Shuttles: Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Service start dates are as follows: Toklat – May 20, Fish Creek – June 1, Eielson Visitor Center – Approx June 15, Wonder Lake and Kantishna – June 8. All services finish on September 11

The shuttle bus system (VTS) was established in 1972 after the completion of the George Parks Highway. Having shuttle buses transport visitors into Denali National Park and Preserve (then Mt. McKinley National Park) helps to protect the natural resources. By using the park's shuttle system, visitors actively support the National Park's Services mission of preserving and protecting park resources for future generations.

Riding the shuttle bus system, visitors can enjoy viewing the park without worrying about maneuvering a vehicle, and riding in a bus enhances the chances of spotting wildlife. Also drivers, while not providing a formal "narrated" tour are knowledgeable about the park and are happy to answer your questions you may have. Less formal than the tours, passengers can get on an off buses to hike, photograph or spend more time in an area of interest. Opening in 2008, the new Eielson Visitor Center can only be accessed by a shuttle bus going to the Eielson Visitor Center or beyond.

Sit back and enjoy your shuttle journey into Denali!

Frequently Asked Questions

Shuttle Buses

Polychrome 46 Miles One Way, 5 hours Round Trip (Limited Service! Runs from June 1 - Aug 20, 2008)
Adult: $22.75,Young Adult (15-17) $11.50. Children 14 and under – Free
Reserve here!
Named after the area's multi-colored bluffs, Polychrome Overlook offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range. The Polychrome Shuttle departs only once per day – typically in the early evening (5 – 6pm) providing opportunities for photography in the great evening light, and a great shorter trip into the park if you have limited time and prefer the latest available departure.

Toklat 53 Miles One Way, 6 hours Round Trip
Adult: $22.75, Young Adult (15-17) $11.50. Children 14 and under – Free
Reserve here!
Toklat River is an area of merging glacial rivers and towering cliffs. Dall Sheep are often seen on the steep rocky hillsides and grizzlies sometimes graze the riverbed’s soapberries or grassy hillsides. Three departures a day (9:30am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm) provide visitors with a great shorter distance trip into the park, with the ability to get off and reboard a different east bound (park entrance) bus if you choose to hike or take in the sights.

Fish Creek Turnaround 63 Miles One Way, 8 hours Round Trip
Adult: $29.25, Young Adult (15 – 17) $14.50. Children 14 and under – Free
Reserve here!
Fish Creek is situated on the rolling tundra slopes of the Thorofare Valley. On a clear day, this 8-hour shuttle bus trip into the park affords outstanding views of Mt. McKinley, the Alaska Range and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Please note that Fish Creek will only be offered from June 1st until approximately June 15th, 2008 when the Eielson Visitor Center opens. You will need to purchase an Eielson ticket for the Fish Creek Shuttle for this time period.

Eielson Visitor Center 65 Miles One Way, 8 hours Round Trip
Adult: $29.25, Young Adult (15 – 17) $14.50. Children 14 and under – Free
Reserve here!
On a clear day, this 8-hour shuttle bus trip into the park affords outstanding views of Mt. McKinley, the Alaska Range and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. 2008 sees the re-opening of the Eielson Visitor Center – 3 years in the making. The new sustainably constructed building and all new interpretive exhibits will be well worth the visit.

Wonder Lake 86 Miles One Way, 11 hours Round Trip
Adult: $40.00, Young Adult (15-17) $20.00. Children 14 and under – Free
Reserve here!
Created by retreating glaciers, Wonder Lake is aptly named when the weather cooperates and the mountain is visible. Along the road, alder and willow-carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds often frequented by water fowl and other wildlife. Please note that to access Reflection Pond for photos – you will either have to hike approximately 2.5 miles in each direction or take the Kantishna Bus.

Kantishna 91 Miles One Way, 13 hours Round Trip
Adult: $43.75, Young Adult (15-17) $21.75. Children 14 and under – Free
Reserve here!
The Kantishna District is primarily a destination for Kantishna lodge visitors and backpackers for backcountry access. Much of the land here is privately owned – access is limited.

Kantishna Experience 91 Miles One Way, 13 hours Round Trip
Adult/Child: $139
Reserve here!
Join a Driver/Naturalist and a National Park Service Interpretive Ranger for a narrated trip to the end of the road - The Kantishna Mining District. Follow in the footsteps of the people who called this area "home". This program includes two guided walks, a full lunch and beverages.

Teklanika Pass – Three day pass for Teklanika Campground campers
Adult $29.25, Young Adult (15-17) $14.50. Children 14 and under – Free
This pass is valid throughout the park west of Teklanika Campground allowing Teklanika Campground campers the ability to access the shuttle system without having to return to the Wilderness Access Center. It can only be purchased in conjunction with a Teklanika Campground Permit and is good for the duration of the stay in this campground only.
Please click here for additional information and to make a reservation.

Discovery Hike Bus – 8:00am VTS shuttle – reserved for Discovery Hike participants
Adult: $29.25, Young Adult (15 – 17) $14.50. Children 14 and under – Free
This bus can only be reserved at the park after signing up for the NPS Discovery Hike at the Denali Visitor Center. The Discovery Hike is an NPS Interpretive Ranger guided day hike designed to introduce visitors to hiking in Denali’s backcountry away from the road. To find out more about this program – click here.

Camper Bus

Adult: $29.25, Young Adult (15-17) $14.50. Children 14 and under – Free

Camper buses are designed for visitors camping at Teklanika, Sanctuary, or Wonder Lake Campgrounds or those holding a backcountry permit (available only at the Denali Backcountry Information Center adjacent to the Wilderness Access Center).

Camper buses are designed differently. The back seats have been removed to enable additional space to handle backpacks, camping gear and bicycles. Because fewer seats are available, camper bus seats are reserved for campers and backpackers only.

The camper bus ticket is good during the entire camping stay of the ticket holder. The ticket stub can be used on a space available basis on any green shuttle bus for transportation within the park between miles 20 and 91, and for exiting the park. Please note that if you exit the park beyond the Savage River Check Station for any reason, you will be required to purchase a new shuttle ticket to re-enter the park past the check station.

Online reservations for Camper Buses are available for those reserving campsites at Teklanika and Wonder Lake Campgrounds. Check the availability and book your preferred campground prior to adding the Camper Bus. Wonder Lake Campground is especially popular during late August and early September and can be booked up well in advance.

Those wishing to take a bike into the park for a daytrip or overnight trip may only ride on the Park Road. Click here for more information. Camper Buses can only take two bicycles and these must be reserved in advance.
Click here to check bicycle space availability.

Passengers are responsible for loading and unloading their own gear. Doyon/ARAMARK is not responsible for lost or damaged gear.

Change / Cancel Fees

Shuttle Buses / Camper Buses
There is a $4.00 fee per ticket and per campsite to change or cancel a reservation. You may change or cancel the reservation for shuttle buses as long as it is at least two hours prior to the departure time, either by calling 800-622-7275 or (907) 683-9206 or visiting the Wilderness Access Center (WAC).

Cancellations for campgrounds are allowed as long as it is done before 6PM the day of check in at the Riley Creek Mercantile or by phone by calling 907-683-9246.