Amazing video. NO annoying music, NO annoying Yakkity-blah-blah-yak. Just the sounds of the train, the passengers... real life.. makes one feel actually “there”. The written commentary was spot-on. Thank you.

I guess it blew your mind that the bistro car was a former C&NW commuter car. Well then it should doubly blow your mind to know that the ultradome was also a commuter car. Virtually the same construction as the Northwestern car, the Ultra Dome car was initially a Southern Pacific bi-level commuter coach used between San Francisco and San Jose. They were heavily remodeled/reconfigured somewhere in Oregon. I believe Tillamook. P.S. About the Bistro Car, I'm not 100% sure about this specific car, but the C&NW had these manufactured as Bi-level Intercity coaches to handle such trains as the 398 mile Chicago to Ishpeming, Wisconsin, Bi-level Peninsula "400". To the Casual Observer, the exterior of the cars appears to be the same as the bi-level commuter cars, however the cars Interiors were significantly nicer. Reflecting their use on long-distance trains - not commuter trains. After 1971, These cars we're sold to Amtrak to meet the needs of their Intercity passengers - the C&NW still needed all their Bi-Level commuter cars for their Suburban operations.

The Flag Stops. The help they bring to those folks is immeasurable

Hi, Thibault! I watched this video with my husband, who I actually met on this train! We have both ridden this route hundreds of times, as I worked in food service for many years and he is actually a conductor on the Alaska Railroad and we both loved the video. It’s exciting to see the route through new eyes after riding it so many times. However, my husband really wanted me to share that the AKRR conductors are actually the ones in the black suits, commonly seen wearing their “conductor” hat. He’s proud to do the job, and proud of his coworkers as well, so he likes to see them properly recognized (especially because it takes so much training!). The person named in the video is great at his job, but he is actually not a conductor! He’s the food and beverage manager, just in case you wanted to make the edit 😊. Thanks again for sharing!!

This is one of the world’s great rail journeys! My favorite moment was your tour of the Goldstar dome and the outdoor viewing platform....it exemplifies the amazing service the Alaska Railroad provides by allowing you this opportunity! I have taken this train in summer and in Feb 2020 took it in the glory of the Alaskan winter! The winter was however a bit too glorious as there were massive avalanches south of Hurricane and we could not continue train journey. They put us on buses to Anchorage but before doing so fed EVERYONE a free hot dinner on the train. Some folks had red eye flights that night including one lady to Japan that they would miss due to the delay. The staff called the airlines when on the bus and used the company credit card to pay all costs of re-booking the flights!!! Where else on this planet does a company do that?? Seriously, the Alaska Railroad is a class act....do not hesitate to book. The train to Seward is also amazing!

I also want to tell you how much I appreciate your concise onscreen information in place of narration. There's a lot to be said for "less is more". Another rail video popped up in my recommendations that I had to abandon bec the host just wouldn't shut up. Yakked on and on.

I travelled on this train in 1994. I believe it was then called the Aurora. The scenery brought back many memories and the second week of September, when I travelled which was also a perfect sunny day and with the Autumn leaves changing colour,...simply amazing and definitely the best time of the year. Also amazing but missed in the video is some of the beaver lodges in the creeks along the way. We also travelled to Seward and Cordova on ARR. But the trip to Fairbanks...simply breathtaking and I'll definitely be paying for the upgrade when I once again visit Alaska, thanks to your video, once COVID-19 is behind us. The train is really well presented...so very clean and the crew...sensational and during the cruise season ARR add additional cars to the train. Thanks again for an inspirational video during these challenging times... :-)

This trip is on my bucket list, along with taking the ferry up from Bellingham.

Hurricane, Alaska sounds like an especially hardcore place to live.

I like the subtitles instead of talking. Thank you..

I was forced to yell "Bloody heaven" at the gorgeous beauty of the route at least 3-4 times. The journey is gorgeous, with not just the most picturesque route, but also the most comfortable train one can think of. The Alaska looks like Canada of the US, with the train going back to pick up people of a flag stop, a concept I couldn't even think of. Once in a lifetime experience indeed.

What a breathtaking journey! Those 40 minutes of your video went by in a flash; it was so captivating and it was like I was there the entire time and forgot about my surroundings here :) What a marvellous trip report, thanks for making the time and effort and sharing it with us. I can't pick a favourite moment of your report; it was all magnificent :D Greetings from The Netherlands

Love your high speed train videos from Europe, but this train trip with its gorgeous views is where slower is better. You lucked out on having such sunny weather to video all those views! Definitely putting this on my bucket list. Merci beaucoup!

