Local Alaskan here- if you guys want to ride the train, but don't want a 12 hour trip, I highly recommend taking the train from Anchorage to Seward. Seward is a lovely small town with the Sealife Center, glacier cruises, etc. It's a 4-5 hour train trip & you'll still get lovely views

$473 doesn't seem that bad given you're in first class with the outdoor areas available to you, two complimentary drinks and unlimited soda along with the 3 meals! Unforgettable day of traveling I'm sure and I'm looking forward to doing this some day in Alaska!

I am one of the tour guides on the AK Railroad, and it’s truly amazing to see it from this perspective. I believe I saw Ruben was one of your tour guides for that day too! Glad you enjoyed your trip with us!!

As an Alaskan it's cool to see people enjoy our great state. We really are the last frontier up here, the older I get the more I can appreciate the natural beauty of Alaska.

As someone who lives in Alaska (Fairbanks), it's always interesting to see how other view this state. Thanks for coming and spending a bit of time here. Come back for some Northern Lights viewing in the winter. The rail trip is same, but the views may be more awesome.

I'm planning on visiting Alaska in 2025. Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I'll DEFINITELY be adding it to my itinerary!

I'm an Alaskan who used to work in tourism and sold this exact trip hundreds of times. Watching these luxury train, cruises, etc., and comparing them to anything we have in Alaska...I understand why our trips came with a "disclaimer" that there are NO 5 star luxury experiences in Alaska and even 4 star may fall short of your standard expectations. Remember, we're at the end of the line for pretty much everything, including the oil and gas pulled from our land, and most people who live here spend more time in chest waders than in black tie and that's the way we like it 🤷‍♀️ Edit: Oh! And reindeer sausage is FANTASTIC as are Moose Burgers! If you're in Anchorage and looking for a local reindeer sausage experience, during the summer there's a hot dog vendor who sets up in front of the courthouse on 4th ave. He's been there for years, maybe decades at this point, and the reindeer sausage hot dog is mouth wateringly good every time. There's also a hot dog vendor who sets up in front of the Atwood building from ~11am to 2pm on clear weather days and they sell reindeer dogs as well. You'll just be competing with state employees trying to get their 30 min. lunch in. 2nd edit: if you're looking for a similar experience but short on time or cash, take the standard rail service down to Seward and take Goldstar coming back. You'll be more awake for the ride coming back and if you're lucky, you'll get an AMAZING sunset over Cook Inlet and Mt. Susitna/Sleeping Lady Okay that's it! That's all the tips and secrets I'm sharing! Hope whoever reads this enjoys their trip to Alaska!

I think I prefer these train journeys over the airplanes as they last longer and are more of an adventure

I have lived in Alaska my whole life (15 years) and I love it here! It’s one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. The temperature ranges from -50f in the winters and up to 90f in the summers so you never know what your gonna get. But it’s absolutely incredible up here.

My husband and I took this train from Fairbanks to Anchorage on 6/6/2022. We did the Gold Star Service and were on the B bus also. Met some great people from all different parts of the US. We definitely recommend this for anyone visiting Alaska. So many amazing sites. Well worth every penny!!

Hey Will, I started watching your videos a few weeks ago and really enjoying them! what I'd love to see is a bit of a "behind the scenes" video detailing how you plan the trips, how long you spend in the cities you fly, how many days a year you travel etc ... it is a fascinating lifestyle! 🎉

Born and raised Alaskan here! I’m in anchorage however but it’s so fun to see you get so excited over our beautiful state! I sometimes forget just how breathtaking it is & this video made me appreciate it so much more!

Having been to Alaska 5 times thru Princess Cruises and each time we’ve taken the land excursion that takes us on this same route stopping at Denali Lodge for a two night stay. I tell everyone you need to experience the train so you can see more of the backroads of Alaska. Watching your video makes me want to schedule another trip. Thanks for sharing bringing back great memories ❤️❄️🌲🏔

This is on my bucket list for sure, stunning trip

I'm from Alaska and worked on this train over a summer years ago so definitely getting those nostalgic feels!

I have been suffering from anxiety lately and your adventure was a pleasure to watch. Many thanks.

