question - car or rail

[mumom95]

Ok, for those of you who have done the land part of Alaska independently, I need a suggestion. Would you suggest renting a car or taking the train.

 

It is my husband and I, we are both in our early 30's.

 

We will start out in Anchorage, go to Talkeetna for a couple of days, go on to Denali for a couple of days, back to Anchorage. Maybe do a Kenai Fjords trip and then onto Whittier to board the Coral princess for a 7 night cruise.

 

So what do you suggest, car or rail. Money isn't so much the issue, just which one will give us a better experience.

 

Thanks.

[wolfie11]

The train is incredibly slow and monotonous between Anchorage and Talkeetna. The best scenery is Talkeetna/Denali. Not to mention you're trapped with lots of other people and no stops. Rent a car, stop for ice cream in Willow, lunch in Trapper Creek etc. Much more fun, you control your experience, and you'll see a lot more.

[Yukon]

The car by far offers a better experience. The train offers the train itself and the scenery, while a car offers a multitude of experiences, from scenic pullouts to a funky second-hand shop, great places for coffee stops and on and on.

 

Murray

[lstrong]

Ditto on the car! Our precruise road trip was so awesome!!

[KFH]

Go with the car.