I did the Denali Train ride in mid September 2017 and purchased the Gold Star so I could have the full experience of the ride. I will never forget the meals on the train, my first taste of Reindeer sausage. YUM! I loved the dome car with the outdoor observation deck, I spent the majority of the trip there and hated to come in to warm up. The Fall colors were in their full glory and breathtakingly beautiful with the back drop of majestic mountains. I think my favorite part of the ride was the outdoor observation deck. When we got to Hurricane Gulch, our train stopped so everyone could get lots of pictures, the views were spectacular. I still can't get over all the golds and oranges of the trees. As you noticed everything on the train was spotless, the staff were the friendliest, respectful, informative, and sometimes funny. The greatest people I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They kept a sharp lookout for moose, bear, caribou, or any other wildlife along the way. They seemed to know what areas they might be in. We did see bear and caribou on our ride. As on your ride, they provided a wealth of information about everything along the way. I stayed in Denali for 3 days and it was so wonderful!! Unfortunately, I did not take the bus ride through to see all the wildlife. The day I checked out of the lodge was the day they were closing for the winter season. So we wound up riding back to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad with the majority of the out of town employees from the lodge. LOL!! I had extra luggage on the ride back and it didn't seem to create a problem. You see, the gift shops and the shops across from the lodge were all having HUGE clearance sales, so, well, I had to get souvenirs for my friends, kids, and grandkids. So I had to buy a very large suitcase. What woman can resist a 70% off sale???!!! Ok, back to the train! The train going back to Anchorage was a little different than the Alaska Denali Train. Not much different, just a little. But still everything was spotless, the service was every bit as great as on the Denali. Our train stopped to meet with another train. The crews of both trains got off and presented each other with gifts and hugs, chatted a little, and then returned to their trains to continue on. I later found out that the majority of the crews on both trains fly up to work the tourist season on the trains. That day was their last trip, so they were carrying on the traditions of stopping the trains, exchanging gifts, and saying their goodbyes to each other. Such a wonderful thing to witness. I forgot to mention, I did shed a lot of tears on both train rides. The magnificence and breath taking beauty of everything completely overwhelmed me! I could not stop smiling and grinning. I had never seen so much water, rivers, creeks, and streams in my life!! I had never seen and met so many friendly and happy people!! I want to go back again!! I really want to go on the train to Seward next time, just can't make up my mind where I should depart from. I wish you safe and beautiful travels!!

Gold Star coach is ultimate... They even cared to have a veggie burger on the menu. That's the best service one can hope for.

TO BE YOUNG, TO BE HEALTHY TO ENJOY ATRIP IN A TRAIN LIKE THIS. LIFE IS FOR SUCH THINGS. ENJOY LIFE!

I Used to work as a cook on that train. As well as on the train to Seward. It’s was a pretty awesome job.

In my books, there is absolutely no nicer way to travel. Than on a really nice train.

if you liked this, try the canadian rocky mountaineer. its really expensive, but i hear it's worth it.

I am an Alaskan for over 50 years and have ridden this train back and forth about 8 to 10 times. I still love the trip and intend to take it again, especially after viewing your video. The only thing that I missed was seeing any animals in the video. When I have ridden the train, they would stop so that people could take photographs of moose or caribou or whatever else might be near the tracks.

We live in Anchorage. It's easy to forget what a beautiful state Alaska is. Thank you 😊

Took the ride with my family in 1957...Alaska was beautiful but Fairbanks was very primitive living. Dog sleds and bets on the spring ice break on the river was big entertainment. This is one of those bucket list trips that's a must....dome seats see all...maybe a moose crossing the tracks. as in our trip. High fives to Alaska Railroad.

This really took me back in time. In 60-61 I was stationed at the Dome (a BMEWS site that is no longer there). We could hike down from the site and catch the train in the morning, and ride down to the Indian River trestle, hop off, and fish all day, and then catch the train back to the site in the evening. AND, the service was free for armed services personnel at the time.

Incredibly beautiful sceneriy! I couldn't ever imagine that I would be travelling with a train in Alaska! Now on my 67ths finally I made it; thanks to you son! Many blesses and thanks...

