Alaska Railroad Seward to Anchorage One Way

Seward , United States

Alaska Railroad Seward to Anchorage One Way

Active

(86 reviews)

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Departing from downtown Seward at 6pm, the Coastal Classic Train travels north 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 in Anchorage at 10:15pm.

Available options

Alaska Railroad Seward to Anchorage One Way

Adventure

What's included

Optional dining and snack bar

One-way rail transportation from Seward to Anchorage departing 600pm arriving 1015pm

Comfortable reserved seating

Alaskan tour guide providing narration throughout journey

What you'll see

After spending the day in the port town of Seward, take the evening train to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad! You will not be disappointed by the stunning vistas on your relaxing 4-hour journey from Seward to Anchorage. The large picture windows and open vestibules on the train provide excellent photo-taking opportunities along the journey, and local guides share the stories behind the sights along the way.
• Depart Seward Depot at 6:00 pm
• Arrive Anchorage Depot at 10:15 pm
• Onboard narration included on train
• Onboard dining available for purchase on train
• Accommodation and/or optional tours or cruises (sold separately) to explore Anchorage. Advance booking recommended.

What's not included

Accommodation and/or tours and activities in Anchorage

Return transportation

These options can be booked independently or through Alaska Railroad directly after booking.

Available languages

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

35 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

51 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

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.

Meeting point

Check-in one hour prior to the scheduled departure time to receive boarding passes.

Important notes

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-information.

About Seward

Seward is a charming coastal town in Alaska, known as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. It offers stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a rich history tied to the Alaska Railroad and the Iditarod Trail. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and kayaking to wildlife viewing and glacier tours.

Top Attractions

Kenai Fjords National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning national park featuring glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Half-day to full day Moderate to expensive (park entry is free, but tours and activities have costs)

Alaska SeaLife Center

The Alaska SeaLife Center is a popular attraction featuring marine life exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs. It's a great place to learn about Alaska's marine ecosystems.

Museum 1 to 2 hours Moderate

Seward Museum

The Seward Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Seward and the surrounding area, from its early days as a gold rush town to its role in the Alaska Railroad.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Budget

Exit Glacier Nature Center

The Exit Glacier Nature Center offers educational programs and guided hikes to Exit Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. It's a great way to learn about glaciers and their impact on the landscape.

Nature 1 to 3 hours (depending on the hike) Budget to moderate

Seward Small Boat Harbor

The Seward Small Boat Harbor is a bustling hub of activity, with fishing boats, tour boats, and marine life viewing opportunities. It's a great place to watch the boats come and go and enjoy the scenic waterfront.

Beach 30 minutes to a few hours Free to explore, costs vary for tours and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Alaskan King Crab

Succulent and sweet, Alaskan King Crab is a must-try when in Seward. It's often served steamed or grilled, with butter or drawn butter.

Dinner Contains shellfish

Salmon

Alaskan salmon is famous for its rich flavor and tender texture. It's often grilled, smoked, or baked, and can be found in many local dishes.

Lunch or Dinner Contains fish

Reindeer Sausage

A unique Alaskan specialty, reindeer sausage is made from ground reindeer meat and spices. It's often served as a sausage or in dishes like chili or stew.

Lunch or Dinner Contains meat

Baked Alaska

A classic Alaskan dessert, Baked Alaska features layers of ice cream and cake, topped with meringue and baked until golden.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park Kayaking in Resurrection Bay Glacier tours and dog sledding Scenic boat tours Visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center Enjoying local seafood at a waterfront restaurant Visiting the Seward Museum Exploring downtown shops and galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Seward, offering the best weather for outdoor activities. The days are long, with nearly 19 hours of daylight in June, and the wildlife is very active.

10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) 50°F to 64°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT, GMT-8) from the first Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, and Alaska Standard Time (AKST, GMT-9) for the rest of the year.

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Seward is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Research tours and activities before booking, and choose reputable companies.
• Be cautious when hiking or exploring remote areas, and let someone know your plans.

Getting there

By air

Anchorage International Airport • 120 miles (193 km) northeast of Seward

By train

Seward Train Station

By bus

Seward Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around Seward, but schedules may be limited.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi companies can be called directly.

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Seward Resurrection Bay

Day trips

Whittier

50 miles (80 km) northeast of Seward • Full day recommended

Whittier is a small town known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. It's home to the Anton Anderson Tunnel, the longest highway tunnel in North America, and offers stunning views of Prince William Sound.

Girdwood

70 miles (113 km) northeast of Seward • Full day recommended

Girdwood is a charming town known for its stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. It's home to the Alyeska Aerial Tram and the popular hiking trail, the Glacier Trail.

Anchorage

120 miles (193 km) northeast of Seward • Full day or overnight recommended

Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. It's a great place to explore before or after your trip to Seward.

Festivals

Seward Music & Arts Festival • July Seward Silver Salmon Derby • July and August Seward Winter Brewfest • February

Pro tips

Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and see the animals at their most active.
Book tours and activities in advance, especially during the summer months, as Seward can be busy and popular with tourists.
Dress in layers, as the weather in Seward can change quickly and be unpredictable, even in the summer.
Try local seafood specialties, such as salmon, halibut, and crab, at one of Seward's many waterfront restaurants.
Explore the historic downtown area, with its charming shops, galleries, and museums, for a taste of local culture and history.