Alaska's Incredibly Scenic Train Ride Offers Unbeatable Views Of The Northern Lights

What comes to mind when you think of Alaska? Never-ending landscapes, the midnight sun, animals such as bears, moose, and caribou are all associated with this great state. Whatever comes to mind when you think of The Last Frontier, a trip to Alaska is sure to open your eyes to natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the U.S. Tourists wondering where to see the Northern Lights during the long, cold, dark nights will be thrilled to know that they can book an incredibly scenic train journey on the Aurora Winter train in Alaska that offers unbeatable views of the colorful sky phenomenon.

One of the best places in the U.S. to witness the Northern Lights is Alaska. The vibrant reds, purples, blues, greens, and pinks light up the sky as the energetically-charged solar winds collide like clockwork with atoms and molecules in space to create a magical and colorful tango high in the atmosphere above, resulting in a unique display causing locals and tourists alike to run outside, crane their necks back and admire the limited time offer of nature's beauty.

The 12-hour long ride on the Aurora Winter Train starts in Anchorage and ends in Fairbanks, and whisks travelers northbound on Saturdays through gorgeous Alaskan scenery from mid-September to mid-May, before making its return journey on Sundays. In February and March 2026, trains also depart on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which give passengers the option to return on Wednesdays or Fridays. Along the route, the train will also make scheduled stops at Wasilla, Talkeetna, Hurricane Gulch, Healy, and Nenana. While the Denali Star Train takes the same route in the summer, the Aurora Winter Train treats passengers to snowy and scenic backcountry views that are akin to a winter fairytale.

There are many adventurous reasons why Alaska should be your next bucket list destination, however not all trips to this beautiful and wild state need to get your adrenaline pumping. The Aurora Winter Train provides a state of relaxation to its passengers onboard, while allowing you to take in the frosty Alaskan winters from the comfort of a warm rail-car. Large panoramic windows line the sides of the train, and along with cozy seats to kick back in, it's the perfect place to sit and watch for moose, or on a clear day along the Susitna River, catch a glimpse of Denali.

On Alaska Railroad's official website, travelers can book their tickets easily and efficiently. On the Aurora Winter Train, the Adventure Class ticket option offers baggage service in Anchorage and Fairbanks, allows passengers to purchase onboard dining options, and also alcoholic beverages. Make sure to bring a debit or credit card, as cash is not accepted on the train. Round-trip fares for adults are $518.00, and travelers looking to book a one-way ticket can take advantage of Alaska Railroad's winter rail-fly packages, which allow passengers to take the scenic train journey one-way, then fly back the other direction.

Passengers looking to get out into the great outdoors also have the option to book through a licensed reservation agent, who can book and arrange excursions if they wish to depart the train earlier than the full route. Since the train has a Saturday-Sunday route schedule, it makes for the perfect scenic weekend getaway to Talkeetna to take part in skiing, dogsledding, or even a flight excursion over Denali.   

As enjoyable as it is to witness the colorful Northern Lights from the train window as they dance in the sky, to take your experience up a notch, get off the train. Seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed, and cloudy weather conditions can play a huge part in not seeing them. Stay a few nights in one of the stops along the way, or stay longer in Fairbanks to give yourself the chance to appreciate the Northern Lights where they are best seen, outdoors with minimal light pollution.

Brave the outdoors and book a night at the Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, a unique dome-shaped igloo accommodation with a clear dome boasting 12-foot ceilings, so you can view the Northern Lights and star-gaze all night long. Each spacious and fully furnished igloo comes complete with heating, a beverage bar with hot and cold drinks, and a washroom complete with shampoo and a hairdryer. Bonus points for the hotel staff that will alert its visitors if the Northern Lights start to light up the skies at night.

If you've ever wanted to experience Alaska during the harsh winter months, but have been apprehensive to do so because of the cold conditions that come along with it, a trip aboard the Aurora Winter Train is surely the best way to see the beauty of Alaska's scenery, while staying nice and toasty inside.