I am currently in Alaska and was on the Wilderness Xpress last week from Anchorage to Denali. It was a real joy. Great service, fun drinks, and delicious food. We were served breakfast and lunch on our leg. The crew couldn’t have been more kind. They seem very happy to have visitors back in Alaska after a nearly two-year drought in the cruise industry. This is my second time on this train and I would do it again.

Another great train adventure! I always appreciate how Will looks out for cool camera perspectives - it must be a mad rush to scope out, set up, and then run back to collect his gear and not get left behind by his ride!

You have such an cozy method for delivering these reviews, you feel like a friend re-calling his journey. Not many people can execute a delivery style like this, well done!

I grew up in AK. In Talkeetna/Willow with Wasilla as my "big city". As well as on a homestead. I miss that breathtaking state. Loved watching this!

My husband and I road the Wilderness Express in August 2022 from Anchorage to Denali and I would recommend riding the train to anyone visiting Alaska! It was one of the highlights of our trips. So much of Alaskan scenery to enjoy as you relax on the wonderful train ride!

I’m glad you were able to ride the Alaska Railroad, I was hoping that you were going to do it. My mom was actually the engineer (drives the train) on the train that you rode on. I am super glad you made it to Alaska!

As someone who grew up in Alaska: I'm SO glad to see this, I never got to ride when I lived up there! I also feel the need to comment because most folks not from Alaska horribly mangle the names of things up there. When I saw you get to Wasilla, I braced for a horrible mangling... and nothing. You nailed it. Same with Talkeetna. If you want a much shorter but absolutely gorgeous and historic train ride in the lower 48 of the United States, try to see if you can ride the presidential car (cinco animas) at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge! It's a bar car on the back end of a historic rail line.

Gotta check out the Rocky Mountaineer thru Banff. Unbelievable scenery. Love the channel, keep it up.

I’ve always wanted to see Anchorage and Fairbanks. Never knew about this train until now. $475 seems like a good price to just relax and enjoy the scenery for a day with no worries. If I ever visit Alaska, this will be on my list of things to do.

Beautiful. I had no idea there was such a train in Alaska. I’m adding it to the bucket list.

I love Alaska ❤️ I worked there for one year. I should've worked there for twenty years but I was too busy in California. I recommend to everyone to visit Alaska. Good video 👍

I’m born and raised in Alaska my grandmother helped build the railroad. It is a beautiful state ❤️👍🏻 glad more people can see my beautiful state!

Easily the most beautiful scenes you've captured on a train. Gorgeous state, I'd love to visit some day.

One thing I recommend during winter is driving down towards Valdez from Fairbanks on Richardson Hwy. Mesmerizing view of Alaska scenery. Summer is awesome too but winter view is by far the best.

The natural beauty of Alaska is second to none! Great video Will! Cheers 🥂

Alaska is simply breathtaking! Talkeetna is a beautiful little town. The town's mare 'IS A BLACK CAT 🐈‍⬛️.' Make sure you stop over at there, and take a sight seeing plane over The Danali Ranges, absolutley UNBELIEVABLE 🏔.

Hi Will-I took the Wilderness Express with my mom and aunt in 2008 from Denali back to Anchorage. Like you, I had the beautiful gold star experience but I spent most of the 8 hours outside… it was so amazing.

Really LOVING your train videos. Thanks for showing another side of travel other than air travel👍🏾👍🏾❤️❤️

Thanks! Me and my daughter are Heading to Alaska March 2023. Thanks for taking us on your journey. I can’t wait to experience it for my self!!!

My father had a life-long love of both trains and Alaska! He took 4 trips to Alaska on the AlCan highway via motorcycle, which was quite a trip the fist time in 1974. The last trip that he and mom took before his health declined and we lost him - was on this very train. It was the ultimate trip for him and I'm so happy to see what it was that they both got to explore!

Just sat down trying to find something to watch and your new video is out.. awesome 👍🏻

So many trains lately

Love the editorial sense of humor and fast pace! Another xlnt trip with William.

