Hmmm... Some folks say skip the train in favor of driving/RVing. Others say a train ride is an absolute must-do. So what does everyone think? For the train fans, what is the absolute best rail run?

And you're talking about where?

I disagree - train is the best way to go. Traffic is usually bad, and tolls and gas add up, so train is definitely best.

Well considering I love to drive, I much prefer driving. On the train, you cannot just stop to enjoy something that you might have seen. Although I like taking a train, it would not be for any vacation. I take it down to see my one DGD.

This is on the Alaska board?? There is no traffic and tolls. BUT if you are looking at the Anchorage/Denali/Fairbanks run, it requires a great deal of time and more than if you have a car. You are limited on lodging choices. Pretty repeative with trees as well unless McKinley is viewable, which it usually is not. No stopping either and there is plenty to see and do along the way.

Anchorage/Seward is the best portion of the entire railroad, with superior scenery, you don't need a car in Seward, taxis and shuttles available for most everywhere.

Toursaver and Northern Lights coupon books may offer some rail road coupons.

I think it's a matter of temperament.

In the US, other than on the eastern seaboard, I prefer to drive because I like to decide when I want to a pull out of the station, when I want to make a stop, when I want to make a detour, where I want to eat, and so on.

In Europe, I like the train because there are frequent departures and because I am usually traveling short distances there.

The train from Seward to Anchorage was SPECTACULAR. I would hate for anyone to miss it that is going. We drove the Seward Hwy in a rental car, dropped it off in Seward and took the train back. The best of both worlds.

Yes, I was inquiring about ALASKA rail trips. Our dream is to RV Alaska so we can go wherever/whenever, but then I saw some posts that describe a train trek an absolute to-do. Thanks BudgetQueen for your input as well as others.

Train is beautiful from Anchorage to Seward ... but if you are having to choose between roundtrip train and roundtrip drive, I'd RV it. Too many great places to stop along the way.

We did an Alaskan cruise in 2006, not the ideal way to really SEE Alaska, of course. BUT, coming from the Midwest, we took VIA Rail Winnipeg-Vancouver to get to the ship and it's a spectacular ride. Highly recommended. Or, if you are already somewhere on the west coast, the Coast Starlight is also a great trip. We are road freaks and love auto trips, but also have come to enjoy a rail journey on its own merits.

Now there's a great idea!

Steve