Arrival day
We recommend printing the document "Pre-Trip Planning Information" and bringing it with you. The information should help you meet us at the appropriate time and place on your arrival day.
12:30 p.m.* Meet our buses
1:15 p.m. Depart for Camp Denali and North Face Lodge -
Picnic dinner, en route
8:00 p.m. Arrive at Camp Denali and North Face Lodge
*Meet at 12:15 p.m. if arriving by car
Our blue and white buses, marked "Camp Denali & North Face Lodge," are parked at the south end of the train depot parking area (see map). Plan to eat lunch prior to meeting our buses.
During the six- to seven-hour trip into the heart of Denali National Park, your driver-naturalist guide will introduce you to the wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural history of the Far North. The drivers pause for spectacular views and to observe wildlife. A scenic stop midafternoon will include a picnic-style dinner, which is your main evening meal.
Upon arrival at Camp Denali or North Face Lodge, your hosts will welcome you at a reception featuring dessert, fresh fruit, and beverages. After a short orientation, you will be introduced to your cabin at Camp Denali or to your room at North Face Lodge.
Departure day
6:00 a.m. Breakfast
6:45 a.m. Depart Camp Denali and North Face Lodge
11:30 a.m. Arrive at Denali train depot
We make fewer stops on our return trip through the park. Our arrival at the Denali Park train depot is timed for you to make same-day coach or train connections to Anchorage or Fairbanks.
Parkside Guest House
Looking for accommodations in Anchorage? Consider our B&B, Parkside Guest House, and receive a 10% discount for also staying with us in Denali.
Getting to Denali
By train
A train departs from Anchorage and Fairbanks each morning.
From Anchorage, you must travel the day before your first night's stay with us. Plan to overnight near the park entrance. Meet our buses at 12:30 p.m. at the train depot the following day.
From Fairbanks, meet our buses upon arrival (approximately 12:15 p.m.) in the train depot parking area.
We recommend the train for its convenience, on-time arrivals, and mass-transit efficiencies.
Reservations are necessary. Contact the Alaska Railroad: 800-544-0552 or www.alaskarailroad.com.
By motor coach
The Park Connection offers daily service from Anchorage (June-mid-September) departing at 6:30am and arriving in time to connect with our transportation into the Park. Meet our buses upon arrival (approximately 12:30 p.m.) in the train depot parking area.
Be aware that this makes for a long day of bus travel.
Reservations are necessary. The Park Connection: Tel 800-266-8625 www.alaskacoach.com.
By car
Summer highway construction often causes delays, so please allow:
6 hours from Anchorage to the park entrance
3 hours from Fairbanks to the park entrance
511.alaska.gov has current traffic updates and delays posted.
Meet our buses at the Denali Park train depot at 12:15 p.m. This extra time will allow you to park your vehicle. Leave your baggage with our bus drivers, who will direct you to the free, long-term parking area. It is not possible to drive your own vehicle to the lodges.
By air
There are no scheduled flights to the park from Anchorage or Fairbanks. Because mountain weather is frequently responsible for cancelled flights, we discourage arrival by charter.
Custom Travel
Traverse Alaska offers private, custom guided shuttle and outfitter services in and around the entrance of Denali National Park. A great option for transportation and exploring before and/or after your stay at Camp Denali & North Face Lodge. Reservations required.
