Live aurora forecast
Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Fairbanks One Way
A 12 h northern lights tour from Anchorage by Alaska Railroad Corporation, shared with up to 15 travellers. From 265 USD per person, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 63 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.
In short
Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage is a 12 h aurora tour from Anchorage, shared with up to 15 travellers, run by Alaska Railroad Corporation. It costs from 265 USD per person and is rated 4.7 out of 5 by 63 travellers. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations. Before booking, check the aurora probability over Anchorage and the Kp forecast lower on this page.
On this page
1What the operator says
Experience the splendor of winter in Alaska from the comfort of a warm railcar, complete with comfortable seats, large picture windows and onboard dining. The Aurora Winter Train travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks, making the northbound 12-hour journey on Saturdays, as well as select mid-week departures (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays) December through March. Flagstop service is provided along the 50-mile stretch of roadless backcountry south of Hurricane Gulch.
While the Aurora Winter Train travels the same stretch of tracks as the summer Denali Star Train, the views are strikingly distinct; the vibrant colors of Alaska’s summer landscape give way to the quiet serenity of pristine snow. On a clear day, a spectacular view of Denali rises into view above the Susitna River. And anywhere along the tracks, a watchful eye may be rewarded with the sight of a moose in the wild.
Operator listing on Viator, read on 9 Oct 2026. Prices are starting prices and change with the date.
2What the price covers
Included
- Optional dining and snack bar
- Comfortable reserved seating in non-smoking cars
- One-way rail transportation from Anchorage to Fairbanks
- Baggage services
Not included
- Lodging in Anchorage or Fairbanks
- Tours and activities in Anchorage or Fairbanks
- Transportation to depot in Anchorage or after arriving in Fairbanks
- These options can be booked independently or through Alaska Railroad directly after booking.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
3Group size, pickup and languages
- Shared with up to 15 travellers
- Meeting point, no hotel pickup
- Guide languages: English
- Booking size: 1 to 15 travellers
- Operator: Alaska Railroad Corporation
- 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
4Aurora over Anchorage tonight
The probability below comes from the NOAA OVATION model for the current forecast hour. The Alaska page has the Kp Anchorage needs and the 3-day forecast.
Data: NOAA SWPC, fetched 09:58 UTC. Aurora probability by destination from the NOAA OVATION model, forecast for 9 Oct, 11:10 UTC. Aurora also needs a dark and clear sky. Kp needed: NOAA puts the edge of the auroral oval at about 66° geomagnetic latitude for Kp 0, 2° closer to the equator per Kp level. Geomagnetic latitude from the WMM2025 dipole pole (NOAA NCEI).
5Other northern lights tours in Anchorage
| Rating | Viator | Tripadvisor |
|---|---|---|
| 5 stars | 8 | 41 |
| 4 stars | 1 | 9 |
| 3 stars | 0 | 3 |
| 2 stars | 0 | 0 |
| 1 star | 0 | 1 |
Source: Viator, operator listing 48944P11, checked on 9 Oct 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage in Anchorage cost?
From 265 USD per person. That is the starting price set by the operator for the cheapest option on the Viator listing, and the final price depends on the date, the group size and the options chosen at checkout.
How long does Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage in Anchorage last?
12 h according to the operator listing. Northern lights tours leave in the dark hours and often return after midnight, so the duration counts from pickup or the meeting point.
Is Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage in Anchorage private or shared?
It is shared with up to 15 travellers. The operator sets this on the listing, so the figure here is read from the catalogue and not estimated.
What is the cancellation policy for Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage in Anchorage?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations. The exact wording and any weather clause are on the Viator listing at the time of booking.
What Kp index does Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage need to see the northern lights from Anchorage?
Anchorage needs Kp 3 or more by the NOAA rule used on this site, and a dark, clear sky. The live probability over Anchorage is shown on this page and refreshes every 15 minutes.
Who runs Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage in Anchorage?
Alaska Railroad Corporation, the operator named on the Viator listing. Reviews shown here combine Viator and Tripadvisor counts as published in the catalogue, and this site adds no reviews of its own.
Sources (2)
Sources
- Viator, operator listing 48944P11, checked on 9 Oct 2026
- NOAA SWPC, OVATION aurora forecast model, checked on 9 Oct 2026
Written and maintained by the Kp Forecast editorial team. Independent site, not a space weather agency. Data: NOAA SWPC.
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