Ordering Rudolf in Finland, near my little cousins, is still one of the greatest things ive ever done :D

I was hoping you would miss getting back on board in time in Talkeetna. And that as you watched the train disappearing in the distance Bear Grylls would walk up and say “ ready for a little adventure trek?” 😂

Thank you! dopamine time before we normies goes back to work to morrow :D

hey man! thank you! because of you.. you inspire me to walk alone, eat alone, and dream alone! yes! its addictive! i like your vlog/content! more travel to come!

I lived in Alaska for 7 years. My profile and cover photos are still of the mountains around Anchorage. You’d think the views would never get old, but when you see them every day, you sometimes forget to appreciate that you live in a place that’s a once in a lifetime visit for a lot of people. Part of my heart will always be there.

Loved this adventure. Great job in showing a part of Alaska that I would never have otherwise seen. Many thanks.

Many years ago I worked for a Canadian inbound tour operator here in the UK. I would create tailor-made itineraries across Alberta, British Columbia, the ferries along the Inside Passage and also the Alaska Railroad. I've never been there and soooo want to go. Thanks for a great video.

i live in Anchorage! i'm so glad you got to visit our beautiful state. i hope you really enjoyed your experiences and your time here :)

I've lived in Alaska for 3 years man. I've never been out of Anchorage, just stuck. Raised in Arizona, I've mainly focused my path up in AK for independence and freedom. Now that I have it and feel more comfortable, I might take a my first paid time off from any job I've had in 5 years

15 of us from Britain did this with PTG Tours. Their Alaska tour is 12 days, and covers the entire Alaska Railroad (Fairbanks, Denali Park, Anchorage, Seward and Whittier) on the Denali Star, the Coastal Classic and the Glacier Discovery trains run by Alaska Railroad; before spending some days doing the entire White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway in Alaska to Carcross in Yukon Territory. The tour runs every other year. 15,000 miles, 27 trains, 27 buses, 5 aircraft, 3 x (7 hour) sea voyages, and a tram at Whitehorse. We saw amazing wildlife: gyrfalcons, bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, horned puffins, marbled murrlets, pigeon guillemots, willow grouse, four species of whales (orca / killer, beluga, humpback and minky), sea lions, dolphins, sea otters, grizzly bears, black bears, moose, Dall sheep, mountain goat, ground squirrel. From Fairbanks to Denali Park we had the front seats in the front Goldstar 'ultradome' (full height, full length, double decker / bi-level) car, right behind the baggage car, and the two SD70MAC locos as per the ones featured in this video. That is 2 x 4,300hp (8.600hp) on the front of the train. The Coastal Classic to Seward is far more stunning, in my humble opinion, with superb views along a sea fjord for miles and miles, with views of snow-capped volcanoes out at sea. This was hauled by one SD70MAC and a F40. Whilst the Glacier Discovery to Whittier had a GP38-2 on the front. I have also done all four PTG Tours to Canada, which have covered every railway in Canada (except Churchill - which remains on my Bucket List). This included the Canadian, the Skeena, and three Rocky Mountaineer luxury trains, the AMTRAK Maple Leaf to Niagara Falls, the Ontario Northland's Northlander to Cochrane, the Ontario Northland's Polar Bear Express to Moosonee, the entire West Coast Express, Skytrain, Canada Line, GO Transit and AMT Montreal services, as well as the truly remarkable Tshiuetin Railway from Sept Iles to Schefferville. The last railway in that list is far more remote than the Alaska Railroad ! The ARR have an international airport at both ends, the Alaska Highway and the Alaska Pipeline. The Tshiuetin Railway is the only way in and out (apart from a small airstrip at Schefferville), it goes 357 miles north of any road. While Alaska gets -40C, Schefferville gets -63C. Shame to see Alaska Railroad has removed Engineer's Special off the menu. Roast loin of bison cooked in port wine, with creamy mashed potatoes, French green beans and carrots. Having four whole days on the Alaska Railroad gave us plenty of time to try out the Alaska Brewery ales from Juneau. Well it would be rude not too. Certainly a trip of a lifetime. Strongly recommend the Goldstar Class, it is worth paying the extra ! Done 33 tours with PTG Tours (www.ptg.co.uk) to Alaska, Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Ukraine, Austria, Croatia, Slovakia. I cannot guarantee you will get invited onto the locomotive, like I did in Hungary, Canada, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Austria ! Nor an opportunity to drive the train down the mainline at speed, like I did too ! (The train driver insisted. Honest.) Done every Railway in Britain, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, and Canada (except Churchill) and most of Europe and some of the Lower 48 on AMTRAK. For eagle-eyed nerds (like me) did you spot the seven yellow stars painted on loco 4324 as she enters the station at Anchorage ? Nope: Look again at 1:16. The stars are of the Great Bear constellation (as known as the Plough or the Big Dipper), in the top dark blue band of the loco's livery, above the letter 'K' in Alaska. It is the Alaska State Flag. Also Talkeetna is famous for being the 3rd furthest west in the world that a passenger train reaches. At 150 degrees west of Greenwich. (I think there are / were two passengers railways on Hawaii). The furthest east I think is Fuji. The furthest south is Argentina. The furthest north is Russia (since the coal mine railway on Svalbard / Spitsbergen archipelago closed). Any questions, just ask. Always happy to help fellow travellers.

