Getting to Denali National Park

As one of the most renowned Alaskan destinations, Denali National Park is also one of its most accessible. The park is easily reachable by train, scheduled motorcoach service, private transfer, and rental car. Train and motorcoach options include:

• Alaska Railroad Denali Star train between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks
• Wilderness Express private dome train between Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks
• McKinley Explorer dome train between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali
• Park Connection Motorcoach between Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali (arrive earlier and stay later in the park on the special Denali Express route)

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Taking the Train to Denali

The Denali Star, the Alaska Railroad's flagship train route, runs two trains daily. One travels south, and the other north, between Anchorage and Fairbanks, with a popular stop inside Denali National Park.

In addition to the Alaska Railroad, the private Wilderness Express and McKinley Explorer dome train services also travel to Denali Park. The Wilderness Express is pulled on the Denali Star train, so it follows the same timetable. The McKinley Explorer is a separate train altogether. It operates on a different schedule and only travels between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali Park. To see detailed routes and times for a certain segment, compare using the Transportation Finder.

Taking a Bus to Denali

An alternative to the train in terms of route, ticket price, and length of travel, the Park Connection Motorcoach runs a twice-daily service through the Denali Park area. As an added perk, the Park Connection provides drop-offs and pickups at many major Denali Park area hotels. Additionally, the Park Connection runs the only same-day service to Denali Park from Seward and Whittier, making it a perfect option for cruise passengers. You can use our Transportation Finder to compare rail and bus options.

Taking a Rental Car, Van, or Private Transfer to Denali

Although there are no national rental car companies available in the Denali Park area, both standard car rentals and premium 4x4 vehicles can be rented in Anchorage or Fairbanks. For those who'd like a budget-friendly ride to Fairbanks, we also offer a convenient scheduled van transfer. If you're looking for something just for your group, look into a private transfer.

How do I get from Denali National Park to my hotel outside of the park? Within the Denali Park area, most hotels and lodges offer shuttles between their location and the Denali train depot, park visitor center, and small seasonal community near the entrance. Within the park, visitors can get around by free shuttle as far as Savage River. Beyond that point, travel into the park is by way of guided Denali bus tours.

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