3900 Arctic Blvd, Ste 304
The stand out of the Alaska RR is Anchorage/Seward, by far. That sounds shorter than I expected. We had a beautiful day and great views, but I'm not sure that we would've seen any less had we taken a bus to Denali instead of the train. Expeditions ; Partners ; Lectures ; Events & Projects ; Biography ; Exploring ; Sharing ; Giving back ; Speaker . Since there are a limited amount of tables there, they will serve a few parties at a time. It starts as the train pulls out of Denali Park station, picking up speed across a broad plateau on the way over the track's high point on the Continental Divide. You will probably stop for lunch in downtown Anchorage the day you drive up to McKinley lodge. It is a fantastic little town with lots to do, and it will make your day on the bus to Whittier about two hours shorter. He was impressed by the beauty of Denali Park and by the challenge of Mount McKinley. It was one of the highlights of our vacation in Alaska. You can also book Yellow Denali Rail Tours from Seward, however overnight accommodations (at the beginning and end of the trip) are not included at these locations. Due to the length of the train ride (approx 10.5 hours), they sold food. Overnight trips are priced per person. Denali is the Native name for Mount McKinley, meaning the highest. At 6,194 metres, it is the highest peak in North America. Lunch is served on the lower level as in a fine restaurant. Learn More >, Alaska Tour & Travel
Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. The Park Connection Motorcoach is the only scheduled same-day transportation service from Denali Park to Whittier. Usually you don't find out until a month or 2 prior to your trip. The McKinley Explorer was a great way to "close the distance" on the mountain. Mt McKinley to Denali: 1 hour, 45 mins The staff were GREAT, accommodating, insightful, informative, and entertaining.Cars were comfortable, bathrooms were clean and easily accessible. Some walls are very steep and have to be climbed using fixed ropes. That time includes an hour or so lunch break in Anchorage. Most of the highway is 2 lane and you can NOT count on continuous 65mph. So are you saying the train ride isn't that scenic? A wonderful way to see Alaska. It was a great triumph. Tasty eats complete the experience of riding on the McKinley Explorer, a premier Alaska dome rail service that travels between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. A wonderful way to see Alaska. read more. The fastest the train can go is about 40mph due to the nature of the tracks. You also don't want to miss, example- a moose sightings look etc, because you are already late. It appears that there could be lengthly delays at times for those driving on the Parks Highway (from Anchorage to Fairbanks). from anchorage to denali. Improve this listing Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. You will probably stop for lunch in downtown Anchorage the day you drive up to McKinley lodge. I agree with Budget Queen that the travel times provided by Google are somewhat optimistic. Recommended Train, travel Take the train from Whittier to Anchorage Take the train from Anchorage to Hurricane Gulch Wait to you see it. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge: 9a 4:00p (Certainly hope there are a few stops in there or my Dad will go bezerk. I would have thought the train would be a lot faster than a bus. Boarding passes with seat assignments will be issued then. Are the seats reserved and in the domed section with these land/sea tours? The McKinley Explorer offers checked baggage service. This is a common fault I have of cruisetours. The narrator was well informed and balanced giving information over the public address system and walking through the car to answer questions one-on-one.Food was good - adequate for the day. Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99503-5780, Denali National Park and Preserve - Things to Do, things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska Railroad Fairbanks to Denali One Way. Right balance of narration, quiet time. We traveled by the Princess domed rail cars to meet our cruise ship in Whittier. We received our rail itinerary and seat assignments the morning of disembarkation at Whittier just prior to boarding the rail. By There is no child rate for this service. The views are unbelievable the staff is excellent and the train goes slow and stops are key photography locations We really enjoyed it, highly recommended for all ages any class is good as everyone gets the same views on the right side of the car is a touch better for viewing angles thank you. People make big mistakes, with tight planning, especially with tours involved, allowing only the minimal amount of time to get there. For us we take the bus and it states 3hrs. Take an exciting train ride aboard the domed railcars of the McKinley Explorer and enjoy a magnificent stay at Denali National Park. The slopes get steeper, and you have to make several trips back and forth to the higher camps. . But in my opinion, the drive from Denali to Fairbanks is much more scenic than the train. We had the wonderful experience of seeing the mountain almost the whole way--it was exceptionally clear and a very comfortable ride. Guests who are traveling on the Denali Star route between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks in either the Alaska Railroad's Adventure Class or the GoldStar Domes can choose from sit down dining in the lower level GoldStar dining room, or simpler fare in the Wilderness Caf dining car. Breakfast and lunch were provided (extra fee. The driving is, simple and easy. