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Types of buses in Denali - a brief overview
Child restraint rules
Bus fees (takes you to a new page)

Explore Denali by bus

92 miles long, the Denali Park Road parallels the Alaska Range and travels through low valleys and high mountain passes. It is the only road in the park. Along its route, beautiful landscapes can be seen at every turn, and there are many opportunities to view Mount McKinley - if the normally cloudy skies permit. Wildlife can often be seen, too, though sightings are not guaranteed - they are, after all, wild animals roaming an unfenced land.

During summer, roughly late May through early September, private vehicles may drive the first fifteen miles of this road, to a place called Savage River. The road to Savage River is paved, and features numerous pull-outs for folks to stop and snap some scenic photos. Mount McKinley can be seen as early as Mile 9, if the day isn't too overcast, and animals of all sorts can sometimes be seen on this stretch of road - although chances to see wildlife increase greatly with a bus trip farther down the Park Road.

Take a bus into the park

Beyond mile 15, the road turns to gravel and traffic is primarily restricted to buses. We encourage all visitors to take some kind of bus trip while in Denali, as it is a great way to experience the park and build lasting memories.

To learn why the Park Road is closed to private vehicles beyond mile 15, click here

To learn about the accessibility of buses, as well as other park features, click here

Types of bus trips

There are two main types of buses in Denali - shuttle buses and tour buses.

Shuttle buses
Cheaper than tour buses, and more flexible in that you may disembark / re-board anywhere along the road, shuttle bus drivers aim to help you experience the park on your own terms. Shuttle buses stop for wildlife viewing, restroom stops and beautiful scenery, just like tour buses. They are not narrated, however. There are four shuttle bus options, of varying length.

To learn more about shuttle bus destinations and additional information, click here

Tour buses
Your driver is your narrator on the tour buses, and he or she will provide a detailed and captivating program to accompany your journey along the Park Road. Tour buses make the same restroom stops as shuttles, and of course will pause for views of wildlife and scenery. All tours offer either a snack or full lunch. There are three tour bus options, of varying length.

To learn more about tour bus destinations and additional information, click here

Courtesy buses
Three types of courtesy buses operate on the publicly-accessible portion of the Park Road. These enable folks without vehicles, or those who wish to leave their vehicle behind, to travel between various facilities, campgrounds and day-use areas. All three types of courtesy bus are free, and none require reservations.

To learn more about the courtesy buses, click here

Partner association buses
Our non-profit partner, Alaska Geographic, operates an engaging, science-based tour called Experience Denali. The tour includes a bus trip to Savage River.

To learn more about this and other educational tours from Alaska Geographic, click here

Child restraint information

Alaska state law requires children to be seated in a car or booster seat as follows:

- Children younger than 1 year of age or less than 20 pounds (9 kilograms) must be in a rear-facing infant seat.

- Children 1 to 4 years of age and at least 20 pounds (9 kilograms) must be in a child restraint.

- Children 4 through 7 years of age who are less than 57 inches (1.4 meters) tall or less than 65 pounds (30 kilograms) must be in a booster seat. Booster seats are no longer required for children ages 4-7 years once they reach 57 inches (1.4 meters) tall and weigh 65+ pounds (30+ kilograms).

Parents are responsible for providing their own car/booster seat(s). Day hiking or backpacking may require extra logistical planning if your children require a car seat.

To visit the Alaska state government's website, please click here