Epic Alaska Rail Adventure: Anchorage-Seward Day Trip
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Departing from downtown Anchorage, the Coastal Classic Train travels south along the rugged coastline of Turnagain Arm, with dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains plunging directly to the sea. At the end of Turnagain Arm, the tracks veer away from the road system into the backcountry wilderness – and what many consider to be the most scenic stretch of the Alaska Railroad, accessible only by train. Watch for views of massive glaciers, steep river canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The train arrives to Seward at 1115 am, allowing plenty of time to explore this charming port town – or opt to take a marine wildlife & glacier day cruise into the nearby Kenai Fjords – before departing on the return journey at 6 pm that evening, arriving back to Anchorage by 10:15 pm.
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
wojciecht754, 10/15/2025 3:36:54 PM
I traveled on the Alaska Railroad from Girdwood to Seward. I took the GoldStar class, which offers an open-air balcony perfect for taking photos. The coach is very comfortable, and the staff are friendly. As the train travels through the Kenai Peninsula, it passes magnificent landscapes with plenty of rivers, Spencer Glacier, lakes, and scenic canyons. You can spot lots of wildlife, including moose, eagles, bears, and even salmon in the nearby rivers. The train moves quite slowly, but thanks to that you can relax and fully enjoy the breathtaking views. If you wish, you can even get off in remote areas — there are whistle stops along the route.
jackievP1027QO, 10/5/2025 5:41:47 PM
Amazing trip!! Amazing experience!! Staff were friendly and the train was neat and clean!! Would do the train trip again on a future Alaska trip!!
JJ870, 9/27/2025 5:45:31 PM
Just book it. Super clean, super nice, amazing views. We were on a chartered ride in the fancy upstairs window cars and it was awesome, relaxing, great scenery. Highly recommend.
stephenpH2276DE, 9/24/2025 2:56:19 PM
It was a great experience. As the train went through Girdwood, Whittier, and Spencer Glacier, we saw wildlife and beautiful nature with commentary by guides. We also went rafting at Spencer Glacier with our excellent tour guide, Emily Hickox. I highly recommend it.
Tbasis_F, 9/18/2025 2:03:06 PM
This is a great way to fill you day with a lot but without having to exsert yourself. The train is very comfortable. Lots of room to move around and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
I7660ZCjims, 9/16/2025 1:22:52 PM
Our first trip to Alaska was highlighted by our experience with the Alaska Railroad. Our rides on the Coastal Classic and the Denali Star was a perfect way to witness some of Alaska’s incredible beauty and learn about some of its history along the way. Johanna and Gavin, our car attendants/guides bent over backwards to provide incredible memories. They succeeded. I would whole-hardheartedly recommend the Gold Star Service. It's a few bucks more but entirely worth it!
Hina_J, 9/16/2025 7:11:44 AM
We took the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Seward, and overall it was a fun and memorable experience. The train offers views you simply cannot see from the road, including glimpses of glaciers and beautiful stretches of wilderness. The best part was being able to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving. Parking at the Anchorage station was convenient, and the $20 fee was fair and easy to manage. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The ride itself is quite long, and once you arrive in Seward, your time there is limited since you must re-board by a certain hour. This makes it hard to fully explore Seward or take part in longer excursions. Another downside is food, meals and snacks are available for purchase, but they’re not included in the ticket price. In hindsight, upgrading might have been worth it for the dining and comfort, though this wasn’t clear at the time of booking. Seating can also be an issue—since we traveled with another couple who booked separately, we weren’t seated together. You may want to call ahead to confirm seating or arrive early, though check-in is already at 6 a.m. If you go, I recommend considering an upgrade for the front cars, which have outdoor standing viewing platforms that really enhance the experience. All in all, it’s a unique and scenic way to travel, but be aware of the time constraints in Seward, the food costs, and the need to confirm seating arrangements if traveling with others.
Patrick_H, 9/14/2025 11:07:11 PM
Good food offered on the train! Very scenic and very clean. We did the train to and from Seward all on the same day. Would recommend this ride to anyone visiting!
Heather_H, 9/14/2025 2:59:21 PM
This was an incredible experience. All of the staff on the train were so friendly and the train ride itself was so amazing.
Emlyn_f, 9/14/2025 2:11:10 AM
Riding on the train and seeing Alaska’s beautiful scenery was such a treat! The staff were knowledgeable and kind.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants (0-1) may be added to a reservation as lap children (not requiring a paid, reserved seat) but they must be registered in the booking. To register an infant as a lap child, please indicate so in the “Special Requests” option in the final checkout and include the infant’s name, age and gender.
Departure point
Check-in one hour prior to the scheduled departure time to receive boarding passes. Check baggage at the outside Baggage tent before proceeding into the Depot.Return details
Departing from downtown Anchorage, the Coastal Classic Train travels south along the rugged coastline of Turnagain Arm, with dramatic views of the Chugach Mountains plunging directly to the sea. At the end of Turnagain Arm, the tracks veer away from the road system into the backcountry wilderness – and what many consider to be the most scenic stretch of the Alaska Railroad, accessible only by train. Watch for views of massive glaciers, steep river canyons, and cascading waterfalls. The train arrives to Seward at 1115 am, allowing plenty of time to explore this charming port town – or opt to take a marine wildlife & glacier day cruise into the nearby Kenai Fjords – before departing on the return journey at 6 pm that evening, arriving back to Anchorage by 10:15 pm.Redemption
BAGGAGE: Passengers are allowed two checked bags and one carry-on and up to two extra bags for additional fees. No item may weigh over 50 lbs. Special handling fees apply for oversized bags, bicycles, and other recreational equipment. Firearms must be either disassembled (slide or bolt removed) or have a lock (trigger or cable type) installed to prevent operation, and must be in a locked case. Concealed weapons are not permitted onboard. Camping fuel, motor fuel and other hazardous items are not permitted. Animals must be transported in kennels in the baggage car. All bags must have name tags attached. CHECK-IN: Check-in one hour prior to departure time at the ticket counter to receive Boarding Pass. DINING SERVICES: Passengers may choose from a variety of hot and cold meal selections. In dining areas, guests may be seated four to a table on busy days to accommodate all guests onboard. Lighter fare available in the Wilderness Cafe. Onboard purchases may be made with American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, including debit and gift cards. Cash payments are no longer accepted. SCHEDULES AND FARES: Delays can occur with rail service. We recommend that you do not book your rail arrival and air departure on the same day. The Alaska Railroad will not be responsible for missed connections. Schedules, fares, and tours are subject to change without notice. ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION: The Alaska Railroad will provide the best alternate service available in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may require any part of our service to be altered. ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair lifts are available at all stations. Passenger trains are wheelchair accessible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For accessibility on other connecting modes of transport please check with an agent for details. Service animals are welcome aboard. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Passenger Information and Resources page: https://www.alaskarailroad.com/passenger-informationLess than hours before travel date - 0% refund