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When we were planning our trip to Alaska, there wasn’t a lot of information to definitively guide us one way or another on this issue: should we choose Goldstar Service or Adventure Class on the Alaska Railroad? Is it worth the (significant) extra money for Goldstar Service?
In a word, yes.
If you can afford it. And maybe a few other caveats.
In early summer 2024, not really knowing for sure it would be worth it, we rolled the dice and rode both classes so we could see for ourselves. We splurged on Goldstar Class from Anchorage to Denali, then slummed it on Adventure Class from Denali to Fairbanks.
And you should to.
Let me tell you why.
What is the Price Difference?
As of summer 2024, the adult fares from Anchorage to Denali (probably the most popular route) are as follows:
| SUMMER 2024 FARES | Goldstar Service | Adventure Class |
| Denali to Anchorage | $373 | $193 |
| Anchorage to Denali | $362 | $193 |
| Denali to Fairbanks | $202 | $88 |
| Fairbanks to Denali | $190 | $88 |
Goldstar fares differ based on direction depending on whether you get breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.
That’s a whopping $169 (or $180) difference, almost double, on the ride from Anchorage to Denali!
For two people going between Anchorage and Denali, you are looking at over $700 for a 7-hour train ride, which can feel a little steep. Especially on top of everything else you have probably spent to get here. I feel you…Alaska is not a budget destination.
But before you freak out, read on to see why I think it’s worth the splurge (if you can afford it).
Why is Goldstar Service Better?
My opinions on Goldstar’s worthiness are based only on my two trips on the Denali Star between Anchorage and Fairbanks. I can’t comment on whether it’s worth it on the other routes.
There are three reasons to splurge on Goldstar Service, especially between Anchorage and Denali.
Outdoor viewing section
The #1 reason I was glad we were in Goldstar Service was access to the upper-level viewing section at the back of the car. This is really the factor that gives the Goldstar Service the edge. Without it, the extra expense would not be worth it.
I swear we spent 70 percent of our 7-hour journey out there, jaws constantly dropping at the scenery, and taking lots of pictures. Yes it was cold. Yes it was windy. But you can always duck inside for a quick shot of heat.
I mean, the cozy warm seats inside with the glass-dome ceiling (and attentive bartender) was nice and all, but I’m here for the views! Besides, your pictures just won’t be as good through tinted glass.
I make this strong recommendation for Goldstar with the caveat that we were incredibly lucky with the most stunning weather on our Denali Star adventure. The skies were crunchy blue, the clouds were squishy, and the landscape was popping left and right.
If it were a grey, cloudy or rainy day, we probably would have spent a lot more time inside and not been able to take full advantage of the best part of Goldstar. But you can’t plan the weather. I think it’s worth rolling the dice.
Everything else is just a bonus.
Two hot meals
Included in your Goldstar Service between Anchorage and Denali is a complimentary breakfast and lunch. Between Denali and Anchorage, you get lunch and dinner. The food options typically include a nod to Alaska (reindeer sausage, anyone?) and are decent.
It’s comforting having your meals taken care of. And who doesn’t like dining on a moving train!
If you ride Adventure Class, you will only have more snacky options available in the bar car.
Two cold drinks
As part of your Goldstar Service, you get two complimentary adult beverages, in the bar and/or in the dining room. Honestly I didn’t see anyone really counting…but I’m sure they have their methods.
They had a basic selection of mixed drinks and wines and beers. It is certainly enough to get you through seven hours of stunning scenery.
Adventure Class also has a bar and dining car, definitely a notch down. Expect to pay $10-12 for an alcoholic beverage, plus tip.
Pro tip: bring some cash to tip your servers and bartenders, whichever class you are in!
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad we splurged on the Goldstar Service on the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Denali. The ability to be outside on the viewing platform on a beautiful day to take in those views made all the difference.
I appreciated the Goldstar advantage even more in hindsight, once I was on my Adventure class journey between Denali and Fairbanks. The only option on that ride was to be inside. There is a dome car that anyone can go up to, but it’s not as comfortable as the Goldstar coach. It was super hot up there, and your pictures are only so good through weathered glass.
The views on the Denali-Fairbanks route are only spectacular for the first 30 minutes or so out of Denali so Adventure Class is perfectly fine for that leg of the journey.
When it comes down to it, I wouldn’t pay extra for just the food and drinks perks on Goldstar, although it was a lovely experience in the dining car. For me the extra value was all about being able to be outside on the viewing platform—not stuck behind rain-stained tinted glass—taking in the clean Alaska air and eye-popping views.
Bottom line: if you plan to take any kind of proper photos on this journey, it’s gotta be Goldstar.
I don’t know if the word is out or it’s just good marketing, but if you do decide to go Goldstar, it books up faster, so plan ahead if you can.
Just do it. Go for the Gold. And don’t @ me if the weather isn’t good!
