Discover Alaska’s Last Flagpost Train Line: My 12-Hour Scenic Adventure
Sunday, 13th of October
An Early Start for the Alaska Adventure
Waking up on time was crucial today—I set three alarms to make sure I didn’t oversleep. Missing my train would have been a classic "me" move, but thankfully, I made it. To my surprise, the Uber I ordered was cheaper than expected, and after a quick 10-minute ride, I arrived at the train station, ready for the next leg of my adventure.
Yes, it might sound like a detour—flying to Fairbanks just to take a 12-hour train ride—but I love trains. And this wasn’t just any train; it was a journey through Alaska’s stunning wilderness. In the summer, these trains offer panoramic windows that stretch to the ceiling, though they’re unavailable in the colder months due to heating challenges. During winter, there's only one train a week from Fairbanks to Anchorage, compared to the daily service in the summer with two trains.
As the train left the station, snow-dusted trees and rugged mountains surrounded us. An Asian family nearby chatted with the conductor, who mentioned that they’d seen a bear and her two cubs the day before—sadly, I wasn’t so lucky.
Breakfast on the Train: Reindeer Sausage, Awkward Conversations
Hunger hit, so I headed to the dining car for breakfast. The Alaskan breakfast offered reindeer sausage and bacon, and I went for both (though I wasn’t a fan of the bacon—it had a strange taste). Traveling alone meant being seated with other travelers. Unfortunately, the meal was awkward, as my tablemates weren’t talkative.
Back at my seat, I found it had been taken by those sitting behind me. They quickly moved back when I returned. Without internet on the train, I spent the rest of the journey enjoying the views, writing, and taking in the moment. Later, I had a much more pleasant chat with the two travelers who’d taken my seat, she was amilitary officer based in Fairbanks and her visiting father.
Stops Along the Way: Denali and Flagposts
One of the highlights of the trip was stopping at Hurricane Bridge. We were lucky to get a rare clear view of Denali, the towering 6,190-meter (almost 7,000 meters!) peak. The landscape, reminiscent of Norway, took my breath away.
An interesting feature of this rail line is its flagpost system. Residents in remote areas without road access can raise a flag to signal the train to stop and pick them up or drop off goods. This is the last commercial train line in the U.S. offering such a service, adding a unique touch to the journey. With no internet, the conductors never know how many stops there will be—it’s always a surprise!