Alaska Railroad Aurora Train Talkeetna to Denali

Overview

It's a short trip between Talkeetna and Denali Park, just under five hours depending on flag stops that pop up along the way. The route starts due north on a gently winding track paralleling the Susitna River. At mile 264, the train traverses that river over a 500-foot-long bridge and continues through the shallow valley along the east side of Kesugi Ridge. There are a handful of homesteads through here, and sometimes the train will stop to let residents on and off. The Parks Highway, the only other transit artery in this remote winter landscape, is many miles away.

A gently winding track paralleling the Susitna River.

The terrain quickly changes as the train climbs toward its high point at Broad Pass. There are brilliant viewpoints west toward Denali in clear midday weather, an exciting pass over the Hurricane Gulch Bridge, and an open stretch of tundra plains bordered on all sides by snow-capped mountains. The train arrives into the Denali Depot at about 3:55 PM.

MORE DETAILS

The Alaska Railroad only offers Adventure Class on the Aurora Winter Train. Passengers enjoy spacious cars with tall windows and large forward-facing seats and the ability to easily walk between different cars on the train. Although there is no dining car on the Aurora Winter Train, hearty hot and cold food, drinks, and adult beverages are available for purchase onboard in the Wilderness Café.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring a government issued photo ID for checking in and a credit or debit card for onboard purchases (cash not accepted). Don't forget a camera. It is also a good idea to keep your coat with you while on board.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Check in at the depot with a valid government issued photo ID one hour prior to departure. Boarding passes with seat assignments will be issued then. All passengers are assigned seats by the Alaska Railroad upon check in at the depot. The Alaska Railroad offers checked baggage service. Passengers are allowed two checked bags plus one carry on, with dimension and weight restrictions like those of airlines. The Alaska Railroad charges $20 per item for oversized or excess baggage.

DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL POINTS

Talkeetna Train Depot
Mile 13.5 Talkeetna Spur Road
Talkeetna, AK 99676

Denali Train Depot
Mile 1.5 Denali National Park Road
Denali Park, AK 99755

RATES & DATES

Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.

Child rates apply to children under the age of 12. Infants under the age of 2 may travel for free but must sit on an adult's lap.

DEPARTURE TIMES

Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.

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Availability

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