I paid an extra $114 for a premium ticket on the Alaska Railroad. The value of my 4-hour train ride was incredible.

• I bought a premium ticket for my four-hour ride on the Alaska Railroad from Denali to Fairbanks.
• My GoldStar premium seat was roomy, the views were great, and I got a three-course meal.
• The $114 I paid to have this premium ticket instead of the standard one was well worth it.

Much to my surprise, train rides were some of my favorite parts of my entire trip to Alaska .

One highlight in particular was my four-hour ride on the Alaska Railroad from Denali National Park to Fairbanks. For this trip, I splurged on a GoldStar premium-service class ticket for $202. The standard adventure-class ticket would’ve cost me $88.

This premium class came with a seat in a glass-dome railcar, a three-course meal, complimentary drinks, a tour guide, and access to a special upper-level viewing platform.

Here’s what my ride was like and why I think the $114 upgrade was worth every penny.

The boarding process was easy.

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