My late father was a train enthusiast, like the videographer. How he would have enjoyed these rides. I am enjoying them. Thank you so much.

I have watched so many travel, especially train, videos (including yours) during the pandemic lockdowns here in Canada and I want to tell you that this is by far the absolute best train journey video I have seen! The Alaskan scenery and the train itself are amazing but it is your gentle, charming, enthusiastic and informative commentary that is the real star. Thank you!

In late August 1997, after a few very memorable days staying at the seasonal Denali Park Lodge, and previously having landing on the mountain at a 9 ,000 ft high snowfield in a superchared Cessna ski plane, my friends and I were bussed the 90 miles to the Denali railway station to join the southbound train to Anchorage to fly home. It was an eight hours train trip, and truly wonderful. I have travelled by rail in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Europe and Ecuador, and the Alaska train journey ranks very highly in comparison. I am impressed how pristine the coaches are in your video....even the bogies looked newly painted, and the incredible scenery which you filmed brought back happy memories. We travelled in comfortable standard class coaches in 1997, but the train also included luxury dome coaches reserved for Holland-America Line cruise passengers. Thanks for sharing your experience and comments. Alaska is truly the last frontier.

C'est un magnifique voyage qui donne envie de visiter l'Alaska en train.Il faudrait pouvoir le refaire en hiver.Cela devrait être encore plus beau et dépaysant avec un goût d'aventure comme dans les romans de Jack London.

Best moment of the trip was the balcony scene. Standing outside of a train with a balcony while moving and hearing the wind was great.

Thank you for bringing back memories. In 2003 I retired and my wife and I celebrated by taking a cruise to Alaska. We rode the same train you did but we started in Fairbanks. Like you we saw the top of Denali when the clouds opened up. We watch the TV show about the Alaska Railroad and yes the flag stops are respected by the train crews. Like you we had no disappointments. Our only regret was we should have done the 14 day agenda which would have given us more time on land to see so much more. Thank again.

This is a viewer in Jharkhand State, India town of Hazaribagh. I am an avid buff of viewing train journeys. Thanks for bringing Alaska to my doorstep in the South Asian tropics. You are doing a great service to humanity sharing. Thank you and God bless from Bulu Imam

I love the blue and gold livery... it's so nice and shiny

Wonderful video, beautiful scenery, really nice to see via captions instead of verbose audio. Don't think I'll ever see this since its been so long ago BUT I so wish there was film available of life onboard the U.P. City of Portland circa 1960's. We went to see family 5 times from Des Moines to Nampa Idaho. Last time in 1969 just in time to get home & see the first moon landing. Amazing trips, route primarily along I-80(not fully built yet). The plains, the Rockies, much of it at 90mph. CRACK trains, scheduled almost to the second. Wonderful food, Domeliners, every aspect top-drawer when America was America. One yr, the Seattle World's Fair, consist was 5 locos, some 30 coaches & Pullmans, 3(I think) full-scale diners, 3(I also think) Dome Cars, 2 lounge/club cars,plus baggage (and yes) mail cars. We weren't rich but sure FELT we were! I'm almost 70 now but those memories still remain. Love your work, keep em up....

Simply Beautiful journey, the views, the coaches, and the locomotives on the curve... Wonderful ❤️❤️

As a Chicago train rider. Its cool see one of our ex Chicago CNW bi level cars on this train! I thought that car looked familiar! I thought it might be ex SP!

i was looking forward to this upload ever since you instastoried it! also I am glad that you didnt try and cut down the duration as we got to see all the beautiful scenery on this train, even though its your longest video yet. you make us dream from afar, thank you Thibault!

As a kid in the late 50's my family would go to Colorado on the Zephyr. The dome car was the best part and you brought back so many memories. The curved stairs, chairs with that button recline release and even the frosted window in the toilet. Thank you for this experience!

Wow, did this wonderful video take me back! I was stationed at Clear A.F.S. south of Nenana near Anderson in 1974 and rode the rails to Anchorage to shop for a bass guitar. I remember that the crew was so amazing and friendly then. Good to hear that hasn't changed but we ARE talking about Alaska!

Brought back so many great memories. Alaska is, in my opinion, the most beautiful area in the United States and possibly the world. Thanks for a great video.

Wow. Just wow. This is the essence of travelling by train. I'm really happy for you, I was actually touched by this report. Absolutely amazing, congratulations!