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The lunch menu includes a selection of sandwiches, soups, and fresh salads, as well as irresistible desserts. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. As mentioned above, scheduled train service is not an option for same-day travel from Denali Park to Whittier for the independent traveler. But surely because of its magnificence. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. How do you get back to where you started. Whittier to Kenai Lodge: approximately an hour and a half. | Privacy Statement |, Comfortable forward facing and reclining seats with 8 channel sound system, Highly trained and knowledgeable tour guides. Up to 3,350m, you have to use snowshoes or cross-country skis. Bring a camera, medications, and government issued photo ID. For Bernard, this was the sixth summit in his campaign to climb the highest mountain of every continent. It is a beautiful site. See below for some rental car suggestions as well. ).Drink service was provided upstairs in the doom (extra fee ).These railcars were more modern. We took the train from Anchorage to Denali as part of our Holland America cruise package. Great experience. We had the wonderful experience of seeing the mountain almost the whole way--it was exceptionally clear and a very comfortable ride. LEARN MORE: Check us out on our blog at https://tattlingtourist.com/seattle-to-denali/Tattling Tourist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.#AlaskaTrainTours #McKinleyExplorerTrainSee our favorite travel items: https://www.amazon.com/shop/tattlingtouristThe best place to book a cruise is with http://www.cruisecompete.com/?source=144TattlingTourist- Copyright 2016 You have the wrong idea. It is a good idea to dress in layers as it is often chilly on the outside viewing platform. Every mountaineer the world over dreams of Mount Denali McKinley. Thanks for that info. It was overpriced. . Ask TeardropTrailrTravls about McKinley Explorer. McKinley Explorer Cruise lines may operate special charter trains on ship days, but these are generally reserved for their own cruise tour packages, not independent travelers. McKinley Explorer: Best Way to Travel from Denali to Whitter - See 264 traveler reviews, 210 candid photos, and great deals for Anchorage, AK, at Tripadvisor. The cars and dining service were excellent. 3 nights at Denali with only a soft, non-wheeled bag? During your tour, youll enjoy 1-2 nights at Denali. Denali Train DepotMile 1.5 Denali National Park RoadDenali Park, AK 99755, Anchorage Train Depot411 West 1st AvenueAnchorage, AK 99501. Does anyone have an idea of how long it takes for the below transfers: Bus trip from Port in Whittier to Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Bus trip from Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge to Mt. The food on board was excellent, as was the service. I hope there are some nice views between Denali and Fairbanks. Home Alaska Rail Tours Denali Rail Tours Luxury rail travel Transfers and baggage handling Hotel accommodations at Denali National Park, Talkeetna or both locations. Bring a credit card for additional onboard purchases (cash not accepted). Packages can usually be modifed to include extra nights and/or activities. We traveled from Denali NP to Whitter, AK where we transferred to our Holland-America ship the MS Noordam. Always, allow plenty of time with driving in Alaska. McKinley. Tip bring some snacks. Step out on the observation platform for fresh air or head to the dining car for an optional meal. Is the food included or do you order from your seat or go into another car to eat? After reaching the summit of Everest together on May 5, 1999, Dorjee and Bernard promised that they would climb together again sometime, so Dorjee was invited to experience his first climb outside the Himalayas (he who has already stood on the roof of the world no fewer than six times). Budgetqueen is right, they don't tell you very much when you book the land portion, but we were ok with it. Check out our Whittier car rental page for a unique offer if you are planning a self-drive vacation package that ends in Whittier. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in. WOW, WOW. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Q&A: Cruise Insurance with Steve Dasseos of the TripInsuranceStore.com - Summer Session '23, ANNOUNCEMENT: Regent Seven Seas Cruises 2025-2026 Voyage Collection Debut. Round trips are double the one way price. It was the perfect way to end our Alaska vacation. The highlights are many on this southbound ride on a McKinley Explorer dome railcar. The Park Connection is the best option for travel between Denali Park and Whittier, as scheduled same-day train service is not available. Thanks for the info. Breakfast and lunch are served on this route. It helps a lot. Read our, Recommended experiences in and around Anchorage, Rail Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Bus Tours. Seating is comfortable, with foot rests and fold down tray tables. You pass cars when needed, pull over when you want. You have to eat in the dining car if you want to really make the most of this journey! read more, We took the northbound train, departing Anchorage around 9:30am. This spot is considered the base camp, although climbers dont stay here long. That includes creating numerous passing lanes along a 140-mile stretch south of Nenana and building a new overpass at Broad Pass near Cantwell. What a great experience! Marcus was our guide and he was absolutely great. It has the greatest change in elevation between the base camp and summit, with the base camp at 2,000m and the summit at 6,194m, for a difference of 4,194 metres. Your pictures thru the windows if taken carefully turn out fantastic. Departure times and locations are listed below. Anchorage, AK 99503
