Overview
Efficient and affordable but never lacking for comfort, the Park Connection bus line runs twice-daily service between the small town of Talkeetna to lodges located just outside Denali National Park. Newly upgraded motorcoaches make for an easy ride just as the passing scenery makes for an entertaining one. Along the drive, passengers can enjoy mountain and forest views, glimpses of the braided glacial rivers, and even a look at Denali itself when the weather works out. Passengers arrive to the Denali area at about 12:30 PM on the morning route, and 8:30 PM on the evening route.
Two trips daily from Talkeetna to the Denali Park area.
The Park Connection operates two trips daily from Talkeetna to the Denali Park area. The morning Denali Express route departs downtown Talkeetna (Mahay's tour office) and the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and drops passengers off at the Denali Cabins, Denali Park Village, Denali Train Depot (near the visitor center), Denali Princess Lodge, Denali Bluffs Hotel, and Grande Denali Lodge. This route works well for travelers making connections to buses departing for wilderness lodges in the national park.
The afternoon Park to Park route leaves only from the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and drops passengers at the Denali Park accommodations listed above. The afternoon bus does not drop at the depot.
More Details
The Park Connection runs a fleet of modern 52-seat Prevost motorcoaches. Passengers onboard enjoy comfortable reclining seats equipped with seatbelts, footrests, armrests, and outlets. Seating is first-come, first-served. There is one lavatory located in the rear of the bus. Large luggage is stowed by Park Connection staff in lower bays. Guests can store their smaller items in overhead bins.
Park Connection drivers provide casual commentary on the surrounding area, keeping it light to give passengers time to relax and enjoy the picturesque wonder of Alaska's landscape. Photo stops may be made at the driver's discretion as weather and time permits.
What to Bring
The motorcoaches have large picture windows at every seat, so bring a camera on board to capture the scenery along the way.
Special Instructions
The Park Connection allows two bags and one small carry on item per person. Additional fees may apply for excessively large oversized bags or items like bicycles, fish boxes, fishing equipment, or climbing equipment. There is no charge for items like strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, scooters, or oxygen concentrators.
Park Connection motorcoaches are wheelchair accessible. Please notify the Park Connection at least 48 hours in advance if wheelchair accessibility is required. Each motorcoach can accommodate up to two wheelchair passengers at one time.
Departure/Arrival Points
Passengers must be at their designated pickup location at least 15 minutes prior to the schedule departure time. Pickup and drop-off locations are strictly limited to the list below.
Talkeetna Departures
Downtown Talkeetna (AM only)
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge (AM and PM)
Denali Park Arrivals
Denali Park Village Lodge
Denali Cabins
Denali Park Depot (AM only)
Grande Denali Lodge
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Denali Princess Lodge
McKinley Chalets
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 12.
| Dates |
Adult |
Child |
| 5/15/24 (W) to 8/31/24 (Sa)5/15/24 (W) to 8/31/24 (Sa) |
Adult: $75.00 |
Child: $37.50 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
| Dates |
Adult |
Child |
| 5/15/24 (W) to 9/15/24 (Su)5/15/24 (W) to 9/15/24 (Su) |
Adult: $75.00 |
Child: $37.50 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. |
