A day aboard the private Wilderness Express is more than mere travel, it's a first-class experience. Riding the rail in total comfort lets every passenger enjoy their surroundings more fully. Over the 350-mile journey from Fairbanks, those surroundings shift from broad tundra and big mountains to dense forests and glacial plains.
More than mere travel, it's a first-class experience.
Wilderness Express train cars have two levels. Passenger seating is on the upper level beneath full-length dome windows. Every seat reclines and comes equipped with power outlets and fold-down tray tables. A car attendant provides bar service direct to passenger seats.
A private outdoor viewing platform and dining area are located on the car's lower level. Guests on this full-day train trip can enjoy a superior dining experience as onboard chefs prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the ride to Anchorage. The morning menu features local favorites like an Alaskan seafood scramble and the Hearty Miner's Breakfast. The lunch menu includes a selection of soups, sandwiches, and salads. The menu for dinner includes freshly prepared proteins like prime rib, local seafood, and chicken, along with soup and salad starters and lineup of decadent desserts. Vegetarian and gluten free options are readily available. Passengers can expect to pay $10 to $16 for breakfast, $13 to $16 for lunch, and $17 to $30 per dinner entree. A full bar in the second-level seating area also serves cocktails, wine, and craft beer.
More Details
Wilderness Express railcars are locally owned and operated by a leading Alaska-based tour company. The railcars are used by cruise lines and escorted tours, but they also welcome independent travelers. The Wilderness Express offers adult and child rates, making this a more affordable premier rail option for families traveling with kids age 2 to 11.
What to Bring
Bring a camera, medications, and government issued photo ID. Bring a credit card for additional on-board purchases (cash not accepted). It is a good idea to dress in layers as it is often chilly on the outside viewing platform.
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. The Wilderness Express offers checked baggage service. Passengers are allowed two checked bags plus one carry on, with dimension and weight restrictions like those of airlines. The railroad charges $20 per item for oversized or excess baggage.
Departure/Arrival Points
Passengers can transfer to the Fairbanks Depot by taxi or hotel shuttle (where available). Upon arrival into the Anchorage Depot, passengers can catch a taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle (where available).
Fairbanks Train Depot 1745 Johansen Expressway Fairbanks, AK 99701
Anchorage Train Depot 411 West 1st Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501
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.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
Infant
5/15/24 (W) to 5/31/24 (F)5/15/24 (W) to 5/31/24 (F)
Adult: $335.00
Child: $167.50
Infant: $0.00
6/1/24 (Sa) to 8/31/24 (Sa)6/1/24 (Sa) to 8/31/24 (Sa)
Adult: $395.00
Child: $197.50
Infant: $0.00
9/1/24 (Su) to 9/15/24 (Su)9/1/24 (Su) to 9/15/24 (Su)
Adult: $335.00
Child: $167.50
Infant: $0.00
The rates above are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
