LOADING











Grand Alaska Rail Tour Cruise Connector
INTRODUCTION
Before or after your cruise, embark on a 5-day Alaska Rail tour through the heart of Alaska.
Departing from either the Seward or Whittier cruise ship terminal, you'll explore Anchorage with an option to go bear viewing and travel to Denali National Park onboard Alaska Railroad.
Enjoy the style and comfort of a Goldstar railcar, with glass-domed ceilings, upper-level outdoor viewing platforms, inclusive dining, a private bar and full commentary of your journey.
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 Seward,Whittier|Departing Fairbanks
Day 1 Seward or Whittier to Anchorage Option 1. Seward Cruise Ship Terminal to Anchorage | Small Group TourDisembark the ship and begin your adventure with a short and easy walk to see views of Exit Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range, then continue to Anchorage to arrive late afternoon. (Lunch is included today)Option 2. Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal to Anchorage | Small Group TourDisembark the ship to tour north through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – the longest highway tunnel in North America. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely get close, observe, and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears, muskox. Then take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range. Continue on to Anchorage to arrive late afternoon. (Lunch is included today)
Day 2 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Anchorage Brew TourGet the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.Option 2. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska TramThis full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History TourThis half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing SafariView Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing TourEnjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing ExcursionExperience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled ExcursionStart this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 3 Anchorage to Denali National Park Entrance | Alaska RailroadEarly this morning take the Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar with service to Denali National Park. Watch for views of Denali and keep an eye out for wildlife. Arrive mid-afternoon; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast & lunch is included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 5 Denali National Park Entrance to Fairbanks | Alaska RailroadThis morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends. (Dinner is included on board the train today)
Day 1 Fairbanks to Denali | Alaska RailroadThis morning, board the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar for a scenic journey to Denali National Park. Arrive late morning; the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy an optional activity. (Breakfast included onboard the train today)
Day 2 Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 ExcursionsOption 1. Denali Highway Jeep Excursion | Self-Drive Guided 4x4 ExcursionRanked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.Option 2. Tundra Wilderness Tour | Coach Tour This half day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, wildlife rich Sable Pass and braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.Option 3. Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing | Small AircraftGet a closer look at Alaska’s majestic Denali from the comfortable window seat of a small aircraft. Slip on your provided headset to hear commentary from your guide as you fly over the snow-covered peaks, jagged ridgelines, and glacier carved valleys of Denali National Park, and get within half a mile of the mountain peak.Option 4. Upgrade Option : Denali Glacier Landing | HelicopterBe immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local residents – caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice.
Day 3 Denali to Anchorage | Alaska RailroadThis morning is open for optional activities such as: whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier, or hiking. At midday, board the Alaska Railroad and travel by Goldstar Railcar for the day trip to Anchorage. As you travel along the Susitna River, you may catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Denali or grizzly bears & moose along the banks of the river. (Lunch & dinner included onboard the train today)
Day 4 Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 ExcursionsToday you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursionsOption 1. Anchorage Brew TourGet the inside scoop on Anchorage’s beer culture and brewery history on a half-day guided tour. Sample six tasty offerings at three different venues, including three classic breweries that you’re sure to enjoy.Option 2. Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska TramThis full day tour from Anchorage includes a aerial tram ride up Mt. Alyeska, fresh lunch in Girdwood and tour of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home to moose, brown and black bears, wolves, bald eagles, musk oxen, and reindeer, giving guests an opportunity to view each species up close.Option 3. Hatcher Pass Hike and History TourThis half-day afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, a tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, gold panning and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail (an easy .9-mile train with 177-feet of elevation gain). Travel along the Knik Arm, ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains and witness the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass.Option 4. Anchorage Flightseeing SafariView Alaska’s largest city from above! On this 30-minute introductory flight, you’ll launch from Lake Hood and fly to some of the most scenic sites in the area. Options include the stunning backdrop of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range, Turnagain Arm or the Cook Inlet – all with great opportunities to spot wildlife from the air. Please note that wheeled planes may be used early and late season.Option 5. Upgrade Option: Alaska Bear Viewing TourEnjoy a half day guided tour with an opportunity to see Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year and where the bears are foraging for food, you will fly southwest of Anchorage by float plane to either Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay or Chinitna Bay. Here you can view Alaskan resident brown bears up close.Option 6. Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing ExcursionExperience some of the world’s best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s back country, only 35 minutes away from Anchorage by seaplane. The entire day is a not to be missed fishing & wilderness adventure. Fishing trips cater to both the experienced and novice fisherman. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled ExcursionStart this adventure with a spectacular helicopter ride over glaciers and icebergs. We often see moose, black bears, Dall sheep, and mountain goats. Land on a huge snowfield high on a glacier and enjoy a whole hour with Alaskan sled dogs and their mushers. Take the dog team for an exhilarating dogsled ride through real snow
Day 5 Anchorage to Seward or WhittierOption 1. Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal | Small Group TourToday’s scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet to the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and endless peaks, then visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land mammals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. If time allows, stop at Exit Glacier for magnificent views before arriving in Seward where you’ll be transferred to the cruise ship terminal. (Lunch is included today)Option 2. Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal | Small Group TourToday’s scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet to the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and endless peaks, then visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land mammals. Finally, drive through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – the longest highway tunnel in North America— to arrive in Whittier where you’ll be transferred to the cruise ship terminal (Lunch is included today)
INCLUDED
Package Includes:
- Accommodation including taxes for 4 nights
- Anchorage to Seward or Whittier Tour + lunch with the following inclusions
- Aerial tram ride to the peak of Alyeska
- Admission to Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Hotel or Cruise Ship pick-up & drop-off
- Anchorage | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions
- Anchorage Brew Tour
- Turnigan Arm Wildlife Tour with Alyeska Tram
- Hatcher Pass Hike and History Tour
- Anchorage Flightseeing Safari
- Upgrade Option: Alaska Bay Bear Viewing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Fly-in Guided Fishing Excursion
- Upgrade Option: Helicopter & Glacier Dogsled Excursion
- Alaska Railroad - Anchorage to Denali Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Denali | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
- Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
- Tundra Wilderness Tour
- Upgrade Option: Denali Summit Flightseeing by Plane
- Upgrade Option: Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter
- Alaska Railroad - Denali to Fairbanks Goldstar Service
(Dome car seating, private outdoor viewing deck & Meals included onboard train) - Meals as per Itinerary
Hotel & Rail Information | Moderate Grade
- Anchorage - Hilton Anchorage Hotel | Standard Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Denali Cabins | Standard Cabins
Hotel & Rail Information | Superior Grade
- Anchorage - Hotel Captain Cook | Deluxe Room
- Denali Park Entrance - Grande Denali Lodge | Standard Room
Alaska Railroad | Goldstar All our itineraries except the Glacier Discovery Train includes Gold Star Dome Service. These railcars feature large, curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360 degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The service is inclusive of all meals that are served in the lower-level dining 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 Seward | Whittier: Daily(Tour Code: TRA52)Departs from Fairbanks: Daily(Tour Code: TRA53)
Date | Twin | Single | Triple | Child |
---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $2,155 $2,563 $2,155 | $3,003 $3,578 $3,003 | $1,918 $2,270 $1,918 | $1,210 $1,248 $1,210 |
Superior Grade | ||||
18 May 23 - 31 May 23 01 Jun 23 - 07 Sep 23 08 Sep 23 - 12 Sep 23 | $2,621 $2,862 $2,621 | $3,934 $4,175 $3,934 | $2,234 $2,475 $2,234 | $1,210 $1,248 $1,210 |
STAY AT THESE HOTELS ON THIS RAIL VACATION
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE
per person


