Leaving Denali in the early morning, this same-day cruise transfer to Whittier heads south via the Parks Highway. Along the route, passengers are treated to views made even more enjoyable from the comfort of reclining seats with footrests and power outlets. The coach stops briefly in Talkeetna before arriving into Anchorage at about 1:30 PM. Here, passengers can take time before the bus boards again at 2:45 PM to grab a bite to eat.
Same-day cruise transfer to Whittier.
After leaving Anchorage, passengers ride south onto the Turnagain Arm. This waterway sees the largest tidal swing in North America, an astounding 30 feet at its highest. It's also a beautifully scenic area. Mountains, some of them snowcapped till late summer, rise thousands of feet above the water. At the end of the arm, the bus continues west into Portage Valley. After waiting briefly for a scheduled opening at the one-lane tunnel into Whittier, the Park Connection motorcoach pulls into the cruise ship terminals between 5:00 and 5:30 PM.
The Denali to Whittier Park Connection route runs on designated cruise ship days. It is an excellent option for passengers connecting to cruise ships leaving out of Whittier. The bus departs from the Grande Denali Lodge, Denali Bluffs Hotel, Denali Park Village Lodge, and Denali Cabins. The bus drops passengers at the Whittier cruise terminals.
The Park Connection runs a fleet of modern 52-seat motorcoaches equipped with seatbelts, footrests, armrests, and power outlets. There is one lavatory located in the rear of the bus. Seating is first-come, first-served. Park Connection drivers provide casual commentary on the surrounding area, keeping it light to give passengers time to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Park Connection allows two bags and one small carry on item per person. Large luggage is stowed in lower bays with room onboard for smaller items in overhead racks. 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.
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.
Denali Park Departures
Grande Denali Lodge
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Denali Park Village Lodge
Denali Cabins
Whittier Arrivals
Whittier Cruise Dock (Holland/Princess)
Whittier Cruise Dock (Norwegian)
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5/14/26 (Th) to 9/14/26 (M)5/14/26 (Th) to 9/14/26 (M) | Adult: $195.00 | Child: $97.50 |
| The rates above do not include taxes/fees of $5.00 per person and are subject to change without notice. | ||
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 7:00 AM | Location: Grande Denali Lodge |
| Depart: 7:15 AM | Location: Denali Bluffs Hotel |
| Depart: 7:45 AM | Location: Denali Park Village Lodge |
| Depart: 7:55 AM | Location: Denali Cabins |
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"Thank you for everyone's efforts toward our land trip. Alaska and everyone with whom we came in contact was friendly, helpful and informative."
~Jeff from California~
