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Last weekend I rode the Alaska Railroad (not operated by Amtrak, but still part of the national rail system) from Anchorage to Seward. This is a 120-mile journey, 4h 20min. While travel on the parallel Seward Highway is a little faster (and more dangerous), it's a short trip nonetheless, and the scenery from the train is remarkable. The train runs daily May thru September, and regular round-trip fare is $109.
We left the downtown Anchorage station on time at 6:45 AM. Train consisted of SD70MAC 4324, power car P-30, baggage, diner, Tiki railbar, followed by four coaches and two domes. Two of the coaches and the domes were circa-1950 from UP and others; the other two coaches were built around 1988 for the ARR. Open vestibules on all the cars; we had a good view looking out the back door of the rear car.
After cruising through the city of Anchorage, we ran parallel to the shore of Turnagain Arm until Portage, where a short branch leads to the port of Whittier. From Portage south the train climbed into steep mountains through a series of tunnels, bridges and a sharp horseshoe curve. There were a number of steep gorges, glaciers, and waterfalls, and in this region a fair-sized black bear came running up into the bushes by the track embankment as we passed.
We rode beside dull turquoise Trail and Kenai Lakes, and descended from the mountains through thick hemlock and spruce forest and finally into the seaport of Seward. Arrived on time at 11:10 AM.
Good service on the whole. The two complaints I did have were
1) The over-amplified and drawn-out harangue of announcements coming over the PA; a quiet car would really be appreciated.
2) Bad service in the dining car -- plastic silverware and plates, and they didn't bring our silverware until after they brought the food. I could overlook this though.
All in all, it was a pleasant and memorable journey through impressive country, definitely one I would recommend to those who have the chance.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Sounds good, and the price seems pretty reasonable. Were the announcements that annoyed you mostly procedural, or were they descriptions of what you were passing? I suggest you write a letter to them about your two complaints; certainly the suggestion about a quiet car might be one they could take up. Also, for future reference, I always bring my Walkman and some CDs (I don't have an iPOD) to drown these things out! (I would have made a CD with songs about snow, and "North to Alaska" etc etc). I carry ear plugs too but so far have never used them on a train because I opt for the CDs (I did use them at a wedding with horribly loud music).
The only bad thing about the Alaska train for me is that it would be really hard to get to it, since I don't wanna fly!
4020North Member # 4081
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The announcements were commentary on the scenery as well as procedural ones. What I really have a problem with, though, is the volume (not just on trains...) Good suggestion about Walkmans, it seems like ones with the "muff" type earpieces that block outside sound would be the best.
Getting to Alaska from the rest of the states without flying would be a challenge. Although one could get as far as Prince George on VIA, it could take several days to drive the rest of the way even with good weather.
ehbowen Member # 4317
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Amtrak to Seattle, thence Vancouver.
Your choice of cruise ship to Alaska and return.
Hey, it's only money!
20th Century Member # 2196
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Anchorage to Seward is a beautiful trip. We did it in 2003. Then we boarded the Celebrity Summit for our cruise. The coaches we traveled on were single level with a glass enclosure from one side to the other.
Beacon Hill Member # 4431
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The Alaska Marine Highway System sails from Bellingham, WA and Prince Rupert, BC to many Alaska ports. The ships are not luxury cruises, but they do offer cabins, food, scenery and you can transport your vehicles on the ferries.
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