Summary of Alaska Railroad Grandview Experience
If your Alaska cruise embarks or disembarks in Seward, you will need a transfer to or from Anchorage, which is 127 miles away. Cruise passengers can choose either a 3-hour bus transfer or a 4.5-hour ride on the Grandview Train of the Alaska Railroad. The train runs directly between the Anchorage airport and the cruise pier in Seward, making it an excellent option for cruise travelers.
The train fare is about 40 to 50 percent more than the bus, yet the wilderness train route is far more scenic and relaxing, passing by picturesque glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and majestic mountains. Moreover, the road is very busy in the summer and circumvents the mountains, which means you won’t get as close to the glaciers as you will on the rails.
The Alaska Railroad initiated the Grandview passenger train in 2000 to serve cruise ship passengers traveling between Seward and Anchorage. This train follows the Coastal Classic route, but the departure times are adjusted to accommodate cruise ship schedules.
At the Station in Anchorage
The Alaska Railroad train station in Anchorage is conveniently located across the street from the Anchorage Airport, allowing easy access for travelers flying into Anchorage to catch the train to their cruise ship. However, Anchorage has a plethora of attractions, making it advantageous to take a couple of days to explore the city before embarking on your cruise.
In Seward, the Grandview Train terminal is situated at the cruise pier, providing remarkable convenience for passengers arriving from Anchorage. Seward also offers various hotels and accommodations for guests wishing to arrive a day or two early to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Alaska Railroad Dome Car
The domed-car seats on the Alaska Railroad Grandview Train are organized four to a table, ensuring a comfortable ride while enjoying panoramic views from the train’s roof. It’s delightful to see the breathtaking scenery, including mountain tops, even in rainy or cooler weather. Additionally, the table seating fosters conversation, allowing travelers to connect with fellow passengers as they journey.
Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet
Clouds frequently obscure the mountains, adding an otherworldly essence to the landscape. Visitors to Alaska quickly learn to appreciate the enchanting mist that envelops many mountain tops. Turnagain Arm, one of two arms at Cook Inlet, experiences climate extremes and remarkable tidal ranges.
Waterfall Views
Alaska boasts numerous waterfalls, many of which are visible from the train. Cruise travelers will encounter even more waterfalls as their ships visit the stunning fjords of Alaska.
Mountain, Marshes, and Wildlife
This type of marshy area is ideal for moose, although no sightings were made during this particular journey. Visitors to Alaska should always remain alert for moose when traversing boggy or swampy regions. There are abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing from the train; passengers may spot black and brown bears, caribou, moose, bald eagles, ptarmigans, salmon, mountain goats, and Dahl sheep.
Mountain View
Despite the summer months not being excessively cold in Alaska, visitors will witness snow-capped mountains throughout the year. This photo was captured in July, showcasing snow on the mountains throughout the summer season, prior to the arrival of the first snowfall in September.
Spencer Glacier Views
Spencer Glacier towers at 3,500 feet above a lake filled with blue icebergs. The train connecting Anchorage and Seward treats passengers to views of this remarkable glacier, among many others, as Alaska is renowned for its magnificent tidal glaciers that appear to flow into the ocean.
Alaska Railroad Grandview Train – Coastal Classic Train
While aboard the train, capturing a photo of the train itself as it rounds a bend is always a fun endeavor. The Alaska Railroad Grandview Train is comprised of standard passenger and dome observation cars, all powered by diesel engines.
River Views
Passengers aboard the Coastal Train witness snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes, glistening glaciers, and occasionally even rivers and streams as their train makes its way from Anchorage to Seward. The rivers carry a grey hue due to glacial run-off as they flow toward the sea.
Bartlett Glacier
The Grandview Train comes within 800 feet of the prominent Bartlett Glacier. The Coastal Classic train features knowledgeable experts on board who highlight all significant sites along the route. Bartlett Glacier stretches an impressive 30 nautical miles in length and 5 nautical miles in width, named in honor of Captain Robert A. Bartlett, an esteemed Arctic explorer from Newfoundland.
