I acquiesce- the train to Seward does not sound much longer than the drive. The ticket is $90 rt. In the hotel room there is a tourist magazine called "When" or "Now" or something along those lines. Somewhere in the mag there is a full page ad for ARR with a discount code for 10% off. I walked into the train station 15 mins prior to departure and gave them the discount code and received the discount. No advance purchase necessary. Plus the trains were only 50% or so full so I do not see the need to reserve in advance. Trains were comfortable with lots of room, a dining car, friendly tourist guides. Just darn slow (seemed liked 20 mph on avg). Also the ticket jacket had a $10 off coupon for the Kenai Fjord tour boat (I suggest calling Kenai Fjord Company to see if there is a package discount).