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Alaska Aurora Rail Adventure | Bettles Lodge
INTRODUCTION
Combine Alaska's Northern Lights with Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train.
Located directly under the Auroral Band with the most clear weather days and cloud-free nights, Bettles Lodge is one of the best places to see the magical Aurora Borealis in Alaska.
On this 7-day trip you'll have multiple chances to see the lights, plus ride the Aurora Winter Train, go dog sledding and explore Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Itinerary at a Glance
MAP

DETAILED ITINERARY
The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction.
Departing Anchorage|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Anchorage | ArrivalUpon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Day 2 Anchorage to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadToday you’ll have the chance to experience a scenic winter Alaska railroad trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train. You’ll ride in a heated railcar with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining options. The full-day railroad trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train and offers spectacular views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and North America’s highest mountain peak. The train will stop as needed in Talkeetna, Healy, and Nenana before arriving to Fairbanks.
Day 3 Fairbanks to Bettles Lodge | FlightToday you’ll fly across the great interior region of Alaska landing 35 miles across the Arctic Circle in the remote outpost of Bettles. The area surrounding Bettles boasts the clearest weather days in the entire state and sits directly below the Aurora Band which increases opportunities to witness the Northern Lights first-hand. Enjoy a brief tour of the Bettles area in the afternoon, then after dinner step outside and watch the Northern Lights from the Aurora viewing cabin. (Dinner is included)
Days 4 - 5 Bettles LodgeSpend two days at leisure to explore your tranquil surroundings. Travel by snowshoe or cross-country ski (snow conditions permitting) or participate in other optional activities like snowmobiling, flightseeing, ice fishing or touring the Arctic by dog sled (additional cost). If needed, warm clothing is available at the lodge. Stay up tonight for another opportunity to see the Northern Lights dance across the dark sky. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 6 Bettles Lodge to Fairbanks | FlightBreakfast is your last included meal at the lodge before returning to Fairbanks by small plane. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy Fairbanks. (Breakfast is included).
Day 7 Fairbanks | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan Aurora rail adventure.
Day 1 Fairbanks | ArrivalUpon arrival in Anchorage transfer at your own cost to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.
Day 2 Fairbanks to Bettles Lodge | FlightToday fly across the great interior region of Alaska landing 35 miles across the Arctic Circle in the remote outpost of Bettles. The area surrounding Bettles boasts the most clear weather days in the entire State, and sits directly below the Aurora Band ever-increasing opportunities to witness the Northern Lights first-hand.This afternoon enjoy a brief tour of the Bettles area. After dinner, step outside and enjoy the Northern Lights or watch from the Aurora viewing cabin. (Dinner is included)
Days 3 - 4 Bettles LodgeDays at leisure to explore your tranquil surroundings by snowshoe or cross-country ski (snow conditions permitting). You will also have time to participate in optional activities, such as taking an exhilarating ride on a snowmobile, flightseeing, Ice Fishing or touring the Arctic by dog sled (additional cost). If needed, warm clothing is available at the lodge. Stay up tonight for another opportunity to see the Northern Lights dance across the dark sky. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 5 Bettles Lodge to Fairbanks | FlightBreakfast is your last included meal at the lodge before returning to Fairbanks by small plane. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy Fairbanks. (Breakfast is included).
Day 6 Fairbanks to Anchorage | Alaska RailroadToday you’ll have the chance to experience a scenic winter Alaska railroad trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train. You’ll ride in a heated railcar with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining options. The full-day railroad trip follows the same backcountry stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train and offers spectacular views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and North America’s highest mountain peak. The train will stop as needed in Nenana, Healy and Talkeetna before arriving to Anchorage.
Day 7 Anchorage | DepartureUpon check-out of your hotel it’s now time to say goodbye to your magical Alaskan Aurora rail adventure.
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- 1 night accommodation in Anchorage
- 3 nights Bettles Lodge
- 2 nights accommodation in Fairbanks
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Fairbanks Aurora Winter Train
- Round trip flights between Fairbanks & Bettles Lodge
- Bettles Lodge Inclusions
- Meals from lunch day of arrival to breakfast day of departure
- Snacks & soft drinks
- Village Tour with tour guide
- Cross country skiing (ski boots, skis, and poles included)
- Guided snowshoe excursions (snowshoes included)
- Arctic gear: Parkas, snow pants snow boots, mittens, face masks, hats
- Evening bonfires
- Dry sauna
Optional activities:
- Alaskan husky sled dog ride
- Ice fishing
- Snowmobiling
- Flightseeing
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade:
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Arctic Circle - Bettles Lodge Jacuzzi Room with all meals
- Fairbanks - Pikes Waterfront Lodge | Riverview Room
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade:
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Arctic Circle - Bettles Lodge Jacuzzi Room with all meals
- Fairbanks - Pikes Waterfront Lodge | Fireplace Room
Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Activities other than specified
- Portage fees
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Arrange a call with an Alaska Rail Travel Designer and bring your vacation to Alaska one step closer!
DATES & PRICING
Departs from Anchorage: Friday(Tour Code: TRAW7)Departs from Fairbanks: Tuesday(Tour Code: TRAW8)
Date | Twin | Single | Child | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
01 Nov 2022 - 31 Mar 2023 | $3,131 | $3,896 | $1,390 | |
Superior Grade | ||||
01 Nov 2022 - 31 Mar 2023 | $3,201 | $4,038 | $1,390 | |
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REVIEWS
1 of 7
"We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. "
We saw spectacular sights, met warm and friendly people, saw the Northern Lights, and made a lifetime of memories. We want to thank you for the wonderful job you did in setting everything up, and also for your courteous assistance and recommendations along the way.
Nick Florida, United States
2 of 7
"Loved this vacation!"
We just came back from our winter adventure 5 days/4 nights in Alaska. We had such a nice time. Everything was great. We saw the Northern lights, which was very special to start into the New Year, connected with the universe. We went dog sledding and snowmobiling all the tour guides were always on time, had knowledge and made an extra step to make the clients happy. Also the hotel is a beautiful place with nice, warm beds. Loved this vacation!!!
Ina Dominican Republic
3 of 7
"Excellent Trip and loved Alaska Railroad"
Excellent trip. Well planned out. We were able to get all our additional destinations accommodated.
Paul Williams Canada
4 of 7
"Nothing was too much trouble for Mandy or Kris when we were planning our holiday."
Nothing was too much trouble for Jennifer or Karen when we were planning our holiday. They were able to tailor our trip to what we wanted. We have recommended Alaska Rail Vacations to our friends and they also had an amazing experience.
Anne Mathews Australia
5 of 7
"Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes."
Alaska Rail Vacations were very helpful and had a quick turn around on price quotes. All my clients have enjoyed their trips thanks to the arrangements made by there amazing team
Tracey Los Angeles, CA
6 of 7
"I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail vacations"
I enjoyed working with Alaska Rail Vacations, I was introduced to them by Debra Roberts and Karen did a great job for me with a couple of my reservations
Haleh M California, USA
7 of 7
"Excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience!"
The team at Alaska Rail Vacations never fail to off excellent service. Clients enjoyed a wonderful experience! Our go to company for Alaska
Tina M Los Angeles, CA
Alaska Aurora Rail Adventure | Bettles Lodge
Start planning your tailor-made rail vacation in Alaska by contacting our rail specialists
Call 1 800 686 1694US
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, Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm PST
, Sunday: 11am - 5pm PST
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