Alaska Railroad heads into the 2026 summer season with a new program, refreshed offerings and the debut of its Seward terminal, all designed to streamline connections across Southcentral and Interior Alaska.
You’re going to want to tell your active clients about the 12-day Grande Alaska Tour, which connects Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks. Highlights include a Glacier Discovery ride for rafting near Spencer Glacier, the Coastal Classic to Seward for a Kenai Fjords National Park cruise and the Denali Star north for flightseeing and a sled dog visit. The journey ends in Fairbanks with a sternwheeler cruise on the Chena River. “We pay close attention to what our guests want from an Alaska journey, and we’re hearing more interest in experiences that get people out exploring,” said Robin Moore, Marketing Communications Manager for the Alaska Railroad, in a media statement. “Our travel packages and add-on excursions reflect that with more opportunities to hike, raft and be active off the train while enjoying the comfort and convenience of traveling by rail.” Also new for the 2026 summer season, the Alaska Railroad is scheduled to complete construction of its new Seward dock and terminal. Located at the railroad’s southern terminus, Seward is a key gateway community for Kenai Fjords National Park and Southcentral Alaska. The new facilities are designed to support rail connections helping reduce congestion and streamline passenger arrivals and departures. The project includes a new double-berth floating dock capable of accommodating two cruise ships at the same time, along with a 41,000-sq.-ft. passenger terminal designed to improve passenger flow.
Four routes operate during the summer season. The Coastal Classic runs daily between Anchorage, Girdwood and Seward from May 15 to Sept. 13, following Turnagain Arm into the Kenai Mountains with views of waterfalls, glaciers and coastal wildlife. In Seward, travelers can access Kenai Fjords National Park, the Alaska SeaLife Center and excursions such as glacier cruises and kayaking. The Denali Star, the railroad’s flagship, operates between Anchorage, Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks from May 13 to Sept. 17. The 356-mile route spans coastal lowlands to boreal forest, with views of the Alaska Range, potential Denali sightings and the crossing of Hurricane Gulch, a 296-ft.-high bridge.
The Glacier Discovery offers flexible day trips between Anchorage, Girdwood, Whittier, Portage, Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop and Grandview, with full service running May 30 through Sept. 14. Passengers can step off for glacier cruises, wildlife viewing and backcountry experiences in Chugach National Forest, including rafting near Spencer Glacier. The summer Hurricane Turn, one of the last flagstop trains in the U.S., operates Thursday through Monday between Talkeetna and the Hurricane flagstop area from May 14 to Sept. 13, providing access to remote, roadless areas for hiking, fishing and cabin access.
Alaska Railroad Debuts Summer Package for Active Travelers
Denali Star. (Photo: Alaska Railroad)
