DEP#03 Denali Motorcoach Tour & Rail Vacation

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Our Denali Motorcoach Tour & Rail Vacation Package is the ideal form of travel for those who don't want to drive. Travel by coach from Anchorage to Denali National Park and enjoy the scenery, abundant wildlife and great company. Your experienced driver/guide will explain the highlights along the way and answer any questions you might have. You’ll enjoy generous head and legroom, comfortable seating and large panoramic windows. There will be numerous photo and rest stops along the way. The next day take the Denali Park Shuttle Bus to Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake. Whether you are going to observe the abundant wildlife or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains, you are sure to have an unforgettable adventure. The return trip to Anchorage is by Alaska Railroad or, if you prefer, by motor coach. Please note: The package is also bookable from or to Fairbanks.

  • Tour Itinerary

  • Dates | Rates

  • Options | Extensions

  • Accommodation

  • Denali National Park FAQ

Day
01

Anchorage - Denali National Park (by motorcoach)

Board the motorcoach in downtown Anchorage in the morning at 7:30 am or afternoon at 3 pm for a six hour ride to Denali National Park. The Parks Highway crosses the fertile Matanuska Valley and Denali State Park which offers some of the best views of Mt. Denali. Plenty of photo and rest stops are made en route. Check into your hotel at Denali Village. Remaining day at leisure or for outdoor activities. Optional Denali Scenic Float Trip: Enjoy a scenic float trip near the entrance of Denali National Park with a taste of whitewater rafting. This guided trip skirts the boundaries of Denali National Park down the glacier-fed Nenana River. Experience beautiful scenery and keep your eyes out for moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you a thrilling, yet safe rafting. More adventurous guests have the option to continue with the Canyon Run! Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids.  

Day
02

Denali National Park

Early departure (pre-reserved time) for a full day national park and wildlife observation tour within the shadows of 20.320 ft Mt. Denali to Eielson Visitor Center or scenic Wonder Lake with a immense (best) view of “ the Mountain”. Tour Included ! Watch for Grizzly Bears, Moose, Caribou, Wolf and Fox along the ridges and river beds or observe one of the 150 different bird species which inherit the park area. This trip offers some great hiking opportunities. Return to the park entrance anytime during the day. Optional: Exchange to the narrated Tundra Wilderness Tour or the Kantishna Roadhouse Adventure. This is a full day narrated tour along the Park Road to the Kantishna Roadhouse. This trip covers the entire length of the restricted 95-mile Denali Park Road to Kantishna in a private bus. A trained naturalist provides natural history interpretation and assists in search for wildlife while pointing out the regional biology and geology. A lunch at Kantishna Roadhouse is included.
Day
03

Denali National Park - Anchorage (by standard or dome car train)

Board the Alaska Railroad this morning and relax in your comfortable reclining seats, enjoy a delicious lunch or listen to the commentaries from the onboard tour guide. You'll arrive at the Railroad Station in Anchorage in the early evening where your tour ends. Contact us for optional tour extensions whether you would like to stay an extra night at Denali National Park, include an overnight in Talkeetna or spend a few more days in Anchorage.

Superior Hotel Category
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 15 - May 31 $1489.00 $942.00 $782.00 $702.00 $204.00
June 1 - August 31 $1532.00 $985.00 $825.00 $745.00 $211.00
September 1 - September 15 $1489.00 $942.00 $782.00 $702.00 $204.00

 

First Class Hotel Category
Rates in US $ / per Person Single      Double      Triple      Quad      Child     
May 15 - May 31 $1740.00 $1153.00 $981.00 $894.00 $298.00
June 1 - August 31 $1762.00 $1189.00 $1021.00 $937.00 $341.00
September 1 - September 15 $1740.00 $1153.00 $981.00 $894.00 $311.00

 
Departure Days
Daily Departures from May 15 - September 14

 

