If you want to get out and see the frozen Last Frontier from a warm, cozy spot, the Aurora Winter Train in Alaska will bring you to the most beautiful places in the state from the comfort of your passenger seat! Dress warmly and prepare for a breathtaking trip through our great state. And the best part? The whole family will love the animals, mountains, and more you’re bound to see through the windows!

Are you looking to explore the state of Alaska in style this winter?
Alaska Railroad / Facebook
The Alaska Railroad has the perfect solution for you in the Aurora Winter Train! This fun trip starts in Anchorage, ends in Fairbanks, and has many interesting stops all along the way. It's one of the best train rides in Alaska you can take!
The journey is 12 hours long if you travel the entire distance from Anchorage to Fairbanks, but it will feel short.
Alaska Railroad / Facebook
The large picture windows on each passenger car allow everyone who is traveling to see perfect views out of each window. Even the dining and cafe cars feature these windows, so you'll never miss a thing.
The scenery across the state is absolutely astounding.
Marjory C / TripAdvisor
While many people love Alaska for what feels like one, long, endless summer, the winter in Alaska is truly breathtaking. You'll travel past frozen rivers, snowcapped mountains, and alpenglow, and understand why.

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In fact, the weather in the winter tends to be cold, crisp, and clear, so there is a good chance you'll see Denali.
Alaska Railroad / Facebook
There's also an excellent possibility you'll see Alaskan wildlife, and the train will even slow so you can have a good look. Be prepared with your camera to capture some of these amazing sights.
Make sure to save room for the hot and delicious food prepared in the dining car.
Alaska Railroad / Facebook
The food is good and plentiful, with many options for different tastes. You can also head to the bar car for a hot chocolate for the kids, and something warm and soothing for yourself.
Fare prices for this beautiful ride vary depending on your last stop.
Alaska Railroad / Facebook
The whole route, from Anchorage to Fairbanks, is $243.00 per adult, and $122.00 for a child. Seniors are $122.00 as well. But if you're traveling a shorter route, the fares drop significantly. They also offer packages with accommodations and activities included. Visit the Alaska Railroad train fares webpage for all fares.
This awesome trip runs from mid-September through mid-May.
Alaska Railroad / Facebook
There are trains every weekend during those dates, and a mid-week service runs during select dates in February, March, and April. Tickets for holidays and long weekends book up quick, so make sure to make your reservations as soon as you have your dates in mind. Check out the train schedules at the Alaska Railroad website.

 

Have you had a chance to ride the Aurora Winter Train? How far did you go? Would you do it again? Please feel free to reach out and tell us all about your experience!

If you’re stopping over in Talkeetna during your train ride, you’ll be able to stop in at this century-old roadhouse in Alaska with the most mouthwatering pie on Earth!

Looking for even more adventures in Alaska? Check out this aurora viewing trip, traveling from Fairbanks.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Winter In Alaska

Meghan Byers | December 13, 2023

What is there to do in the winter in Alaska?

Although it may be notoriously dark and cold, there actually is plenty to do in the winter in Alaska. Some fun Alaska winter activities include:

  • Dog sledding
  • Horseback riding
  • Sleigh rides
  • Seeing the Northern Lights
  • Going to a winter festival
  • Snow tubing
  • Winter hiking or snowshoeing
  • Sledding
  • Ice skating

 

What are some places to visit in the winter in Alaska?

Some of the best places to visit in the winter in Alaska are:

  • Chugach State Park, in Southcentral Alaska, where you will find glittering frozen waterfalls and other winter wonders.
  • The town of Cordova, home of the annual week-long Ice Worm Festival (taking place from the end of January through the beginning of February, typically). This fun-filled and unique festival attracts people from all over the world and is a great way to beat the winter blues.
  • Girdwood, home to Alyeska Resort, a great destination for skiing and other winter activities.
  • Chena Hot Springs, where you can warm up in the naturally hot mineral waters of a rock lake – and may even be able to see the northern lights.
  • North Pole, the town where you’ll find the holiday spirit every day of the year.

 

How cold does it get in the winter in Alaska?

How cold it gets in the winter in Alaska depends on which part of this expansive state you’re in. In Southcentral Alaska, the average winter temperature is around 20 degrees, so not too bad compared to other chilly states across the country. However, if you go up to Fairbanks, the average drops to 20 degrees below zero, so that’s quite a difference. Be sure to keep an eye on weather conditions and dress appropriately if you plan on enjoying outdoor activities in the winter in Alaska.

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