Best Alaska Train Tours

Alaska train tours allow you to travel along the coast, up to glaciers, and through the mountains to take in some of Alaska’s most amazing views. Alaska Shore Excursions offers two types of train excursions.

• Day Excursion: A scenic train tour that lasts a few hours and is perfect for cruise visitors.

• Transfer: A one-way trip between cities or ports. Train transfers are perfect if you’re flying into Anchorage and starting a cruise in a port like Denali or Seward, or vice versa. The Denali Star Train on the Alaska Railroad is a popular choice.

Read on to find our picks for the best train tours in Alaska:

Skagway White Pass Railroad Summit Excursion

Port: Skagway

Train: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Type: Day Excursion

Points of Interest: White Pass Summit, Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch, Klondike Trail

Duration: 3.5 hours

This is our most popular thing to do in Skagway and is among the best Alaska tours. The Scenic Railway of the World takes you to the Summit of the White Pass, a 2,865-foot elevation. As you ride to the summit in vintage coaches, you can take in views of mountains, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls.

Transfer Anchorage to Seward via Coastal Classic Train

Port: Anchorage to Seward

Train: Coastal Classic

Type: One-way Transfer

Points of Interest: Girdwood, Seward, Turnagain Arm, Chugach Range

Duration: 4.25 hours

This route was ranked among the Top Ten Train Rides in America by National Geographic and is considered the most scenic rail route in Alaska. The train ride travels along the land and winds along the Turnagain Arm, where the Chugach Range mountains drop directly to the sea, then cuts through the Alaskan backcountry for scenic views as you ride into Seward. It’s perfect for a day trip or transfer.

Bennett Lake Scenic Railroad Journey Train Tour

Port: Skagway

Train: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Type: Day Excursion

Points of Interest: White Pass Summit, Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch, Klondike Trail

Duration: 8 hours

This scenic train journey takes you along the historic White Pass route from Skagway to Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada, following the path of the Klondike Gold Rush through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes. With a comfortable ride, onboard lunch, and time to explore the remote Bennett Station and Emerald Lake, this relaxed rail adventure is perfect for travelers who want to soak in the scenery without rushing.

Train from Anchorage to Denali National Park via Alaska Railroad's Denali Star Train

Port: Anchorage, Denali

Trains: Denali Star

Type: One-Way Transfer

Points of Interest: Spencer Glacier, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, Resurrection Bay, Denali Backcountry Lodge, Hotel Alyeska

Duration: 7.5 hours

This scenic train route between Anchorage and Talkeetna offers sweeping views of rivers, mountain ranges, and remote Alaskan backcountry, with Denali often visible on clear days. From crossing the Knik River to gliding over Hurricane Gulch and through Broad Pass, the journey is a comfortable way to experience Alaska’s vast and untouched landscapes.

Skagway White Pass Train & Bicycle Tour

Port: Skagway

Train: White Pass & Yukon Route Railway

Type: Day Excursion

Points of Interest: White Pass Summit, Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point, Dead Horse Gulch, Klondike Trail

Duration: 4.5 hours

This unique White Pass adventure begins with a scenic ride aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, climbing through dramatic mountain landscapes to the summit of White Pass. From the summit, you’ll enjoy a mostly downhill bike ride back to Skagway, passing glaciers, waterfalls, and even crossing the international border by bike. With expert guides and small group sizes, this tour blends rich Gold Rush history with unforgettable coastal mountain scenery.