Explanation of Narrated Tour BusesUnlike transit buses, which are not narrated, tour buses feature a trained naturalist who both drives the bus and narrates during the trip.Tour bus trips begin and end at various locations around the entrance of the park—they do not pick up at campgrounds along the Denali Park Road, and they are not set up for passengers to disembark and re-board. Transit buses are a better option for passengers who want to get off the bus to hike, picnic, etc. Normally, there are a few different bus tours from which to choose. All tours are conducted by certified driver-naturalists who will provide a guided, informative trip into the park. Tour buses are tan-colored, to help them stand out from a distance. Descriptions of each tour are below. Reservations and PricesReservations for bus trips are made through our bus concessionaire, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture. You can buy tour bus tickets online or call 1-800-622-7275.The National Park Service does not operate any of these tours. Questions concerning departure times, ticket refunds, etc., should be directed to Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, the concessionaire who operates these tours. Note: The adult prices below do include the park entrance fee, which is added to the normal ticket price. If you have an entrance pass already (e.g., a Senior Pass), learn how to get your entrance fee refunded.
SchedulesBus departures vary each day, based on demand. There is therefore no fixed daily schedule. Contact the bus company to learn more about bus schedules. Descriptions of Tours
Focusing on the rich natural and cultural history of the park, this 4 ½ to 5-hour tour travels to the Teklanika River (mile 27).
Variations of this tour have been in existence since 1923, with the first concessioner offering bus trips as far as the road extended at that time.
Wheelchair accessible buses are available, and all stops are wheelchair accessible. Up to 30 or 40 Tundra Wilderness Tours travel into the park each day; most departures are early morning or early afternoon. The schedule each day is able to flex depending on demand, so there is no fixed, daily schedule. Contact the tour bus company for more details. Offered: June 8—mid-September
Duration: 11 to 12 hours (round-trip, inclusive of all stops) Follow the trail of pioneer Fannie Quigley to the old gold town of Kantishna on this all-day adventure to the end of the Park Road. Your driver is a Certified Interpretive Guide and a National Park Service interpretive ranger joins you roughly halfway through your journey on this immersive experience. You will spend time in Kantishna learning about its interesting history and role in Interior Alaska. This trip lasts 11 to 12 hours, traveling the entire 92 mile road and back over the course of the day. The Kantishna Experience includes a lunch, snack and beverages. There are two daily departures. The tours pick up from area hotels in the early morning and depart from the Denali Bus Depot at 6:15 am and 7:30 am. They return roughly twelve hours later, and are a unique experience in the park that you don't want to miss! Specific hotel pick-up times are available from the bus company. Some walking is involved. |
Last updated: January 15, 2021