Travel By Railroad
If you like the romance of the railroad, you can come to Alaska via a unique combination of rail and sea travel (there is no direct rail connection to Alaska). Begin by taking Amtrak to Seattle, travel to Bellingham via air or motorcoach, then continue north by cruiseship or Alaska state ferry.

Once you've arrived in the 49th state, the Alaska Railroad provides passenger service on a scenic 470-mile route, ranging as far south as Seward, and as far north as Fairbanks. Large windows and dome cars offer passengers an unrestricted view of the landscape, and a chance to see beavers, moose, Dall sheep and other wildlife.

Rail service between Anchorage and Fairbanks provides access to Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park. On the southern end of the rail corridor, you can connect with the state ferry system at Seward and Whittier. Except for the Anchorage-Seward route, the railroad operates year-round, with reduced services from September to May.

The railroad offers a variety of travel and sightsaeeing packages. You might consider rail travel in one direction and a return trip by air. Contact Alaska Railroad, Passenger Service Department, Box 107500, Anchorage, AK 99510-7500.

The vintage White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-guage private railway offers day excursions from Skagway, and rail/bus service between Skagway and Whitehorse.

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Source: State of Alaska