Is it possible to get to Alaska from the U.S East Coast by train?

Question

I'm disabled. I live in Maine.

Answer 1

The Alaska railroad runs from Fairbanks to Anchorage and connects with the boats.

Answer 2

Yoyr best bet would be the Canadian National Railroad across Canada then Amtrack to the States if it is possible at all.

Answer 3

As Opal mentioned, you can't do it directly.  

About the only option I can think of, which would be lengthy and difficult, is to go by train from Portland (the only major city in Maine that has train service) to Boston, and then to New York, from there to Chicago, and from there to Seattle, where you might be able to get a boat to Alaska.  There is also a possibility of going up from Maine to Canada, where you can get a combination of trains to Vancouver, again where you might be able to get a boat to Alaska.

I'm not suggesting the above, just that it might be possible if you had plenty of time and deep pockets for all of the train tickets.

Sorry that there's no easy answer!

Answer 4

There are absolutely no trains running anywhere into Alaska.

You either go there by road, boat or plane.

If your plans are to visit Juno, then your only options are plane and boat, no roads into Juno.

Sorry, but I have to answer very misleading answer given to this question, where one who has obviously never been there, advises there is a train from Carcross, YT to Alaska.

  This is in fact a sight seeing train that goes from a

little station in the boondocks, to nowhere, like a town called Skagway, an small, tourist trap, similar to what is found at Magic kingdom in Disney World.

  Once in Skagway, you cannot travel to anywhere else in Alaska except to Haines, by ferry, one hour away, and nowhere on the Alaskan mainland.

  This sight seeing train is not by any stretch access to Alaska, just one small town away from everything.

Answer 5

You can take a train to the West Coast (US or Canadian) and take a Greyhound bus to Carcross, Yukon Territory. There, you can catch a train INTO Alaska.

There is an inbound train to Alaska from the outside.

Answer 6

No, not exactly. But you COULD take Amtrak to Seattle (beautiful Empire Builder route through Chicago), and then hop on the Alaska Marine Highway ferries from Bellingham, Washington.  

Those are great ferry boats that visit the inside passage. If you want to go to Anchorage, there are cross-gulf ferries in the summer too. Make sure you book a cabin tho, because the top sleeping deck can get a little cosy with backpackers.

If you REALLY want to get adventurous, you can take the "Trusty Tusty" (MS Tustemena) ferry all the way to Dutch Harbor, far out into the Aleutians. That's where they film Discovery's  "Deadliest Catch" shows. It's truly an awesome trip (although very, very remote. If you often need medical attention, it's not for you).

I also recommend taking the ferry from Seward to Kodiak.

The boats aren't fancy but they are clean and safe. I traveled all through Alaska on them as a solo woman and had a blast. Met a future congressman too :-).

Once you get to Seward, there's a decent train system running North. Yes, the trip can be done without driving or flying. But unless you are up for some serious walking, make sure you arrange cabs/transfers in advance on any stop along the way. Many ports are small towns and you cannot count on having lots of cabs or other transportation waiting for a train or boat.

Have fun!

Answer 7

The Alaska railroad is connected to the lower 48 via three rail barges that sail between the Port of Whittier and Harbor Island in Seattle but does not currently have a fixed land connection with any other railroad lines on the North American network.

You could try smuggling yourself on a freight car if you're desperate to reach Alaska by train. :)

@opal ("Juneau" not "Juno")

Answer 8

Yes, you can use a combination of Amtrak (US) and VIA Rail (Canada) to get to Prince Rupert.  From there you'll have to take a ferry.

Answer 9

sorry not directly. the best for you for Maine get to

Toronto. their might still be thru service from

Montreal to Toronto. in Toronto take the train to

Vancouver. there you will have to make arrangements to get to Alaska. once in Alaska you

can take Alaska rail. also get a room in the sleeping cars. (first class) a little more but worth it.

you will have to book early for that. I hope this is of some help and good luck.

Answer 10

No, you could only travel as far as Seattle by train.  You would have to take another form of transportation to get to Alaska.