Services included
  • 2 Nights Superior or Deluxe Hotel Accommodation
  • All Local Taxes
  • Guided Motorcoach Transfer Anchorage - Denali
  • Alaska Railroad Transfer Denali - Anchorage
  • Denali Shuttle Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center
  • Denali Railroad Station Transfer 
  • Detailed Tour & Travel Documentation
  • Superior Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Standard Adventure Class Train
    ( upgrade to Dome Car Train is available for $170.00 per person )
  • First Class Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Upper Level Panorama Dome Car Train, 
    Priority Check-in & Boarding, Use of Private Outdoor Viewing Platform, 
    Priority Dining Room Seating, Enhanced Reclining Seats
Flexible Tour Options - Upgrades & Sightseeing
Rates in US $ | per Person Adult
Exchange Shuttle Bus to Narrated 8-Hour Tundra Wilderness Tour including Boxed Lunch/Snack
Departure: 2:00 pm / Return 8:00 pm
Exchange Shuttle Bus to Narrated 13-Hour Kantishna Wilderness Lodge  / Backcountry Lodge Tour
with Lunch, Interpretive Program, Gold Panning, En-route Refreshments
Departure: 6:00 am / Return 7:00 pm
Denali Village: Nenana River Rafting or Float Trip
Duration: 3 hrs
Denali Village: Helicopter Hiking Tour 

First Class Hotel Category (**** Hotels & Lodges)

First Class hotels usually offer additional amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, bar, fireplace seating, fitness room, swimming pool/hot tub, etc. All rooms in First Class hotels belong to a higher category and are always equipped with a private bathroom. Most hotels in this category are usually located in prime locations in prime downtown locations or in national parks. These include larger hotel chains such as: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westmark Hotels, Princess Hotels and Lodges, Clarion Suites, Comfort Inn & Suite. The larger hotel chains are only available in Anchorage and Fairbanks. If a major hotel chain is not available, we prefer to book local premium hotels/deluxe cabins or cottages for our clients. Please note that premium accommodations may not be available in small towns; in such cases we will book the best available accommodation..

Superior Hotel Category (*** Hotels, Motels & Lodges)

Superior Hotels offer a good amount of essential guest services and are located in downtown locations and/or in/near national park areas. All superior class hotel rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Example larger hotel chains for superior class hotels are: Holiday Inn, Howard Johnson, Guesthouse Inn, Ramada Inn, High Country Inn, Aspen Hotel Group, Comfort Inn. As you might be aware, that these hotel chains are not available throughout Alaska. In such cases or/and when we feel that Alaskan owned hotels & lodges offer a better experience, we go with that choice. Cabins and Cottages also considered in this category to make your experience even more ‘Alaskan’. We ensure that all the Cabins & Cottages have a private bath to make your stay comfortable.

FAQ | Denali National Park | formerly Mt.McKinley National Park
  Q:
A:		 How can I find Denali National Park?
The Park is located on the George Parks Highway - 120 Miles south of Fairbanks and 240 Miles north of Anchorage. There are only a few smaller communities such as Talkeetna, Cantwell and Nenana between these two major cities and therefore the Park area is somewhat isolated. Denali National Park is an integral highlight in our curated driving tour packages and Alaska railroad vacations. Whether by road or rail/road combo tour, discover the breathtaking beauty of Alaska with seamless itineraries that make every moment unforgettable.  
  Q:
A:		 What is so special about Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique features that make it truly special. The park's most iconic feature is Denali itself, formerly known as Mount McKinley, which is North America's highest peak, towering at 20,310 feet (6,194 meters). This majestic mountain attracts climbers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Denali National Park is a wilderness wonderland, encompassing over six million acres of pristine landscapes, including taiga forests, tundra, and glaciers. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep, and a variety of bird species. Visitors have the chance to witness these animals in their natural habitat.

