We provide round trip transportation between the Denali National Park train depot and our lodges. You will need to make independent arrangements for arrival to the park by rail, motor coach, or car.

We recommend printing out the document "Pre-Trip Planning Information" so that you can bring it with you on your travels.  It should help you meet us at the appropriate time and place on your arrival day. 

Getting to Denali

By rail

A train departs from Anchorage and Fairbanks each morning.

From Anchorage, arrive the day before your reservation with us and overnight near the park entrance. Meet our buses at 12:30 p.m. at the train depot the following day.

From Fairbanks, meet our buses upon arrival (approximately 12:30 p.m.) in the train depot parking area.

Reservations are necessary. Contact the Alaska Railroad: Tel 800-544-0552 www.alaskarailroad.com

By motor coach

A daily service from Anchorage arrives at the park entrance in time to connect with our transportation into the park. Meet our buses upon arrival (approximately 12:15 p.m.) in the train depot parking area.

Reservations are necessary. Contact The Park Connection: Tel 800-266-8625 www.alaskacoach.com

By car

Summer highway construction often causes delays, so allow:
6 hours driving time from Anchorage to the park entrance
3 hours driving time from Fairbanks to the park entrance

Meet our buses at the Denali Park train depot at 12:00 p.m.  This extra time will allow you to park your vehicle. Check your gear with our driver-naturalist guides, and they will direct you to the free long term parking area. It is not possible to drive your own vehicle to the lodges.

By air

There are no scheduled flights to the park from Anchorage or Fairbanks. Because mountain weather is frequently responsible for cancelled flights, we discourage arrival by charter.

Your arrival day

12:30 p.m.*    Meet our buses
1:00-1:30 p.m.    Depart for Camp Denali and North Face Lodge
4:00 p.m.    Picnic dinner, en route
8:30 p.m.    Arrive at Camp Denali and North Face Lodge

*Meet at 12:00 p.m. if arriving by car

Our blue and white buses, marked "Camp Denali & North Face Lodge," are parked at the far south end of the train depot parking area (see map below). Plan to eat lunch prior to meeting our buses.

During the six to seven hour trip into the heart of Denali National Park, your driver-naturalist guide will introduce you to the taiga and tundra ecosystems of the Far North. The drivers pause for spectacular views and to observe wildlife. A leisurely stop along the banks of the East Fork River will include a picnic-style dinner, which is your main evening meal.

Upon arrival at Camp Denali or North Face Lodge, your hosts will welcome you at a reception featuring dessert, fresh fruit, and beverages. After a short orientation, you will be introduced to your cabin at Camp Denali or to your room at North Face Lodge.

Departure day

6:00 a.m.    Breakfast
6:45 a.m.    Depart Camp Denali and North Face Lodge
11:30 a.m.    Arrive at Denali train depot

We make fewer stops on our return trip through the park. Our arrival at the Denali Park train depot is timed for you to make same-day coach or rail connections to Anchorage or Fairbanks.