Next Checklist >>

BUS CHECKLIST
Denali Park Bus Information

The bus system is designed to provide access to visitors who want to see remote areas of the park, who want access to campgrounds, or who are hiking in Denali National Park. Trips on the green shuttle buses are informal. Drivers will help you spot wildlife from the road and answer your questions. Passengers can get off along the route, and then reboard a passing bus. If you want a more formal guided tour, there are at least two types available.

1. Find the Right Bus

The shuttle buses that take you past Savage River (Mile 15 of the Park Road), are green. The ‘tour’ buses that provide a formal tour are tan. ‘Shuttle’ buses are cheaper than tour buses, and don’t include lunch. Although a tour bus gives you a formal tour, many shuttle bus drivers are very knowledgeable about the park and its wildlife and share this with the public. Free ‘courtesy’ buses circulate around the first 15 miles of the Park Road, known as the ‘entrance area.’ Courtesy buses are not color coded, so you’ll have to look for the placard in the bus window telling you whether the bus goes to the dog kennels, Savage River, or Riley Creek Campground.

2. Sack Lunch/Something to Drink

It’s a long trip, so buy something for lunch, and take something to drink. You’re allowed to bring a cooler on the shuttle buses if it fits under the seat.

3. Binoculars & Camera

Remember to recharge your camera batteries. Riley Creek Mercantile and some hotels rent binoculars.

4. Bring Things That Make You Comfortable

Summer weather in Denali is often windy and wet. Bring a backpack with a light polarfleece jacket or sweater, a raincoat, extra socks, and a hat or cap. You should wear sturdy shoes, so you can get out and walk. There will be mosquitoes, so bring mosquito repellent and/or a headnet. Wear high socks and maybe some cotton gloves to keep insects from biting your vulnerable ankles and wrists. If you have these things you’ll be more likely to get out of the bus and enjoy yourself. Some people bring little airplane pillows. If you have children, bring something along for them to do. You can pick up something at the Jr. Ranger’s section at the visitor center.

5. Children Need a Car Seat

You will not be let onto a park bus with a child under 40 pounds who does not have a car seat.

• Shuttle Bus Destinations and Fares

Buses generally depart on the hour and half hour between 7 am and 2 pm from the end of May to mid-September. Rest stops are spaced at 1 to 1 1/2 hour intervals on the Park Road. Passengers may get off along the Park Road and reboard on later buses. Expect waits of up to an hour to reboard a shuttle bus. Children 14 and under ride FREE, but will require a reservation. If you need one, please request a wheelchair-accessible bus when making reservations. According to State and Federal laws, children four years and younger and/or 40 lbs. or less, must be in an approved child safety seat while riding in any vehicle, including park buses. Please make sure you have one prior to your trip. Car rentals offer car seats as an option.

• Reservations

• You can reserve campground and bus trips ahead of time. Be aware that there are two types of bus trips – a shuttle bus and a tour bus. On a space available basis, you can also reserve bus trips and campground spaces at the Wilderness Access Center from 7 am to 8 pm. (The Wilderness Access Center opens at 5 am.)

• Sites can be reserved for the four largest campgrounds – Riley Creek, Savage River, Teklanika and Wonder Lake using the reservation system described above. Be aware that no RV sites in the park have hook-ups. Some of the campgrounds have flush toilets and showers are available at the general mercantile store in the entrance area.

• To reserve by phone call: 1(800) 622-7275 or (907) 272-7275 between 7 am and 5 pm daily, Alaska time. Phone requests must be received at least one day before travel.

• To reserve by fax call: (907) 264-4684. A fax form is available on the NPS website. There are no same-day reservations, by phone or fax. Remember to include names and ages, credit card number, and expiration date.

• To reserve by mail: send requests with check or credit card information, names and ages to: Doyon/ARAMARK, 241 West Ship Creek Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. Mail requests must be received no less than 30 days before travel.

• To reserve online: www.reservedenali.com

• More information is available on the park’s website:
www.nps.gov/dena

Next Checklist: Denali Park Visitor Centers >>