Alaska Train Vacation with the Arctic Cruise Connector
6 Days / 5 Nights
Seward,Whittier to Fairbanks
per person


Best of Alaska, Trains, Wildlife & Denali - Cruise Connector
4 Days / 3 Nights
Seward,Whittier to Fairbanks
per person


Talkeetna Denali Alaska Rail Explorer | Cruise Connector
4 Days / 3 Nights
Anchorage to Seward,Whittier
REVIEWS
1 of 8
"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 8
"Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. "
We had a fantastic time. Everything ran like clock work, the activities we did were extremely well organised, informative and above all fantastically enjoyable. We cannot thank everyone enough for their professionalism and organisational skills. To top everything off we saw the most amazing display of the Northern Lights, something I will never forget.......we certainly will be back.
Hazel Scotland
3 of 8
"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 8
"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 8
"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 8
"Excellent services!"
Excellent services!Our clients were extremely satisfied with the itinerary, hotels and tours you have offered.We will contact you again for our next clients.Thanks again for all!
Polona Australia
7 of 8
"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
8 of 8
"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
Grand Alaska Rail Tour Cruise Connector
Start planning your tailor-made rail vacation in Alaska by contacting our rail specialists
Call 1 800 686 1694US
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm PST
, Saturday: 8am - 4:30pm PST
, Sunday: 11am - 5pm PST
Send an email sales@alaskarail.com
Or send a message