All aboard! Train rides returning to Alaska State Fair

PALMER — The Alaska State Fair and Alaska Railroad recently announced that the Fair Train is returning during the 2024 season.

This will be the first time fairgoers have the option to take a scenic train ride to the Fairgrounds in Palmer since 2019.

“We're delighted to bring back that tradition and make it part of the overall Fair experience for the ones lucky enough to get seats on that train," Alaska State Fair CEO Jeff Curtis said. “I think it's one of a few very, very special things that makes the Alaska State Fair unique.”

Curtis expressed appreciation for their strong partnership with the Alaska Railroad and how much work they put in to help get the Fair Train back on the tracks.

“They made it happen... I can't say enough good things about the Alaska Railroad,” Curtis said.

Alaska Railroad officials have also expressed excitement over the chance to bring the Fair Train back.

“The Alaska Railroad is happy to once again partner with the Alaska State Fair to offer the Fair train. 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,” Alaska Railroad vice president of marketing and customer service Dale Wade stated in a press release.

The Fair Train is set to run two round trips between Anchorage and Palmer each day during the last weekend of the 2024 Alaska State Fair season from Friday, August 30, through Sunday, September 1.

Trips will venture from the Anchorage Depot which is located at 411 West 1st Avenue to the South Palmer Station which is located next to the Green Gate at the Fairgrounds.

The Fair Train will depart from Anchorage at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and return trips will depart from Palmer at 6:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m., taking about 90 minutes each way. Parking will be available at the Diamond Parking Lot near the Alaska Railroad Anchorage depot.

Tickets for the Fair Train will be available for purchase starting Aug. 1 through the Alaska Railroad website. Tickets will cost $29 for adults and $19 for children (ages 2 to 11). There will be no charge for children under 2 years old. Fair admission is separate and not included in the Fair Train ticket price.

“A visit to the Alaska State Fair is fun and memorable, and riding the train adds to that experience,” Curtis said. “Plus, since fairgoers don’t have to think about driving and parking, they can just focus on having a good time with family and friends.”

Curtis urges those interested in purchasing Fair Train tickets to ensure they buy them as quickly as they can.

“We do expect this train service to sell out," Curtis said.

The 2024 Alaska State Fair season runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2.

To purchase Fair Train tickets (starting Aug. 1), visit alaskarailroad.com.

For more information about the 2024 Alaska State Fair season, visit alaskastatefair.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com