What makes Denali particularly special is its commitment to preserving wilderness and minimizing human impact. Most of the park's interior is accessible only by a single, 92-mile (148-kilometer) road, restricted to park buses, private vehicles are not allowed. This limited access helps protect the environment and ensures that visitors can experience a relatively undisturbed wilderness.

In Denali, you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping in one of the most unspoiled and awe-inspiring natural settings on the planet. Its majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and dedication to conservation make Denali National Park a unique and remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.
  Q:
A:		 How do I get to Denali?
The national park area is easily accessible via the paved George Parks Highway or with the Railroad.

Railroad
Denali Star & the Midnight Sun Express | Daily departures from / to Anchorage, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Check out our railroad packages from Anchorage, Seward and Fairbanks 

Bus and Van Service
Daily departures from Anchorage, Seward, Whittier and Fairbanks 

Car
Rent a car, van, or 4x4 in Anchorage and drive to Denali National Park. One-way rentals are available between Anchorage, Fairbanks and Seward. Our driving tours include the rental car, accommodation and activities at Denali Park. 
  Q:
A:		 Can I drive into the National Park?
Private vehicles are not allowed beyond the Savage Creek Ranger Check Station at Mile 15 of the Park Road – except with a permit. Therefore the National Park Service offers a shuttle bus system from approximately end of May until the middle of September (depends on weather conditions) between the Visitor Center and Wonder Lake, at the end of the 90 Mile long Road. The busses are departing from 6:00 am onwards about every 1/2 hour. Passengers have the opportunity to get on and off the bus at any point along the park road for hikes and wildlife viewing. This allows visitors to explore the park at their own pace and leisure. Note: Advance reservations for the shuttle busses (also called transit bus) are absolutely necessary. If you arrive without shuttle bus reservations you may have to wait one or two days in order to get a ticket. Our tour packages already include the shuttle bus into the park. This way you definitely won't miss this unforgettable adventure! 

Update: The Denali Park Road … 2023 season and beyond
The Denali Park road has been deteriorating at an accelerated pace the past two years and is now being rebuilt, primarily in one section at Polychrome Pass, in 2022 through 2026. Access will be restricted beyond Mile 43 for the oncoming tour seasons. It is important to note that the park is not “closed” and that visitors will still be able to experience Denali National Park during the next few years. The “Tundra Wilderness Tour” and Denali Transit Buses will be traveling to mile 43. Road construction is shortening the guest experience only by about 10 miles of the historical Tundra Wilderness Tour. Unfortunately guests will not be able to visit Polychrome Pass, Eielson Visitor Center and Kantishna Roadhouse.
  Q:
A:		 How long will it take to visit the Park?
The shuttle bus service offers a number of well worth visiting destinations.

Savage River | this is the farthest point (15 Miles from park entrance) visitors can travel in their own vehicle on the park road. At this point there is a small parking  area, picnic tables, and the trailhead for the Savage River Trail (about 2 Miles) Visitors can make use of the free Savage River Shuttle that runs regularly between the entrance area and the Savage River. The Savage River Campground is located at Mile 13 and Savage campers with tickets can be picked up at the bus stop for the shuttle into the park.

Sanctuary River | 23 Miles from the park entrance provides an established campground and a park ranger station. There are seven sites for tent camping and access is by bus. Campers with tickets may use the Park Shuttle system, and great hiking is available in the vicinity of Sanctuary campground.

The Teklanika River | 30 Miles from the park entrance runs through Igloo Forest, creating large gravel bars for easy travel. A rest stop at Teklanika provides restrooms, and expansive views from the deck. Campgrounds are nearby at Teklanika and Igloo Creek campgrounds.

Polychrome Pass & Rest Area | 46 Miles from the park entrance offers a spectacular view of the colorful Alaska Range. The Polychrome Glaciers are nestled in the hills to the south, while bears and caribou often wander on the river bars below. For a day hike, walk along the ridge behind the rest area and enjoy alpine scenery. Buses run as far as Polychrome from June to August.

