You Can See the Northern Lights From This Alaska Train

Combining the joy of slow travel and the unspoiled winter serenity of Alaska's backcountry, Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train is one of the most dazzling rail routes in the country. The train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, a nearly 350-mile journey that takes 12 hours from end to end. While the route isn't exclusive to the winter — the Aurora train travels the same track that the Denali Star Train follows in the summer months — Aurora Winter Train journeys do offer uniquely mesmerizing snow-dusted landscapes and unparalleled chances to spot the northern lights. The Aurora schedule stretches from mid-September to early May with at least one round-trip journey every week. The train travels north from Anchorage to Fairbanks every Saturday of the season and south from Fairbanks to Anchorage every Sunday, and there are occasional midweek services, too. Between mid-February and early April, the Aurora train runs north on select Tuesdays and Thursdays and south on select Wednesdays and Fridays.

The winter months are prime time to experience the 49th state's snow-capped scenery, and the Aurora Winter Train offers the perfect way to do so. Travelers on this line can choose their own Alaskan adventure, whether that means sitting back in the train's warm comfort to take in views through the large picture windows, or hopping off at one of the stops for activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or chasing the northern lights. The train runs exclusively in the daytime — from 8:30 a.m. to around 8 p.m., depending on the route — but thanks to Alaska's long winter nights, you can typically count on at least some of your journey taking place in ideal aurora-spotting darkness.

After departing Anchorage, northbound Aurora trains make stops in Wasilla and Talkeetna before providing flag-stop service through 50 miles of Alaskan backcountry (including roadless villages like Curry, Chulitna, and Hurricane) and stopping in Denali National Park & Preserve. The train continues with as-needed stops in Healy and Nenana before finally pulling into Fairbanks — a route it then follows in reverse on southbound journeys. Along the way, passengers can spot moose and other wildlife and keep their eyes peeled for views of Denali's iconic peak. While it's often shrouded in clouds, it can be seen from the train on clear days, looming over the Susitna River.

"The Alaska Railroad gives passengers the chance to admire the beauty of Alaska and embark on authentic Alaska adventures around the state," Alaska Railroad's vice president of marketing and customer service, Dale Wade, said in a statement released to Travel + Leisure. The Aurora train, he added, is an "unforgettable Alaska winter experience."

To further lean into the season, Alaska Railroad also offers winter vacation packages, with both one-day and multiday options. The Aurora ($2,105 per person) is a six-night journey that starts in Anchorage and includes overnights in Talkeetna and Fairbanks, dog sled and aurora borealis tours, and a "flightseeing" trip into the Arctic Circle. Also available are packages like Denali in a Day ($385 per person), the one-night Talkeetna Getaway ($369 per person), and the Winter Escape ($539 per person), an overnight trip that includes a one-way train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks and a return flight the following morning.