I love the placid water reflecting the mountains at 30:31 “like a mirror”. Thank you for taking us along.

I can see why this was your favorite trip ever! Thank you very much for sharing.

Very good video! A lot has changed since I rode that line(1963) Had a flag stop at Dome (Murphy Dome) radar station, before Fairbanks where I resided for 12 months in the USAF. Breathtaking scenery. Thanks!

Stunning. Old trains kept in shining great condition. Wilderness that takes your breath away. And the staff who want you to fall in love with Alaska.

I don’t even live in Alaska I live in Texas but I love Alaska because of the weather the view and the colors I wish I could go there I love the sight of the mountains at night

This was absolutely amazing. Thank you for taking us along on this journey.

What a wonderful travelogue! The scenery looks absolutely amazing! One of your finest so far! Thank you!

Best part...the moment you get the first glimpse of Denali...I gasped...ooo...there it is!!!

I’m so glad I found this… I lived there for years; and miss it very much 👏🏻👏🏻❤️

Awesome! Best rail video I've seen. Thanks for taking us along and showing the magnificent scenery.

Absolutely stunning video, well put together, well thought out in production, no boring silly music, no gum flapping commentary, you let the scenery & natural sounds around you do the commentary. It is amazing what you see at a sedate pace & someone else doing the driving. This trip is going on my bucket list. Thank you again, keep up the excellent work.

I just love everything about your video.The views are absolutely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing.

I have been enjoying your reports for the past month or so.. slowly working my way through them all :) One thing I like about your style is that even when you have some complaints or 'room for improvements' you are always respectful and supportive of the railway.. you know it's always a n uphill battle keeping the system going against the economic current of planes, trucks and cars!

Very beautiful. I did the Amtrak route from Los Angeles to Tacoma Washington, 32 hours in coach. I loved every second of it. The scenery was gorgeous. I need to do this Alaska trip. Thank you for sharing 🥰

I can't choose one part of the journey that was my favorite. Everything was amazing! I think this was Simply Railway's best episode yet...

I loved every minute of it.I couldn't believe that bridge.

Lol I live in the Netherlands and the colors of this trains is exactly the same as the NS 🇳🇱☺️ Thanks for this great video!

A wonderful presentation as if you were doing the trip yourself. Good to know the USA has one passenger train that is clean, runs on time and is dependably so even if only for a few months' operations. That the seating and food is good with some 10-15 minute stops to better enjoy and soak up the unrivaled Alaskan scenery.. Thank you "Simply Railway" for taking me along with you !

So scenic so beautiful 🦚 The unperturbed serenity of silence 🌛

Great video! I took this trip back in 1969 and '70. A poor serviceman --well poor in finances but rich in the sense of excitement!! I remember those trips to this day and they still bring great memories. Of course the amenities were nothing like those on this train but we loved every mile. Even camping out behind Mt. McKinley (now Mt. Denali) Lodge because we couldn't afford the cost of a room! Probably not the safest thing because we heard animals (maybe moose) walking around in the night! Thanks for the great memories!

I lived in Ferry, AK with my sons. Beautiful trip. Miss Alaska very much. Thank you

really nice video and finally someone who understands that prices in Alaska and on a train to begin with tend to be higher than your neighborhood Dollar General. Also great shots of the landscape.

Alaska fascinates me. Excellent review, the Alaska Railroad truly is a gem!

I grew up in Chicago. I rode these trains in the late 80s and early 90s on the Western line, Aurora to Chicago. They look so much the same yet so different. How freaking cool!!

awesome tour, thank you. i've done the trip on the old train, got to go through this train when they did the grand opening of the new train station in fairbanks, they were just putting these in service then, it really is impressive .it's a train made to enjoy the experience.

Another wonderful trip report. I have only ridden in a dome car once and that was back in February, 1983 on the Rio Grande Zephyr just before it was taken over my Amtrak. I have relative in Alaska and I keep meaning to go visit them and ride the train.

Sitting at home with a knee replacement, I can honestly say I enjoyed this journey. I’m so appreciate that I can watch this video and feel like I was traveling.

Nice video! It brings back a lot of memories. I was a chef on the original McKinley Explorer railcars in the summers of '90 and '91 behind the ARR cars along that same route. Of all of the jobs I've ever had, THAT is the one I miss the most.