Toklat | at Mile 53 is a 6-hour round trip. Toklat River is an area of braided glacial rivers and towering cliffs where Dall sheep are often seen. Grizzlies sometimes graze on the riverbed’s soapberries. Buses run as far as Toklat from late May through Mid-Sept weather permitting.

Fish Creek | a trip to the newly build Fish Creek Visitor Center, at Mile 66 takes about 8-hours (round trip) and is the closest location for scenic views of towering Mt. McKinley.

Wonder Lake | at Mile 85 is an 11-hour round trip. The beautiful lake offers a picture perfect view of Mt. McKinley. Along the road to Wonder Lake, alder and willow-carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds. Look for beaver along the way, and be sure to keep an eye out for blueberries in late summer and fall. Buses run to Wonder Lake June 8 through Mid-September weather permitting

Kantishna | at Mile 90 is about a 13-hour round trip. The gold mining area is primarily a destination for backpackers heading for the national parks backcountry sections or for clients who are staying at various remote backcountry lodges in the viciity of Kantishna. One Bus travels to Kantishna between June 8 and September 11. Kantishna is primarily a destination for lodge visitors and backpackers headed for the backcountry. Please respect the private lands you may encounter in this area.
  Q:
A:		 What about Sightseeing within Denali National Park?
Denali National Park and Preserve is famous for North America's highest mountain peak - 20,320-foot tall Mount Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), spectacular landscapes, rugged mountain peaks and abundant wildlife. More than 6 million acres encompass a complete sub-arctic eco-system.
  Q:
A:		 What about Wildlife Viewing?
Denali National Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Moose, Grizzly Bears, Caribous, Dall Sheeps, Wolves, Foxes, Golden Eagles, Beavers, and a multitude of migratory birds and waterfowl are plentiful throughout the park. Moose and Grizzly Bear sights are possible and rather common even within the improved sections of the park.
  Q:
A:		 Will I see Mt. Denali?
The more time you spend inside the park, the better are your chances to see Mt. Denali. The entire mountain is visible only on a few days during each summer, however you may be fortunate to get a view of Mt. Denali or some of the other mountain peaks and glaciers of the Alaska range during your stay. Even when the clouds obscure your view of the mountain from ground level, you can frequently see it while on a hike that gains elevation, or on a flight seeing trip.
  Q:
A:		 Are any hotels directly in the Park?
Only a very limited number of remote wilderness lodges are operating within the national park boundaries. Please check our page: Denali Wilderness Lodges. Most  hotels are located at Denali Village – along the Parks Highway – one Mile from the visitor center.
  Q:
A:		 Can I buy beverages or food in the Park?
There is no food or beverage service available on either the busses or anywhere past Mile 2 of the park road. Please plan ahead and bring your own snacks, lunch, and beverages. Restrooms are available at approximate one-hour intervals along the park road. Water bottles can be refilled at Eielson Visitor Center.
  Q:
A:		 Which services are available near the Park?
Within a few miles of the Park entrance there are lodges, restaurants, gift shops, gas stations, small convenience stores, and various other visitor related services.
  Q:
A:		 What’s about other activities?
There are a number of outfitters and soft-adventure companies operating near the park boundaries. Some of the activities include: flight seeing adventures, helicopter flights, rafting, float trips, sled dog tours, evening dinner theater. Please refer also to our individual sightseeing pages.
  Q:
A:		 How is the weather?
Weather in Denali is extremely variable. Many of the rangers tell visitors to expect sun, wind, rain, clouds and even snow - sometimes all on the same day. Temperature can range from the mid 20's in early May and September to 85 degrees in July. Normal temperatures are in the high 60's with nights cooling off to between 40 and 50 degrees. Wearing layers of clothing makes it easy to regulate your body temperature. Also, you'll find that a good waterproof raincoat is invaluable. It will be daylight for 24-hours a day throughout May, June and the first half of July.