Anchorage Railroad Aurora Winter Train 12 hr - Image 1
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Anchorage Railroad Aurora Winter Train 12 hr

TourTruth score 6.5 out of 10

Average

63 reviews · Rated on 1 provider · How we score

  • Anchorage
  • 12 hrs
  • Updated November 2, 2026

Ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks on a 12-hour winter train journey, with snowy wilderness views and the chance to spot moose.

About this tour

Trade Alaska’s summer colors for a quieter winter world aboard the Anchorage Railroad Aurora Winter Train. This 12-hour, one-way journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks pairs warm railcar comfort with expansive views of snow-covered wilderness.

Settle into reserved seating in a non-smoking car and watch the landscape pass through large picture windows. On clear days, Denali may appear above the Susitna River, while moose can sometimes be spotted along the tracks. The train also provides flagstop service through a 50-mile stretch of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch. Optional dining and snacks are available onboard, and baggage services are provided.

The Aurora Winter Train travels on Saturdays and select midweek dates from December through March. Lodging, local tours, and transportation to or from the depots are not included, so plan those separately. Choose the Anchorage Railroad Aurora Winter Train for a memorable overland view of Alaska in its snowbound season.

Highlights

  • Watch snow-covered Alaska unfold through large picture windows
  • Look for Denali above the Susitna River on clear days
  • Spot moose along the route
  • Travel through roadless backcountry near Hurricane Gulch

What's included

Included

  • One-way rail transportation from Anchorage to Fairbanks
  • Reserved seating in non-smoking cars
  • Baggage services
  • Optional dining and snack bar

Not included

  • Lodging in Anchorage or Fairbanks
  • Tours and activities in Anchorage or Fairbanks
  • Transportation to the Anchorage depot or from the Fairbanks arrival point

Ratings on each provider

The ratings and review counts each booking site shows for this tour.

Important information

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Infants ages 0–1 may travel as lap children but must be registered; provide the infant’s name, age, and gender in Special Requests at checkout
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap unless booked a reserved seat
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train journey?

The one-way journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks takes about 12 hours.

When does the Aurora Winter train operate?

It runs Saturdays and select Tuesdays or Thursdays from December through March.

Are meals included?

Dining and snacks are available for purchase onboard; they are not stated as included.

Can infants travel without a reserved seat?

Infants ages 0–1 may travel on an adult’s lap without a paid reserved seat, but must be registered in the booking.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the train and transportation options are listed as wheelchair accessible.

How this score is calculated

This score is based on one provider. Viator rates it 4.68 from 63 reviews. We place that rating among all Viator ratings and weight it by its review count. If the tour is found on another provider later, both ratings are combined.

How the score works and rating distribution in Anchorage
  • Each provider rating is turned into a percentile: the share of that provider's ratings it beats, weighted by review counts.
  • Listings on different providers are combined in proportion to their review counts.
  • Tours with few reviews are pulled toward the average until more reviews come in, so a handful of perfect reviews can't top the list.
  • The result is shown from 0 to 10: this tour scores 6.5.

Provider rating distribution in Anchorage

How many tours in Anchorage have a provider rating at or below each value. The dashed line is this tour.

  • GetYourGuide
  • Viator

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