Simply amazing!! Well covered and detailed. I definitely need to take this trip. My favorite was the flag stop and railways helping people staying in the wilderness

Wow what an amazing trip report the scenery from mountain valleys to forests and lakes à beautiful part of the world not many get to see I liked the train colours in blue and yellow and also the diffrent classes of travel the ultra dome coach was my favourite you get to see the beautiful scenery and the twists and turns of the route from upstairs and the open section so you can hear the train chugging along and the trees brushing past. It is good there was a voice guide telling of attractions and events that have happened on or near the railway definitely one of the world's most scenic railway journeys and seems like a once in a lifetime experience to go on there you must have felt really enjoyable to having gone on this It is also good the railway is a lifeline to those in remote isolated settlements hundreds of miles away from the nearest town or city so they can get supplies or get to places or simply enjoy riding the rail route but anyway absolutely well done filming this 😍

Wow, what fantastic scenery. It reminds me of the California Zephyr that I rode 12 years ago, but more dramatic.

Thank-you so much. Really a reminder to get out there and everywhere when we can. I miss the train I took in University from Geraldton to Toronto, between the bus to TO & then from Geraldton to Thunder Bay.

Thank you for such a comprehensive and serene review. A friend told me her coworkers recommended a train ride, and this video cinched it for me!

Best railway video I have EVER seen. Beautiful. So glad I found your channel. Thank you for this video.

Wauw, that view from the bridge... Breathtaking!

I lived in Alaska for 4 years, and came back multiple times to visit friends. Every single chance I have I take the train to Fairbanks from Anchorage, or vice-versa. It's 100% worth taking a full day each time to enjoy a ride that just never gets old. Always an amazing experience, no matter how many times you've gone before :)

Just gorgeous. That balcony was amazing! I must do this.

In June 2019 I have done this trip with the Daneli Star Train also. I like your video because a lot of memories comes up again. Especially I remember to Avery. He is a very good person and he was our table captain during this trip.

Wow, those landscapes! What an amazing journey!

What a gorgeous video of Alaska, I have to say there were so many beautiful views, the whole trip was just magicial. Thank you so much for sharing with us! Awesome!!!

Loved the very beautiful scenery especially the mirror lake near Denali!

Flag stops are common in rural North America (similar to request stops in the UK). I used to have a house at a request stop on BC Rail at McGillivray. The train was the only way in or out, once per day in each direction.

Thank you for bringing back great memories

My ultimate train ride. One of the best Bloody Marys I ever had too. Breathtaking and service was perfect!

America is gorgeous! The only country to connect such a gorgeous and challenging landscape with such comfortable rail transportation so that you could enjoy the scenery in peace without worrying about navigating the maps! Fascinating stuff!

I. Loved. The. Whole. Trip! Thank you so much for putting this rail trip on our bucket list. Great video.

Well now I know where I’ll be going next September! Thanks for the wonderful journey! 😍

After spending a quarantine year sifting through hateful comments, vids and tweets, it was wholesomely wonderful to watch a perfectly positive production. @Poets4Politics

I lived in Alaska my entire life, and it’s a family tradition to ride the train out to Palmer every year to go to the Alaska state fair however, I have yet to ride the train out to Fairbanks. Your video has made me achieve this thank you !!

I wish to thank you for sharing this awesome railroad video with me .

so happy you did a report of this!! your trip videos are always top shelf. so cool to see good reviews of dome cars and bi-levels in 2020. hope you had a great trip!

The entire trip was amazing. Thank you!!👏👏👏👏👏👏😌💗

What a wonderfully beautiful and restful train trip. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. And, thanks so much for the information on the screen. This made me want to hurry up and go!!!

Beautiful Alaska scenery!!! The train is super awesome!! Love it!! Looking forward to more!!

My Daughter used to be a cook on the Alaska RR during the summers on the Denali route and the Seward route. You've done a good job showing this. My wife and I have done the "Winter Run " a couple of times.

We did this train ride as part of a cruise tour about 5 years ago. Had the Gold Star service which was nice. But the views were spectacular and it was definitely the best train ride we’ve ever been on. You did a wonderful job of showing exactly what it was like. Thoroughly enjoyed watching and look forward to seeing more of your journeys.

We took the train south, twice, once to Whitter and another to Grandview. Spectacular scenery.

Well done! Thanks for sharing your journey!

Watched this twice now. And am now binge watching all of your stuff other videos! Amazing content.

Loved to be able to travel through all the scenery in glorious fall colors.