News Release

Denali National Park to Increase Bus Capacity this Summer

Date: May 27, 2021
Contact: Sharon Stiteler

Effective immediately, the National Park Service will no longer apply strict physical distancing standards on park transportation systems, including the transit and tour buses operated by Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture in Denali National Park and Preserve. Park transportation systems that have been operating at reduced capacity in order to ensure enough space for riders to physically distance from one another may return to full capacity operation as soon as possible.  

As federal guidance continues to evolve to accommodate a growing population of people vaccinated for Covid 19, the National Park Service in close coordination with the Joint Venture will increase passenger capacity on transit and tour buses on the Park Road in Denali National Park and Preserve. People planning trips to Denali this summer who are hoping to ride a park bus are encouraged to visit reservedenali.com to reserve a seat.  

Public transit guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies six feet of physical distance from others who are not part of your household as a sound public health practice. However, CDC recognizes that “...distancing may be difficult to impossible on flights” and that “travel by bus, train, vessel, and other conveyances...pose similar challenges.” As a result, CDC ordered and required that masks be worn on transportation systems but did not require that transportation systems ensure physical distance between riders. 
Staff and visitor safety has been a priority with all parties involved as the park prepared for the 2021 season.  As such, much like passenger airplanes, masks will still be mandatory for all passengers of Denali’s tour and transit buses this summer, regardless of vaccination status. Masks will be required to be worn over the mouth and nose at all times while on the bus, except while actively eating or drinking.  

“I’m grateful so many people moved quickly in this dynamic situation to meet the demand of a public eager for the unique experiences Denali and surrounding businesses have to offer,” said Don Striker, superintendent of Denali National Park and Preserve.