Alaska Railroad Revives Train Ride to Alaska State Fair
It’s been five years since the Alaska Railroad carried Alaska State Fair guests to the South Palmer platform.
Alaska State Fair
For the first time since 2019, the Alaska Railroad is returning to the spur of track into Palmer to carry passengers to the Alaska State Fair. For three days on the fair’s final weekend, a train will stop at the special platform built specially for fair guests.
Getting There Is Half the Fun
“The Alaska Railroad is happy to once again partner with the Alaska State Fair,” says Dale Wade, vice president of marketing and customer service for the state-owned Alaska Railroad Corporation. “We’re always looking for opportunities to serve the community, and giving fairgoers a relaxing, enjoyable way to get to the fair is one way we can do that.”
On August 30, August 31, and September 1, the railroad will run two round trips per day between the Anchorage depot at 411 West First Avenue and the South Palmer train depot next to the Green Gate.
“Since fairgoers don’t have to think about driving and parking, they can just focus on having a good time with family and friends,” says Jeff Curtis, CEO of the Alaska State Fair.
To catch the train, parking is available at the Diamond Parking Lot across from the Alaska Railroad Anchorage depot. Tickets for the train go on sale August 1 at alaskarailroad.com. Fares are $29 for adults, $19 for children (ages 2-11), and free for a child in lap (under 2). Admission to the fair is not included in the price.
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January 2026
The Fair train is scheduled to depart Anchorage at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., arriving in Palmer about ninety minutes later. Return trips will depart from the fairgrounds at 6:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., shortly after the fair closes.
The Alaska State Fair is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that hosts the state’s largest annual event, attracting hundreds of thousands of fairgoers each year. The 2024 Fair takes place August 16 through September 2. Organizers are expecting huge crowds for the annual concert series, featuring announced appearances from country music artists Wynonna Judd, Oliver Anthony, Justin Moore, and Whiskey Myers; rock bands Halestorm, Theory of a Deadman, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Mt. Joy; Hawaiian reggae act Kolohe Kai; a capella singers Straight No Chaser; and crooner Stephen Sanchez. Two concert dates for rapper Ludacris have already sold out.
Curtis says, “A visit to the Alaska State Fair is fun and memorable, and riding the train adds to that experience.”
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!