Went on a cruise from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska. Absolutely incredible. I love rain and I love cool weather. Went during the end of summer and it’s still the best vacation I’ve ever had

Back in the early 1970s when I was in elementary school we had a field trip where we road the train from Fairbanks to the station by Mt McKinley, now Denali. I still remember it clearly; how beautiful everything was and how I had to ration out my 12 exposure kids camera so I didn't use all the shots before we even got there. I bet the train car I rode in was like the older one you looked at. More recently, we went on an Alaskan cruise and loved it! We went on the Norwegian Pearl Glacier Bay trip, and despite living in Alaska for 5 years as a kid, I had my first caribou burger in Skagway as an adult. It was delicious! Thank goodness we went a couple of years before covid and Norwegian was vigilant about everyone cleaning their hands before going in to eat so no norovirus either. Just lots of beautiful memories.

This is a taste of nostalgia. I have been dying to show my family Alaska and one of my fondest memory was riding the train up to Denali

Amazing scenery and your ability to capture it is simply 100% spot on!! Great Job. Thanks man.

one of your best videos! such a scenic route and i love all the history lessons you added in! alaska is amazing

The air in Alaska is so fresh!

The service on the Alaska Railroad is what really sets it apart. I took the winter train in Feb just before COVID shut the world and we only made it as far as Hurricane from Fairbanks due to a massive avalanche. The crew were amazing, arranging early dinner on the train, buses and then used ARR credit cards to make changes to passengers flights where they would miss them….even a lady off to Japan! The commentary is also very informative.

Great train videos recently. For me the two best trains in the World, that you simply must try, are the Glacier Express and the Grand Canyon Railway

Always excited to watch your videos. So well created and it’s simple yet informative. Please keep doing what you’re doing 👍

Welcome to Alaska, young man from NASA!

This looks FANTASTIC, and I'd have expected your fare to be more expensive actually - seems reasonable with all that's included!

Thanks Will for sharing this trip. What beautiful scenery.

I was just in Anchorage and had no idea this trip existed. I will hit this next time for sure! Thanks for filming and sharing your beautiful adventure!

They definitely DO sell that seat right up front of the Gold Star carriage, as I've been lucky enough to be allocated it before! Admittedly I had it on the Seward to Anchorage leg, not the Anchorage to Fairbanks, but it seems as though seats are allocated as you pay, because I booked as soon as my dates became available and that's what got me seats 1A & B.

My family just went on this train when we were in Alaska. We really enjoyed it.

Thank you for another brilliant post!! There is something very calming about your videos and I must admit I'm totally hooked!!!!👍

I always love your positive energy. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

We did this trip last August, but broke it up by staying in Talkeetna overnight. It was incredible! We had 10 days and were able to spend time in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Seward. The best part of the Alaska railroad route was definitely the leg from Anchorage to Seward. I highly recommend that! Next time, I want to stop in Denali, plus get over to Juneau.

Rode the train in 2019 from Fairbanks to Anchorage. Coolest train ride I've ever taken as a tourist.

