Shuttles

How is the shuttle system (VTS) different to the tours?
The main difference is that the shuttle system gives visitors the option of getting on and off the shuttle buses for activities such as hiking or photography, or spending a longer time at a particular location such as Eielson Visitor Center. The shuttles run on a schedule to help you plan your day. The shuttle drivers can answer many of your questions but do not provide a formal, narrated tour.

Only green Shuttle Buses can pick up and drop off passengers along the Park Road. You must keep your ticket stub in order to re-board a different shuttle bus. 

How do I get off and back on the bus?
Beginning at mile 20, a visitor can exit a bus for some day hiking or exploring, then return to the road when ready and re-board the next shuttle (green) bus that has seating space available. Stand by the side of the road in which you wish to travel, and wave your arms to flag down an oncoming green bus. During peak hours/peak season this can be a wait of up to an hour. Passengers disembarking MUST be prepared for rapidly changing weather throughout the summer including heavy thunderstorms or snow. Wait times for reboarding a bus may be longer during times of adverse weather conditions due to increased demand.

How do I purchase a ticket?
You can purchase a ticket in advance, or in person when you arrive in the park. 65% of shuttle seats are available for advance purchase. Advance purchases can be done several ways;

1. Through our online booking system (requires a valid email address to send an electronic confirmation and ticket to)
2. By fax (click here for instructions and the fax order form)
3. By phone – Call 800-622-7275 (within the US) or 907-272-7275
   outside the US.

Tickets may also be purchased in the park at the Wilderness Access Center located .5 miles along the Park Road. 35% of seats are reserved for walk in purchase within two days of departure allowing travelers to book seats upon arrival in the area.

Visit our Reservations page for additional information

Please note that there is NO food or water available in the park, after leaving the Wilderness Access Center

Children are traveling with me – do I need anything extra for them?
Alaska State law requires any child, under 4 years of age to be in a car seat. Parents are responsible for providing their own car seat(s).

Where do I board the shuttle?
All shuttle buses other than Camper Buses must be boarded at the Wilderness Access Center. Camper Buses will pick up at the Riley Creek Campground Bus Shelter prior to going to the Wilderness Access Center. Passengers can not be picked up heading into the Park for the first 20 miles beyond the Wilderness Access Center unless they have a ticket to depart from and are staying at Savage Campground. If you are staying at Savage Campground, make sure to request your pickup from the campground as it is not necessary for you to return to the Wilderness Access Center

What if I am staying at Teklanika or Sanctuary Campgrounds?
You can request a pick-up from these campgrounds also. The shuttle bus will pick you up approximately 50 minutes after the scheduled departure from the Wilderness Access Center. Please note that the departure time on the ticket is for the Wilderness Access Center and will arrive at Teklanika Campground approximately 40 minutes later.

I am planning to spend some time in the backcountry – what bus should I book?
Backcountry campers should make Camper Bus reservations when they arrive in the park at the Wilderness Access Center. You will need to obtain a Backcountry Permit from the National Park Service Backcountry Information Center before purchasing your bus ticket. Click here to learn more about the Backcountry Permit System.

Please note that smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on shuttle buses.

Tours

I’ve made my tour reservation, now what?
When making an online reservation, you will be sent an electronic ticket which lists your departure date and either morning or afternoon tour. Once you arrive at Denali National Park, you can take this electronic ticket to the Wilderness Access Center, up to three days prior tour departure date, and exchange it for your bus ticket and confirmed departure time.

You can also make your reservation in person at the Wilderness Access Center.

Campgrounds

Can I have a fire at my campsite?
You may have a fire only in designated campfire rings at campgrounds. Because firewood is difficult to find at the campgrounds (it can only be taken from dead or downed trees), we recommend that you bring wood with you. Firewood can be purchased at the Riley Creek Mercantile inside the park and at many locations outside the park.

General

Is there somewhere I can do laundry inside the park?
The Riley Creek Mercantile has a public laundry available for a fee. It is located on the grounds of the Riley Creek Campground about a half mile inside along the Park Road on the left side.

How can I find out more information about Denali National Park and Preserve?

Many of the links on this site go directly to the official Denali National Park website. The official Denali site can be found at www.nps.gov.dena

How long does it take to get to Denali National Park from Anchorage or Fairbanks?

It is about 250 miles from Anchorage and in good weather and without traffic delays will take 4-5 hours. Summer traffic can be particularly heavy so giving yourself 6 hours will allow you to make bathroom and food stops and ensure you have enough time to get to your campground or bus.

It is about 120 miles from Fairbanks to Denali and the drive takes about 2 – 2 ½ hours again depending on the weather and traffic.