Powered by Invision Community, If you check the Alaska Railroad schedule (. Does the itinerary say which hotel they use in Fairbanks? :). The McKinley Lodge is also farther than what the above lists, which is Talkeetna. Curved dome windows running the entire length of the car provide unparalleled views of the passing landscape. According to Google: Whittier to Kenai Lodge: approximately an hour and a half. The train features two story domed cars, which offer a great view of the incredible Alaskan scenery. I keep looking for info in reviews about it; but haven't found any yet. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Overview The highlights are many on this southbound ride on a McKinley Explorer dome railcar. Keep reading for more details, or if you are ready to book the bus from Denali to Whittier, visit our Train & Bus Express Checkout. The Park Connection Motorcoach is the best choice for this trip, but it is important to note that the service is only available all the way to Whittier on ships days, typically Saturdays and Mondays. And as Eric said, Denali seldom shows her face, we must be extra special as we took countless images of this majestic mountain the entire trip. This was a continuation of a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, and the train was something I wanted to experience. Every mountaineer the world over dreams of Mount Denali - McKinley. We knew we wanted 3 specific places with two days at Kenai and two at Denali, which is what we got, with a night at McKinley and two in Fairbanks. Still called Denali - the Great One - by Alaska natives and locals, Mt. This train trip was part of our McKinley Explorer Tour from Fairbanks 6 days / 5 nights Between Anchorage and Fairbanks stands majestic Mt. Visit Denali National Park by choosing one of our Blue or Yellow Denali Rail Tours. Select a departure below to see current availability. Our landtour was at the tail end of our cruise and we sailed with Princess, so I am not certain if Holland America does it the same way. Discover the charms of Anchorage, then board your waiting Holland America Line ship in Whittier and sail the ice-studded fjords of Glacier Bay with its massive, calving glaciers. The McKinley Explorer private dome rail cars operate on the separate schedule shown below. Amenities 20,320 ft 6,194 m / North America's Highest Mountain. and Sammiedawg is correct (I decided to call and ask now, rather than waiting. You can NOT make marathon driving plans in Alaska. Princess Cruises, Gray Line Alaska, & Westmark Hotels. Also, since it took so long, they allowed smoking in the open air part of the train. 7:25 AM McKinley Chalet 7:30 AM Denali Princess Lodge 7:45 AM Denali Park Village 7:55 AM Denali Cabins Arrive Talkeetna: 10:45 AM Depart Talkeetna: 11:00 AM Arrive Anchorage: 1:30 PM Depart Anchorage: 3:00 PM Arrive Whittier: 5:00 PM Whittier Drop Off: Whittier Cruise Terminal Routes: Park to Park, Whittier Cruise Transfers You can rent a premium 4x4 car rental from us with an Anchorage or Fairbanks pickup, then drop the car off in Anchorage at the end of your trip and ride the Park Connection Motorcoach to Whittier for free. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. See Details McKinley Chalet Resort Dine, relax and explore in our premier accommodations at the doorstep of Denali National Park. Explorer . Mount Denali McKinley is also reputed for its particularly capricious weather conditions, thanks to the low-pressure systems generated in the Gulf of Alaska. Alaska Tour & Travel uses cookies to track your trip selections and favorites. Anchorage to Whittier, Copyright 2000-2020 RailsNW The cars feature oversized dome windows on the upper level of the coach and a dining area on the lower level. I have the Rocky Mountaineer on my bucket list but it won't be better than this. Ultra dome cars also include an open air observation platform. The McKinley Explorer was a great way to "close the distance" on the mountain. Experience the highlights of Alaska on a Princess Lodges Denali Rail Tour. Contact us for schedule if your desired route or segment is not shown. The bathrooms were less than stellar but we had to use them over the course of the day. The hotel listed on my itinerary in Fairbanks is "Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge", but it's my understanding they have more than one in Fairbanks to choose from. McKinley Explorer Train Ride from Denali to Anchorage, Alaska Alaska train tours We chose the McKinley Explorer train as our form of transportation from Denali to Anchorage. We were lucky to take the train because it had been recently suspended due to the wild fires. