Fairbanks to Denali: Train Experience
Planning a trip from Fairbanks to Denali National Park is an exciting endeavor, but one of the first big decisions you’ll face is how to get there. While both driving and taking the Alaska Railroad offer unique ways to experience the stunning Alaskan landscape, each comes with its own set of advantages and considerations. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which option works best for you!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used in this post, which I do benefit from. It’s a great way to show support, if you want to!
A Quick Introduction to Fairbanks, Alaska
fairbanks, alaska is an adventure hub and a gateway to denali national park
I’m so excited to share my experiences with you from Fairbanks to Denali. It’s a hot topic- whether to drive or take the train to Denali. The drive is 2 hours, and the train is 4 hours. But it’s so much more than that- there’s a lot to consider in your decision! Fairbanks, Alaska is a STUNNING city in Alaska, actually the 2nd biggest city, located 120 miles south of the arctic circle. Some people fly into Fairbanks just to start their train adventure south, but I consider spending some time here, too!
My goal in this blog post is to answer a few questions for you. “How do I get from Fairbanks to Denali National Park?” “Is it worth driving to Denali?” “How much is the train from Fairbanks to Denali?” So, let’s get to it!
Driving from Fairbanks to Denali National Park
Overview
The drive from Fairbanks to Denali is 120 miles, or approximately 2 hours. You will take the George Parks Highway (Highway 3), which is the primary highway connecting Fairbanks and Anchorage. This route is well-maintained, but it’s always good to check current conditions (we experienced a fire closure during our trip!). There are only a few gas stations along the way and it’s pretty remote, so being prepared is important!
Advantages to Driving to Denali
Cost Effectiveness
Since the ride is 120 miles, you’ll approximately use 1 tank of gas there and back. Depending on the type of car you’re driving, the price of that may vary. There is a per-person ticket fee to the train, so if you’re in a larger group, driving may be more cost effective!
Flexibility
When driving from Fairbanks to Denali by car, you’ll have a lot more flexibility with your time. It takes 2 hours instead of 4, you don’t have to leave at a specific departure time, AND you can stop along the way. Healy, Alaska is a beautiful small downtown outside of Denali that you’ll only be able to visit if you drive. If you do drive, make sure to stop at 49th State Brewing in Healy– I LOVE THIS BREWERY. Their craft sodas are to die for.
More Access in Denali
Denali has a decently sized “downtown area” where all the shops, restaurants, and lodging is. If you take the train, you have to get a bus from the train depot in the park back to the town. If you drive, you can drive right up to your hotel. In addition, the first 15 miles of Denali’s main road are accessible via Park Bus OR via your own car. If you have your own car, you can see more of the park on your own time!
Disadvantages to Driving to Denali
While the open road promises adventure, driving from Fairbanks to Denali National Park does come with its drawbacks. Firstly, the primary driver will miss out on much of the stunning scenery, needing to focus on navigation and the road itself. Beyond simply driving, there’s the added responsibility of dealing with rental car logistics, from potentially high one-way rental fees to ensuring you have a vehicle suitable for Alaskan conditions. Finally, while the George Parks Highway is well-maintained, travelers should always be prepared for potential road construction delays during the summer months, which can add unexpected time to your journey. There are both pros and cons to driving to Denali.
Train from Denali to Fairbanks
Overview
The trainride from Fairbanks, Alaska to Denali National Park is absolutely stunning, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you. You will ride with the Alaska Railroad on the Denali Star Train. This route is about 120 miles and takes 4 hours. When I visited, trains left around 8am and the return train came back at 4pm and landed around 8pm. You can choose between normal tickets, or upgrading to the Gold Star Service.
The Gold Star Service on the Denali Star train includes seats in the beautiful glass-dome windows with a 360 view, access to a open air viewing platform on the back, included meals in the downstairs dining room, 2 alcoholic drinks, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. I wouldn’t want to ride any other way!!
Advantages of Riding the Train to Denali
Let’s go the advantages of going from Fairbanks to Denali via train- trust me, they’re many. I would 100% do this again.
Relaxation & Scenery
One of the most obvious advantages of taking the train is THE EXPERIENCE! The distance from Fairbanks to Denali seems a lot shorter then you’re starting at the mountains and the river. You have so much time to explore the open-air area or look out your window from your cozy seat AND get a drink anytime you want from the upstairs bar. On top of that, you get to listen to fun facts about the area from the narrator. I learned a lot from him, actually! I didn’t feel bored at all on our ride, but just know phone service is spotty along the way and there is no wifi and no phone plugs!
Convienence
One of the standout benefits of taking the Alaska Railroad is the sheer convenience it offers. Instead of worrying about directions, road conditions, or where to park, you simply board the train and let the stunning Alaskan scenery unfold outside your window. The train provides a direct link to the Denali Depot, located just a short distance from the main park entrance and the “Glitter Gulch” area where most lodging and services are found. Many hotels and lodges in the Denali area even offer complimentary or paid shuttle services directly from the train depot, seamlessly whisking you to your accommodation. This eliminates the need for a rental car altogether once you arrive, allowing you to easily access park buses, visitor centers, and local attractions without the added stress of driving in a potentially unfamiliar environment.
Disadvantages of Riding the Train to Denali
Cost
While the train journey promises unparalleled views and relaxation, the cost can be a significant deterrent for some travelers. Tickets for the Alaska Railroad can be quite expensive, especially if you opt for the premium GoldStar Dome service. For instance, a one-way adult ticket from Fairbanks to Denali in Adventure Class (“normal ticket”) can be around $90-$100, while GoldStar service can easily double that, approaching or exceeding $200 per person. When traveling as a family or group, these individual ticket prices can quickly add up, often making the total cost of train travel considerably higher than the combined expense of a rental car and fuel for the same journey. This premium pricing can make the scenic rail experience less accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
Flexibility
Another trade-off for the train’s convenience and scenic views is a significant reduction in flexibility. Unlike driving, where you can spontaneously pull over for a photo, detour to a charming small town, or adjust your departure time, the Alaska Railroad operates on a fixed schedule. The Denali Star train typically has just one northbound departure from Fairbanks each morning, meaning you’re tied to those specific times for your journey. This lack of spontaneity extends to your arrival at Denali as well; once you disembark, you’re reliant on hotel shuttles or park transportation to get around, limiting your ability to explore the surrounding areas beyond the immediate park entrance on your own terms. For travelers who cherish the freedom of a road trip and the ability to set their own pace, this rigid schedule can feel restrictive.
Comparison: Train vs. Car to Denali
Final Thoughts about the Journey from Fairbanks to Denali
Whether you’re renting a car and driving to Denali, or you chose to ride the Denali Star Train, you’ll have an amazing time. The views are beautiful no matter the weather, and it’s an experience you won’t forget. I hope you have an amazing time visiting Alaska!