What an amazing train journey with awesome scenery

man i’m from alaska and always wondered when you were gonna travel up there. you’re videos are incredible. keep doing what your doing, thanks

That train ride looked so amazing. I like the trains where you get a private room.

LOL!! You did the same thing I did, I spent almost all my time on the train on the observation deck. I was so excited, happy, & mesmerized by the BEAUTIFUL scenery, that I never noticed the cold. I'm from the Arizona desert (never snows here), with very mild winters. So I had on a blouse, flannel shirt, & hoodie type sweatshirt while everyone else were shivering in Parka type heavy jackets. I had never shed so many tears due to see so many extraordinary beautiful scenery!! Also like you, it was my first time having Reindeer Sausage and I loved it. I even found the place that makes & sells it, so I shipped home a bunch of it, smoked halibut, and salmon. Their Alaskan Mustard is out of this world delicious! I have always wanted to go back and do the ride again, but rent a car in Fairbanks and go to some exploring too! LOL!

Wow, what a beautiful trip! I imagine the air smells so clean and crisp.

I love your rail travel videos! Definitely a bucket list trip for me.

I love how pleasant and easy going Will is 😊 He’d be an awesome travel companion

Those 473 dollars worth way more than a 10k first class air plane ticket , just the amazing alaska nature worths it

I have gone to Alaska several times and it is absolutely gorgeous ..was able to fly over the Alaskan range and witnessed the northern lights.. breathtaking

Another outstanding video... Your editing skills are superb!! .. I too just did this experience (couple weeks ago) but in the opposite direction Fairbanks to Anchorage in Gold Class B car ... Awesome experience - thanks for sharing!

Timberlands should pay you for advertising, Will, because I went and bought the same sneakers you have in this video. :D I have seen them so many times in your videos, and always thought they looked nice, so I just had to buy them.

The scenery is STUNNING!

As always, well presented by our favourite Traveler. But calling it "Goldstar" and "First Class" gave me greater expectations than you received.

What spectacular scenery! Well trekked Will.

thank you for your cheery and insightful reporting!! truth: i may never recover from your exposé on the orient express. i may have adjusted my life-plan ever so slightly as a result of seeing that film of yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so. thank you. and thank you for today’s journey!! ❤️❤️

I had the pleasure of taking this train back in 2018. We only took it to Talkeetna, but on a trip with many wonderful moments, the Alaska RR was one of my favorites. I agree about the open air area! I spent most of the time out there too!

Amazing adventure! I do love when you use "Snowpiercer" references in your train videos too. Great job!

Fabulous, fabulous trip. Thank you for this experience!

Love this train ride video. Didn't know how lovely a journey it looked travelling Alaska by train. Form a usual viewer since this year.

Every Sunday morning is my trek trendy fix....

Train has changed a little since I rode it 45 years ago. They used to let you off to camp for a day or two and then stop and pick you up again.

It's all about the view. It's a shame you can't pick your seat when booking first class, though, and the food looked impressive (potato chips?). But, it's always enjoyable watching your videos. Thanks!

Yup. I moved from Alaska twice and always come back. Take the train going South, it’s even more stunning

I love your train trips and all the amenities of railway travel. There is something magical about train travel. Thanks for all the information you provide for future travellers!

This has been very cool Trek! You’ve been taking some very cool train trips lately!

Love your content and also you man😃❤️

I did this train in the mid 2008-2010 range, during the Fall Foliage Event; where they flew up a chef from Seattle, major apps & an amazing dinner, along the Alaska Coast. One of the best nights of my life!

I really have been missing home. Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience. Makes me want to go back so much.

Hey Trek, while you’re in Alaska I’d 100% suggest you check out Everett’s, it’s a restaurant in Palmer/Wasilla so only around an hour drive from Anchorage, and as someone whose lived here for 13 years I can honestly say it’s the best restaurant here

Always nice to see happy, friendly people waving. I was in Alaska back in '97 and rode the Gold Rush train line. Great trip and learned a lot about what they went through back then. Anywhere you go in AK, there are Amazing views. : )

Thanks to you I'm now dreaming of cross country train trips

Reindeer is delicious! Shout outs to Norway 😆✌️ Man im getting that itch so hard to take a trip via train. Great vids my dood!