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request. more, Alaska Railroad Denali to Anchorage One Way, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. "The train ride was great with an excellent tour guide and friendly server. McKinley: 4 hours. We really enjoyed our ride on Holland America's McKinley Explorer Dome train ride from Denali to Anchorage. the commentary along the way is very good as well. Perhaps because it is so isolated, or because this enormous mountain has the greatest change in elevation, or because of its legendary storms. It was a very experienced team. My observation from someone who lives here is that the contractors will begin the work as soon as they can. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. I would guess the train to be between 2-4 hours. If he lived in the Midwest I would hire him in a heartbeat when he graduates. Each train car had a Princess guide and server, our guide was one of the best we ever had on any trip. But no such luck. If I had to do it over again, I'd take the bus. There are details that people just do not expect and it can be very negative depending on the assumptions the purchaser made. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. the train ride was beautiful and the car were comfortable gfor the 4 hr train ride from Denali to Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Anchorage to Wilderness Wildlife Glacier Experience. Upon arrival into Anchorage, passengers can transfer to their next destination by taxi, rideshare, or hotel shuttle (where available). If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It pretty much parallels the Parks Highway. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. However, if you wanted something more substantial like lunch, then you would go to the dining car below. The food menu with prices is available for you to browse when you board. Hopefully there are some mountain views in the distance. Nothing like being stuck in traffic, multiple lanes, etc like elsewhere. The train ride usually takes just under 2 1/2 hours in each direction, and the Whittier train schedule allows plenty of time for a glacier day cruise in Prince William Sound. Climbers reach the mountain by ski plane, landing on a gentle slope with few crevasses. Thanks again. Seating is extremely comfortable and bar service at your seat while listening to the tour guide was entertaining. :)). I would suggest you add at least 30 minutes to each of those times. The cars are also in much better shape than the ARR.While food & drinks aren't included, they are pretty good and the souvenir mugs are worth their value. Onboard commentary by dedicated host guide in each car. The team consisted of three climbers: Nathalie Tremblay, Bernard Voyer and Dorjee Sherpa. That explains it. Good Luck and have fun!!! There are many obstacles to overcome, including the task of transporting all the equipment you need over a long distance. Improve this listing Similar Experiences LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour - ANCHORAGE AREA 146 Adventure Tours from $596.37 It's the visibility that makes these seats so special. Since the train ride is the last leg of the cruise tour, I will have already already overloaded on beauty, so my eyes will be able to use the rest. Thank you so much. Is that possible? Yellow Tours include hotel accommodations in Anchorage and/or Fairbanks at the beginning and the end of your rail trip. We were en route from Copper River to Whittier and our bus stopped at the Captain Cook hotel, we were given a map listing eateries close by. The ride itself is comfortable and narrated with interesting information about what you are seeing in Alaska. With the info ya'll provided, I will have a better idea how long I will have in the parks on travel days. Travel the historic Alaska Railroad route and gaze upon magnificent vistas of rivers, plains, and the majestic Alaska Range. The food on the train in the dining car was good and the path the train went was so beautiful. Alaska Tour & Travel uses cookies to track your trip selections and favorites. Not what you are doing. We took the McKinley Explorer to and from Denali and you won't be disappointed at all. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge to Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, Train from Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge to Fairbanks. ", Book Now with no risk, your deposit is fully refundable until 31 days prior to travel with the purchase of our Worry-Free Cancellation Waiver. Beyond that point, crampons are essential to pull the load up to 4,350m, because the glacier is so steep. Similar Experiences Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. If you have the time, consider an overnight in Talkeetna on the way down. Select a month and any additional options to search tour availability. The second time my wife and I have traveled on The McKinley Explorer and the first time for our kids and grandkids. I am sure I will enjoy all the travel in beautiful Alaska. I do have to say that the cruise lines know what they're doing -- it amazes me how orderly they really are! Breakfast favorites include the Alaska King Crab Cake Benedict and the Fisherman's