Bus Tours

2020 Schedule Changes

(June 2, 2020) In light of COVID-19, there will be reduced tour bus service.

Learn about other operational changes to Denali in summer 2020.

 

On This Page Navigation

 

Explanation of Narrated Tour Buses

Unlike 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.

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 Prices

Reservations for bus trips are made through our bus concessionaire, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture. You can buy 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 prices below for narrated tour buses do not include the park entrance fee. If you have an entrance pass already (e.g., a Senior Pass), learn how to get your entrance fee refunded.

Destination/Service	Dates	Adult (16 and older)	Children (15 and younger)
Natural History Tour	May 12—September 20	$85.50	$42.75
Tundra Wilderness Tour*	June 1—September 12	$145.25	$75.75
Kantishna Experience	June 8—September 12	$222.25	$111.00

*Note: From May 20—31 each year, the Tundra Wilderness Tour travels a slightly shorter distance, because the Denali Park Road doesn't open fully til early June. This early-season tour is 1 hour shorter and is $124.00 for ages 16+ (and $62.00 for ages 15 and younger).

Schedules

Bus 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

Denali Natural History Tour

• Offered: mid-May—mid-September
• Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours (round-trip, inclusive of all stops)

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).

Several interpretive stops enhance the experience, with an hour of off-bus experience. Beginning with a stop at the Savage Cabin, the original ranger’s cabin, provides a living history into how the cabin was once used and how it continues to be used today.

At the Teklanika River Rest Area you may have the opportunity to see wildlife on the glacially braided Teklanika River from the overlook. At Primrose Ridge, you will experience a memorable Alaskan Native presentation that will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years!

Your driver/naturalist will provide a great introduction to the landscape, geology, and history of Denali National Park.

Tundra Wilderness Tour

• Offered: May 20—mid-September
• Duration: 7 to 8 hours (round-trip, inclusive of all stops)

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.

Today, the TWT is a 7-8 hour excursion into the park with a certified driver-naturalist. This tour provides in-depth information about the history of the park, while maintaining a keen eye in search of wildlife and photography opportunities. Chances to see wildlife are greater on this trip than on the Natural History Tour.

• From May 20—31, the tour travels as far as Mile 53, Toklat River.
• From June 1—mid-September, the tour travels to Mile 62, Stony Overlook.

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.

Kantishna Experience Tour

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.