How to get from Anchorage to Denali Park

The trip from Anchorage to Denali Park is quite popular, connecting Alaska's largest city and transportation hub with one of Alaska's most visited national parks. Taking the train, bus or a rental car are all great options, and many travelers combine the train and bus. Here's why. Regardless of what mode of transportation you choose, excellent views of Denali are possible, weather permitting.

7.5 hours by train | 6 hours by bus | 5 hours by car

Read on for additional details. If you are ready to book online, try our Train & Bus Express Checkout.

Take the Train

The Alaska Railroad offers daily service on their Denali Star train featuring both Adventure Class and premium GoldStar Dome service. The trip will take just under eight hours. It departs Anchorage at 8:20 AM, arriving in Denali at approximately 3:40 PM. Attached to the end of the Denali Star train is the Wilderness Express, another luxe dome railcar option. A third option is the McKinley Explorer which operates on a slightly difference schedule, departing Anchorage at 9:15 AM and arriving in Denali at approximately 4:40 PM. Note that there is no roundtrip-in-a-day train option between Anchorage and Denali.

Ride the Bus

The Park Connection Motorcoach offers convenient morning and afternoon departures from Anchorage to Denali Park. It takes about six hours, including a short stop in Talkeetna. Most of our guests who travel roundtrip to Denali opt to take the bus one direction as it takes less time, is considerably less expensive, and offers different scenery.

Drive Yourself

Anchorage is an easy place to rent a car, and most of the national brands are represented. The drive to Denali Park is about 240 miles and takes just under five hours if you drive straight through, though that won't be likely. There is plenty to do along the way, including a short stop in Talkeetna for lunch or even a flightseeing trip to view Denali. You generally can't drop off a car in Denali Park, but if you are continuing north, we do offer one-way rentals between Anchorage and Fairbanks. If you are returning to Anchorage, visit these pages for information on our standard rental cars or premium 4x4 rentals.