Denali Star (Alaska Railroad)

Alaska Railroad Corporation (state-owned)
United States
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The Journey

Navigate from Anchorage Depot (ARRC) to Fairbanks Depot (ARRC) across a span of 573km.

Scenery Highlights
  • Denali Massif (North America's highest peak, 6,190 m / 20,310 ft)
  • Hurricane Gulch Bridge (91 m / 300 ft steel-arch over Hurricane Creek)
  • Broad Pass — Alaska Range panorama from ~600 m elevation
  • Healy Canyon Nenana River Gorge views
  • Knik River crossing with Chugach Mountains backdrop (near Anchorage)
  • Susitna River valley crossing north of Talkeetna
  • Chulitna River and Honolulu Pass mountain crossings
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    12 hours

  • Distance

    573 km

  • Est. Price

    Mid-range to Premium

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: Available for purchase in Wilderness Café (breakfast and lunch options)

Ensuite: No

Meals: All meals (breakfast and lunch) + 2 complimentary alcoholic beverages + all soft beverages included

Ensuite: No

Engine / Locomotive

GE PowerGard diesel-electric locomotives — typically two Genesis-series units (P42DC, 4,250 HP / 3,170 kW each) in push-pull configuration

Locomotive Weight

126 tonnes per P42DC Genesis unit

Track Gauge

1,435 mm (standard gauge)

Braking Technology

Air brakes with dynamic braking on locomotive units; regenerative-style dynamic braking for fuel efficiency on descents

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Hurricane Gulch Bridge — 91 m (300 ft) steel-arch bridge over Hurricane Creek, the route's signature engineering feature and one of the highest rail bridges in the United States

  • Healy Canyon narrow gorge navigation with steep Nenana River gradients

  • Broad Pass — highest point on the Alaska Railroad at ~600 m elevation, requiring careful throttle management in winter conditions

  • Remote backcountry operation with limited infrastructure between Talkeetna and Denali (no road access to the rail line)

  • Permafrost zones causing track heave and requiring ongoing maintenance

  • Sub-zero winter operation (off-season freight) requiring specialized cold-weather equipment

Route distance

573 km (356 miles) Anchorage–Fairbanks

Maximum elevation

~600 m (1,970 ft) at Broad Pass

Maximum speed

79 mph (127 km/h) on majority of route

Travel time

12 hours end-to-end (08:20 – 20:00)

Operating season

May 13 – September 17, 2026 (daily both directions)

Operator

Alaska Railroad Corporation (state-owned)

Notable engineering

Hurricane Gulch Bridge (91 m), Healy Canyon, Broad Pass summit

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    12 hours

  • Distance

    573 km

  • Est. Price

    Mid-range to Premium

Official Booking Provider