Sightsee on a Denali Transit Bus

Denali is a unique park in many ways.  

There is just one road in the park, and traffic on most of it is regulated to prevent congestion, preserve a wilderness experience for sight-seers and reduce stress on wildlife. Travel on the road is mainly limited to a variety of bus trips.

Transit buses are not narrated, but they are a great way to see and experience the park. Restroom breaks occur about every 90 minutes, and wildlife viewing stops will occur any time animals can be seen. Passengers are welcome to disembark to hike, either on the road or off-trail in the wilderness, and can board a different bus later in the day to continue their journey.

Please visit the transit bus company's website to book in advance. 

Details

Duration

6-12 Hours

When you buy a transit bus ticket, you'll choose how long of a trip to undertake. Choices are 6, 8, 10 or 12 hours round-trip, during the main summer season (generally June 8 to at least Sept 8; fewer options may be available before and after those dates). Durations include stops for wildlife viewing, bathroom breaks, and more. 

Activity

Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour

On a transit bus trip, your driver will take care of the tricky things, like driving on the mountainous Denali Park Road and stopping for wildlife sightings. Drivers are not required to narrate during the trip, although most drivers enjoy sharing what they know about Denali, and why they love this place.

Restroom breaks occur about every 90 minutes. Passengers are welcome to disembark anywhere on the park road to hike, and can board a different shuttle later in the day.

Age(s)

There are no minimum ages; but state of Alaska child safety laws mean that kids under age 4 must be in a car seat. Car seats are not provided by the bus company, so please bring your own.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on transit buses. 

Activity Fee

Yes

Ticket prices vary depending on the duration of the trip. Please visit the transit bus company's website to find current prices.

Location

Denali Bus Depot (Mile 0.5, Denali Park Road)

Generally, transit bus trips start from a building near the park entrance called the Denali Bus Depot. 

Reservations

Yes

If your visit will be short (e.g., 3 days or less), reservations are strongly recommended. Please visit the transit bus company's website to book in advance. 

Visitors who will be in the Denali area for more than a few days may find it more convenient to wait until arriving and purchase tickets in the park, at the Denali Bus Depot.

Season

Summer

The summer season in Denali is from May 20 to mid-September. The final day for shuttle bus trips each summer is the second Thursday after the Labor Day holiday.

Time of Day

Day

Bus trips operate all day, though most departures are before noon. 

Accessibility Information

• Several transit buses each day are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Please be sure to notify the bus company of this need when making reservations.
• Rest areas where buses stop offer wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.
• Most of the park road and rest areas are well-compacted gravel surfaces. Only the first 15 miles of the park road are paved.