Alaska Railroad Denali naar Anchorage One Way

We took the train to Denali 5 days before and it was great but this time going back to Anchorage the train had to make several, longer stops and the trip took alot longer this time. Were supposed to arrive at 8:05 and didnt get in until almost 10pm. We were flying out and had to be at the airport by 4:15 am so those extra hours hurt. By the time we got our luggage and to the hotel it was midnight. Leave an extra day in your trip of you are taking the train back to Anchorage to get a good nights sleep before flying out. Everything else on the train was good. Food was good and staff great except the bartender treated me like a liar when I left my boarding pass on the table at lunch and it was thrown away and you get 2 free drinks if you are a gold star member when you show your boarding pass. Pretty sure he could remember I didnt get a drink already there werent that many people in our car. He made me walk down to the dining car with him to look for it.

Used the gold star service to get from Denali to Anchorage. Very comfortable, loved the domed glass car. We actually had a sunny day and we were able to see Denali from the train., beautiful scenery. Food was more than decent, good service, it was a fun way to get to our next destination.

We booked the Goldstar class for our return to Anchorage from Denali. We took the Wilderness train to Denali. If you can choose, choose the WILDERNESS! Not only did I expect the pricier Goldstar to outdo the Wilderness, it paled in comparison! Goldstar offers a 2 meal allowance included with your price as well as two alcoholic beverages and tea, coffee and sodas. For a price. They do not offer dessert. Here is a comparison: Wilderness - excellent commentary and service. The bartender comes to you (for non alcoholic drinks too) and brings you beautiful and creative drinks. The hot chocolate was spectacular! Delicious hot chocolate. Service was amazing. Meals were good and served in a timely manner and you could choose dessert. Keep in mind that you do pay for your drinks and meals at the end but it comes out about even or less price wise. When a group gets off they jump to their feet sanitizing every chair that was occupied before the next guests board. They offer phone chargers at your seat. Alaska Goldstar - don’t clean between persons. Not even note worthy commentary. Hot chocolate from a powdered pack. No service (you visit the bar yourself). Mediocre meals with no dessert option unless you want to pay for a sweet treat from the bar car which is very limited. The only benefit to Goldstar was a little more room for your legs. No phone chargers. If you are coming to Alaska to spend your hard earned money do the Wilderness train!