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 terminal 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, McKinley Chalet, Denali Princess Lodge, Denali Park Village Lodge, and Denali Cabins. The bus drops passengers at the Whittier cruise terminal.
The Park Connection runs a fleet of modern 52-seat Prevost motorcoaches. Passengers onboard enjoy comfortable reclining seats equipped with seatbelts, footrests, armrests, and outlets. Seating is first-come, first-served. There is one lavatory located in the rear of the bus. Large luggage is stowed by Park Connection staff in lower bays. Guests can store their smaller items in overhead bins.
Park Connection drivers provide casual commentary on the surrounding area, keeping it light to give passengers time to relax and enjoy the picturesque wonder of Alaska's landscape. Photo stops may be made at the driver's discretion as weather and time permits.
The motorcoaches have large picture windows at every seat, so bring a camera onboard to capture the scenery along the way.
The Park Connection allows two bags per person and one small carry on item. 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 Terminal
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 5/15/25 (Th) to 9/16/25 (Tu)5/15/25 (Th) to 9/16/25 (Tu) | Adult: $180.00 | Child: $90.00 |
| The rates above 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~
