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This Alaska train which is known as the Alaska Railroad, has a long history. In 1903, a private company built 50 miles of track north from Seward. A second company built another 20 miles of track which connected it to Turnagain Arm. The U.S. Government purchased it in 1914 since they wanted a rail system to connect Seward with Fairbanks. Construction continued north along Turnagain Arm to Ship Creek where a construction camp was set up. That camp eventually became Anchorage. Rails for the Alaska train continued northward through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, ending at Nenana on the Tanana River. In 1917, the Government bought the Tanana Valley Railroad which ran from Fairbanks to boat docks on the north side of the Tanana River. A connecting railroad bridge was constructed across the Tanana river in 1923. This completed the route.  The only additions to this line were done during world war II. Rails were extended to the military bases east of Fairbanks, and mountain-tunnels were excavated to build a rail to the military port of Whittier.Starting in 1944, diesels started replacing the original steam engine locomotives. The last steam engine was finally sold in 1966. In 1983 through 84, the Federal Government and the State of Alaska both got approvals from their legislatures to authorize the State to purchase it. Though the federal government made upgrades over the years, when Alaska took ownership of the Alaska train, it made major forward progress as a top-notch railway service. The Parks Highway now connects Anchorage and Fairbanks along the same route, but the Alaska train has not lost its importance as a passenger or freight transportation system. It does not have connections to any rail system outside of Alaska, but does have a rail/barge system between the Ports of Whittier and Seattle. The Alaska Railroad has survived through the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, the 1986 floods which destroyed a number of rail bridges and other smaller incidents and hazards that are common in Alaska's rugged lands. Even today, they have to be watchful for rock or snow-slides and wildlife such as moose, that like to walk on the tracks!
A couple of Alaska Train stories:# 1: We moved to Rabbit Creek, about 12 miles south of Anchorage, when we left Tok. At that time, the Seward Highway ended at Potter railroad station, just a few miles further on. My sister and I would cross the highway and walk down to the tracks. The railroad trestle across Potter Marsh was quite long and quite high above the ground. A girl who lived near it, taught us to lay our ear on the rail so we could hear a train coming. If we couldn't detect any vibration or sound on the rail, it was safe. Then the three of us ran across the trestle, so we could play in streams that ran through the marsh. We never made a mistake. When we heard or felt a vibration, we'd wait. In about 15 minutes a train would go by. Then we crossed the trestle. At that time, as you can imagine, the Alaska train was somewhat slow. #2: Sometime in the late 1950's or early 60's, an Anchorage paper carried a story and showed a photo of a freak accident. It was winter. A moose stepped onto the railroad tracks in front of an oncoming train. The train could not stop quickly enough, so hit the moose. The moose flew up in the air, hit a railroad switch and threw the train off the track! There were no major injuries, as I recall. But this is one of the unusual events that have occurred in the history of the Alaska Railroad.
Alaska Railroad Crossing River Bridge Current Alaska Train Services: Today the Alaska Railroad has an excellent record of safety and quality service for both passengers and freight. It handles both. With double-deck glass dome cars and large comfortable seats that swivel, their modern coaches are a joy to ride. Coupled with great dining and some excellent tour guides, you'll enjoy yourself thoroughly. Passenger Service for Summer (Mid-May to Mid-September) Standard Routes with Daily Service: DENALI STAR: Goldstar Service available Northbound - Leaves Anchorage at 8:05 AM - stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali Park - arrives Fairbanks at 8:00 PM Southbound - Leaves Fairbanks at 8:15 AM - stops at Denali Park, Talkeetna, Wasilla - arrives Anchorage at 8:00 PM COASTAL CLASSIC: Goldstar Service available Southbound - Leaves Anchorage at 6:45 AM - stops at Girdwood - arrives Seward at 11:05 AM Northbound - Leaves Seward at 6:00 PM - stops at Girdwood - arrives Anchorage at 10:15 PM GLACIER DISCOVERY: Southbound to Whittier Port - Leaves Anchorage at 10:00 AM - stops at Girdwood, Portage - arrives Whittier at 12:05 PM Continue Glacier Tours - Leaves Whittier at 12:45 PM - stops at Portage, Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop - arrives Grandview at 3:20 PM Northbound Return Route - Leaves Grandview 3:30 PM - stops at Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, Portage - arrives Whittier at 5:30 PM Continue Return Route - Leaves Whittier at 6:45 PM, stops at Portage, Girdwood - arrives Anchorage at 9:15 PM Winter and other Routes with varying schedules: AURORA WINTER (Mid-September to Mid-May): A FLAG STOP TRAIN - You can get off at any point and FLAG the train down on its return trip. Northbound -SATURDAY ONLY - Leaves Anchorage at 8:30 AM - stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, Chase, Curry, Sherman, Gold Creek, Canyon, Chulitna, Hurricane, Denali, Healy, Nenana - arrives Fairbanks 8:00 PM Southbound - SUNDAY ONLY - Leaves Fairbanks at 8:30 AM - stops at Nenana, Healy, Denali, Hurricane, Chulitna, Canyon, Gold Creek, Sherman, Curry, Chase, Talkeetna, Wasilla - arrives Anchorage at 8:00 PM ALASKA HURRICANE TURN - Summer (Mid-September to Mid-May) Thursday through Sunday ONLY: A FLAG STOP TRAIN - You can get off at any point and FLAG the train down on its return trip, so scheduled times may vary Northbound - Leaves Anchorage at 8:30 AM - stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna - arrives Hurricane at 1:40 PM Southbound - Leaves Hurricane at 2:45 PM - stops at Talkeetna, Wasilla - arrives Anchorage at 8:00 PM ALASKA HURRICANE TURN - Winter (October to May) 1st Thursday each month ONLY: A FLAG STOP TRAIN - You can get off at any point and FLAG the train down on its return trip, so scheduled times may vary Northbound - Leaves Anchorage at 8:30 AM - stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna - arrives Hurricane at 1:40 PM Southbound - Leaves Hurricane at 2:45 PM - stops at Talkeetna, Wasilla - arrives Anchorage at 8:00 PM This is a summary of their main schedules. They also have Alaska trains scheduled for some holidays and a number of special events. Alaska train CONTACT INFORMATION for rates and more information: And they don't just provide train service. They have created numerous, combination vacation packages by teaming up with many other local businesses providing special services. Call 800-544-0552 or find out more about the Alaska Railroad Tours and Vacation Packages. Maybe you've found just what you've been looking for with the Alaska train service. Whether you have or not, if you stick around for a bit, I'll tell about a few places to stay... Top of Alaska Train Page Return To Alaska Travel Vacations Page Return to Tips for Backwoods Alaska Vacations Home Page
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