This Nearly 500-mile U.S. Train Trip Visits National Parks, Glaciers, and Northern Lights Hot Spots

"If anyone tells you the only efficient, memorable train rides are in Europe, then they've never boarded the Alaska Railroad. With its main line stretching nearly 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, this scenic, historic method of transportation is one of the best ways to both get around Alaska and see the beauty of its backcountry; you may even spot a moose or bear along the way."

"Although the railroad, which dates back to the early 1900s, operates year-round, its main season starts in mid-May and wraps up in mid-September. This time of year, travelers from around the world make their way to the Anchorage hub to experience two of the railroad's most famous routes: the Denali Star and the Coastal Classic. The former is considered Alaska Railroad's flagship route and brings passengers all the way north to Denali National Park and Preserve, covering a total of 356 miles."

"The latter is shorter, just over 100 miles from end to end, but it's still rich in jaw-dropping views-especially if you book the GoldStar Service. In this class, you'll ride in a glass-domed railcar and have access to an outdoor viewing platform (where you can take photos without any glare from the windows). On a recent trip to Kenai Fjords National Park, I boarded the Coastal Classic in Anchorage, armed with a fully charged phone and camera."

The Alaska Railroad's main line runs nearly 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, offering scenic, historic transportation with possible wildlife sightings like moose and bears. The railroad operates year-round, with main tourist season from mid-May to mid-September centered on Anchorage. Two flagship routes attract visitors: the Denali Star, a 356-mile route to Denali National Park and Preserve, and the Coastal Classic, just over 100 miles with striking coastal and mountain views. GoldStar Service offers glass-domed railcars and an outdoor viewing platform for glare-free photography. Flexible itineraries that include overnight stays in small Railbelt towns enhance immersion in local highlights.

Read at Travel + Leisure