from May 15 to Sept. 13. The route follows Turnagain Arm before entering the Kenai Mountains, with views of waterfalls, glaciers and coastal wildlife. In Seward, travelers can explore Kenai Fjords National Park, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center or add excursions such as glacier cruises and kayaking.
The Denali Star Train, the railroad’s flagship route, operates between Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks from May 13 to Sept. 17. The 356-mile journey crosses a range of landscapes, from coastal lowlands to boreal forest, with views of the Alaska Range and opportunities to see Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Highlights include the crossing of Hurricane Gulch, a 296-foot-high bridge above a deep canyon.
The Glacier Discovery Train offers flexible day trips between Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Grandview. The full route begins May 30 and continues through Sept. 14. Passengers can step off the train to access glacier cruises, wildlife viewing or backcountry experiences in Chugach National Forest, including rafting near Spencer Glacier.
The summer Hurricane Turn Train, one of the last flagstop trains in the United States, operates Thursday through Monday between Talkeetna and the Hurricane flagstop area from May 14 to Sept. 13. The route provides access to remote, roadless areas, allowing passengers and locals to board or disembark along the line for hiking, fishing or cabin access.
Passengers on the Denali Star and Coastal Classic routes can choose between two service classesGoldStar Service features glass-domed railcars, second-level outdoor viewing platforms and included onboard dining with locally inspired meals, along with two complimentary adult beverages and soft drinks. Adventure Class is available on all routes and features comfortable seating, large picture windows and access to onboard dining for purchase in the Wilderness Café.
Source: Alaksa Railroad
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