Alaska Travel Desk specializes in offering the McKinley Explorer private train, linking Anchorage with Denali and Talkeetna.  This train operates May thru September each year, and offers every passenger a seat in their award winning Ultradome rail cars – the same ones the Rocky Mountaineer based their ultra-luxury rail cars off of.    The private train offers all guests an enhanced rail journey from check-in to arrival; your bags will be awaiting for you in your Holland America/Princess lodge (when booked thru us) or at your lodge’s bell desk when you get to Denali or Talkeetna; every guest will have an airline-style reclining leather seat with headrest, foot rest, tray table, tablet/phone holder, and even a power port!   

Also on the top deck is a full service bar, offering a variety of coffees, teas, sodas, juices, and alcoholic beverages for sale.   Limited food service and souvenirs are also offered.

The McKinley Explorer’s first level hosts the dining area, restrooms, and outdoor vestibule – with each car having its own individual outdoor area (some are larger than others), and some cars even have a relaxing lounge.    Be sure to be on the lookout for the TVs – showing your exact location!

One of our favorite trips is taking the Alaska Railroad to our ships when we sail in and out of Seward or Whittier.   Its important to note these are NOT the same as cruisetour train transfers, which are controlled exclusively thru your cruiseline.

The Alaska Railroad departs daily from Anchorage to Seward and Whittier (different trains), offering scenic views along Turnagain Arm and then multiple tunnels as you progress towards your final port.   While onboard the Alaska Railroad, you will enjoy an onboard tour guide pointing out wildlife and scenic points enroute, a classic dome car (seats are not assigned in the dome, please limit your time up there!), and a cafe car with a variety of foods for purchase.   The Coastal Classic also offers Gold Star service, an Ultradome car similar to the McKinley Explorer with its own unique touches; meals are included and adults are given 2 complimentary adult drinks.   The Alaska Railroad Gold Star service’s outdoor vestibule is located on the top level.

The Alaska Railroad also offers checked luggage service, available at each depot.

Includes Denali & Talkeetna
One of the most exciting train rides in the world is the 16 hour trip linking Anchorage to Fairbank with stops inbetween.  While the train technically operates year round, in the summer it is known as the Denali Star, and in the winter the Aurora Winter train.

The Aurora Winter train is known for his famous whistle-stop service between Talkeetna and Healy (near Denali), with small villages & cabins that are ONLY accessible by the train.   The Aurora Winter train runs only on weekends from September to May, with increased services offered in March for our winter tourists.    Service is limited to Adventure Class with a Wilderness cafe car; sadly due to the extreme temperatures there are no Gold Star or dome-cars on the consists in the winter.

Once May hits, the train becomes the Denali Star with the added classic Dome-car and the double-decker Gold Star car (or cars), with the private Wilderness Express cars attached at the end.

Checked baggage service is available year round.

Technically Alaska’s third train is also the most well known – the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, based in Skagway.  This is primarily a tourist train offering scenic rides along the historic narrow-gage tracks up the winding Skagway River Valley to the White Pass, where some trains will continue into Fraser, British Columbia and then to Carcross, Yukon.

This historic train offers multiple departures daily from May to September, with some trains even pulling right up to the cruise ship docks for its customers (these MUST be booked thru your cruiseline).