Bagel, a play on a classic lox spread featuring Alaskan smoked salmon. A mixed climb means that you have to deal with both rock and ice, calling for careful attention and great precision in your movements. You have to be entirely self-sufficient, transporting heavy loads on a sled: a few weeks of food, and high-mountain equipment, all pulled for days over steep, crevasse-filled glaciers. A cruise connection linking Alaskan travels by land with those at sea. Recently took the Princess RailTour (McKinley Explorer) from Anchorage to Denali & back - the service on the train was FANTASTIC! It starts as the train pulls out of Denali Park station, picking up speed across a broad plateau on the way over the track's high point on the Continental Divide. The ride itself was smooth and long enough to appreciate Alaska's grandeur! EXCELLENT.. our party of 6 tested the limits of the staff with our special needs accessibility needs and diverse interests. :) Not sure what I would do if I didn't have the "detailed" itinerary. The scenery, the comfort, and the service was the best. Which, after my rambling, leads me to your question. After a brief stop in Talkeetna, the train continues through Willow, Wasilla, and the Matanuska Valley before pulling into the Anchorage Depot. Mostly, just, 2 lane roads. Service at lunch and for beverages was very good. Thank you so much for the info. McKinley Explorer, Whittier: See 39 reviews, articles, and 74 photos of McKinley Explorer, ranked No.15 on Tripadvisor among 15 attractions in Whittier. On July 2, at 12:50 p.m. local time, Nathalie, Bernard and Dorjee reached the 6,194-metre summit. Very knowledgeable, friendly, approachable. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell. This high mountain lies very far north (63 degrees North latitude), near the Arctic circle, so winter here is the real thing! The difference in barometric pressure, because of the northern latitude, makes it feel like 6,900m. My itinerary from Princess states the following travel times: Bus trip from Port in Whittier to Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge: 10a-12:30p, Bus trip from Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge to Mt. As Chenega as alluded, the train tracks are located on the flats and traverses through ice rich land. It was a great experience but took all of 9 hours. There are also a few rocky ridges to be overcome. Train from Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge to Fairbanks. Denali Star Train 32 Reviews #13 of 24 things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve Tours, Scenic Railroads Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99503-5780 Open today: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Save Alaska Railroad Denali to Anchorage One Way 46 Book in advance from $157.87 per adult Check availability View full product details Robert S Passengers can expect to pay $9 to $17 for breakfast and $12 to $16 for lunch. Bernard Voyer Explorateur Inc. | Copyrights / Photo credits | Support - Conception web. Logan, our guide was interactive and funny. We did get it back the next day, but HAP (Holland America/Princess) is facing some staffing shortages. The last steps up to the summit were along a dizzyingly high ridge of snow. In contrast, the highway is located on higher ground and ridge tops, and is not traversing through frost heaves and damage caused by permafrost conditions (or, to be accurate, not at least not as many frost heaves). below to select from a large selection of distinct itineraries, each one providing breathtaking scenery, dome class train tickets and first class hotels (if applicable). On our first trip 15 years ago the railcars were vintage railcars which were very neat. McKinley Explorer 4.5 39 reviews #11 of 21 Tours & Activities in Whittier Sightseeing Tours Write a review See all photos About Whittier, Alaska Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. McKinley Explorer See all things to do McKinley Explorer 4.5 39 reviews #11 of 21 Tours & Activities in Whittier Sightseeing Tours Write a review See all photos About Whittier, United States Contact Suggest edits to improve what we show. And wrong information on the Denali/Fairbanks- which is 4 hours. I can't wait till June gets here. This high mountain is considered one of the worlds hardest, and with good reason. Highly recommend this ride. Visit other members of our travel family Sad to see so much damage, but the rest of the scenery was spectacular. It was very well organized. So, thanks!! Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. We received our rail itinerary and seat assignments the morning of disembarkation at Whittier just prior to boarding the rail. Also the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (http://www.newsminer.com) had an interesting front page article this morning on the scope of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities work for this upcoming summer. Great service, clean, informative. It attracts hundreds of climbers every year. Explore There is 1 way to get from Whittier to Denali National Park and Preserve by train Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Wondering if there is a shorter train ride than this one? Get quick answers from McKinley Explorer staff and past visitors.
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